The short answer
A carry-on is the larger bag that goes in the overhead bin, up to 22 × 14 × 9 in on most US airlines. A personal item is a smaller bag that fits under the seat in front of you, such as a backpack or purse. Standard fares on major airlines include both; budget airlines include only the personal item.
The difference at a glance
| Carry-on | Personal item | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it goes | Overhead bin | Under the seat in front of you |
| Typical US size | 22 × 14 × 9 in (56 × 36 × 23 cm) | About 17 × 13 × 8 in or smaller |
| Cost on standard fares | Free on major airlines | Free on every airline |
| Cost on budget fares | Paid on Frontier, Allegiant, Breeze, Avelo, Sun Country | Free |
| Typical bags | Roller suitcase, 35–45 L travel backpack, duffel | Backpack, purse, laptop bag, tote |
What counts as each
Usually a personal item: purse, small backpack, laptop bag, briefcase, camera bag, small tote, diaper bag (often free on top).
Usually a carry-on: wheeled suitcase, garment bag, duffel, large travel backpack, anything that won’t fit under the seat.
The deciding factor is always size: a big tote is a carry-on, and a small rolling underseater is a personal item. See is a backpack a personal item?
Items that don’t count toward either
- A coat or jacket, an umbrella, and a neck pillow
- Food and drinks bought after security
- Medical devices, mobility aids, and medication
- A diaper bag, stroller and car seat when flying with a child (rules vary)
- Duty-free shopping bags on many airlines
Both limits by airline
| Airline | Carry-on | Personal item |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | 22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 35 × 23 cm | Not publishedMust fit under the seat |
| American Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 36 × 23 cm | 18 × 14 × 8 in45 × 35 × 20 cm |
| United | 22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 35 × 23 cm | 17 × 10 × 9 in43 × 25 × 22 cm |
| Southwest | 24 × 16 × 10 in61 × 41 × 25 cm | Not publishedMust fit under the seat |
| JetBlue | 22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 36 × 23 cm | 17 × 13 × 8 in43 × 33 × 20 cm |
| Alaska Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 36 × 23 cm | Not publishedMust fit under the seat |
| Hawaiian Airlines | 22 × 14 × 9 in56 × 36 × 23 cm | Not publishedMust fit under the seat |
| Frontier | 24 × 16 × 10 inPaid61 × 41 × 25 cm | 18 × 14 × 8 in46 × 36 × 20 cm |
| Allegiant | 22 × 16 × 10 inPaid55 × 40 × 25 cm | 18 × 14 × 8 in45 × 35 × 20 cm |
| Sun Country | 24 × 16 × 11 inPaid61 × 41 × 28 cm | 17 × 13 × 9 in43 × 33 × 23 cm |
| Breeze Airways | 22 × 14 × 9 inPaid56 × 36 × 23 cm | 17 × 13 × 8 in43 × 33 × 20 cm |
| Avelo | 22 × 14 × 9 inPaid55 × 35 × 22 cm | 17 × 13 × 9 in43 × 33 × 22 cm |
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a carry-on and a personal item?
Yes, on standard economy fares at Delta, American, United, Southwest, JetBlue and Alaska. On budget airlines and some basic economy fares, only the personal item is included.
Is a purse a personal item?
Yes. A purse is a personal item, so if you also bring a backpack, put the purse inside it.
Can a personal item be bigger if it’s soft?
Soft bags squash a little, but airlines measure the bag as you bring it. A soft bag over the limit can still be charged as a carry-on.