Yes, there is an important difference between carry-on baggage and a personal item, and understanding it can help you avoid unexpected fees at the airport.

A personal item is a smaller bag that fits under the seat in front of you. This typically includes items like a handbag, a small backpack, a laptop bag, or a briefcase. Most airlines allow one personal item free of charge on all fare types, including basic economy.

A carry-on bag (also called cabin baggage or hand luggage) is a larger bag that goes in the overhead bin above your seat. Carry-on bags are generally larger than personal items and have specific size and weight limits set by the airline. Not all fare types include a carry-on bag, particularly with low-cost carriers or basic economy fares, where carry-on may be an add-on you need to purchase separately.

The exact size and weight limits for both carry-on bags and personal items vary by airline, so we strongly recommend checking your airline's specific baggage policy before packing. What qualifies as an acceptable carry-on on one airline may exceed the limits on another.

If your fare only includes a personal item and you need to bring a carry-on bag, you can usually purchase carry-on access through the airline's website or at the airport. As with checked baggage, buying online in advance is typically cheaper than paying at the gate.

You can check what's included in your specific fare in the Trip Details section of your MyArea account. For the most up-to-date baggage policy, we recommend also checking directly with your airline.