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In the world of air travel today, space is at a premium and every inch counts. Understanding whether a fanny pack, sling bag, or other small bag counts as a personal item can save you from last-minute panic when you board the plane for your next trip.
Search online for “Does a fanny pack or sling bag count as a personal item,” and you'll get all sorts of answers, from “No. As long as you’re wearing it, it is personal attire” to “Just hide it under your shirt” to “Yes, and you’ll have to put it in another bag.” Answers are all over the place.
It turns out that the real answer is about as clear as airline coffee.
Understanding the Basics of Personal Items
According to most airlines, a personal item is something that fits under the seat in front of you and is typically smaller than your carry-on bag. Think of items like a purse, laptop bag, backpack, tote bag, camera bag, or other type of small bag to hold your personal belongings.
The Fanny Pack: Fashion Comeback or Sneaky Extra Bag?
The fanny pack, also known as a waist pack, belt bag, bum bag, and hip bag, has seen a comeback in recent years. It's small but can pack a lot, and since it leaves your hands free, it’s oh-so-convenient.
But does it count as a personal item? The short answer is: yes...but that doesn't necessarily mean you can't wear it onboard.
Some of you may remember the good old days when you could bring a carry-on bag, personal item, giant pillow, stuffed jacket, a bag filled with your airport shopping, food (and maybe a few other items you snuck in), AND your trusty fanny pack.
Well, times have changed. More people are traveling, and more people equals more stuff. More stuff equals less luggage space in the overhead bin. Less luggage space equals carry-on policies being enforced, and policies being enforced equals flight attendants giving you the eye.
And if you check your airline requirements, a fanny pack would be considered a personal item.
For example, I contacted Alaska Airlines. I told them I was considering either a fanny pack or a sling bag and was wondering which one, if either, would be counted as a personal item. Here's their reply:
Sling Bags: The Cooler Cousin
Recently, cross-body sling bags have emerged on the scene, and they're great for travel. They’re not as tempting for pickpockets as a bag dangling loosely by your side or a fanny pack worn on your backside, so they add a touch more security.
Again, the criteria for whether a sling bag counts as a personal item depends on its size and the airline's policies. In every case I could find, they do count as a personal item. But again, that doesn't always mean you can't wear it onboard.
Benefits of Fanny Packs and Sling Bags for Travel
There are multiple benefits to wearing a fanny pack or sling bag, especially if it’s filled with travel essentials like your passport or other ID, your boarding pass, a pen and small notepad, a small amount of cash, credit cards, a snack, car keys, your cell phone and earbuds, or whatever else you might need during your flight.
- You can easily access your documents for security and boarding.
- Your hands are free to deal with the rest of your luggage
- You can keep small, important items here rather than in the seatback pocket so you don’t forget anything.
- Multiple zippered pockets make it easy to organize things, so you can find what you need much easier than digging through a larger bag.
- It’s easy to access without bending over like a pretzel to fish something out of the bag under the seat in front of you.
- And for women, we don’t have to have pants or a dress with pockets. (It’s so annoying when our clothes don’t have pockets, isn’t it?)
Airline Policies Regarding Fanny Packs and Sling Bags
OK...let's dive into the nitty-gritty of who says what about carry-on luggage.
Different airlines have different rules regarding personal items. Here’s a brief overview (click a link for more detailed information, including bag size).
Alaska Airlines
Alaska allows one carry-on bag plus one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop computer. At least one of the items should be stowed under the seat in front of you, and you’ll also need to be able to lift your own bag into the overhead bin.
American Airlines
American allows one carry-on item and one personal item. A fanny pack or sling bag would generally count as a personal item as long as it fits under the seat.
Delta Airlines
Delta also permits one carry-on and one personal item. A small fanny pack or sling bag would typically be considered a personal item. On a flight with fewer than 50 seats, you can only bring one personal item, which would be either your fanny pack, sling bag, or another type of small bag that will fit under the seat in front of you.
However, “duty-free merchandise” is specially designated on Delta as an item you can carry on in addition to your carry-on and personal items. If your fanny pack or sling bag is small, slip it in there. Just be prepared to put it in your other carry-on luggage if necessary.
Emirates
Emirates carry-on baggage rules depend on the route, class of travel, and airline membership status. In general, though, first-class and business-class passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item, whereas economy customers are only allowed one item.
I didn't see an answer about premium economy, so I sent them a tweet asking for clarification. Here's the reply:
If an airline's website isn't clear, call or inquire through social media.
Frontier Airlines
On Frontier, you can only bring one personal item free of charge, which is either a fanny pack, a sling bag, or a different type of bag. You need to pay to bring a larger carry-on.
JetBlue Airways
At the time of writing, JetBlue Basic fares permit a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you; no additional carry-on luggage is allowed. Starting September 6, 2024, you can also bring a carry-on bag.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest allows one carry-on bag for the overhead bin and one personal bag for under the seat. In addition to the things mentioned earlier as a personal item, their list of personal items also includes a pillow (neck pillows don’t count) and a blanket.
