Morgan Scott July 9, 2019 Learning Guide

Delta Personal Item Size Guide for Backpacks, Bags and More

Morgan Scott July 9, 2019 Learning Guide

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.

Delta Personal Item Size

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. 

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.

Most Delta underseat dimensions are 20” L x 15” W x 11” H

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.

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Is a backpack considered a personal item on Delta?

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. 

For even more options check out our personal item backpack buying guide.

Important Tips: Choosing Your Personal Item

Before you decide on which bag to carry please make sure to follow some simple guidelines to make sure you are prepared for any variations in underseat storage that you may encounter on your next Delta flight:

It’s better to go smaller than larger

Keep in mind that each flight can be different and that underseat storage sizes aren’t guaranteed. It’s better to go with a smaller bag or backpack than one you may risk having to stow in overhead storage. We recommend keeping your personal item 18” x 13” x 9” or smaller.

Keep your personal item backpack or bag flexible.

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.

Don’t compromise legroom if you don’t have to

Keeping your personal item on the smaller side will give you extra room to stretch your feet during the flight. A bag that is too big may be uncomfortable, especially during long flights.

Conclusion

So now that we have gone over what exactly Delta considers a personal item with examples, let’s wrap it all up:

• Delta allows 1 carry on item and 1 personal item passenger (unless you are traveling Basic Economy where different rules apply)

• Delta personal items must fit in underneath the seat in front of you. Most Delta underseat dimensions are 20” x 15” x 11”

• Stick with a bag or backpack that is 17” x 13” x 9” or smaller to ensure that it will fit in underseat storage.

• Any bag or backpack larger than the underseat dimensions may be considered a carry on and will have to be stowed in the overhead compartment.

We hope this guide is of help while planning your next trip. To check out more backpack guides make sure to check out our Travel Buying Guides.

Happy travels!

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Our Favorite Delta Personal Item Backpacks

The Ridge Commuter Ripstop

The Ridge

The Ridge Commuter Ripstop is a spacious backpack with tons of pockets for your must-have travel carry such as a laptop, chargers, books and snacks – plus the roomy main compartment is perfect for light packing of clothes and toiletries.

We chose the Ridge Commuter Ripstop as a perfect Delta personal item because of two huge features. First, the Ridge Commuter Ripstop is incredibly lightweight thanks to its ripstop fabric construction. This means a more comfortable carry when traveling with less weight to bog you down. The second great features is that each Ridge Commuter backpack includes an integrated USB charging port that allows you to charge your tech while on the move! No more searching for outlets at the airport to charge your phone!

Also available is the Ridge Commuter Weatherproof – the same design in a more robust weatherproof fabric and zippers. This version is great if you intent on using your backpack as a daypack for sightseeing or outdoor adventures once you get to your destination.

• Dimensions: 18” x12” x 6” in

Knack Pack Series 1 Expandable Backpack

Knack Bags

The Knack Pack Series one is Knack’s signature travel and daily backpack. This expandable backpack allow you to use it as a suitcase backpack while traveling as a compact daypack once you arrive to your destination. 

The Knack Pack is available in 3 sizes: Small, Medium and Large for the perfect fit. If you are looking for a reliable personal item backpack for Delta – we recommend going with the Small or Medium sizes to stay within the personal item limit.

We love the Knack bags for their incredible quality and versatile design that also allows it to be used for work, school and daily carry. Trust us, the Knack Pack Series 1 is more than just a travel backpack!

• Dimensions: Knack Pack Medium – 19” x 12” x 4.5” in (9.5” when expanded)

Day Owl Backpack

Day Owl

The Day Owl backpack is more than meets the eye! Hidden inside its minimalist exterior are tons of sneaky pockets, a roomy interior that’s great for travel packing and plenty of organization of your travel essentials. 

One of our favorite features is the hidden water bottle pocket that can be found on the side of the bag. This clever pocket allows for safe and sanitary storage for your water bottle while on the move. Plus, it’s lined with neoprene so that spills stay contained if an accident were to happen.

The compact design is perfect for stashing underneath airline seats and the outer pockets are great for quickly grabbing accessories like a phone, headphones or small book. If you are looking for a fun and functional personal item backpack for Delta then we couldn’t recommend the Day Owl Backpack enough!

• Dimensions: 17” x 12” x 5”

Osprey Daylite Expandable Travel Backpack

Osprey Packs

Designed to specifically fit most airline “personal item” size requirements, the Osprey Daylite Expandable Travel Backpack packs a lot of punch for a bag its size! Inside you are greeted with a clamshell opening design that allows you to pack the main compartment just like a suitcase.

Other awesome features include plenty of pockets for smaller travel essentials and a separate laptop compartment for easy organization on busy airport days. 

• Dimensions: 17″ X 13” X 6” in

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