Is a backpack considered carry-on luggage?

A backpack is a convenient accessory that holds all the necessary things. At the same time, your hands remain free. A shoulder bag allows you to feel comfortable during any movement and be confident in your own completeness. If you need to fly on an airplane, a backpack today is not considered carry-on luggage. You can take it on board if the accessory meets all safety requirements and dimensions specified by the carrier company.

Is a backpack considered carry-on luggage?

Airlines do not have strict regulations regarding the type of bags that can be carried on board an airplane as hand luggage. It is important that the product meets all safety requirements for the owner of the fashion item and other passengers, and also fits into predetermined dimensions.

The fact is that in the cabin of a passenger aircraft, the space for each client is very limited.In order not to clutter the aisles and not risk the safety of their customers, air carriers clearly limit the size and volume of the bag, as well as the things that can be placed in it before being taken on board.

Important! The backpack is an excellent alternative to a regular bag. With it you can take everything you need that may be useful during the flight.

Hand luggage concept

In 2017, airlines radically revised existing rules and identified a number of rules that must be strictly observed by both passengers and airline personnel. One of these rules is taking hand luggage on board. According to experts, it is a bag or backpack that a person can carry into the aircraft cabin absolutely free of charge. The backpack must meet the following requirements:

• fit in the free seat allocated by the airline (the volume of the permitted backpack should not exceed 15 kg);
• does not contain prohibited items;
• does not pose a danger to airline employees and customers.

Some of the conditions may vary from company to company. For example, the dimensions of hand luggage or the ability to carry certain items in the cabin are slightly different. In any case, the shoulder bag will be checked by airport staff when checking in for a flight or boarding the plane.

Modern norms and standards for hand luggage on airplanes

Previously, a backpack was considered carry-on luggage, but since last year everything has changed. Now an airline passenger can take on board up to 5 kg of things for free, and in addition pack a backpack and take it as an addition to hand luggage. Previously, this was only allowed for small handbags and business briefcases with papers and laptops.

Since this accessory does not apply to hand luggage, in accordance with the Order, it can be equipped with additional items in excess of the 5 kg limit and carried on board the aircraft.

Important! Each company sets its own dimensions for a backpack that can be carried on board an airliner. The average parameters are 55x38x20 cm.

It is worth choosing models made of fabric so that when taking measurements carried out by airport staff, you can imperceptibly vary the volume of luggage. Hard plastic or leather items may not fit properly when measured by the validator.

Companies also set their own weight limits. In most cases, the average weight of a backpack should be 7-12 kg. Some foreign carriers make it possible to transport a record 23 kg of hand luggage. To avoid getting into an unpleasant situation and not being forced to send your bag to the luggage compartment with an extra charge for being overweight, it is better to check the weight of your backpack in advance.

Thus, today a backpack is not considered hand luggage and can be taken on board an aircraft as an additional bag. The main thing is to study in advance the list of prohibited things that you absolutely cannot put inside your bag.

Typically, airlines that offer low-cost flights are more strict about checking things during boarding and check-in. Typically, only one small space is allocated per hand bag. Such companies may not allow you to enter the cabin with a shoulder bag that exceeds the permissible dimensions. In expensive airlines there will be more concessions; a backpack can be safely carried on board the aircraft.