Does A Laptop Bag Count As A Carry-On?

Airline policies regarding carry-on bags can be confusing. Many travelers wonder if their laptop bag counts as a personal item or if it must be checked as a carry-on bag. The rules vary between airlines, but this guide will help explain the general policies regarding laptop bags and carry-ons.

Key Points

Most airlines allow 1 personal item like a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag.
Carry-on bags are limited in size, usually 21-24 inches long.
Laptop bags alone usually qualify as personal items, even if over the size limits.
You can bring a carry-on bag plus a personal item like a laptop bag.
Pack carefully to avoid forced gate checking of your bags.

Contents

Do Laptop Bags Count as Carry-Ons?
What If My Laptop Bag Is Too Large?
Some Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line
Helpful Resources

Do Laptop Bags Count as Carry-Ons?

Whether your laptop bag counts as a carry-on or personal item depends on the airline. But in general:

Laptop bags alone count as personal items: Most airlines allow a small personal item like a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag to be brought on board, even if it exceeds the size limits for personal items. As long as it reasonably fits under the seat, it should be allowed.
Laptop bags count as your carry-on if other luggage present: If you bring a roller bag or other full-sized carry-on, plus a laptop bag, the laptop bag counts as your one carry-on item. Both items must follow carry-on size restrictions.
Small laptop bags may qualify as personal items: If your laptop bag is small and you have no other carry-on, it qualifies as a personal item on most airlines. This means you can also bring a full-sized carry-on bag.
Oversized laptop bags may count as a carry-on: If your laptop bag is oversized and you also have a carry-on bag, some airlines may require you to check the laptop bag at the gate. Size limitations help ensure all carry-on items fit in the overhead bins.

The key things airlines look for are:

Does your laptop bag reasonably fit under the seat in front of you?
Are you also bringing a full-sized carry-on bag?
Is your laptop bag oversized compared to a typical briefcase or purse?

If in doubt, check your airline’s website for their specific carry-on policies.

Typical Carry-On Size Restrictions

To understand if your laptop bag counts as a personal item or carry-on, it helps to know typical airline size restrictions:

Carry-on bag size: Most airlines restrict carry-on bags to 21-24 inches long x 14 inches wide x 9 inches tall. Some allow slightly larger bags. Carry-on size limits help bags fit in overhead bins.
Personal item size: Personal items like purses and laptop bags are usually limited to 18 inches long x 14 inches wide x 8 inches tall. Some airlines are more generous with personal item sizes.

So if your laptop bag falls under the personal item limits, you should be all set even if you also have a carry-on. But oversized laptop bags may get gate checked if you also have a full-sized roller bag.

What If My Laptop Bag Is Too Large?

If your laptop bag exceeds the typical size limits for personal items, here are some options to avoid issues:

Check your laptop bag: You can always choose to check your laptop bag at the ticket counter, avoiding any problems carrying it on. Just remove your laptop and any valuables first!
Use a smaller laptop bag: Consider downsizing to a laptop sleeve, messenger bag, or briefcase that falls within the size limits. This lets you keep it with you in the cabin.
Don’t bring a carry-on: If it’s a short flight, consider just using your large laptop bag and skipping a full-sized carry-on. Without a roller bag, the laptop bag usually counts as a personal item.
Ask for an exemption: Politely ask gate agents if they will allow your oversized but not egregiously large laptop bag on board as your personal item. They may issue an exemption if space allows.
Gate check the laptop bag: As a last resort, you may be asked to gate check your laptop bag at the door of the plane if the flight is full. This avoids you having to return to the ticket counter.

Smart Packing Tips

Use these tips to make sure your laptop bag and other luggage gets on board:

Know your airline’s size restrictions before packing.
Use a measuring tape to confirm your bags meet carry-on size limits.
Avoid overstuffing bags so they don’t appear oversized.
Bringing a smaller personal item like a purse or briefcase may prevent issues if your laptop bag runs large.
If boarding last, ask the gate agent to hang your coat or oversized laptop bag in the plane’s closet, rather than gate checking it.
Pack valuables like electronics and medications in your carry-on vs checked bags.
Always remove laptops, tablets, e-readers, and other devices from luggage being gate checked to prevent damage.
Bring chargers and important items like eyeglasses in your personal bag vs checking them.

By understanding airline policies, measuring bag sizes, and packing strategically, you can maximize the chances your laptop bag and other luggage boards with you on your next flight.

