Can You Bring A Backpack On American Airlines?

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Are you planning to fly with American Airlines and wondering if you can bring a backpack with you? It’s a common question that many travelers ask before their flight. The good news is that American Airlines allows passengers to bring a backpack on board as a carry-on item.

However, there are some rules and restrictions you need to know before packing your backpack. In this article, we’ll explore American Airlines’ backpack policy in detail, including their size and weight restrictions, and what items you can and cannot pack in your backpack. So, let’s dive in and get you ready for your next American Airlines flight.

Can You Bring a Backpack on American Airlines?

Can You Bring a Backpack on American Airlines?

Carry-On Baggage Allowance

American Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag on board. A personal item can be a backpack, purse, or laptop bag, while a carry-on bag can be a suitcase or a duffel bag. The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and the maximum dimensions for a personal item are 18 x 14 x 8 inches.

If you’re traveling on a Basic Economy fare, you can only bring a personal item on board. However, if you’re traveling on a Main Cabin fare or above, you can bring both a personal item and a carry-on bag on board. It’s important to note that if your carry-on bag doesn’t fit in the overhead bin, it will be checked at the gate for free.

Backpack as a Personal Item

A backpack can be considered a personal item if it meets the maximum dimensions of 18 x 14 x 8 inches. If your backpack is larger than these dimensions, it will be considered a carry-on bag and must fit in the overhead bin.

It’s important to pack your backpack wisely so that it can easily fit under the seat in front of you. Avoid overpacking and try to keep the weight of your backpack under 25 pounds. Additionally, make sure that your backpack doesn’t contain any prohibited items such as liquids over 3.4 ounces or sharp objects.

Benefits of Bringing a Backpack

Bringing a backpack as your personal item on American Airlines can have several benefits. First, it allows you to have easy access to your belongings during the flight. You can keep important items such as your passport, wallet, and phone within reach.

Second, a backpack can be more comfortable to carry than a purse or a laptop bag. It distributes the weight of your belongings evenly across your back, making it easier to carry for longer periods of time.

Lastly, bringing a backpack can save you money on baggage fees. American Airlines charges $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second checked bag. By bringing a backpack as your personal item, you can avoid these fees altogether.

Backpack vs. Suitcase

When deciding whether to bring a backpack or a suitcase on your American Airlines flight, there are several factors to consider.

If you’re only traveling for a short period of time and don’t need to pack too many items, a backpack can be a great option. It’s easy to carry and can fit under the seat in front of you. However, if you’re traveling for a longer period of time or need to pack more items, a suitcase may be a better choice.

A suitcase can hold more items and is easier to pack and unpack. Additionally, if you have any fragile items that need to be protected during the flight, a suitcase may provide more protection than a backpack.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can bring a backpack on American Airlines as your personal item as long as it meets the maximum dimensions of 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Bringing a backpack can have several benefits such as easy access to your belongings, comfort, and cost savings. When deciding whether to bring a backpack or a suitcase, consider the length of your trip and the items you need to pack. With proper planning, you can enjoy a stress-free flight with your backpack as your trusty travel companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the carry-on baggage restrictions for American Airlines?

American Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item per passenger. The carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches, while the personal item must fit under the seat in front of you and not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches. A backpack can be considered a personal item if it meets these size requirements.

However, it is important to note that American Airlines may require passengers to check their carry-on bags at the gate if the flight is full or if the carry-on bag does not meet the size requirements.

What can I bring in my backpack on American Airlines?

Passengers can bring a variety of items in their backpack on American Airlines, such as clothing, electronics, books, and snacks. However, it is important to ensure that any liquids, gels, or aerosols in the backpack comply with the TSA’s 3-1-1 rule and are in containers of 3.4 ounces or less.

Additionally, passengers should avoid packing any prohibited items in their backpack, such as firearms, explosives, and flammable items. The full list of prohibited items can be found on the TSA’s website.

Can I bring a backpack and a purse on American Airlines?

Yes, American Airlines allows passengers to bring a backpack and a purse as their personal item. The purse must be able to fit under the seat in front of you and not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches. The backpack can also be considered a personal item if it meets these size requirements.

If a passenger wants to bring a larger purse or handbag, it will count as their carry-on bag instead of their personal item, and they will need to ensure that it meets the size requirements for carry-on bags.

Do I need to pay extra to bring a backpack on American Airlines?

No, American Airlines does not charge extra fees for bringing a backpack as a personal item. However, if the backpack exceeds the size requirements for a personal item or if the passenger wants to bring it as a carry-on bag instead, they may need to pay additional fees.

Passengers can check the American Airlines website for more information on fees for carry-on and checked baggage.

What should I do if my backpack exceeds the size requirements for American Airlines?

If a passenger’s backpack exceeds the size requirements for a personal item or carry-on bag on American Airlines, they may need to check it at the gate or pay additional fees. It is important to check the airline’s baggage policy before packing to ensure that all items fit within the size and weight requirements.

If a passenger is unsure about the size of their backpack, they can measure it before arriving at the airport or reach out to American Airlines customer service for assistance.

Can I take a carry-on and a backpack on American Airlines?


In conclusion, American Airlines allows passengers to bring a backpack as a personal item. However, there are specific guidelines to follow to ensure that your backpack meets the airline’s requirements. Make sure that your backpack fits under the seat in front of you and that it does not exceed the maximum dimensions of 18 x 14 x 8 inches.

Remember that bringing a backpack on American Airlines can make your travel experience more convenient and hassle-free. By having your essentials within reach, you can easily access your belongings without having to rummage through a larger carry-on. Just be sure to pack responsibly and follow the airline’s guidelines to avoid any unnecessary fees or inconveniences.

Overall, if you’re planning to fly with American Airlines, you can rest assured that you can bring a backpack with you. By packing smartly and following the airline’s rules, you can enjoy a comfortable and stress-free flight. So, grab your backpack and get ready for your next adventure!

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