Backpack and Cabin Bag: Can You Take Both on a Plane? The Complete Guide

The suitcase is packed, the passport is ready... but a crucial question is on your mind as you finalize your travel arrangements: can I take my backpack in addition to my carry-on?

It's one of the modern traveler's biggest dilemmas. You want to have your essentials close at hand, your computer, a book, while keeping a carry-on suitcase for your clothes. So, is a double bag allowed or do you risk hefty fees at the airport?

The answer is, in most cases, yes, but under very specific conditions. Let's dive together into the airline rules to travel with peace of mind and a full back (but not too much!).

The general rule of airlines: Cabin baggage + Personal accessory

To fully understand, we must distinguish two types of baggage that you can take with you in the cabin. Most traditional airlines operate on a "1+1" model:

1. Main cabin baggage: This is your rolling suitcase or large travel bag. It must respect strict dimensions and weight, generally around 55 x 40 x 20 cm and a weight oscillating between 7 and 10 kg. This luggage is intended to be stored in the overhead compartments, above your seat.

2. Personal accessory: This is where our famous backpack comes into play! In addition to your main baggage, you are often allowed to bring a second, smaller item. This accessory is the key to traveling with an extra backpack without paying extra.

What exactly is a "personal accessory"?

This is where all the subtlety lies. A backpack can be considered a personal accessory provided it is small. This is not your 70 liter hiking backpack!

Airlines generally define personal accessory as a compact item that may include:

• A small backpack

• A purse or clutch

• A laptop bag

• A device bag photo

The golden rule, the non-negotiable criterion for an item to be validated as a "personal accessory", is its ability to slide completely under the seat in front of you. This constraint ensures that aisles remain clear and baggage compartments are not overloaded.

The 4 crucial points to check before you leave

Before you show up at the boarding gate with your suitcase and backpack, take five minutes to check these essential points. They will save you stress and unpleasant surprises.

1. The size and weight of your backpack

Your backpack should be visibly smaller than your main carry-on bag. While many companies do not give a weight for the personal accessory, more and more of them specify its maximum dimensions (for example, 40 x 30 x 15 cm, or 45 x 36 x 20 cm or 40 x 30 x 20). Make sure your bag meets these limits. A backpack that is too full or too large risks being reclassified as cabin baggage, which may result in charges.

2. Your class of travel and your type of ticket: Beware of "low cost"!

This is the most common trap! Baggage policies depend greatly on the ticket you have purchased.

• Standard tickets (Economy, etc.): Generally, they include the duo of cabin baggage + personal accessory.

• "Basic Economy" or "Light" tickets: More and more traditional airlines are offering these basic fares which do not allow only one personal accessory (the one that goes under the seat). Your cabin suitcase then becomes chargeable.

• Low cost airlines (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, etc.): Their default model most often only allows one small bag which must fit under the seat. To take an additional cabin bag, you must subscribe to a paid option (such as "Priority & 2 cabin bags").

3. Seating on board: everyone in their place

Once on the plane, the rule is simple. Your main cabin bag goes in the overhead compartment. Your personal accessory (your backpack) must go under the seat in front of you. Do not try to put both on top, the flight attendant will ask you to collect your accessory to place it at your feet.

4. Verification on the company's website: THE GOLDEN RULE

The rules change, the policies evolve. The only 100% reliable source of information is the official website of the airline you are traveling with. The reflex to have before EACH trip: type “cabin baggage policy [name of your company]” into your search engine. You will find the exact dimensions, weights and number of items authorized for your ticket type.

To help you know what sizes for your baggage, here is an article which will tell you all the sizes of cabin baggage of the different airlines.

In summary: your checklist for a stress-free boarding

Yes, it is entirely possible to take a backpack in addition to your cabin baggage. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, ask yourself these questions:

• ✅ Is my backpack small enough to be considered a "personal accessory"?

• ✅ Does my plane ticket (class and company) allow me one carry-on bag AND one personal accessory?

• ✅ Can my backpack fit easily under an airplane seat ?

• ✅ Have I checked the specific conditions on my airline's website?

If you can answer "yes" to all of these questions, then congratulations! You can travel with your two bags without fear. Otherwise, it is safer (and often cheaper) to add baggage online before your departure rather than paying an exorbitant surcharge at the airport.

You can also discover here our collection of Cabin Travel Backpack specially designed to fit within the size limits of low-cost airlines, and thus avoid any surcharges and surprises at boarding.

Have a good trip.