Imagine this: You’re about to embark on a long-awaited vacation.
You’ve meticulously planned your itinerary, booked your accommodations, and now you’re left with the final task – packing.
This is where the real challenge begins. The dilemma of packing for air travel is a puzzle that many travelers grapple with.
How do you fit everything you need into a limited space, while also adhering to the airline’s baggage rules?
Understanding carry-on baggage rules is crucial for a stress-free travel experience.
These rules, which may vary from one airline to another, dictate what you can and cannot bring onto the plane with you.
Moreover, they also specify the size and weight limits for carry-on items.
This brings us to an intriguing question: Is a purse considered as a carry-on?
It’s a common question among travelers, especially those who prefer to travel light.
In this blog, we will delve into this question in detail, providing clarity and guidance for your future travels.
Is a Purse Considered as a Carry On? Everything You Need to Know (TSA Rules)
NO, a purse is typically considered as a personal item.
However, the rules can vary depending on the airline.
Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag.
The personal item must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
Therefore, it’s always best to check the specific baggage policies of the airline you’re flying with to avoid any surprises at the airport.
Understanding Carry-on Baggage Rules
What is a Carry-On Baggage?
Carry-on baggage refers to the luggage that passengers are allowed to carry with them into the cabin of an aircraft.
This luggage is typically stored in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
However, the items that qualify as carry-on baggage and the size and weight restrictions for these items can vary by airline.
Therefore, it’s always good to check the specific carry-on baggage policy of the airline you’re flying with before packing for your trip.
Airlines’ Policies on Carry-On Baggage
The policies on carry-on baggage can vary significantly among airlines. Here are a few examples:
Delta Airlines
Each passenger flying with Delta can bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item free of charge (such as a purse, laptop bag or item of similar size that will fit underneath the seat in front of you).
The carry-on dimensions should not exceed 22″ x 14″ x 9″.
American Airlines
Passengers are allowed one carry-on item onboard the aircraft, plus one personal item.
The size of the carry-on baggage may not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches / 56 x 36 x 23 centimeters (including handles and wheels).
Emirates Airlines
The cabin baggage allowances may vary depending on your route, class of travel and your Emirates Skywards membership tier.
For Economy Class passengers, they are permitted one piece of carry-on baggage, either a handbag or laptop bag, that may not exceed 55 x 38 x 20cm and must weigh no more than 7kg.
For Business & First-Class passengers, they have the privilege to take two cabin baggage on board, each bag has to be within 7 kg.
It’s essential to check the specific carry-on baggage policy of the airline you’re flying with before packing for your trip.
Moreover, this will help you avoid any surprises at the airport and ensure a smooth travel experience.
A Table Showing the Maximum Dimensions for Carry-on Items and Personal Items for US Airlines
| Airline | Carry-On Size (Inches) | Personal Item Size (Inches) |
| American Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | 18 x 14 x 82 |
| United Airlines | 9 x 14 x 22 | 9 x 10 x 17 |
| Alaska Airlines | 22 x 14 x 9 | Not specified |
| Delta | 22 x 14 x 9 | 17 x 10 x 9 |
| Southwest Airlines | 24 x16 x 10 | 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 |
| Spirit Airlines | Combined Total of 62 Inches | 18 x 14 x 8 |
Size and Weight Restrictions for Carry-on Items
If you’re planning for a trip, it is vital to note that carry-on luggage size and weight restrictions can vary by airline, but several major airlines have the following requirements:
- Domestic Airline Carry-on Size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches
- International Airline Carry-on Size: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches
These measurements include any handles and wheels on your bags.
Airlines calculate carry-on luggage size measurements using two methods:
In terms of height by width by depth, most airlines measure bags by inches or centimeters using this formula.
- Linear inches: A few airlines have linear inch restrictions for carry-on baggage, meaning the airline gives one number for the total of all three dimensions.
As for weight, most major domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags.
However, several international airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage.
For example, Hawaiian Airlines limits carry-on bags to 25 pounds (11 kg).
Remember, your carry-on bag must fit safely under the seat in front of you or in an approved overhead compartment.
In addition, it’s important to note that any item you bring should be light enough that you can store it in the overhead bin unassisted.
Therefore, ensure that you check with your specific airline for their exact restrictions as they may vary.
Types of Bags and Their Classifications
Differentiating Between Personal Items and Carry-On Bags
A personal item is a smaller bag that is sized to be stowed under the seat in front of you, whereas carry-on luggage is usually stowed in the overhead bin.
Examples of personal items include purses, briefcases, and small backpacks.
Carry-on luggage, on the other hand, typically includes items like duffels, roller suitcases, large backpacks, and large handbags.
Examples of Personal Items
Personal items can vary greatly but some common examples include:
- Laptop bag
- Purse
- Small backpack
- Diaper bag
- Weekender bag
- Personal jewelry such as engagement rings
- Clothes and personal care items
- Items used for hobbies, recreation, and education such as musical instruments and books
Examples of Carry-On Bags
Carry-on bags are typically larger than personal items and are designed to fit in the overhead bin of an aircraft. Some examples of carry-on bags include:
- Rolling Cabin Luggage
- Travel Backpack
- Hiking Backpack
- Large Duffel Bag
- Solgaard Carry-On Closet – Large
- Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Expandable Hardside Spinner
- Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-inch Expandable Carry-On Spinner
- Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-inch Carry-on Expandable Spinner
Please note that the exact dimensions and weight restrictions for both personal items and carry-on bags can vary by airline.
