As avid travelers, we all know that the success of a journey often hinges on the choices we make before takeoff. One crucial decision is selecting the type of bag that will accompany us through airport terminals, security checks, and into the cabin. 

Yet, it’s easy to get lost in choices – the world of travel bags is diverse. You have options ranging from backpacks and tote bags to rolling suitcases and briefcases.

Let’s break down the allowable dimensions, and the pros and cons of each bag type.

What type of bag can you take on a plane?

Let’s briefly go through the rules and regulations surrounding the bags you can take on a plane — feel free to jump ahead to the next section if it’s not your first few times boarding a plane.

Airlines usually permit passengers to bring two bags onto a plane: a carry-on bag and a personal item. Each of these bags should adhere to the airline’s specified maximum size and weight limits.

It does not matter the type of bag you bring – be it a backpack, duffel or rolling suitcase – as long as they fall within the size and weight guidelines.

Let’s look at the two types of bags.

A carry-on bag is a piece of luggage that you can bring into the cabin with you. It is typically stored in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. The allowable dimensions for a carry-on bag are usually around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), but it’s essential to check with your specific airline as regulations can vary.

In addition to the carry-on bag, airlines allow you to carry a personal item. It’s a smaller bag, such as a purse, laptop bag, or backpack that can fit under the seat in front of you on a plane. The dimensions for personal items are generally smaller, with most airlines allowing bags up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). Again, this is a general acceptable dimension but you need to check your specific airline’s regulations, as this limit varies between different airlines.

The combined permissible weight of your carry-on bag and personal item is typically just within 7kg to 10kg (between 15 and 22 pounds). 

If you exceed this weight limit, you might be asked to purchase additional baggage (eg. extra 5-7kg weight capacity) or advised to check in your bag. This is expensive if done last minute at the airport.

Checked bags are larger pieces of luggage that are stowed in the cargo hold of the aircraft. The allowable dimensions for checked bags vary among airlines, but they are typically larger than those for carry-on bags. While checked bags offer more space, there are drawbacks, including higher fees, the risk of loss or damage, and the inconvenience of waiting for your luggage upon arrival.

Ideally, I’d recommend that you only bring a checked bag if you’re going on an extended trip, or if you’ll be transporting bulkier items such as business equipment or products and souvenirs purchased in your destination.

If you are an inexperienced traveler who’s not only concerned about the logistics of packing but also flight boarding and navigating the airport, here’s a complete guide that lists everything you need to know for a first-time or inexperienced traveler.

Different bags to take with you on a plane

Choosing the right bag for your air travel is key for a comfortable and stress-free journey. If you’ve traveled a few times, you’d have likely experienced inconveniences or even regrets concerning your choice of bags. Mistakes are common.

Thus it’s essential to know the differences between the types of bags that you may bring with you.

Backpack

A backpack is one of the most common choices to bring on a plane. Wearing a backpack allows for hands-free movement, making it easier to navigate crowded airports, public transportation, or busy streets. They are versatile and suitable for a wide range of travel situations, from city exploration to outdoor adventures – they can easily transition from urban settings to hiking trails.

Backpacks are ideal for carrying in-flight essentials like electronics, books, snacks, and personal items, providing easy access during the journey. Many backpacks offer ample storage space and multiple compartments for organizing your belongings.

Pros: 

• Versatile and useful for diverse travel purposes
• Easily fits under the seat as a personal item
• Convenient for carrying essentials on a flight

Cons:

• Limited space for larger items

Verdict: Backpacks are often suitable as carry-on items or personal items, fitting within airline size restrictions. Although versatile, backpacks may have limited space compared to larger luggage options like duffel bags or rolling suitcases.

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Tote bag

Tote bags come in various styles and designs, and are highly versatile bags. They can fit all sorts of travel and daily essentials, without adding unnecessary bulk.

Due to the lightweight nature of tote bags, they can serve as both a carry-on bag and a personal item. They offer flexibility in packing and meeting airline size requirements. Many tote bags (not all) are collapsible and can be easily packed into larger luggage when not in use, making them a practical choice for travelers.

Tote bags typically have an open design, allowing for quick and easy access to belongings. This makes them convenient for grabbing items on the go. However, tote bags often lack secure closures, making them susceptible to theft or unauthorized access, especially in crowded areas.

Pros: 

• Stylish
• Versatile for different occasions
• Lightweight
• Can hold a variety of items

Cons: 

• May have limited organization and structure
• May not fit easily under the seat when fully filled with items
• May not have sufficient closures (eg. open top, lack of zippered compartments)
• May have limited security

Verdict: A tote bag works fine as either a carry-on bag or a personal item. However, ensure your tote bag has secure closures such as zippered tops or button snaps, so that your belongings do not fall out of the bag. To ensure it’s small enough to fit under the plane as a personal item, you may want to measure its dimensions when fully filled.

For a deeper exploration of the features and uses of tote bags for travel, here’s a guide to help you get a better sense of what you should look for.

Duffel bag

Similar to tote bags, duffel bags are highly flexible and versatile. They can accommodate various shapes and sizes of items, making them suitable for irregularly shaped or bulkier belongings. 

