Best Personal Item Bag for Planes (2026): What Size Qualifies?
Last Updated: May 2026
The standard personal item size accepted by most major airlines is 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). Any bag within these dimensions qualifies as a free personal item — regardless of which airline you fly. Below are the best personal item bags from Arca that meet this limit and are approved by United, American, Delta, Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier Airlines.
The Arca Travel Backpack 40L is the ultimate choice for travelers who require a spacious yet compact bag. Crafted with robust, water-resistant materials and reliable zippers, this backpack guarantees long-lasting performance. It starts at 30 liters and expands to 40 liters, providing an additional 50% space for those times when you need to carry more.
The Arca Flight Backpack stands out with its 4-in-1 design, offering unparalleled versatility and functionality. Whether you're on a business trip, a weekend getaway, or an everyday commute, this backpack meets all your needs. Like the Travel Backpack, it's made from durable, water-resistant materials and equipped with YKK zippers. It starts at 30 liters and expands to 40 liters, providing ample room for your belongings.
Major Airlines Accepting These Backpacks as Personal Item Bags
We understand the importance of having a backpack that fits airline personal item size requirements. Below is a list of major airlines where both the Arca Travel Backpack and Arca Flight Backpack are considered personal item bags:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- United Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Alaska Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- Allegiant Air
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Air Canada
- WestJet
- British Airways
- Lufthansa
- Air France
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Qantas
- Emirates
- Singapore Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- Etihad Airways
- Japan Airlines
- All Nippon Airways (ANA)
- Korean Air
- Turkish Airlines
- Aer Lingus
- Iberia
- Austrian Airlines
- Swiss International Air Lines
- Air New Zealand
- Aeromexico
- LATAM Airlines
- Avianca
- Copa Airlines
- Ethiopian Airlines
- South African Airways
- Kenya Airways
- Royal Air Maroc
- EgyptAir
Conclusion
Both the Arca Travel Backpack 40L and the Arca Flight Backpack are designed to provide maximum convenience and functionality for your travels. With their robust construction, spacious compartments, and compliance with major airline personal item size requirements, these backpacks are your ideal travel companions. Explore our website to learn more and make your next trip a breeze with the perfect travel backpack.
Visit our Travel Backpacks Collection to purchase your Arca Travel Backpack today! Click here
Arca Team
The Arca Official Team is a group of avid travelers and gear enthusiasts based between Vancouver, Canada and Buenos Aires, Argentina. Founded by two entrepreneurs who couldn't find affordable, quality travel gear, Arca Official has helped thousands of travelers pack smarter. Every article is researched and written by team members who test the gear themselves.













