Looking for a bag that is 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches? Well, that’s specific. Chances are you are on the hunt for the right size bag or backpack to carry as your personal item on your next United flight.

Airlines like United often have strict size limits for what does and doesn’t count as a personal item. According to the official United Carry-On page the size limit is 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm) while carry ons have a limit of 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm).

Larger bags and backpacks may be considered a carry on and can be subject to being checked at the gate or additional charges. This is worth noting if you plan on traveling with a Basic Economy ticket where only a personal item is included with the fare. So it’s important to keep your bag or backpack at or below the United personal item size limit.

In this backpack guide we are going to take a closer look at some of our favorite backpacks that fit the United 9 x 10 x 17 bag size limit so you can enjoy your next trip with ease and in style. 

Best United Personal Item Backpacks

These backpacks are reliable, stylish and perfect for travel. The best part? They all fit the United personal item size requirements of 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches.

Osprey Daylite Backpack

Osprey Packs

Osprey offers a compact way to carry your essentials with their Daylite backpack. At 13 liters, the Daylite is alrge enough to carry all of your tech and personal items while still allowing you to comfortably store the backpack underneath your airline seat. And a breathable mesh and foam back panel and lightweight construction allows the Osprey Daylite to be used as a reliable daypack once you get to your destination.

Features at a glance:

• Dimensions: 16.93” x 10.24” x 7.87”

• Capacity: 13L

• Padded sleeve for 13” laptop, tablet or hiking hydration bladder

• Available in multiple color options

Able Carry Thirteen Daybag

Able Carry

The Able Carry Thirteen Daypack is the smaller sibling of the popular Able Carry Daily Backpack, a compact and lightweight backpack made for tech carry on the move. The Able Carry Thirteen Daypack still features enough pockets and compartments for phones, pens and a 13” laptop while still fitting close to the 9 x 10 x 17 travel bag requirement for United Airlines. Plus its lightweight and ergonomic construction allows for comfortable carry no matter how hectic your travel days become. To find out exactly how much fits inside make sure to check our hands-on Able Carry Thirteen Daybag review!

</iframe>” data-provider-name=”YouTube”>

Features at a glance:

• Dimensions: 17” x 11” x 6.7”

• Volume: 13L

• Padded pocket for 13” laptop or tablet

• Available in a ton of different colors

Lo & Sons Beacon Backpack

Lo & Sons

Made for life on the move, the Lo & Sons Beacon is perfect for anyone who wants a stylish backpack made of robust recycled materials that looks as good as it functions. The Beacon is equipped with must-have travel features such as a luggage trolley sleeve, amazing pocket organization for stuff like a passport, headphones and a water bottle plus a rear-access 13” laptop compartment for easy-access to your tech. Pair these great features with a compact profile and you have the perfect personal item backpack for your next trip.

Features at a glance:

• Dimensions: 14” x 10.5” x 4.5”

• Tons of pockets

• Separate 13” laptop compartment with water resistant zipper

• Made of eco-friendly recycled materials

The Ridge – 10% Off Sitewide with Coupon Code

Db – 15% Off with Exclusive Coupon Code

Everyman – 15% Off Sitewide with Exclusive Coupon Code

HEX – 15% Off Sitewide with Coupon Code

Day Owl – 20% Off Sitewide with Coupon Code

Solo New York – 15% Off All Bags & Cases with Coupon Code

Chrome Industries – Save 10% with Coupon Code

Filson – 10% OFF Your Next Purchase

Herschel Heritage Mid Volume

Buy on Amazon

The Herschel Heritage backpack strikes just the right balance of throwback style and modern functionality for those who need a simple yet reliable personal item backpack. There are two versions of the Herschel Heritage backpack; regular size and mid-volume. The smaller mid-volume version will fit the United 9 x 10 x 17 bag requirements for an easy time through the gate and comfortable underseat stowage.

Features at a glance:

• Dimensions: 16.25” x 10.5” x 4.5”

• Padded shoulder straps for all day comfort

• Headphone port with small media pocket for phones and media players

• 13” padded laptop sleeve

• Available in over a dozen colors and patterns.