Airline-Specific Carry-On Policies

While most airlines have similar carry-on size allowances, some have unique policies regarding laptop bags and personal items. Here are some airline-specific guidelines:

Alaska Airlines

Carry-on bag: Maximum 22 x 14 x 9 inches
Personal item: 18 x 15 x 8 inches allowed
Reasonably sized laptop bags count as personal items. If also carrying a roller bag, laptop bag must fit under seat.

American Airlines

Carry-on bag: Maximum 22 x 14 x 9 inches
Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches allowed
Laptop bags count as personal items as long as they fit under seat.

Delta Air Lines

Carry-on bag: Maximum 22 x 14 x 9 inches
Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches allowed
Standard laptop bags count as personal items. Personal items can’t have 4 wheels.

Frontier Airlines

Carry-on bag: Maximum 24 x 16 x 10 inches
Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches allowed
Laptop bags count as personal items. Limit one personal item plus one carry-on bag.

JetBlue Airways

Carry-on bag: Maximum 24 x 16 x 10 inches
Personal item: 17 x 13 x 8 inches allowed
Laptop bags up to 17 x 13 x 8 inches count as personal items.

Southwest Airlines

Carry-on bag: Maximum 24 x 16 x 10 inches
No separate personal item allowance
Laptop bags count as the one allowed carry-on bag and must meet size limits.

Spirit Airlines

Carry-on bag: Maximum 22 x 18 x 10 inches (charges apply)
Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches allowed
Laptop bags meeting personal item size can be brought without fees.

United Airlines

Carry-on bag: Maximum 22 x 14 x 9 inches
Personal item: 17 x 10 x 9 inches allowed
Laptop bags count as personal items, even if over 17 inch length limit.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

Does a laptop bag count as a carry-on?

It depends on the airline’s policies. Generally, a laptop bag is considered a personal item, not a carry-on bag. Most airlines allow passengers to bring one personal item like a small backpack or handbag, which should fit underneath the seat in front of you.

Can I bring a backpack as my personal item?

Yes, you can bring a small backpack as your personal item, as long as it fits within the airline’s specified personal item size and can be stowed underneath the seat in front of you.

What items are considered as personal items?

Personal items usually include small backpacks, handbags, laptop cases, or other similar-sized bags that can fit underneath the seat in front of you. Some airlines also allow items like diaper bags to be considered as personal items.

Do airlines allow both a personal item and a carry-on bag?

A: Yes, many airlines allow passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag. However, it’s essential to check the specific size and weight restrictions for each item according to the airline’s policy.

Where should my personal item be placed during the flight?

Your personal item, such as a small backpack or laptop bag, should be stowed underneath the seat in front of you during the flight. It should not obstruct the aisle or take up space in the overhead compartments designated for carry-on baggage.

Can a laptop backpack fit under the seat in front of me?

In most cases, a laptop backpack is designed to fit under the seat in front of you, as it is considered a personal item and must comply with the airline’s specified size for personal items.

Is a laptop case considered checked luggage or carry-on?

A laptop case is typically considered a personal item or a type of hand luggage, not checked luggage. It should be small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you and does not need to be checked in unless it exceeds the airline’s carry-on baggage size restrictions.

What should I do if my laptop bag doesn’t fit under the seat?

If your laptop bag doesn’t fit under the seat in front of you, you should inform a flight attendant who can assist you in finding an appropriate storage solution. Avoid trying to forcibly fit it or placing it in an obstructive position.

Are there different rules for personal items on domestic airlines in the United States?

While the general concept of personal items and carry-on bags is similar, specific size and weight restrictions may vary between domestic airlines in the United States. It’s best to review the individual airline’s policy before your journey.

Can I use a handbag or laptop bag as my personal item?

Yes, a handbag or laptop bag can be used as your personal item, as long as it fits within the specified size requirements and can be stowed underneath the seat in front of you during the flight.

The Bottom Line

Having a solid understanding of airline carry-on policies takes the guesswork out of whether your laptop bag will be allowed onboard and what size restrictions apply. With the right bag and packing strategy, you can avoid forced gate check of your devices.

Most airlines allow reasonably sized laptop bags as your one personal item, even if you also carry a roller bag. But oversized laptop bags may get gate checked if the flight is full. To stay carry-on compliant, opt for a compact laptop sleeve, messenger bag, or briefcase that fits easily under an airline seat. With smart packing, you can make sure your laptop and other essentials stay with you in the cabin.