alaska airlines personal item size
Mia Russell
Updated on August 04, 2026
When traveling with us, you’re allowed one carry-on bag plus one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer. At least one of the items should be stowed under the seat in front of you, and you’ll also need to be able to lift your own bag into the overhead bin.
Does a backpack count as a personal item?
The short answer: If it fits under the seat in front of you, it’s considered a personal item. That means small backpacks and daypacks will usually qualify as personal items.
What size bag fits under seat on Alaska Airlines?
Alaska Airlines
The actual size under the seats depends on which aircraft you’ve boarded. If you will be flying on their Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the underseat dimensions are 14 x 12 x 9 inches. To get the exact measurements, contact Alaska Airlines and tell them your flight details.
How big of a personal item can you take on a plane?
Your personal item like a purse or small handbag must fit under the seat in front of you. Dimensions should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
How strict is Alaska with carry-on?
Alaska Airlines are fairly strict and limit passengers to one carry on and one personal item. Should your luggage be deemed oversize, you run the risk of having to pay extras at the gate.
Can a duffel bag be a personal item?
The short answer is yes. A duffle bag can count as a personal item. However, a duffle bag isn’t the most common type of personal item. Briefcases, handbags, and small backpacks are more popular styles.
What happens if my personal item is one inch too big?
You might be forced to check your bag at the boarding gate and be made to pay a checked bag fee. Most airlines now charge for checked bags with the exception of Southwest. Fees range between $25 and $35. Some airlines such as United will price gouge you if they force check you at the gate for being oversize.
Can I put clothes in my personal bag?
Size Restrictions for Personal Items
Personal items need to be 14-18.5 inches in height, 9.8-16 inches in width, and 3.9-9 inches in depth. Unfortunately, there isn’t a single standard when it comes to personal item size.
What qualifies as a personal item on a flight?
What is a personal item on a plane? A personal item is a small procession, for example a purse, laptop, umbrella, camera case, book, or small backpack. Personal items need to be small enough to be stowed securely and safely under the seat in front of you.
Is an underseat bag considered a personal item?
Similar to carry-on luggage, an underseat personal item is subject to size and shape requirements. However, unlike most of the things we fly with—nearly all of which are precisely designed for airplane use—almost any small bag (your favorite backpack or tote, for instance) can work as a personal item.
Can I bring a backpack and a duffel bag on a plane?
A purse, briefcase, laptop bag, backpack or small duffel bag generally all qualify as personal items. All airlines have slightly different guidelines for the maximum size for an acceptable personal item, but generally, they can’t be larger than 18 by 14 by 8 inches.
What size luggage fits in overhead bin?
A carry-on can’t be bigger than 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches including handles and wheels and should fit in an overhead bin as well. If your carry-on is too large or a full flight doesn’t have enough overhead space, a flight attendant might make you check your bags at the gate.
Can I put shoes in my personal bag?
You can pack shoes in a carry-on bag or even in your personal item handbag if you can fit them. The only type of shoes that are prohibited from hand luggage are track shoes with metal spikes.
Is a laptop bag a personal item?
While personal item size restrictions vary across airlines, most consider a purse, laptop bag, briefcase, or small backpack to count as a personal item. They must always fit under the seat in front of you.
What is not allowed in personal item bag?
Sharp objects (scissors (except for nail scissors), knives, straight razors, and safety razor blades, etc.) Sporting equipment. Self-defense items like pepper spray or brass knuckles. Tools of any kind.
Does Alaska Airlines require Covid test?
Pre-travel COVID-19 testing is required for guests on flights entering the United States from a foreign country.
Can I bring food on a plane?
Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.
Can a 24 inch luggage be a carry-on?
Carry-on measurements should not exceed 24 inches long, 16 inches wide and 10 inches high. Personal items are limited to 18.5 inches long, 8.5 inches wide and 13.5 inches high.