Can you carry a backpack and a carry-on?

Backpack and Carry-On: My Two Cents on Conquering the Skies

Alright, let’s talk travel logistics, specifically that burning question: can you actually bring both a backpack AND a carry-on bag onto the plane? The short answer, and the one I usually cling to for dear life, is: generally, yes. But before you start picturing yourself strutting through security with the confidence of Indiana Jones, let’s unpack (pun intended!) the nuances.

I’ve been burned before. Trust me. There’s nothing quite like the soul-crushing moment when a gate agent points a disapproving finger at your overflowing backpack and utters the dreaded words, “That will need to be checked.” Ugh. The horror. I practically had to perform open-heart surgery on my bag right there, removing anything even remotely valuable or fragile.

The thing is, most airlines operate on the “carry-on plus personal item” rule. Your standard rollaboard suitcase is your carry-on, and the smaller item, the one that should fit under the seat in front of you, is your “personal item.” This is where your trusty backpack comes in.

Now, airlines aren’t exactly shy about laying down the law, so let’s look at some specifics. According to the FAA, the responsibility for setting carry-on size restrictions falls squarely on the airlines themselves. This means you can’t assume a one-size-fits-all approach.

For example, United Airlines allows a carry-on bag up to 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches and a personal item like a purse, laptop bag, or, hopefully, a backpack (dimension details not explicitly listed for personal item – discretion advised!). Similarly, Delta sticks to roughly the same dimensions for the carry-on (9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches) and considers items like briefcases, laptops, and diaper bags as acceptable personal items. See? Encouraging, right?

However, and this is a BIG however, there’s a catch. Size and weight matter! Overstuff that backpack to the point where it resembles a pregnant pufferfish and you’re just asking for trouble.

I’ve learned through (bitter) experience that keeping the backpack relatively compact and easily stowable is key. Think about it: if you can’t comfortably slide it under the seat, it’s probably too big.

My personal rule of thumb? Treat that backpack like a magical portal, only allowing essential items like:

• Electronics: Laptop, phone, charger, maybe a Kindle for those long flights.
• Toiletries: Travel-sized essentials, especially if I’m worried about my checked luggage going on a separate adventure.
• Snacks: Because airplane food is, let’s be honest, rarely a culinary masterpiece. Trail mix, granola bars, maybe a cheeky chocolate bar – crucial for maintaining sanity.
• Comfort Items: A travel pillow, a light sweater (airplanes are notoriously chilly!), and definitely some emergency socks. Cold feet are the enemy of a happy traveler.

The key takeaway here is to always check the airline’s specific carry-on and personal item policies on their website before you fly. Don’t just rely on hearsay or what worked on your last trip. Rules change, gate agents have different moods, and you don’t want to be caught off guard with unexpected baggage fees.

Honestly, the thought of getting stuck with a hefty fee at the gate makes my blood run cold. It’s the absolute worst way to start a trip. So, do your homework, pack strategically, and remember: a well-prepared traveler is a happy traveler (and one who hopefully gets to keep their backpack). Now go forth and conquer those skies!