Mystery Ranch Rip Ruck 15

Mystery Ranch

Made with tough fabrics and water resistant zippers, the Mystery Ranch Rip Ruck can take you from the airport to sightseeing without skipping a beat. Mystery Ranch is a brand that specializes in tactical backpacks made with quick access in mind and the Rip Ruck15 is no exception.

What makes the Rip Ruck 15 special is its magnetic rip-zip opening to the main compartment that allows access to your gear in a matter of seconds. Other great features include a 15” laptop sleeve, plenty of smaller pockets and PALS webbing on the top for attaching extra accessories. The best part about the Mystery Ranch Rip Ruck 15 is that is measures close to the 9 x 10 x 17 travel bag requirements making airline travel a breeze no matter where you roam.

</iframe>” data-provider-name=”YouTube”>

Features at a glance:

• Dimensions: 16.5” x 10.5” x 7.5”

• Volume: 15L

• Made of tough 330 Robic Fabric and YKK DWR coated zippers

• Quick Rip-Zip magnetic access for easy one handed opening of backpack

• 15” laptop sleeve

Fjallraven Kanken

Buy on Amazon

A favorite since 1978, the Fjallraven Kanken was originally designed to provide Swedish school children with an ergonomic way to carry their heavy textbooks. Today, the Kanken backpack is a travel favorite thanks to its classic vintage design and spacious storage capacity. Those looking for a small backpack to fit the United personal item requirements will love the Kanken’s simplicity and endless the color options to choose from.

Features at a glance

• Dimensions: 14.9” x 10.6” x 5.1”

• Volume: 16L

• Spacious main compartment with a clamshell zipper opening

• Ergonomically designed shoulder straps

• Available in over a dozen different color options

Topo Designs Light Pack

Topo Designs

The Topo Designs Light Pack is a lightweight backpack made for light hikes and easy traveling alike. Perfect for carrying on-flight essentials, this backpack features a roomy 18.5 liter main compartment with an integrated 15” laptop sleeve and plenty of extra pockets.

One of the coolest features of the Topo Light Pack is its PackFast Travel Bag Attachment Loops that allow you to attach the bag to a larger Topo carry-on bag. This feature really comes in handy on those busy travel days. When it’s time to board a flight you can then detach the Light Pack to stow it under the seat for easy access to your personal items.

</iframe>” data-provider-name=”YouTube”>

Features at a glance:

• Dimensions: 17.5” x 10” x 5.5”

• Capacity: 18.5L

• 15” Laptop sleeve

• Lightweight yet tough – 400D Nylon Pack Cloth & YKK Zipper construction

• Versatile: Can be used for traveling, simple carry and day hikes

Camelbak Coronado Backpack

Moosejaw

The Camelbak Coronado is a tough little backpack for travel and daily carry alike. Think of it as a simplified take on the military admin bag. At well under the 9” x 10” x 17” bag size limit you can be sure that the Coronado will make a great travel companion for keeping your essentials organized thanks to its wide array of interior pockets, external quick-access pockets for sunglasses and a passport and a dedicated laptop/tablet sleeve. These features and more make the Camelbak Coronado well equipped for travel as a United personal item.

Features at a glance:

• Dimensions: 15.2” x 8.7” x 4.5”

• Great internal organization

• Interior pocket for water bottle or travel mug

• Exterior MOLLE webbing for attaching additional gear

Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Small

Buy on Amazon

For those who love adventure – the Fjallraven Rucsack No. 21 is a vintage-inspired backpack made out of strong, waxed fabric and natural leather. Inside you’ll find small slip pockets for essentials as well as a laptop pocket, water bottle pocket and enough room leftover in the main compartment for a light sweater or jacket.

While the Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 is available in a few different sizes, the “Small” Rucksack No. 21 is measures right under the United Airlines 9” x 10” x 17” personal item bag requirements making it the perfect go-to backpack for frequent flyers.

