If you're confused on what you may bring onboard for free these days, you're not alone. More and more airlines are slimming their economy fare down to include nothing but transportation for you and an ambiguous "personal item". Exact dimensions for a personal item will vary slightly by airline, but in general, it needs to be an item that will fit underneath the seat in front of you.
Small Backpacks That Fit Personal Item Dimensions
If you're able to pack super light, you can still get by on short trips with just a small backpack. Some minimalists may even be able to travel this way on extended trips. Here are some top picks for backpacks that will always be free to carry on-board.
Boarding Blue Personal Item Laptop Backpack
This bag is spacious and durable without the high price tag. It has many compartments to organize your belongings and weighing in at just 1 lb., it won't break your back either.
Modoker Vintage Laptop Backpack
This backpack is both stylish and functional. It's small enough to fit even the most stringent personal item limits, but can still pack what you need for a quick weekend trip. The standout feature of this vintage laptop bag is its pocket specifically designed to hold a backup battery so you can easily charge your phone on the go.
Related: How to Avoid Paying Airline Seat Fees
Volher Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack
With its thick, durable design, suitcase strap, and extra-padded shoulder straps, this bag was built for trekking through the airport. A separate laptop compartment can fit devices up to 15 inches and the water-resistant polyester fabric means your tech won't be at risk if you encounter some turbulence while sipping your in-flight drink. With multiple pockets, your belongings will be well organized for your entire trip.
Osprey Axis 18 Laptop Backpack
From one of the top-rated brands, this Osprey pack is great for the trail and also includes a padded laptop sleeve for multiple uses. The bungee compression system allows you to easily store your jacket on the outside and the removable waist belt will keep the bag positioned correctly on your back.
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JanSport Hatchet Backpack
A classic name in backpacks, JanSport has come out with a stylish pack that can be used for more than lugging school books to and from class. This spacious pack has many compartments inside and comes in many different color choices for you to match your favorite look.
eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack
A sleek and well thought out pack from eBags. This bag comes with a lifetime warranty and separates your laptop into a fully padded, lockable compartment. It has a low profile design and all the compartments you could think of to keep your life organized. The pack can also easily convert to a briefcase allowing you to have a professional look by day with the option to comfortably carry on your back while sightseeing.
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Travelon Anti-Theft Heritage Backpack
A nice looking canvas bag that has a padded laptop sleeve and an RFID blocking compartment. The locking zippers are a nice feature to give you some peace of mind if you carry any valuables on your back. With a slash-resistant body and shoulder strap, this pack has all the security you could ever find in a backpack.
Modoker Vintage Canvas Backpack
Another canvas backpack with an old-school vibe. This bag is suitable for multiple activities from hiking to strolling the city streets. It features high-quality metal hardware and 100% cotton canvas along with genuine leather. Suitable for both men and women, this pack comes in a variety of colors to go with your choice of fashion.
Related: How to Pack in Just a Personal Item Sized Bag
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