Flying can be a stressful experience. There are long lines, security checks, and you have to make sure that your luggage meets the airline’s size requirements. It’s no wonder so many people ask the question: can I bring a duffel bag as a personal item?
To help you out, we have put together all the information you need to know about bringing a duffel bag as a personal item.
Keep reading to find out more about duffel bags, personal item restrictions, and how to make sure your bag won’t be rejected when you get to security.
With that being said, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Yes, you can bring a duffel bag as a personal item on most airlines, as long as it is small enough to comfortably fit under the seat in front of you. And for airlines that have a size restriction in place, your duffel bag must be within the designated size limit for it to be considered a personal item.
If your duffel bag does not meet these requirements, you may have to fit it in the overhead bin as a carry-on or check it as luggage at an additional cost.
To be safe, it’s best to check with your airline before packing your duffel bag to make sure that it will count as a personal item.
Here’s why:
Before we get into the specifics of bringing a duffel bag on board, let’s first take a look at what qualifies as a personal item.
Generally speaking, your personal item should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, and it should not exceed the airline’s specified size limit.
Typical examples of personal items include purses, briefcases, laptop bags, diaper bags, and small backpacks.
Even though duffel bags are not usually listed by some airlines as being part of personal items, they nonetheless count if they are small enough to fit under the seat comfortably.
When it comes to bringing any type of luggage onboard an airplane—including duffel bags—size matters!
But how big is too big?
Some airlines have strict rules when it comes to personal items, including size limits. Generally speaking, most airlines like Frontier Airlines allow personal items up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches in size.
If your duffel bag exceeds these dimensions, it will likely be considered carry-on luggage or subject to additional fees depending on the airline’s policies regarding checked baggage fees.
To avoid any potential complications or extra costs associated with checking in your duffel bag before boarding your flight, be sure to measure its dimensions so that you can be sure that it meets all requirements set forth by the airline in advance.
Alternatively, look up the airline’s specific regulations regarding personal items; most airlines list this information on their websites.
Different airlines have different rules and restrictions when it comes to personal item sizes.
So before you start stuffing your duffel bag, make sure you know what size is allowed on board and in the overhead bins.
Here’s a quick guide to personal item sizes for major airlines.
Related: Major US Airlines Rules
Can you bring a duffel bag as a personal item on Alaska Airlines?
You can bring a duffel bag as a personal item on Alaska Airlines. as long as it is small enough to be stowed under the seat in front of you.
Can you bring a duffel bag as a personal item on Allegiant Air?
If your duffel doesn’t exceed the personal item size of 15 x 16 x 7 inches (40.6 x 38.1 x 17.8 cm), it’s free, but a fee applies if you want to bring a large duffel bag as a carry-on bag on board (22 x 14 x 9 inches).
American Airlines allows passengers to bring 1 personal item on board for free.
For your duffel bag to be considered a personal item, it must fit in the sizer at the gate and under the seat in front of you. Also, it must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
Anything larger than that must go into overhead bins or checked baggage.
On Delta Airlines, passengers are allowed one personal item.
Even though no dimension is given, your duffel bag must fit under the seat in front of you, for it to be considered a personal item.
In addition to your duffel bag, you can bring other items for free.
These include a jacket and/or umbrella, food or drink purchased past the security checkpoint, and special items like strollers, wheelchairs, child safety seats, or assistive devices like crutches.
You can use a duffel bag as a personal item on Frontier Airlines if measures 8 x 18 x 14 inches.
Your duffel carry-on must be able to fit either underneath the seat.
Can you bring a duffel bag as a personal item on Hawaiian Airlines?
Yes, you can bring a duffel bag as a personal item on Hawaiian Airlines. Your duffel bag must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
Can you bring a duffel bag as a personal item on JetBlue Airlines?
You can bring a duffel bag as a personal item on JetBlue Airlines as long as it falls within the personal item limit of 17 x 13 x 8 inches.
Please be advised that if your duffel bag is larger than the allowed size, it will need to be checked in and you will be subject to the applicable baggage fees.
For additional information on JetBlue’s baggage policy, please visit their website.
