Most airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a backpack, briefcase, or small laptop bag. However, some airlines have different rules regarding the size and weight of carry-on luggage. It is important that you check your airline’s website for detailed information about their carry-on baggage policies before arriving at the airport so you won’t be surprised by any new regulations. If you plan to pack a backpack instead of a small laptop bag as your personal item, you might be wondering if it will meet the size requirements for being a carry-on. This article explains the different sizes and weight restrictions for both checked and carry-on baggage on different airlines.
Does A Backpack Count As A Carry-On?
The size and weight of a backpack may vary depending on the brand and model, but generally speaking, most backpacks weigh between 1 and 10 kilograms (2 and 20 pounds). If you’re flying with a backpack, it’s best to check with the airline to find out its allowable size and weight.
Why Does A Backpack Count As A Carry-On?
Larger Backpacks
It is easier to fit a backpack into the overhead bin if the backpack is oversized. If your backpack falls under the weight limit, you will not be charged for excess weight. However, it may be difficult to fit your backpack into the overhead bin if it’s too small. If you are flying with a smaller-sized or lightweight backpack, then you should check with your airline before going to the airport to find out if they allow carry-on backpacks and what size and weight restrictions apply.
Lightweight Backpacks
Lightweight backpacks weigh less than 10 kilograms (20 pounds), so they are usually permitted as carry-on baggage on most airlines. This means that you don’t have to check in your bag at all—you can just bring it on board with you and leave it in the overhead bin during your flight. However, some airlines have different rules regarding the size and weight of carry-on luggage. It is important that you check your airline’s website for detailed information about their carry-on baggage policies before arriving at the airport so you won’t be surprised by any new regulations.
Briefcases and Laptops
Some airlines allow passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item such as a briefcase or laptop bag. However, some airlines have different rules regarding the size and weight of carry-on luggage. It is important that you check your airline’s website for detailed information about their carry-on baggage policies before arriving at the airport so you won’t be surprised by any new regulations. If you plan to pack a briefcase or laptop bag instead of a small laptop bag as your personal item, then you may wonder if it will meet the size requirements for being a carry-on bag. This article explains the different sizes and weights of carry-on luggage. It is important that you check your airline’s website for detailed information about their carry-on baggage policies before arriving at the airport so you won’t be surprised by any new regulations. If you plan to pack a backpack instead of a small laptop bag as your personal item, then you might be wondering if it will meet the size requirements for being a carry-on.
Smaller Backpacks
Backpacks that are smaller than 10 kilograms (20 pounds) are allowed as carry-on bags on most airlines, but some airlines have different rules regarding the size and weight of carry-on luggage. It is important that you check your airline’s website for detailed information about their carry-on baggage policies before arriving at the airport so you won’t be surprised by any new regulations. If you plan to pack a backpack instead of a small laptop bag as your personal item, then you might be wondering if it will meet the weight of a carry-on backpack. It is important that you check with your airline before you fly to find out what size and weight restrictions apply to your backpack. lightweight backpack can be. For example, some airlines limit the weight of lightweight backpacks to 5 kilograms (11 pounds). If you are travelling with a lightweight backpack, it is best to check with your airline before going to the airport so you won’t be surprised by any new regulations.
How To Know If Your Backpack Is Within Carry-On Size Limits
Know the Airline Carry-on Size Requirements
The first thing you need to do is check the airline website for their specific carry-on size requirements. While the rules may vary, most airlines require that carry-on bags be no larger than 22” x 9” x 36”. Some carriers have different rules, though, which you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re shopping for a new bag. If you don’t know which airline you’ll be flying with, you can find a list of most major airlines and their baggage requirements here.
Find Out the Dimensions of Your Backpack
If your backpack is older than dirt, it might not have any information on the tag that indicates its dimensions. If that’s the case, don’t worry. You can still find the information you need by going online. First, find the URL of your backpack’s manufacturer. Then, type in the model number and “bag dimensions” or “backpack dimensions.” You should find a PDF or document you can print out that will give you the information you need to find out your bag’s dimensions. If your backpack is new, or you just can’t find the information online, you can also measure it yourself. Find a tape measure and follow the instructions below.
Measure Your Backpack
You’ll want to measure the width, length, and height of your backpack. You’ll also want to take note of the straps and any extra pockets or zippers you have. Width – To measure the width, place the tape measure at the top of one of the backpack straps and run it down to the top of the other. Length – To measure the length, find the center point of the backpack and run the tape from there to the back. Your measurement will include the bottom of the bag, too. Height – To measure the height, start at the top of the backpack and run the tape down to the bottom of the zipper.
Know How Much Your Bag Should Weigh
It’s important to note that not all airlines are strict about the size of your bag — but they are about the weight. If your bag is too heavy, you could be charged extra or even turned away from your flight. The general rule of thumb is that your bag should weigh no more than 50 pounds. This means that your backpack and everything in it should add up to no more than 50 pounds. If your bag weighs too much, you could be in trouble.
Check Your Zippered Compartments and Shoe Pouches
Depending on the size of your backpack, you may be able to fit a full-sized toiletry bag inside your backpack. If you can, great! But if you can’t, or if you just want to be on the safe side, you can always buy a smaller travel toiletry bag. Both Ziploc bags and Space Bag technology are great for fitting inside your backpack’s zippered compartments. If your backpack has shoe pouches, you can use those, too.
Check Your Carry-on Baggage Weight Limits
If your backpack fits within the size limits but is still too heavy to fit within the airline’s weight limits, you may be able to fix the problem by removing a few items. If you have the time, try to remove things like a change of clothes or a pair of shoes. If you don’t have the time, you should purchase a set of bagged clothes just in case. If you absolutely can’t take anything out of your bag, you may want to consider buying a new backpack. Alternatively, you can try using a less-heavy backpack as a carry-on. You could, for example, use a daypack instead of your full-sized backpack.
Know What You Can and Can’t Bring
Depending on where you’re flying, you may be able to stow a few things in your carry-on. You may even be able to bring your full-sized backpack with you! To see what you can and can’t bring in your carry-on, check out the Transportation Security Administration’s website. The TSA website has a list of prohibited items, including liquids, gels, and aerosols. It also has a list of what you can bring in your carry-on.
Check Again!
At this point, you should have a pretty good idea of whether your backpack is within the standard carry-on size limits. If it isn’t, don’t panic. You still have a few options. If you can take some things out of your bag to make it lighter, that would be your first option. If you can’t remove anything, you’ll want to try and fit your backpack into a smaller bag. If you don’t have time to buy a new bag or repack your backpack, you can try lending your backpack to a friend. Now that you know how to tell if your backpack is within the standard carry-on size limits, you’ll be able to travel hassle-free.
Bottom Line
When traveling, it’s always important to pack light and smart. Instead of weighing yourself down with a heavy suitcase, try packing a lightweight and easy-to-carry backpack. Whether you decide to check your backpack or bring it on as a carry-on, make sure that it’s sturdy enough to hold all of your belongings without breaking. It’s also important to make sure your backpack is easy to access, so you don’t have to unpack your entire bag just to find your toothbrush!
