Can I bring a backpack as carry-on luggage?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to take a backpack as carry-on luggage, and your intuition is correct 👍. In the vast majority of cases, airlines accept a backpack as carry-on luggage, provided it meets certain specific rules, mainly related to its size, volume, and weight.

Contrary to popular belief, carry-on luggage does not necessarily have to be a hard-shell suitcase. A backpack can perfectly serve as primary carry-on luggage, as long as it respects the maximum dimensions authorized by the airline. Many travelers use carry-on backpacks for their convenience, flexibility, and ease of transport.

The fundamental rule is as follows:
👉 the backpack must be able to be stowed either in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you, depending on the ticket type and the airline.

If your backpack matches the standard carry-on dimensions (often around 55 × 40 × 20 cm), it is accepted as primary carry-on luggage and can be placed in the overhead compartment. In this case, it replaces a standard carry-on suitcase without any problem.

On the other hand, if your backpack is smaller, it can be considered a personal item. This means it will have to be placed under the seat in front of you. This option is very common, especially on low-cost airlines, where the base ticket sometimes only includes one free personal item.

It is important to clearly understand the difference between:

• backpack as primary carry-on luggage
• backpack as a personal item

In both cases, the backpack is authorized, but not always in addition to another piece of luggage. If you are traveling with a backpack + a carry-on suitcase, this will depend on the ticket type and the airline's policy.

Another essential point: the flexibility of the backpack is an advantage. Unlike hard-shell suitcases, a backpack slightly larger than the official dimensions can sometimes be tolerated if it is not too full and can be compressed. Conversely, a backpack that is overstuffed, too thick, or rigid risks being refused, even if it seems compliant on paper.

Low-cost airlines are generally stricter. On entry-level tickets, they often allow:

• either only a backpack (as a personal item)
• or a carry-on backpack provided you have paid for an option

Full-service airlines, on the other hand, are generally more flexible and more readily accept backpacks as carry-on luggage, sometimes even in addition to a personal item, as long as the dimensions are respected.

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What maximum size must a backpack be to be accepted as carry-on luggage?

For a backpack to be accepted as carry-on luggage, it must respect precise maximum dimensions set by the airlines. Contrary to popular belief, there is no single universal size, but rather standard formats widely used by the majority of carriers.

In most cases, the maximum size authorized for carry-on luggage, backpack included, is approximately 55 × 40 × 20 cm. This format corresponds to luggage capable of being placed in the airplane's overhead compartment. A backpack meeting these dimensions is generally accepted as primary carry-on luggage without difficulty, provided it does not exceed the weight authorized by the airline.

However, some airlines apply slightly different rules, particularly regarding thickness. An overly thick or overstuffed backpack may be refused, even if its height and width are compliant. This is why it is essential to take into account all three dimensions, not just the height.

You must also distinguish between primary carry-on luggage and a personal item.

• Primary carry-on luggage (often 55 × 40 × 20 cm) is placed in the overhead compartment.
• The personal item, which is smaller, must be able to be slipped under the seat in front of you.

To be accepted as a personal item, a backpack must generally measure approximately 40 × 30 × 20 cm. This format is often required by low-cost airlines on base tickets. In this case, the backpack replaces a standard carry-on suitcase.

The flexibility of the backpack plays a decisive role. A flexible, non-rigid backpack can sometimes slightly exceed the official dimensions as long as it can be compressed and stowed without difficulty. Conversely, a rigid or overloaded bag is more likely to be rejected during screening.

Weight is also a criterion that should not be overlooked. Even if the size is compliant, a backpack that is too heavy can cause problems. Weight limits vary by airline, generally between 7 kg and 10 kg for carry-on luggage. Some low-cost airlines are very strict on this point.

To avoid any unpleasant surprises at boarding, it is advisable to:

• check the exact dimensions authorized by your airline
• choose a backpack specifically designed for carry-on format
• avoid filling it to the maximum
• prefer a flexible and lightweight model

In summary, the maximum size of a backpack accepted as carry-on luggage is generally 55 × 40 × 20 cm for primary carry-on luggage, and 40 × 30 × 20 cm for a personal item. Respecting these dimensions allows you to travel serenely with a backpack in the cabin, without additional fees or unnecessary stress.