Is it possible to take a backpack in addition to my carry-on luggage?
Souleymane Enok
Yes, it is generally possible to bring a backpack in addition to your cabin baggage, but this depends on the airline, the ticket type, and above all the dimensions of the backpack. The basic rule applied by most airlines is as follows: the passenger may travel with one cabin bag + one personal item. The backpack is allowed if it is considered a personal item.
In practice, a backpack is accepted when it is of a reasonable size and can be placed under the seat in front of you. It is then treated as a handbag, laptop bag, or small personal bag. In this case, you can keep your main cabin bag (cabin suitcase or cabin bag) in the overhead compartment at no extra charge.
However, if the backpack is too bulky, it may be considered a second cabin bag. This means you will either have to pay a supplement or check one of the two bags into the hold. This is often the case with hiking backpacks or bags that clearly exceed the dimensions allowed for a personal item.
Low-cost airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air, easyJet on basic fares) are generally stricter. On the cheapest tickets, they often allow only one personal item. In this case, the backpack must replace the standard cabin bag, unless you have purchased an add-on allowing you to bring an additional cabin bag.
Full-service airlines (Air France, Lufthansa, Iberia, etc.) are generally more flexible. They frequently allow:
- one standard cabin bag
- one personal item (backpack, laptop bag, handbag)
However, even with these airlines, the maximum dimensions remain strict. An overstuffed or rigid backpack may be refused if it does not fit under the seat.
It is important to distinguish between transport authorization and use on board. A backpack allowed as a personal item must remain under the seat during takeoff and landing. It must not block the aisle or the compartments reserved for cabin baggage.
To travel stress-free, it is recommended to:
- choose a compact and soft backpack
- avoid overloading it
- check the exact dimensions allowed by your airline
- anticipate the rules linked to your ticket type
In summary, yes, you can bring a backpack in addition to your cabin bag, provided that this bag is considered a personal item. As long as it respects the allowed dimensions and can be placed under the seat, it is accepted without issue by most airlines.
Traveling with a backpack in addition to your cabin bag is therefore entirely possible, provided you plan ahead and respect your airline's specific rules.
What dimensions must a backpack meet to be accepted as a personal item on a plane?
To be accepted as a personal item on a plane, a backpack must above all meet one essential rule: it must be able to be placed under the seat in front of you. This criterion determines whether it can accompany a main cabin bag at no extra cost. The allowed dimensions are therefore not universal, but vary according to the airline and the ticket type.
In the majority of cases, a backpack considered a personal item measures around 40 × 30 × 20 cm. These dimensions correspond to a compact, soft, and thin bag, capable of sliding easily under a seat without protruding. Some carriers allow slightly larger formats, while others, particularly low-cost airlines, apply stricter limits.
The key point to remember is that the flexibility of the backpack plays a decisive role. A bag slightly larger than the indicated dimensions may be tolerated if it is not very full and is compressible. Conversely, a rigid or overstuffed bag risks being refused, even if it seems compliant on paper.
Low-cost airlines are generally the strictest. On basic fares, they often allow only one personal item, without an additional cabin bag. In this case, the backpack must precisely meet the imposed dimensions and fit entirely under the seat. Any excess can lead to fees or being placed in the hold.
Full-service airlines are generally more flexible, allowing:
- one standard cabin bag
- one personal item (backpack, laptop bag, handbag)
However, even with these airlines, a backpack that is too bulky may be reclassified as an additional cabin bag if it does not fit under the seat.
It is also important to take into account the thickness of the bag. Many travelers focus solely on height and width, but a bag that is too thick and filled to the brim is often the primary cause for refusal. A personal item must remain discreet and not impede legroom.
To avoid any problems at boarding, it is recommended to:
- choose a cabin-format or "personal item" backpack
- prioritize a soft and lightweight model
- avoid rigid structures
- not fill the backpack to capacity
- check the exact dimensions on the airline's website
In summary, a backpack accepted as a personal item on a plane generally measures around 40 × 30 × 20 cm, provided it is soft and can be placed under the seat. Adhering to these dimensions allows you to travel with a backpack in addition to your cabin bag, without extra fees or airport stress.
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What are the rule differences between low-cost and full-service airlines regarding backpacks in addition to cabin baggage?
The rules regarding backpacks in addition to cabin baggage vary significantly depending on whether you are flying with a low-cost airline or a full-service airline. Understanding these differences is essential to avoid unforeseen fees and to travel with peace of mind.
Low-cost airlines apply a much stricter baggage policy, mainly to maintain attractive base fares. In most cases, the basic ticket includes only one free bag, generally called a personal item. This bag must absolutely fit under the seat in front of you. The backpack is allowed only if it precisely meets the dimensions imposed by the airline.
In this context, the backpack replaces the standard cabin bag. If you arrive with both a backpack and a cabin suitcase without a paid option, one of the two will be charged or placed in the hold.
Low-cost airlines frequently check:
- the exact dimensions of the bag
- its actual volume once packed
- its ability to fit in the sizer provided
A backpack that is too large, too rigid, or too full is quickly reclassified as an additional cabin bag, resulting in high fees at the boarding gate. To bring a backpack in addition to a cabin bag, it is almost always necessary to purchase a paid option.
Conversely, full-service airlines offer a more flexible and comfortable policy for passengers. In most cases, the ticket includes:
- one standard cabin bag (placed in the overhead compartment)
- one personal item (backpack, laptop bag, or handbag)
In this framework, the backpack is generally accepted without a surcharge, provided it is of a reasonable size and can be placed under the seat. Full-service airlines are often more tolerant of exact dimensions, as long as the bag does not interfere with on-board space.
However, this flexibility does not mean an absence of rules. A backpack that is too bulky or clearly overstuffed can be refused or placed in the hold, especially on full flights. The major difference lies in tolerance and service logic, which is more oriented toward passenger comfort.
Another important difference: the frequency of inspections.
- Low-cost airlines perform systematic checks at boarding
- Full-service airlines mainly intervene in cases of clear abuse
Finally, the overall philosophy differs. Low-cost airlines operate on a "everything is optional" model, while full-service airlines integrate cabin baggage and personal items into a comprehensive travel offer.
In summary:
- Low cost: one free bag only, strictly sized backpack, frequent paid options
- Full-service airlines: backpack + cabin bag usually included, more flexible rules
To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is essential to check your airline's specific conditions before departure. Adapting your backpack to the type of airline allows you to travel stress-free and without unnecessary fees.
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