A duffel bag can be your personal item on Southwest Airlines as long as it meets the requirements. Your personal item must be 16.25” x 13.5” x 8” (LWH) and must be stored under the seat in front of you.
If your duffel bag does not meet the size requirements, you will need to check it as luggage.
Can you bring a duffel bag as a personal item on Spirit Airlines?
You can bring a duffel bag as a personal item on Spirit Airlines. However, it must fit entirely inside the smaller sizer box and must not exceed 18”x 14”x 8” dimensions.
If your duffel bag does not fit inside that measurement, it will be considered a checked bag and you will be charged the applicable baggage fee.
United Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item with them onto their flight. The maximum size for a personal item is 17 x 10 x 9 inches (22 x 25 x 43 cm).
For your duffel bag to qualify as a personal item, it must fit underneath the seat in front of you, and within this dimension.
Also note that if you fly under Basic Economy, you’re only allowed a personal item, which essentially means a small duffel or bag that fits under the seat in front of you.
Anything larger than that must be placed in overhead bins or checked baggage.
Now that you’ve read this guide on personal item sizes for major airlines, there’s no need to worry about being turned away at the gate due to improper sizing.
All it takes is a few minutes of research before booking your flight and double-checking your duffel bag measurements before boarding. Knowing these airline restrictions will help ensure your next trip runs smoothly!
Traveling with a personal item can be quite a challenge.
Your personal item needs to fit in the space underneath your airplane seat, as well as provide easy access to all of your belongings while you’re on the go.
So how do you choose the best duffel bag as a personal item?
Here are some tips to help you out.
When it comes to selecting a duffel bag as a personal item, size is one of the most important factors.
Make sure that your duffel bag does not exceed the personal item size set by your airline.
Most airlines have their own specific rules and regulations regarding personal items, so make sure to double-check this before you make any purchases.
Remember, too big is never good when it comes to flying with a personal item!
Related: TSA Carry-on luggage rules
Since your duffel bag will be receiving regular wear and tear from both traveling and storage, consider purchasing a duffel bag that is made from durable materials such as ballistic nylon, Cordura nylon, nylon, canvas, ballistic polyester, etc.
Also, you’ll want to pay attention that the zippers or buckles used on the duffel bag are of good quality as well – they should not easily break apart when pulled with force.
Additionally, make sure that it has reinforced stitching, sturdy handles, and straps so that you don’t have to worry about any rips or tears during your travels.
When traveling with a personal item, comfort is key!
Look for a duffel bag with padded straps and handles that will make carrying around your belongings easy and pain-free.
Additionally, look out for extra features such as pockets and compartments which can help keep everything organized while also providing extra cushioning against any bumps or jostles along the way.
For instance, the Dagne Dover Landon Neoprene Duffle Bag features a 13″ laptop sleeve, a dust bag, a shoe bag, a water bottle pocket, and other handy pockets for easy organization.
Finally, consider style and extra features when looking at different types of duffel bags.
What style do you prefer?
Do you want something that stands out or something subtle?
Duffel bags come in all shapes and sizes so it’s important to find one that suits your style while still being practical enough for your needs.
There are plenty of stylish options available if you want something fashionable yet practical – from classic leather bags to trendy denim designs – so make sure to take some time to browse through different styles until you find one that suits your individual needs and preferences best.
Some duffel bags even come with wheels so they can be easily transported over longer distances without causing strain on your back or arms!
With these handy tips in mind, finding the perfect duffle bag will become much simpler!
With these tips in mind, you should be able to choose the best duffel bag that meets all of your traveling needs.
FAQs
What counts as a personal item?
A personal item is something small that you can carry on board a plane, such as a purse, briefcase, backpack, laptop bag, camera bag, or a small duffel bag.
For a bag to be considered a personal item, it must be able to fit under the seat in front of you, and must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches in size.
In addition to a personal item, most airlines allow passengers to bring one piece of carry-on luggage.
You may also be eligible to carry an umbrella, jacket, or bag for an infant.
However, each airline is unique and has different requirements!
So it’s important to be familiar with the specific rules and regulations of the airline you’re flying with.
Are duffle bags TSA approved?
