Let's find your perfect personal item travel bag to save money on baggage fees and travel more efficiently. The first thing to consider is your airlines' individual item policy. The dimensions, for example, differ depending on the airline; for example, American Airlines is 18 x 14 x 8 in, Delta Air Lines Not specified, and United Airlines 17 x 10 x 9 in. Then you must be aware of what is considered a personal item, and for most airlines, that would be a purse, small backpack, laptop bag, a camera case, or any bag that fits within the airline's dimensions and that it fits under the seat in front of you.
Most airlines these days allow travelers to bring two things onto the plane with them: a carry-on, which goes in the overhead compartment, and a personal item bag, which goes under the seat in front of you. The difference between the two is the size, and the critical point here is to know that a carry-on and a personal item are not the same and should not be used interchangeably.
What you pack in this bag should be well thought out because you'll probably want to reach for the items during flight (except takeoff and landing!) and without grumblings from your fellow travelers and avoid discipline from the flight attendants.
These are the items you'll reach for during flight to have a comfortable and entertaining flying experience. You'll also put things you don't want to be checked in this bag. There's always the risk that there's no more room in the overhead cabin, and your carry-on is checked at the gate. Choosing the perfect personal item can also double as a day bag to be used during your trip. So select the personal bag that meets your needs and your traveling style.
How Strict are the Airlines?
This depends on the airline; for example, United Airlines may allow you to get away with your bag being slightly over the recommended size; however, budget airlines such as RyanAir will 100% require you to adhere to the bag policy. So at the very least, make sure your personal item bag fits under the seat.
The Best Personal Item Bags
If you're buying a new bag to be your personal item or if you're looking to repurpose a bag already in your closet, check out my video "Bento Bag By Nomad Lane V-3 | Let's Find The Best Personal Item (link below) to help you with your decision. Additionally, these bags will meet the under-seat guidelines and are made to fly across all airlines.
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