Features at a glance:

• Dimensions: 16.53” x 9.8” x 4.72”

• Padded pocket for 13” laptop

• Made of durable waxed canvas

• Also available in multiple colors (check Amazon)

Reebok MYT Backpack

Reebok

The Reebok MYT is a compact backpack with plenty of room for personal and travel essentials. The open main compartment is perfect for things like a light jacket, travel pillow and snacks while it’s exterior stash pocket makes allows for accessing smaller items like a phone or boarding pass quick and easy. It’s the perfect personal item backpack for those who want something simple and stylish.

Features at a glance:

• Dimensions: 17” x 8.5” x 4.5”

• Capacity: 23L

• Internal laptop sleeve

• Made of recycled materials

• Available in multiple colors

Final Tips: Before Picking Your Next Personal Item Backpack

Here are some quick tips that will help you in finding the best personal item backpack or bag. It’s important to keep certain factors in mind as they can change based on airfare class and plane size.

Is a backpack a personal item on United?

Yes, a backpack is considered a personal item on United Airlines. But you must keep the backpack under the size limit of 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches. Larger backpacks may be considered carry on items and can be subject to additional charges.

Your personal item must safely fit underneath the seat in front of you.

While your carry-on must be able to fit in overhead stowage, a personal item must be able to fit in underseat storage. Keep in mind that United Basic Economy fare only allows you one personal item per ticket so make sure your bag is small enough to avoid additional charges.

Underseat storage varies by size of airplane and ticket fare.

Although there is wiggle room underneath your seat for an extra inch here and there it’s important to note that space will sometimes be limited. Avoid overstuffed backpacks or hardshell bags to allow some give when stowing away your personal item.

Don’t compromise leg room if you don’t have to

It’s better to go with a smaller backpack as your personal item rather than a large one. Large backpacks and bags can take up too much leg room and this can be bad news on long flights where stretching is important.

For more helpful info before your next trip make sure to check out our travel backpack guides!

14 Best Backpacks with Chest Straps – School, Laptop, Travel

In this buying guide we list a few of our favorite backpacks with chest straps. From daily laptop to travel backpacks – you’re sure to find the best bag for you!

Read More →

13 Best Backpacks that Open Like a Suitcase – Travel Backpack Guide

Why choose between a backpack and a suitcase when you can carry a travel backpack that opens like a suitcase? Here are our top picks.

Read More →

Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2 – Worth the Upgrade?

Considering an expandable Knack Pack but don’t know which one to get? In this Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2 backpack comparison we explore which is the better buy.

Read More →

3 Must-Have Backpack Features for Safer Carry in 2021

From antimicrobial fabrics to wireless phone charging – these features allow for safer backpack carry in 2021.

Read More →

19 Best Backpacks with Water Bottle Pockets – Tested and Reviewed!

Say goodbye to backpacks with flimsy water bottle pockets! In this buying guide we search for the best backpack with water bottle holder and give you 19 great options for staying hydrated on the move.

Read More →

11 Backpacks Like North Face You Should Check Out

We explore North Face backpack alternatives from some of our favorite brands. Discover the best backpacks like North Face Recon, Jester and Borealis.

Read More →

9 Travel Backpack Purses You Need For Your Next Trip

Having a go-to travel backpack purse is an easy way to get the most out of your travel experience. No matter the destination, these convertible travel backpack purses will adapt to your journey.

Read More →

21 Backpacks Similar to Fjallraven

Discover brands like Fjallraven and backpacks like Kanken with this list of alternatives. These backpack brands combine outdoor style with modern utility.

Read More →

Best Carry On Backpacks for Women: One Bag Travel for Flights

Discover the best carry on backpacks for women who are serious about one bag travel. These backpacks fit the carry on requirement for most airlines and are available in comfortable women’s fits.

Read More →

Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack Review – Hands-On with Everlane’s Best Travel Backpack Yet

Everlane offers a new environmentally conscious travel backpack in a stylish modern design. We explore what the ReNew Transit has to offer with in this hands-on Everlane backpack review.

Read More →