I'm flying American to Rome and Swiss Air for the return to JFK, both airlines told me that "small" backpacks can be used as a personal carry on, to be stored under the seat, but the representatives could/did not give me specific dimentions, nor did the websites, for backpacks.

I have a 22 inch rolling duffel, and because I listened to the experienced travelers on this site I learned many tips regarding packing, it is very light with room to spare for bringing home purchases. (thanks!) And, I would like to have a small backpack under the seat that I can also use for hiking.

Can anyone help me out with specifics on carrying "small" back packs on board? After all, size does matter.

Many thanks,
Aranda

It's all on their website - http://yourcountry.swiss.com/local/i...a-allowance-uk

I think you are safe if you have something called a day pack. They just don't mean those humongous things people carry around with all their belongings on their back (you know the ones, they take up their entire back from shoulders down to waist). A small backpack is about the size of a large totebag (def. not as big a what you'd call carryon luggage, like your duffel).

Are you asking if you can carry more than one bag on board?

I think the OP is indicating that his rolling 22" is his "carry on" and he wants to know how large his "personal item" can be.

We have traveled with a backpack, like students use at school, with out problem.

Thanks for the replies.

Just to clarify, I didn't mean to imply I was asking for two carry on pieces, just what is allowed which is one carry on and a personal item. My question was the size of a backpack to be used as a personal item as the airline representatives couldn't answer my question directly and just said "small".

I do have a student size backpack but depending on a person's point of view it could be considered big.

Anyway, thanks for the assistance, and I never fail to be amazed at the help and expertise of the Fodor's community!

Happy trails,
Aranda

I can't believe the airline or their website doesn't have both size and weigh guidelines for allowable carry-ons. That seems strange.

Also think about, for a long flight, I'd hate to have the entire space under the seat in front of you filled to the brim, so that you couldn't stretch out your legs/feet for an entire long flight like yours.

I have never seen the size of the "personal item" specifically descibed on any airline's website. Therefore, it's really at the discretion of the gate agent whether you piece can be allowed or not. If not, then you'll have to check that 22".

This is from AA's website:
"Personal Items
Personal items include the following:
* Purse
* Briefcase
* Laptop
* Small book-bag style backpack
* Other similar items that do not exceed 36 linear inches (length + width + height) will be allowed such as a small tote bag or shoulder bag."

My trick is to take a black tote bag which matches my coat so it is not too noticeable ;-)

Thanks everyone for the clarifications! I appreciate your time and advise.

Mara, thanks for sharing that blend the personal item with your outfit thing! Got to try that one.

I just don't want to hold up the check in lines with something that I can take care of now.

I'm following the tips I have learned on this site, packing light, travel clothes that dry overnight, made copies of documents, etc. etc.

As recommended by Fodors travelers I purchased a travel purse that lies flat and hangs across your body in black and it's hardly noticable. Would I be able to take my purse and a small backpack as personal items? If not, then I could just shove my purse into my small backpack. Can you do that sort of thing in front of the gate agent?

Blessings,
Aranda

I would slip the purse into the backpack ahead of time. But I don't think it truly matters, as long as you can make it into "one personal item" plus your suitcase.

Not to cause you more worries, but besides dimensions, you might want to weigh your 22"-er. Some airlines strictly enforce a weight limit for carry-on in addition to the size.

Swiss Air has a 8kg (~17.5 lbs) weight limit for a carry-on suitcase. My rolling 22" weights about 7-1/2 pounds empty, so that means you need to keep the contents under 10 lbs. weight (or you may be asked to check the suitcase on that leg of the trip).

You can weigh you packed suitcase on the bathroom scale to get an idea.

I couldn't find weight, only size for American Airlines.

American Airlines' carry on allowance is forty pounds....total of forty-five inches.

Instead of a rolling carry on, I once carried a huge backpack on my back and a small one in front, and had both hands free! DH thought I looked like a humongous sandwich, LOL.

I routinely fly on American with a rolling suitcase that meets the carry-on guidelines and either a bookbag-style backpack or a laptop/briefcase bag. I put my purse inside that second bag. I have never had an issue.

Thanks everyone. I'm going to utilize all the information you shared.

The last time I flew was in a private jet owned by a very rich client of my husband. What a way to go, no problems, no questions, drive your car right up to the plane, then you park your car in a private parking lot, also a private lounge in the terminal, no one checks your baggage, no pat downs, what a way to go. Just imagine, some people fly like that all the time.

As for me, I'll be putting my bags on the bathroom scale and hoping for the best.

Blessings,
Aranda

While a rollaboard and bookbag size backpack are perfectly acceptable on any US airline, you should be prepared to have to check your rollaboard on a European airline like Swiss. This is a pity because it routinely takes 45 minutes to collect your checked bags in the US (whereas it's usually quite fast elsewhere). By all means try it, but be prepared to have to check the larger bag.

For the poster who is worried about the personal item clogging up the space for your feet: as soon as the plane takes off, you move the bag behind your legs (but still in your own space--that is, on the floor, under your knees, straight in front of your seat). You won't know it's there.

Thanks someotherguy for the heads up. I'm just trying to do my homework to avoid as many problems as possible dealing with the airlines.

Aranda