Can I Bring Two Backpacks on a Plane?| Expert Guide

Can I bring two backpacks on a plane? That’s the question many travelers have when they’re going on a trip, and it can be confusing when you’re not sure what you can bring as carry-on luggage or if you can make use of additional checked bags. We’ll walk you through all the details here to help you figure out how many bags you can bring with you on your flight!

Have you ever wondered if you could bring two backpacks on a plane With airlines becoming stricter and stricter with their baggage restrictions, it’s often tough to make sure that you’re abiding by all the rules. Fortunately, most airlines let you bring two bags onto the plane, though there are still some exceptions and caveats that might surprise you. To clear up any confusion about how many bags you can bring onto the plane, keep reading to learn all about it!

If you’re taking a trip by plane soon, you might be asking yourself, Can I bring 2 backpacks on the plane? The short answer is yes, you can, but you should double-check with your airline before making any assumptions. Most carriers have their own restrictions in place that limit passengers to just one carry-on bag, and additional bags must be checked at the ticket counter (or even online) prior to boarding.

You need to consider the following factors before deciding to board a plane with two backpacks:

Carry On Luggage Rules

Depending on the airline you fly, the rules for carry-on luggage can change. Generally, though, there are some common policies among all carriers. It is important for a backpack to be able to fit in a limited space like an overhead compartment or under the front seats. The space in the overhead compartment will usually offer more room for baggage than under the front seats.

If you have two small bags you can use either area. However, if one of your bags is bigger and would be taken to the overhead section, you will be left with no choice but to check your other bag.

Carry-on Personal Item

When it comes to carrying personal items with airlines, there are no real rules. The policies you must follow when checking your bag as a personal item change every now and then. Therefore, it would be wise to contact the airport staff to confirm what items you can take as personal belongings.

When traveling, certain types of bags are categorized as personal items by the majority of airlines. These include smaller bags, such as handbags, laptop bags, and briefcases. These items fit underneath the seat in front of you.

Your item can fit the criteria, but if it is too large to fit under the seat, it won’t be considered a carry-on personal item. Put it in the overhead storage instead. In the event the compartment allotted for you in the overhead cabin is already taken by your second bag, your only option is to check in either bag.

One thing you need to remember before stowing any personal item under the front seat is the size of the space available. You should not try to store any large items in this limited space. This will lead to discomfort for you and your fellow passenger because you won’t be able to easily move your legs.

Carrying Two Backpacks on a Flight

You can carry two backpacks on a flight if one of them is small enough to be considered your personal item. But, there are some restrictions on carrying 2 or more backpacks. First, check with your airline and make sure that they allow carrying multiple bags on board. If yes, then next thing is to make sure that both of your bags are small enough so that they do not take up much space in the overhead bin.

Carry-on Exceptions

Most airlines will allow you to take certain items with you without it counting as a carry-on. These items might include your clothes, medication, food, or children’s safety items. You can use a waist pouch to store important items when traveling, as they are considered exempt from the carry-on group.

However, while most airlines offer a list of exempted items, they can still differ. We recommend you double-check the list to save you any issues at the eleventh hour.

Read More: How to pack a backpack for Air Travel

The Best Ways to Carry Two Backpacks on a Plane

The following are some tips for carrying two backpacks on a plane:

• Make you’re packing small and precise.

• Pack your luggage efficiently to make it look thin.

• Make sure the backpack you use can be placed underneath the seat in front of you.

•  It’s always better to arrive early to place your luggage in the overhead compartment before it is occupied.

• Avoid arguing with the staff about your luggage; instead, check in it.

• Make sure your luggage does not exceed the weight limit even if it can be packed in the overhead bin. 

How Many Bags Can I Bring on a plane?

Usually, an airline will let you check one bag and carry one carry-on. The weight limit for checked bags usually ranges from 50 pounds and also there are size limitations. The usual size limit for carry-on luggage is 62 linear inches.

Can You Use a Backpack as a Carry-On?

