You probably already know that some airlines allow you to bring an extra personal item besides your carry-on luggage. But can you actually use the duffel bag as a personal item? Keep reading and you’ll find out.

What Is Considered a Personal Item

A personal item is an extra bag, other than a carry-on bag, that can fit under the seat in front of you. This is the first thing to bear in mind when bringing a personal item on your flight – it must fit under the seat in front of you, while your carry-on will comfortably stay in the overhead bin. 

Airlines consider a purse, a tote bag, a crossbody bag, a mini backpack, a camera bag, a laptop bag, a diaper bag, a messenger bag as personal items. Umbrellas, jackets, toys, hats, baby bags, food, and drinks bought inside the airport after the security check are also considered personal accessories. 

However, each airline has its own baggage policies. You still might have surprises when you arrive at the boarding gate. You still might have to pay a fee for the extra luggage if you don’t know the airline’s definition of personal item. Or if it accepts one. Usually, economy airlines have stricter rules regarding these extra accessories. Before you reach the airport, you should always check with your airline to see if your personal item fits their criteria. 

What about the duffel bag? 

When Can You Use a Duffel Bag as A Personal Item for Flights

What is the standard size for a duffel bag as a personal item? 

There is no standard size, each airline has its own size rules. Down below, you’ll find the personal item accepted size on some of the most popular airlines. Anyway, these are prone to change so make sure you check on their website before embarking on your journey. 

• Air France – 40 x 30 x 15 cm / 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.8 in
• Air Canada – 43 x 33 x 16 cm / 17 x 13 x 6 in 
• British Airways – 40 x 30 x 15 cm / 16 x 12 x 6 in
• easyJet – 45 x 36 x 20 cm / 18 x 14 x 8 in
• Emirates – 45 x 35 x 20 cm / 18 x 14 x 8 in
• Iberia – 40 x 30 x 15 cm / 16 x 12 x 6 in 
• KLM – 40 x 30 x 15 cm / 16 x 12 x 6 in
• Lufthansa – 40 x 30 x 10 cm / 16 x 12 x 4 in
• Ryanair – 40 x 25 x 20 cm / 16 x 10 x 8 in
• Turkish Airlines – 40 x 30 x 15 cm / 16 x 12 x 6 in
• Vueling – 40 x 30 x 20 cm / 16 x 12 x 8 in
• Wizz Air – 40 x 30 x 20 cm / 16 x 12 x 8 in 

Best Personal Item Duffel Bag

If you’re looking for a duffel bag to take as a secondary bag when traveling, we might have a recommendation. 

Nordace Hinz is a versatile duffel bag perfect for both travel and everyday use. It is ingeniously organized to help you pack efficiently. The dedicated padded laptop compartment allows you to carry your device safely and access it effortlessly during your flight.

What to Pack in Your Duffle as A Personal Item

Since you’ll have easier access to your personal item duffel bag, you can use it to pack some of the in-flight essentials such as: 

• Documents (passport, ID, wallet)
• Laptop 
• Book or e-book reader
• A scarf, a jacket, or a cozy sweater for chilly flights  
• Phone 
• Snacks 
• Medication (motion sickness pills and others) 

As you can see, there are many good reasons why you should consider a duffel bag a personal item for your next flight. A duffel bag is cool, flexible, spacious, and super easy to pack. Pick your duffel bag and it will become your favorite travel companion.