Is a Backpack a Personal Item? A Traveler's Guide to Staying Organized
Backpacks are essential in traveling as they provide a handy storage solution for people who are always on the go. Basically, a backpack is a pouch made of fabric that’s tailored to be strapped on the back, draping over a person’s shoulders. Its global market was valued at more than USD$ 17 billion in 2021, reflecting how common this item is.
One concern travelers need clarification on is whether a backpack is considered a personal item among airlines. The simplest answer is that it depends on the set regulations. But it’s vital to know some basic guidelines in order to avoid any inconvenience as you travel.
This article will discuss what you need to know to stay organized. Continue reading to learn more.
Personal items and carry-on luggage
Rules and regulations on airline baggage can change without prior notice, and updates on such matters seem to be stricter by the day. That's why it’s vital to be aware of the terms being used in describing the things you’re allowed to bring inside the airplane to avoid penalties. For instance, if your purpose of traveling is a wedding, then you might have a wedding travel bag with you to protect your suit. But how will you classify that bag?
Two of the terminologies being thrown around are personal items and carry-on luggage. Usually, these two are allowed onboard.
A personal item is a small bag like a laptop bag, purse, or backpack that’s small enough to fit in your legroom or beneath the seat. Von Baer says that a backpack will be classed as a personal item in most cases, if it's not overly large, and fits within your airline's size limits. At the end of the day, what makes a personal item as such is its size.
On the other hand, carry-on luggage is the larger bag that you place in the aircraft’s overhead bin. Also known as cabin baggage, this bag doesn’t need to be checked in and can be carried inside the craft.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the dimensions of a personal item or carry-on luggage. It all depends on the airline you’re in. As long as your possessions adhere to the guidelines, then you’re good to go.
Backpack as a personal item
So, is a backpack a personal item? The answer is it can be considered as one, so long as it meets the dimensions set by the airline. To reiterate, different airlines have their own guidelines when it comes to this.
The overall measurement of standard carry-on luggage shouldn’t be more than 45 inches, with the dimensions being 22 in x 14 in x 9 in. So, it’s safe to say that your backpack will be deemed a personal item if it’s smaller than that. But as always, it’s recommended to ask a flight crew to make sure you can bring a backpack as a personal item if you plan on carrying a separate carry-on bag. (2)
Packing your backpack strategically
Statistics reveal that mishandled baggage rate increased by more than 70% in 2023. That's why more and more travelers want to bring their bags inside the aircraft, so they’ll know that their belongings are properly kept. Thus, being strategic in preparing your backpack is vital for a hassle-free trip. (3)
You wouldn’t want to forget essential items just because you didn’t take note of them. See to it that you have a checklist of the things you need to bring before you start packing.
The following are some tips to help you pack your backpack:
Roll your garments. Instead of folding, rolling your garments is space-efficient and reduces wrinkles. Rolled clothes can be put in a vertical position to conserve more space.
Select lightweight footwear. Shoes can take up a lot of space in a backpack. That's why opt for those that can be worn no matter how your outfit looks like. One to two lightweight pairs are enough.
Utilize the compartments. Backpacks have a handful of pockets and compartments. Capitalize on them in organizing your items. The larger compartments are for the bulkier stuff you bring as well as those you don’t need to get while on the move. Meanwhile, the smaller ones are for those compact items that you need to take out from time to time.
As a general principle, categorize your stuff based on their weight and size. Heavy items should be at the bottom and closer to your back. And to further enhance your travel, packing a bag with important items like documents, medicines, and other valuables would prove to be invaluable if your luggage went missing.
Conclusion
Organizing your stuff before your travel can be challenging but manageable as long as you approach it appropriately and take note of the rules. Whether you choose to use a backpack as a personal item or carry-on luggage, the key is to plan ahead, pack strategically, and familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines of your airline.
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