There is no specific TSA policy against travelers using duffel bags as personal items or carry-ons, but individual airline policies may vary. Duffle bags are a popular choice for carry-ons because they’re spacious and can be easily packed or unpacked.
That said, if your duffle bag is bulky, or if it contains any prohibited items not allowed by the TSA, they may be subject to additional screening by TSA agents.
Here’s a list of items that are not allowed by TSA in carry-on luggage.
Related: TSA Carry-on luggage rules
The main difference between a personal item and a carry-on is size. A personal item is usually smaller than carry-on luggage and is designed to fit underneath the seat in front of you. Carry-on luggage, on the other hand, is bigger in size and usually goes in the overhead bin of a plane.
Typical dimensions for a carry-on bag are 22″ x 14″ x 9″ or smaller, while the personal item can be 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
Most airlines allow one personal item that can be placed under the seat in front of you and one carry-on bag that goes in the overhead bin.
Can I bring a duffel bag and a backpack as a carry-on?
You sure can bring a backpack and a duffel bag, as long as one of the bags does not exceed the carry-on size, and the other is small enough to be considered a personal item.
Most airlines have a standard carry-on size of 22″ x 14″ x 9″, so if either your duffel bag or backpack is smaller than that, it should be fine.
As for your personal item, most airlines allow passengers to bring one small bag that fits underneath the seat in front of them.
So if your backpack fits the criteria, you should be good to go.
Just make sure to check with your specific airline to find out their restrictions, as each airline has its own rules.
Are there any restrictions on using a duffel bag?
The biggest restriction when using a duffel bag as your only form of carry-on luggage is that it must fit within the airline’s size requirements for personal items.
Many airlines will specify how large (or small) your duffel bag should be for it to qualify as a personal item so make sure you read up on their policies before packing for travel!
Additionally, most airlines do not allow passengers to store anything inside their overhead bins so if you have any bulky items like jackets or books they must be stored underneath the seat in front of you along with your duffel bag.
Lastly, although most airlines do not have any restrictions against liquids being brought onto flights inside duffel bags they may still ask passengers to adhere to certain rules regarding what types of liquids are allowed on planes; always check with your airline before boarding!
What size duffle bag fits under an airline seat?
A good general rule of thumb is that a duffle bag that is 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) should be able to fit under an airline seat.
However, you have to keep in mind that the duffel size can vary depending on the airline and the size of the particular aircraft.
So, it’s always best to check with your specific airline before you travel.
Related: Is the Beis Weekender Bag Worth it?
Closing Thoughts
So, is a duffle bag a personal item?
Ultimately, it is possible to bring a duffel bag as your personal item when flying – provided it meets certain size requirements set by each airline.
To avoid any potential hassles at the airport or having to pay additional fees for oversized items, double-check both the size and contents of your duffel bag before heading out for your flight!
Remember that it’s always important to check with your airline before your flight as each air carrier has different regulations regarding baggage size limits—especially if you’re flying internationally!
With these tips in mind, you can rest easy knowing that everything will go smoothly during check-in and security screening.
So enjoy your journey!
Related: Ultimate Guide to Checked Luggage
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Carry-on Luggage
2 thoughts on “Can I Bring a Duffel Bag as a Personal Item? Everything You Need to Know”
Hi Femi,
Thanks for the amazingly detailed article on hand luggage. Finally someone can explain what the deal is regarding carry on luggage and personal items. The information explaining what the difference between a carry on and a personal item is spot on.
Along with the help choosing the best duffel bag, your knowledge here is gonna help 1,000s of people to understand, and make the necessary changes will save a lot of aggro at the airport if you didn’t take the proper sized bag.
I have bookmarked your website, so I will be prepared when I go on vacation 🙂
All the best
Steven
This is a really helpful walkthrough. I appreciate how you include the major airline carriers that operate in the US and what their regulations on personal items are. Trying to keep track of that information can be a bit much. The sentence towards the end of the post where you mention checking with the airline on what their baggage size limits are, especially for international travel, hits home for me. My wife and I travel to Brazil somewhat often and there’s been a few times where our carry-on/personal item luggage is fine for our international leg but not once we arrive back domestically. Needless to say, that can be pretty annoying. But having a guide like this will help us out in the future, thank you for sharing your expertise!