Traveling can often be a stressful experience, and one of the most common sources of confusion is understanding airline baggage policies. When flying with American Airlines, passengers often wonder about the rules regarding what counts as a carry-on and what doesn’t. One frequent question is: Is a purse considered a carry-on bag on American Airlines? This article will provide a comprehensive answer, covering American Airlines’ definitions, baggage allowances, tips for packing, and additional considerations to ensure your travel experience is smooth and hassle-free.
American Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item on board. The airline distinguishes between the two:
Carry-on Bag: A larger item that fits in the overhead bin.
Personal Item: A smaller item that fits under the seat in front of you.
Understanding the difference between these two categories is crucial, as American Airlines enforces size restrictions strictly, particularly during busy flights.
American Airlines specifies that carry-on bags must not exceed 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches tall, including handles and wheels. Examples include small suitcases, duffel bags, or rolling backpacks. The airline’s cabin storage is limited, so it is important to adhere to these dimensions to avoid having your bag checked at the gate, which can result in delays and additional fees.
A personal item is typically smaller than a carry-on bag and is meant to fit underneath the seat in front of you. According to American Airlines, personal items include:
Purses
Briefcases
Laptop bags
Small backpacks
Diaper bags
A personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. While American Airlines does not specify exact dimensions for a personal item, a general guideline is approximately 18 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 8 inches tall. The goal is to ensure that your personal item can comfortably fit under the seat without obstructing the space of other passengers.
The short answer is no, a purse is generally considered a personal item rather than a carry-on bag. This means that if you have a purse, you are still allowed to bring a separate carry-on suitcase or bag, provided it adheres to the airline’s carry-on size restrictions.
However, there are a few nuances:
Size Matters: If your purse is exceptionally large and could reasonably fit in the overhead bin, an airline gate agent might classify it as a carry-on bag. In such cases, your allowance for a separate carry-on bag could be impacted.
Multiple Personal Items: American Airlines typically allows only one personal item per passenger, so if you bring both a purse and a laptop bag, you may need to consolidate them into a single personal item to comply with policy.
Knowing the distinction between carry-on and personal item allows you to plan your packing efficiently. Here’s a practical example:
Scenario: You have a medium-sized rolling suitcase, a purse, and a small laptop bag.
Policy Application: Your suitcase counts as your carry-on. Your purse could count as your personal item, but you cannot count both your purse and laptop bag separately as personal items. You would need to combine essentials into your purse or laptop bag to comply with American Airlines’ one personal item rule.
Even when adhering to size rules, some flights may experience overhead bin space limitations. If the flight is full, a gate agent may ask passengers to check their carry-on items at no additional cost. Personal items, such as purses, are generally exempt from this, as they are designed to fit under the seat. Nonetheless, travelers should be aware that very large personal items could be scrutinized.
Traveling with a purse as your personal item can offer convenience, but it requires strategic planning. Here are some tips:
Pack Smart: Place essential items in your purse, such as your passport, boarding pass, wallet, and medications. Keep heavier items in your carry-on bag to avoid shoulder strain.
Use a Secure Bag: Choose a purse with secure closures and compartments to protect valuable items from theft or accidental spillage.
Check Airline Updates: Airline policies can change, so review American Airlines’ official website before your flight to ensure you comply with current rules.
Consider Size and Weight: While there is no strict weight limit for personal items, ensure that your purse is manageable for overhead storage if necessary. A large or heavy purse can be cumbersome during boarding and disembarkation.
American Airlines’ policies generally remain consistent for both domestic and international flights. However, international flights may have stricter baggage controls due to security regulations or partner airline policies. Some partner airlines may have smaller under-seat dimensions, so it is advisable to:
Verify the personal item allowance with the partner airline if your flight is codeshared.
Avoid overpacking your purse to ensure it comfortably fits under the seat.
Keep essential documents accessible in your purse, as airport security often requires quick access.
There are a few misconceptions about purses and carry-on bags on American Airlines:
Misconception 1: A purse counts as my only carry-on bag.
Reality: A purse is considered a personal item, which is separate from your carry-on bag allowance.
Misconception 2: I can bring multiple personal items including a purse.
Reality: Passengers are allowed only one personal item. If you want to carry a purse and another bag like a laptop bag, you must combine them.
Misconception 3: Size doesn’t matter for purses.
Reality: Very large purses may be classified as carry-on bags. Always keep your purse at a manageable size.
To answer the question: Yes, a purse is considered a personal item on American Airlines, not a carry-on bag. This means passengers are allowed to bring both a purse and a carry-on bag, provided each item meets the airline’s size restrictions. However, careful attention should be paid to size, airport security, and boarding procedures to ensure a seamless travel experience.
By understanding the distinctions between carry-on bags and personal items, passengers can avoid unexpected fees or delays at the gate. Packing efficiently and strategically using a purse for essentials can make your journey smoother, more organized, and less stressful.
American Airlines strives to provide clear guidelines, but travel can sometimes present unique challenges. Staying informed about baggage rules, maintaining a well-packed purse, and checking the latest airline updates are key steps to ensure your flight experience is as stress-free as possible.