Spirit Airlines
One small personal item is allowed free on Spirit. There is an extra charge for a carry-on.
United Airlines
United usually allows a carry-on bag and a personal item. A small fanny pack or sling bag is likely to count as a personal item, but check the size restrictions.
The personal item allowance for basic economy fare, though, is only one bag on domestic routes. They also specify that “food or other items bought at the airport” are in addition to your carry-on bag and personal item. (Hmmm...might you be able to stash your fanny pack or sling bag in there?)
Virgin Atlantic
In Economy and Premium classes on Virgin Atlantic, only one piece of hand luggage is allowed, plus a small backpack, pocketbook, or purse. Upper class gets two pieces of hand luggage plus a personal item.
Baggage policies can change without notice! So it's crucial to check with each specific airline you'll be traveling on before you start packing.
Each airline has slightly different size and weight allowances and different policies for domestic flights vs. international flights, so be sure to check each airline you'll be traveling on.
Special Needs
Different rules may apply if you’re traveling with a disability, medical supplies, a pet, or sporting equipment. Contact your airline for anything not obvious on their website.
Navigating Airport Security
Airport security is the first checkpoint where your baggage will be scrutinized. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the United States and similar agencies in other countries have specific guidelines for what can be carried on board.
Fanny packs and sling bags are generally allowed, but you’ll have to take them off and send them through X-ray machine along with your other carry-on items.
That means all items in it must be TSA-approved, for example, no filled water bottle.
LEARN MORE >>> Easy Tips to Get Through Airport Security Faster
The Role of Gate Agents and Flight Attendants
Alrighty! You've done your homework, and you know the policy. However…just because it’s the policy, well … it may or may not be enforced.
Gate agents are the people who let you on to the boarding ramp. They'll be the first set of eyes looking at both you and your luggage to make sure everything is proper before you board.
Flight attendants are the gatekeepers of in-flight comfort and safety. During boarding, they’ll ensure that your bags are stowed properly in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Gate agents and flight attendants are both well-versed in the airline's policies and can enforce the rules regarding carry-on baggage and personal items.
The human factor sneaks in here, though, and sometimes, it’s not just about the rules. How full is the flight? How nice are you to the staff at the gate and when you board? Are you trying to sneak on a fanny pack the size of a small suitcase or is it a small one that fits pretty flat against your body? Did they just get chewed out by their boss or did they just get a big promotion?
These things can all play a part in whether your bag makes the cut.
How to Maximize Your Carry-on Luggage Allowance
If you’re trying to maximize your carry-on allowance with a fanny pack or sling bag, also consider how you pack your luggage.
Pack smart
Use packing cubes to organize everything.
LEARN MORE >>> How to Pack a Suitcase Like a Pro
Essential items
Keep essential items like medications, travel documents, and electronics in your personal item. They’ll be under the seat in front of you during the flight so you'll have easy access.
LEARN MORE:
>>> How to Pack Toiletries for Travel
>>> How to Pack Electronics for Travel
>>> How to Pack Vitamins and Supplements for Travel
Layer up
Wear your bulky clothing and heavy items on the plane to save space in your bags.
LEARN MORE >>> How to Build the Perfect Travel Capsule Wardrobe
Think You Can Just Gate-Check Your Bag?
As my mother would say, "You've got another think coming!"
A trick people used until recently is to just take an extra or overweight bag to the plane.
If the plane was overloaded or you had too many items, the flight attendant staffing the door would require you to gate-check it which meant you left it at the door of the aircraft to be loaded onto the plane there instead of with the other baggage checked in earlier.
That meant you could avoid baggage fees and just had the minor inconvenience of waiting a few minutes for your bag to be unloaded once you landed.
This strategy doesn't work anymore.
With most airlines, if you’re bringing more luggage to the plane door than allowed, whether too many bags, a bag too large, or a bag too heavy, you’ll have to pay the standard baggage fee plus an additional fee.
This means if you're wearing your fanny pack or sling bag as well as carrying a personal item and a carry-on, you will need to find a way to consolidate them into whatever number or bags you're allowed, or you'll have to gate-check it and pay the extra fees.
What About Fanny Packs and Sling Bags on a Cruise?
Cruise ships are much more lenient. As with airlines, however, check before you start packing, as they do have size and weight requirements.
As with flying, be prepared to stuff your fanny pack or sling bag in other luggage if you are required to do so in order to board.
The Bottom Line
So, does your fanny pack count as a personal item? How about that sling bag?
If the bag is small and you're wearing it, you might just cruise on down to your seat, or you might be asked to stow it. If it's big and obvious or you've got other bags, be ready to tuck it into your carry-on until you get to your seat.
Remember, preparation goes a long way. Check those airline policies, pack smart, be kind, and you'll be all set for your next adventure. Happy travels, and may the luggage gods be ever in your favor! 🛫
❓❓❓ What's your experience been? Have you been able to wear your fanny pack or sling bag plus your other allowed bags? Let us know in the comments below.
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