Delta Personal Item Size Guide for Backpacks

[donaldrsimonn]

Are you flying Delta and need to don’t know what is considered a personal item? We’ve been there.


Delta is very explicit with what counts as a carry on on their official carry on page but they keep it vague when it comes to personal items.


They describe a personal item as “1 purse, briefcase, camera bag or diaper bag, laptop computer or item of similar size” but they don’t give you much in terms of size limit or dimensions.


That’s why we have decided to write up this helpful guide for those who want to bring their favorite bag or backpack on their next Delta flight. Let’s explore what counts and doesn’t count as a Delta personal item.

[foyerscraper]

We say most because the underseat dimensions can vary by airplane, boarding class and seat location. For example, there is no underseat stowage in the front rows behind the bulkhead and smaller planes tend to have smaller underseat storage dimensions.

The above underseat dimensions are a good starting point to where you need to be in terms of personal item size since any bag larger than 20” x 15” x 11” will automatically be considered a carry on.

Bags Delta will consider as personal items include: a small backpack, purse, briefcase, camera bag, small musical instrument case. As long as it can fit underneath the seat then you are good to bring it on.

[jordanemu]

Yes, a backpack can be considered a personal item on Delta airlines. But it’s good to know the difference between a Delta carry on backpack and a smaller backpack that will be treated as a personal item.

Sticking with a backpack that is 18” x 13” x 9” or smaller will ensure that your personal item safely fits underneath your seat. It’s important to pay attention to the backpack size as larger backpacks will have to be stowed overhead and may be counted as carry ons.

Below are some examples of backpacks that are sure to fit Delta’s personal item requirements.

[carnachpace]

It’s always a good idea that your personal item has some give to it. This means avoiding overstuffed backpacks or hardcases that don’t have any give to them. This will come in handy on unexpectedly cramped underseat areas such as those found in smaller Delta planes.

[foyerscraper]

The personal item allowance is not an excuse to bring a second carry on bag. I’ve seen people do this and take up two spots in the overhead bin. Don’t be a jerk. Share the overhead bin space with your fellow travelers.

The “under the seat” guideline seems simple enough. But, how much space is under that seat? As a tall person with big feet, the space feels pretty small to me.

Not all airlines provide size guidelines for personal items. The ones that do have different rules.

[donaldrsimonn]

The rules, when they even exist, are inconsistent. Always check your airline’s guidance before flying.

As with carry on luggage, the more discreet your personal item is, the less likely it is to draw the attention of the gate agent. Keep it small, slim, and inconspicuous.

Personal items are best kept to small backpacks, purses, slim laptop or messenger bags, or tote bags.

[jonsmaradona]

While Delta carry-on bags have a strict dimensional cutoff of 22" x 14" x 9" (or 56 x 35 x 23 cm) their personal item size limit is not so clear. delta personal item size limit

The key difference between a Delta personal item and a carry-on is that a personal item has to be able to safely fit underneath the seat in front of you. Just about any item, including backpacks, will be considered a personal item if they can fit in underseat storage.