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Personal item size: what fits under the seat

Personal item size varies by airline. Here is how to check yours, what fits under the seat, and what to put in it so your carry-on stays light.

Zeina Saidi2 min read

A small backpack tucked under an airplane seat
Image by juno1412 from Pixabay

What is the size of a personal item? There is no single size. Each airline sets its own, and some airlines or fare types do not include one.

The rule

Check your airline's page. Measure your bag, with straps and pockets.

A personal item usually sits under the seat in front of you. It is smaller than a carry-on, so it holds a laptop, a book, a charger and a snack, and maybe a spare top.

What to put in it

  • Passport, wallet, phone and charger
  • Medication and anything you need in flight
  • Electronics and power bank
  • Snacks and an empty water bottle
  • A thin layer for the cabin

One reason this works

Keeping essentials under the seat means you can always reach them, even if your carry-on goes in the hold at the gate.

One exception

Low-cost airlines may limit you to the personal item alone, with strict dimensions. If this applies, see carry-on bag size limits: how to check yours to measure, and use the one bag travel for beginners guide to pack with fewer items.

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