Can You Bring Both a Purse and a Carry-On On a Plane
Yes, most airlines allow one personal item, such as a purse, plus one carry-on bag. The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, while the carry-on goes in the overhead bin. As of 2025, the most common personal-item dimensions are 18 x 14 x 8 inches, and the standard carry-on limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, though exact limits vary by carrier. You can confirm your airline's current policy on its website or at Forbes.
Some airlines define the purse strictly as a personal item, not a second bag, so it counts against your one-item allowance. Budget carriers such as Spirit and Frontier enforce strict size checks and may charge for bags that exceed their limits. Full-service carriers like Delta, United, and American generally allow one carry-on and one personal item at no extra cost on most fare types. Always verify the latest rules before you travel, as policies can change with seasonal schedules or fare classes.
Carry-On Size and Fee Rules for Major Airlines
Standard Carry-On Dimensions and Personal Item Limits
Delta, United, and American allow carry-ons up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches and a personal item such as a purse up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Southwest allows two free checked bags and one carry-on plus one personal item. JetBlue and Alaska Airlines follow similar size rules, but low-cost carriers often have stricter enforcement at the gate. You can find current size charts on the airline's official site or through a trusted travel resource like Forbes.
Fees for Oversized or Extra Bags
Spirit charges $36 to $75 for carry-ons and $30 to $55 for personal items depending on when you pay. Frontier charges $35 to $60 for carry-ons and $30 to $40 for personal items, with higher fees at the airport. Basic economy fares on major carriers often do not include a free carry-on, even if the purse is allowed as a personal item. Always check the fee schedule on the airline's website before booking to avoid surprise charges at check-in or the gate.
Practical Packing and Compliance Tips
How to Choose a Purse That Fits Airline Rules
Pick a purse with structured dimensions that fall within the airline's personal-item limits, such as a compact tote or crossbody bag. Soft-sided bags are easier to squeeze under the seat or into overhead bin space. Avoid oversized designer bags that exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches, as gate agents may require you to check them. The TSA's current rules for liquids in carry-ons and personal items apply to your purse as well, so keep liquids in containers of 3.4 ounces or less in a quart-sized bag.
Security and Boarding Considerations
At the security checkpoint, you must remove your purse from your carry-on and place it in a bin for X-ray screening. TSA officers may inspect your purse if the imaging shows anomalies, so keep essentials like your wallet and phone accessible. Most airlines now require you to stow your carry-on fully in the overhead bin before boarding, and gate agents may gate-check oversized personal items for free. For the latest travel security guidance, see the TSA's official page at TSA.gov.