Is a Duffel Bag a Personal Item?
While most airlines allow you to take at least one piece of cabin baggage onboard, every airline has its own policy.
America's most generous airlines permit you to take one personal item and one carry-on bag, but others restrict passengers to one personal item and charge for any additional pieces.
So, where does this leave your duffle bag?
In the majority of cases, a duffel bag won't be considered a personal item, as they usually exceed the typical maximum size of 18 x 14 x 8 inches or 45 x 35 x 29 cm.
However, they will often be classed as a carry-on bag, if they are within the average limit of 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 56 x 36 x 23 cm.
As with many things, this varies per airline, so read on to get more information on specifics + links to each airline's website:
How To Make The Most of Your Free Personal Item
So if your duffel bag is too big, what personal item can you bring? Here are some ideas:
- Small duffle bags, backpacks, laptop bags, briefcases, and handbags typically fall within the 'Personal Item' category, so you can use any bag that fits the size and weight dimensions listed.
- Typically, if your personal item fits comfortably under the seat in front of you, the airline will allow you to carry it onboard free of charge.
- Airlines have different policies when it comes to personal items, so check the size and weight allowance before you head to the airport to avoid costly fees.
- Smaller duffle bags are ideal for air travel, and most airlines will let you carry them onboard as your free personal item. Just make sure you can squash it under the seat in front of you.
- You'll get more in a duffle bag than a laptop bag or handbag, so you should consider a soft-sided duffle when flying with a low-cost carrier. It could save you a fortune on checked baggage fees.
What are the Rules for Personal Items?
In an ideal world, all airlines would use the same rules for carry-on baggage, but sadly, this is not the case.
You should check the airline's website for its latest baggage policy before you pack.
Low-cost carriers are typically very strict on imposing size and weight restrictions, and a few extra pounds could cost you more than your flight ticket.
Personal Item Size Dimensions
To help you decide if your duffel bag meets personal item requirements, we have listed the size policies for America's leading airlines below.
United Airlines Personal Item Policy
If traveling with United Airlines, your duffle bag, handbag, or briefcase must be no larger than 9 in x 10 in x 17 in (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm) to be considered a personal item. It must fit underneath the seat in front of you.
American Airlines Personal Item Policy
The personal item policy of American Airlines is slightly more generous. Your purse or duffle bag can measure 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) providing it fits under the seat in front of you.
JetBlue Airlines Personal Item Policy
All JetBlue fares include one personal item, but it must fit under the seat in front of you. Your personal item could be a purse, laptop bag, backpack, duffle bag, or approved pet carrier.
Southwest Airlines Personal Item Policy
Of course, Southwest Airlines has a different personal item policy from all other airlines. Your purse, briefcase, laptop bag, duffle bag, or camera bag must not exceed 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 inches (41 x 34.29 x 20cm) in dimensions, and you must store it under the seat in front of you.
Spirit Airlines Personal Item Policy
To comply with Spirit Airlines' personal item policy, your backpack, purse, duffle, or laptop bag must measure 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) or less, including wheels and handles.
Frontier Airlines Personal Item Policy
If you want to use Frontier Airlines' free baggage allowance, your personal item must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (46 x 35.5 x 20 cm). Your purse, tote, duffle bag, briefcase, diaper bag, or laptop bag must also fit within the airline's bag sizer at the check-in counter, so don't risk an oversize bag with this airline!
Allegiant Airline Personal Item Policy
The personal item policy of Allegiant Airlines is simple. Your duffle, purse, or backpack must not exceed 7 x 15 x 16 inches (17.8 x 38.1 x 40.6 cm), and you must store it underneath the seat in front of you.
Here are the websites of popular airlines to check the up to date information:
Best Bags Meeting Personal Item Size Limits 2025
Here are our top picks for personal items 2025:
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