Therefore, it’s always a good idea to check with your specific airline for their exact restrictions.
Status of Purses as Carry-On Items
Airlines’ Varying Policies on Purses
Different airlines have different policies regarding purses. For instance:
American Airlines considers a purse as a personal item and states that it must fit under the seat in front of you.
Dimensions should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
United Airlines also states that a purse counts towards your personal item allowance.
Any personal item must not exceed 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm).
Can a Purse be Considered both a Personal Item and a Carry-On?
NO, most airlines do not consider a purse as a carry-on item, but rather as a personal item.
The difference between a carry-on and personal item is size and where you expect to store the bag.
Carry-on bags are larger and go in the overhead bins, while personal items must fit underneath the seat in front of you.
However, if your purse exceeds the maximum dimensions allowed for personal items, it will be considered a carry-on.
If you already have another item that counts as a carry-on, you may be charged an extra fee for traveling with another carry-on item onboard.
You may be able to avoid paying an extra fee if you are able to fit your purse inside your carry-on.
Therefore, always double-check your airline’s baggage rules to avoid surprises at the airport.
Tips for Determining if Your Purse Qualifies as a Carry-On
Here are some tips to determine if your purse qualifies as a carry-on:
- Choose a purse that can hold all of your needs but is still small and easy to carry.
- Know how to pack.
- Think about how to pack smart for your carry-on.
- Always double-check your airline’s baggage rules to avoid shocks at the airport.
Moreover, if your purse exceeds the maximum dimensions allowed for personal items, it will be considered a carry-on.
If you already have another item that counts as a carry-on, you may be charged an extra fee for traveling with another carry-on item onboard.
Therefore, you may be able to avoid paying an extra fee if you are able to fit your purse inside your carry-on.
What to Do if Your Purse is Considered as a Carry-On
Options for Travelers with Limited Carry-On Space
Use Space-Saving Solutions: There are many products designed to save space in your carry-on.
For instance, compact pill organizers can be used to store small items like earrings.
A powder shampoo can tackle greasy roots without the aerosol formula, making it super compact and sure to fit in your personal item.
Choose the Right Suitcase: The right suitcase can make a big difference in how much you can pack.
Some suitcases are designed to maximize space, while others might have compartments that make organization easier.
Board Early: If you can afford it, flying business or first class will do the trick.
As will purchasing priority boarding, signing up for an airline credit card, or building up your airline loyalty program points.
Checking Your Purse if Necessary
If your purse is considered a carry-on and you already have another item that counts as a carry-on, you may need to check your purse.
Here are some things to consider:
- Prepare for Security: Be ready to remove any metal embellishments and ensure all liquid and gel items are in 100 milliliter (3.4 ounces) or smaller containers.
- Pack Essentials Only: Your purse should contain only the essentials like your wallet, phone, keys, a small pack of tissues, toiletries bag, breath mints or chewing gum, makeup bag, hair brush and elastic hair bands, a healthy snack and water bottle.
- Check with Your Airline: Each airline has its own rules about what can be brought on board and what must be checked. Always check with your airline before you travel.
Is a Purse Considered as a Carry On? Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Purse Count as a Personal Item on a Plane?
Yes, a purse is considered a personal item on a plane.
Most airlines allow one carry-on luggage and one personal item per passenger.
Personal items must be smaller than the carry-on bag and fit beneath the seat in front of you.
Purses, briefcases, and tiny backpacks are examples of personal things.
However, if your purse exceeds the limit dimensions for personal belongings, it will be treated as a carry-on.
Therefore, to avoid surprises at the airport, always double-check your airline’s baggage policies.
Can I Bring Two Personal Items Instead of a Carry On?
Most airlines only permit passengers to bring one personal item on a plane.
However, there are some exceptions.
For example, if you have a laptop bag and a camera bag, one could be considered your “carry-on suitcase” and the other your “personal item”.
However, it’s important to note that low-cost airlines like Spirit and Frontier are much stricter in enforcing their hand luggage rules.
They are also more likely to call anything you are carrying a personal item and count it as part of your hand luggage allowance.
On the other hand, full-service airlines like American Airlines, Delta, and United don’t make their profits from carry-on baggage fees.
In addition, gate agents tend to be less strict about violations of the rules.
Therefore, it’s always best to check with your specific airline for their exact restrictions as they may vary.
Can I Bring a Purse and a Carry-on for Free?
Yes, most airlines allow each passenger to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item (such as a purse) on the plane for free.
The personal item must be smaller than the carry-on bag and must fit under the seat in front of you.
However, if your ticket does not include a carry-on allowance, then you are only permitted one personal item.
Therefore, in this case, you can’t bring a personal under-seat bag and a purse.
Always double-check your airline’s baggage rules to avoid surprises at the airport.
What Size Handbag Can You Take on a Plane?
The size of a handbag that you can take on a plane as a personal item varies by airline. Here are some examples:
American Airlines: Your personal item like a purse or small handbag must fit under the seat in front of you.
Dimensions should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
Jet2: You may carry on board one piece of hand luggage free of charge, as long as it weighs no more than 10 kg and is no larger than 56cm x 45cm x 25cm, including any wheels and handles.
Please note that these are just examples and the exact dimensions can vary by airline.
Therefore, it’s always good to check with your specific airline for their exact restrictions.
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