Yes, but it depends on the size and the weight. Different airlines have different rules, but all of them have certain limitations when it comes to the dimensionality of your carry-on. It’s a good idea to double-check with the airline that you are flying with before you pack your backpack.

What Size Should a Backpack Be to Be Considered a Carry-On?

Many airlines allow you to bring a carry-on bag that’s between 22x14x9 inches in size. If you use a backpack as your carry-on, then go for one that has a volume of 40-45 liters. If your backpack is larger than that, it may have to be checked in. If you are traveling with an airline that has strict policies with regard to carry-ons, you should need to use a 35-liter backpack or a smaller size.

Can You Use a Backpack as a Personal Item?

Essentially, anything that fits under the seat in front of you counts as a personal item. The same applies to most airlines – if it fits under the seat, it’s a personal item. Hence, if the backpack you’re carrying is smaller and serves as a daypack as well as a personal item, you can bring it onto the plane.

What Is the Difference Between a Personal Item and a Carry-On?

A personal item is a small bag that can fit under your seat, such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. A carry-on is a larger piece of luggage that must be stored in the overhead bin.

What Are the Personal Item Size Restrictions on Different Airlines?

The personal item size restrictions vary by airline, but they are typically smaller than the carry-on bag size restrictions. For example, American Airlines allows each passenger to bring one personal item that must fit under the seat in front of them, such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. The dimensions for this personal item must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches.

Can You Bring Two Backpacks on a Plane?

Yes, one backpack is acceptable so long as it can fit underneath the seat in front of you and is considered a personal item. Your other backpack, which can be larger, is fine as long as it doesn’t exceed the 45-liter (22 x 14 x 9) limit and can be put in the overhead storage bin.

You should do a quick search or even call the airline you’re flying with if you’re unsure about how strict they are about carrying on luggage.

Which is Better for Carry-on Luggage: A Backpack,  Suitcase, or a Buffel Bag?

So which one is better to be used as a carry-on bag? Suitcases are best for business travelers or for people who travel regularly and need to pack formal clothes. Duffel bags are mostly used by those who go on trips with sports equipment or other bulky things. So if you’re planning on taking more than just a few formal clothes, then duffel bags might be your choice.

Best Carry-on Sized Backpacks

Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack

The Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack is one of my favorite travel backpacks. It’s durable, lightweight, and has lots of storage space. This backpack is also very comfortable to wear because it’s well-padded and ventilated. You can easily fit all your stuff in here, even if you are traveling for a long time. The backpack has plenty of compartments so you can organize your stuff accordingly

Dinictis 40L Carry Backpack 

The Dinictis 40L Carry Backpack is an excellent choice for traveling. It is lightweight and easy to carry around. It is also durable and has lots of space for your belongings. There are multiple compartments, making it easy to organize your things. The backpack comes with two straps, one on each side, that you can use to carry it like a duffel bag or shoulder bag. With its thickened back straps, top handle, and side handle, it is very comfortable to carry around even when full of items. 

KAKA Travel Backpack

The KAKA Travel backpack is an awesome travel backpack for men and women. It is durable, comfortable, and spacious. It has so many compartments that you can put your belongings in separate compartments. This is great for keeping things organized while you’re traveling. There are also many colors to choose from so you can pick one that matches your style.

Conclusion: Can I Bring Two Backpacks on a Plane

The ability to carry more than one backpack on a plane may sometimes be possible, but you cannot guarantee you will be able to or may be allowed to do so every time. There is a lot that determines your chances, including the size of your backpack, cabin luggage guidelines, security staff, and luck.

The luggage policies of the airlines are constantly changing. You can’t guarantee that the rules currently in place will still exist tomorrow, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on any changes.  As a traveler, it is best to be prepared and up-to-date with any new baggage guidelines. It is always better to be safe than sorry when traveling by air.

In the article “Can I take two backpacks on a plane?” I have attempted to point out the most important factors you need to know to comply with the current luggage rules. By following the guidelines and following the tips discussed in this article, I hope you will not encounter any problems carrying two bags as carry-on luggage on an airplane.