When not in use, duffel bags can often be folded or flattened, allowing for easy storage in smaller spaces compared to rigid luggage options.

For boarding a plane, duffel bags are typically lighter than hard-shell suitcases, providing a convenient option for travelers looking to minimize overall luggage weight. The soft structure of a duffel bag allows it to fit into overhead compartments more easily than rigid luggage. Duffel bags are generally lightweight, helping you stay within airline weight restrictions.

Pros: 

• Flexible and can accommodate odd-shaped items
• Lighter than hard-shell suitcases

Cons: 

• May have limited organization and structure 
• May not fit well under the seat

Verdict: A duffel bag can be a good choice for a carry-on. Depending on its size, some larger duffel bags may not qualify as a personal item that fits under the seat on a plane.

Rolling suitcase

A rolling suitcase is one of the most popular options for carry-on luggage. The wheels on a rolling suitcase make it effortless to move through airports, train stations, and other travel hubs, reducing physical strain. Rolling suitcases often provide more substantial storage space than other carry-on bags, allowing for extended trips or bulkier items.

While convenient in airports and urban settings, rolling suitcases can be less practical on uneven or unpaved surfaces. Maneuvering a rolling suitcase through crowded places, such as busy city streets or cramped public transportation, can be challenging.

However, there is a risk you might have to accept purchasing extra baggage for your flight, since the wheels and retractable handles of rolling suitcases add to their overall weight. Larger rolling suitcases may not fit in smaller aircraft overhead bins. Wheels or handles may encounter mechanical issues over time, and if they malfunction during travel, it can be inconvenient to repair or replace.

Pros:

• Easy to maneuver through airports due to its wheels, reducing physical strain.
• Provides more substantial storage space compared to other types of carry-on bags.
• Provides a practical choice for heavy Items.

Cons: 

• May be challenging to lift into overhead compartments. 
• May be challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, crowded areas, and areas with uneven or unpaved surfaces.

Verdict: Utilize a rolling suitcase as a carry-on for its convenience, especially if you have heavy or bulky items. Ensure that it complies with airline size and weight restrictions. Opt for suitcases with sturdy, durable wheels to minimize the risk of mechanical issues.

Purse

Purses are typically compact, making them an excellent choice for carrying essential items without adding bulk or weight. Purses are designed for easy access, allowing travelers to quickly retrieve items like passports, boarding passes, or snacks.

Purses come in various styles and can complement different outfits, offering both functionality and fashion.

Yet there are obvious limitations. Open-top purses may be vulnerable to pickpocketing or unauthorized access in crowded places like airports. Purses also have limited capacity, rendering them unsuitable for carrying larger items or extensive travel necessities. Many purses are made of materials that may not provide sufficient protection for contents against rain or moisture. As a result, purses aren’t the most practical travel companion.

Pros:

• Compact and convenient
• Easily accessible during the flight
• Typically suits lighter packing and easily fits under the seat

Cons: 

• Limited space for larger items

• May not be suitable for extended trips
• May subject you to higher risks of theft than other types of bags

Verdict: Use a purse as a personal item if it gives you enough storage space for essential items you want to keep close. However, it’s not the most versatile and practical day bag during travel – its capacity and material construction might pose a limitation.

Messenger bag

Like a backpack, a messenger bag offers hands-free convenience as it is worn across the body. Arguably, it’s even more lightweight than backpacks. Many messenger bags come with multiple compartments and pockets, facilitating efficient organization of belongings. 

The design of messenger bags allows quick and easy access to items without having to remove the bag. Thus it is convenient, both as a personal item on a flight and as a day bag during travel.

Yet, messenger bags may have limited space, making them unsuitable for carrying larger or bulkier items. Carrying heavy loads for an extended period can lead to discomfort or strain on one shoulder. Similar to purses, messenger bags may not provide sufficient protection for contents against rain or moisture.

Pros:

• Provides multiple pockets or compartments to organize travel items; 
• Typically more lightweight and compact than backpacks
• Fits under the seat.

Cons: 

• Limited space for bulkier items. 
• May become uncomfortable if heavily loaded, because of their single-strap design and limited storage
• Not the most ergonomic option for longer trips

Verdict: Use a messenger bag as a personal item for a functional travel companion, especially if it suffices as a compact day bag. Yet, it may not be the most ergonomic option as its single-strap design does not let you distribute its weight over both shoulders – thus it’s unideal for longer trips.

Briefcase

A briefcase makes sense as a personal item for business travelers, exuding professionalism and a formal aesthetic. It comes with well-defined compartments and pockets, enabling you to efficiently organize documents, gadgets, and personal items.

On the flip side, a briefcase has limited space, may not suit casual vacations, and carrying a heavy one for an extended period may lead to discomfort or strain on one shoulder.

Pros:

• Professional and organized appearance. 
• Suitable for business travelers.

Cons: 

• Limited space for personal items and travel essentials. 
• May not be as versatile as other options.

Verdict: Bring a briefcase as your personal item for a polished look during business trips. But for better storage and versatility, consider a laptop backpack instead.