Does a Small Purse Count as a Carry-On?

You’ve arrived at the airport, ready for your trip, and then it hits you—does your small purse count as a carry-on bag? This is a question many travelers wrestle with, and it's crucial to know the answer, especially with airline baggage fees becoming more stringent and expensive. Let’s break down the confusion surrounding what is considered a carry-on and whether that small purse you love will end up costing you extra at the gate.

Understanding Airline Carry-On Policies

Airlines have different rules regarding what counts as a carry-on, and these rules can vary by country, airline, and even flight class. Generally speaking, a carry-on is any bag that you are allowed to bring on the plane and store in the overhead bin. Most airlines allow one carry-on bag and one personal item. A small purse, under most airline policies, is typically categorized as a "personal item" rather than a carry-on bag.

Carry-On vs. Personal Item: What’s the Difference?

To avoid confusion, it's essential to differentiate between a carry-on bag and a personal item. Here’s a simple way to think about it:

• Carry-on Bag: This is usually a small suitcase, duffel bag, or a backpack that fits in the overhead bin. It needs to meet the size restrictions provided by the airline, which is often around 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm). Airlines often charge for checked baggage, but most still allow one free carry-on.

• Personal Item: This could be a small backpack, a laptop bag, a camera bag, or—yes, you guessed it—a small purse! Personal items are meant to fit under the seat in front of you, and they usually have fewer size restrictions.

In most cases, your small purse qualifies as a personal item, which means you can carry it alongside your designated carry-on bag without any additional fees. But beware: if you're also carrying a laptop bag, the airline might count that as your personal item, leaving no room for your purse without an additional charge.

Examples of Airline Policies on Purses

Different airlines have their own rules when it comes to what is classified as a carry-on and what is a personal item. Here are a few examples:

• United Airlines: You are allowed one full-sized carry-on bag and one personal item such as a purse, a laptop bag, or a briefcase. The personal item should fit under the seat in front of you.

• Southwest Airlines: Similar to United, you can bring one carry-on and one personal item. Southwest doesn't specify a weight limit but asks that the items meet size requirements.

• Spirit Airlines: This budget airline has a stricter policy. They charge for anything beyond a small personal item, which can be a purse. However, if your purse is larger than the specified size (usually 18 x 14 x 8 inches), it will be considered a carry-on, and you'll have to pay extra.

Maximizing Space: How to Pack a Small Purse as a Personal Item

If you’re traveling light and want to avoid baggage fees, packing strategically is key. A small purse can hold more than you think if packed correctly. Here’s how:

1. Use Multi-Functional Items: Carry a small wallet or cardholder instead of a bulky purse. If you don’t need to carry a lot of cash, this will save space for other essentials.

2. Roll, Don’t Fold: If you’re bringing any clothing items, rolling them takes up less space than folding. This tip is especially useful if your purse is large enough to carry a change of clothes.

3. Prioritize Essentials: Only pack what you absolutely need in your purse. Documents, medication, and electronics should take priority. Anything non-essential can go in your carry-on.

4. Choose a Purse with Compartments: If your purse has multiple compartments, use them! It helps to keep things organized and saves you from having to rummage through your bag in the middle of the airport.

What If My Purse is Too Big?

If your purse exceeds the size restrictions for a personal item, you might be asked to count it as your carry-on bag, meaning you’ll need to check any larger bag you’re bringing. To avoid this, make sure your purse is compact and fits under the seat in front of you. If you're not sure, check the airline’s website for size guidelines before you pack.

International Travel and Purses as Carry-Ons

When traveling internationally, it’s important to remember that the rules might be different from domestic flights. Some international airlines have stricter limits on both the number of bags and the size of personal items. For instance, European budget airlines like Ryanair often allow only one bag—meaning if you carry a purse, it might count as your one allowed item.

If you’re traveling on multiple airlines during a trip, it’s always a good idea to check the baggage policies of each one to ensure that your small purse doesn’t end up costing you more in the long run.

Conclusion: Know Before You Go

At the end of the day, whether your small purse counts as a carry-on bag or a personal item depends on the airline and your other baggage. In most cases, a small purse is considered a personal item, allowing you to bring it in addition to a larger carry-on bag. However, it’s always best to check your specific airline’s policies before traveling to avoid any surprises at the gate.

Packing strategically and choosing the right purse can make all the difference. If your purse is small enough and meets the airline’s size guidelines, you’ll breeze through the boarding process without worrying about extra fees. The key is preparation, understanding your airline’s rules, and making the most out of your personal item allowance.

Safe travels, and may your purse never count as a carry-on!