Is a Backpack Considered a Carry On (Ultimate Guide 2024)

Traveling comes with more perks when you are comfortable during your journey. Carrying a regular carry-on might cause a strain on your shoulders and extra money in your pocket. You already own a backpack and are thinking, is a backpack considered a carry on? To enhance your comfort and ease.

Undoubtedly, carrying a backpack will give you a hassle-free journey. The answer to this question relies on various factors. The most important factors are the size of your backpack and the airline policy you are traveling through. Some airline policies will give you a green signal, while others not.

is a backpack considered a carry on or Not-Informative Guide of 2024

Let’s dive in deep and see the difference between carry-on and personal items, the allowed weight, and the carry-on dimension for different airlines.

Backpack: Carry-on or Personal Item

First, let’s start by learning the difference between a carry-on and a personal item. A personal item is the luggage that airlines allow you always to have. It should be the size that can be stored under your seat. If your backpack is smaller or equal to a regular college backpack, you can use it as a personal item.

Now, see, is a backpack a carry-on bag? Yes, it does. Carry-on is the weight that airlines allow you to carry with you. It has more range than personal items and can easily fit in the compartment above your head. Your backpack should be the size of a medium duffle bag for this.

Backpack as a Carry-On: Size Guidelines

All backpacks do not fall in the category of carry-ons. Then what is a carry-on bag size? Well, the answer depends on the luggage rules of different airlines. Before making this decision, you must check in with those guidelines. Mostly there are dimensions given on the websites of particular airlines, including the clearance weight range.

The guidelines are prepared after considering the safety of passengers, flight, and crew, so everyone must follow them. Your best option for staying in a safe zone is to check the airline guidelines.

Backpack as a Carry-On: Best Backpacks

You must look out for the best carry-on luggage backpacks. Backpacks come in various sizes and shapes; not all fit the airlines’ requirements for a carry-on. It may vary depending on the flight type, domestic or international.

The most general requirement for a carry-on size is 22″ x 14″ x 9″. Most commonly used backpacks are equivalent to or less than these dimensions. So, they can be used as an ideal carry-on. Companies like tour travel packs and explore transit bags have all the models within this size range.

Women usually prefer lightweight yet comfortable carry-ons. Check the best carry-on luggage for women to find a suitable backpack for you. They have various specialized compartments but are lighter in weight.

Backpack as a Carry-On: Cost Comparison

Usually, people who love traveling own a backpack, so when they plan to fly by air, they first choose to use the same backpack as a carry-on. The reason is to spend less money on some duffle bags. Also, backpacks are comfortable, stylish, and cool.

If you desire comfort and wish to buy a backpack instead of a regular carry-on, look for how much a backpack costs. It depends upon the characteristics, materials, and companies of the backpacks. If you compare a backpack to a regular hand carry, there is no difference between costs. Depending on your budget, you can buy a backpack from $30-$200.

Backpack as a Carry-On: Airline Requirements

This section will go through different airlines and their luggage requirement policy. The two most commonly used airlines in the USA are United and Southwest.

Is Backpack Considered a Carryon United Airlines

They are considered to be strict when it comes to luggage policies. United Airlines allows only single-carry items according to these dimensions; 9″ x10″ x17″. You are good to go if your backpack fits these dimensions; otherwise, you’ll be charged an extra luggage fee.

Is Backpack Considered a Carryon Southwest Airlines

If you fly through Southwest, you can bring two carry-ons in any travel class. Their dimensions must fall within 24″ x16″ x10″. You can see Southwest cuts you a slight slack than United Airlines.

Other operating airlines’ carry-on luggage Guidelines

The table below will show you the ideal dimension of other airlines operating in the USA, and their carry–on luggage dimensions and weight requirements.

TABLE: Size of Carry On and Weight

Airlines	Carry-On Size inches (cm)	Carry-On Weight lbs (kgs)
Alaska Airlines	22 x 14 x 9  (56 x 36 x 23)	50 lbs (23 kg)
American Airlines	22 x 14 x 9  (56 x 36 x 23)	35 lbs (15.9 kg)
Delta Airlines	22 x 14 x 9  (56 x 36 x 23)	35 lbs (15.9 kg)
Southwest Airlines	10 x 16 x 24  (25 x 40 x 61)	50 lbs (23 kg)
United Airlines	22 x 14 x 9  (56 x 36 x 23)	35 lbs (15.9 kg)
Jet Blue Airways	22 x 14 x 9  (56 x 36 x 23)	35 lbs (15.9 kg)
Frontier Airlines	24 x 16 x 10  (61 x 41 x 25)	35 lbs (15.9 kg)
Spirit Airlines	22 x 18 x 10  (56 x 46 x 25)	40 lbs (18.1 kg)

Reasons to Use Backpack as a Carry-On

Backpacks are highly desirable as carry-ons due to their unique features like specialized compartments, hidden pockets, adjustable steps, and comfortable backrests. They can be an ultimate partner in your travel endeavors for many reasons.

Mobility and Convenience

Backpacks are suitable when you want your hands to be free from other tasks. They allow you to place your belongings behind your back safely. This will make your movement easy in crowded airports. You can quickly move through lines, and checkpoints, board the place, and hold your passport using your hands.

Versatility and Organization

Backpacks being lightweight, always maintain versatility. Compared to regular carry–on, they provide you with many more compartments. You can organize your things and reach out for them conveniently when needed. You can quickly memorize things like clothes, electronic gadgets, and snacks, locating them quickly whenever needed.

Storage Flexibility

They are known for their storage flexibility. By changing adjustable straps, you can easily make them compact to fit under your seat or compartment above your head. Later on, you can open them up whenever needed. This feature is helpful for domestic flights where storage space is less.

Comfort

If you are planning for an 8-12-hour long flight, then a backpack should be your priority as a carry-on. They are designed to keep your back comfortable. It will be more convenient than a hand-carry duffle bag or a suitcase with wheels. It will not strain your limbs during long corridors, walks, or busy check-in lines.

Time Saving and Efficient

Using backpacks as carry-ons will give you ease of access when moving through terminals. It will not make you stuck as wheel suitcases do. You can move quickly and catch up through every formality within time.

FAQs

Can you bring a backpack and a carry-on?

Yes, you can take your backpack, laptop case, and makeup boxes as additional luggage to carry-ons. Before you do so, remember to go through your airline’s rules.

Is a backpack considered a personal item on a plane?

Backpacks are classified under personal items during traveling by plane. However, it must fall under the approved conditions of airline luggage guidelines.

Does a backpack count as a handbag on a flight?

If your backpack can easily fit under your flight seat, it is a personal item. You can also check the approved dimensions for such items.

Conclusion

Let’s pack up the discussion on the question; is a backpack considered a carry-on? Yes, a backpack can be the best substitute for a regular carry-on, depending on the luggage regulations of respective airlines. It is perfect if your backpack fits in the allowed dimension range. Using a backpack as a carry-on will give you an edge on comfort, mobility, efficiency, storage flexibility, organization, and versatility.

I look forward to seeing your ideal choice of carry-on during domestic and international flights.

Have a comfortable and safe trip!