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American Airlines personal item size: 18 x 14 x 8 in / 45 x 35 x 20 cm
Limits change; confirm with your airline before you fly. Every figure here links to the airline page it came from.
Lossga Travel Backpack, 18x14x8 Spirit Airlines Personal Item Travel Bag
18 x 14 x 8 in, as listed
The roomiest personal item bag in our catalog whose listed size meets American’s limit (18 x 14 x 8 in as listed).
$20.99 Check price on Amazon
Prices change often.
What are American's personal item rules?
| Allowance | Maximum size | Weight | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 18 x 14 x 8 in / 45 x 35 x 20 cm | none stated | American baggage page, checked 2026 |
| Carry-on | 22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 36 x 23 cm | none stated | details |
Must fit under the seat in front of you, such as a purse or small handbag.
By volume this limit is larger than 13 and smaller than 1 of the 19 personal item limits on this site. Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant and easyJet publish the same box.
Which personal item bags fit American?
Sizes are as the listing states them; these bags have no wheels, so the stated size is the outside of the bag. Pack them to the listed depth, not beyond.
| Bag | Listed size | Verdict | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| EZUOLA Travel Backpack for Men,TSA Carry On Backpack Flight Approved | 16.9 x 11.4 x 7.5 in | FITS | $23.99 |
| ECOHUB 17" Small Travel Backpack United Airlines Personal Item Bag 25L | 17 x 10 x 9 in | TOO BIG | $40.49 |
| Lossga Travel Backpack, 18x14x8 Spirit Airlines Personal Item Travel Bag | 18 x 14 x 8 in | FITS | $20.99 |
| Taygeer Frontier Airlines Personal Item Bag, 18x14x8 inches Travel Bag | 18 x 14 x 8 in | FITS | $20.99 |
| Lossga Travel Backpack for Women Men 18x14x8 Waterproof Carry On Backpack | 18 x 14 x 8 in | FITS | $23.99 |
| WANDF Personal Item Travel Bag 18x14x8 | 18 x 14 x 8 in | FITS | $39.99 |
Personal item bags that meet American’s limit
Lossga Travel Backpack, 18x14x8 Spirit Airlines Personal Item Travel Bag
18 x 14 x 8 in as listed$20.99Check price
Taygeer Frontier Airlines Personal Item Bag, 18x14x8 inches Travel Bag
18 x 14 x 8 in as listed, 1.87 lb$20.99Check price
EZUOLA Travel Backpack for Men,TSA Carry On Backpack Flight Approved
16.9 x 11.4 x 7.5 in as listed$23.99Check price
$39.99Check price
Frequently asked questions
What size is a American personal item?
American Airlines gives the personal item maximum as 18 x 14 x 8 in / 45 x 35 x 20 cm on its own baggage page. Must fit under the seat in front of you, such as a purse or small handbag. Measure the bag packed, because a soft backpack that fits empty can bulge past the depth limit once it is full.
Can a backpack be a personal item on American?
Yes, as long as it measures within 18 x 14 x 8 in / 45 x 35 x 20 cm when packed and fits under the seat in front of you. Look for listings that state an 18 x 14 x 8 inch or smaller size. Straps and bottle pockets count toward the size if they stick out.
What is the difference between a personal item and a carry-on on American?
The carry-on goes in the overhead bin and is limited to 22 x 14 x 9 in / 56 x 36 x 23 cm; the personal item goes under the seat and is limited to 18 x 14 x 8 in / 45 x 35 x 20 cm. Most fares allow one of each.
Researched, not professional advice. Limits change and can vary by route and fare; the airline's own page is the final word.