Is a Backpack a Personal Item Delta – Answered & Explained?

Those who are a bit aware of different airlines and their policies due to traveling quite much will tell you good things about Delta. It is one of the few that are really convenient as well as understanding towards passenger’s need.

And that is one of the few reasons why many travelers love their service. However, one frustrating thing is that Delta does not publish exact dimensions for a personal item, which would give new passengers a more specific answer. There’s quite common confusion regarding the personal item segment. For Instance, if a backpack is a personal item to Delta or simply a carry-on. Let’s talk more about it.

Is a Backpack Considered as a Personal Item When Travelling with Delta?

Yes, if it's small. Delta's carry-on page lists a small backpack as an example of a personal item, along with a purse, briefcase, camera bag and diaper bag. It all comes down to size: it must fit under the seat in front of you. While with the ones that are a bit on bulkier and bigger side, things can be different.

To understand the whole concept, you have to consider the size rules for Delta's personal items and carry-ons.

Ensuring If Your Backpack is a Personal Item or Carry-on Based on Its Size.

So, you already must know that the list of items that are okay to bring along with a passenger on board is finalized by the airlines. And there are also further rulings on the size as well as quantity of items that you can plan to bring. So, when you are not sure about whether your backpack falls under the personal item category or carry-on one, best thing to do is referring to size guidelines.

Personal Item Dimension of Delta is a Bit Confusing.

In the case of a personal item, it should be something that easily fits beneath seat that is in front of you. Many people don’t really bother about the allowance. And take all space in the overhead bins. Something that could be shared by two.

It’s highly suggested if you plan to bring your belongings while keeping in mind that there are other passengers too. They also need space to carry the stuff of their own. Have the mindset of sharing, avoid bringing too much even if there’s a scope.

Now back to the under-seat guideline. One confusion that still seems to be there is exactly how huge is the space beneath a seat. Will your bag pack fit inside that space?

Unfortunately, Delta doesn't publish under-seat dimensions, and the space varies by aircraft and seat. So you should go by the general rule of thumb below.

The Rule of Thumb to Follow for Under Seat Dimensions.

As there’s a lack of valid specific data regarding the size of personal items, you can do a few things to keep it risk-free. First of all, the purses that are regular-sized, small enough to easily fit beneath seat are a safe choice in all ways.

The same goes for briefcases that are already pretty small in dimension. The official website of delta lists a purse, briefcase, small backpack, belt bag, fanny pack, camera bag or diaper bag as personal items, plus anything of similar or smaller size. If your backpack is about the size of those, it should not be a problem.

If you're still not sure, keep your backpack well under Delta's carry-on size and make sure it has some squeezability. On Delta Connection flights with 50 seats or fewer, the personal item must fit securely under the seat or in the overhead bin.

In Case the Backpack is Obviously Pretty Large.

If from looks alone, you can tell the backpack is definitely not very small, then these are pretty tricky to consider as a personal item. The best solution here is directly contacting Delta and telling them about your situation before the flight day.

If your backpack is close to 45 linear inches (length plus width plus height), treat it as a carry-on. Delta's carry-on limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 35 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels.

Is Delta Very Strict with Their Personal Item Size?

From what most passengers share, Delta isn’t one of those too cruel airlines that stick with their rulings very strictly. But that does not mean, you won’t face any trouble when messing with the size, quantity, and allowance rules.

You can bring one personal item along with your carry-on. On top of that, Delta lets you bring a jacket or umbrella, food or drink bought past security, and a bag of duty-free merchandise without counting them against your allowance.

Another good thing about the airline is that if you are almost lumbering with your bags, umbrella, jacket, and other stuff, they won’t bother you with a measuring tape to check the sizing.

As long as your personal item fits beneath the seat, there's not much to worry about. If it doesn't, the bag may have to be gate-checked and stowed in the hold.

That can be a problem if the bag holds things you'll need during or right after the flight, such as medication, valuables or spare lithium batteries, which must be carried in carry-on baggage only. Pull those out before the bag is gate-checked.

Also, if you are someone who has lots of confusion on what items are permissible inside a plane, then spend some time researching about those. You never know. Maybe the backpack you’re trying to bring as a personal item won’t face rejection. But because there’s a restricted item inside, it got denied.

Personal Item Tips to Keep in Mind.

• Don’t overstuff the backpack and keep it capable of squeezing. You never know if a too- close under-seat space is what you’ll discover after being on board. Be ready for such possibilities.
• If you are someone who has a good height, mind your legroom necessity. With the backpack being under seat, you should also be able to comfortably rest your legs. Not being able to stretch your feet in a long flight isn’t something anyone would enjoy.

To Save Time, Delta Wants To Carry Your Carry-Ons For You

Wrap Up

And that was pretty much all about the whole backpack being a personal item or not to delta drama. Hopefully, you have enough idea on what to do with the backpack you’re willing to bring.

Or maybe you just wanted to have some knowledge before going backpack shopping. In any case, good job! It’s always best to have a complete idea of such airlines’ dimensions and size matters. Because those are a few things that often make a plane journey tiring due to airline authorities questioning your belongings. Have a Safe Flight!

Sources

• Carry-On Baggage, Delta Air Lines
• Lithium Batteries 100 Watt Hours or Less in a Device, TSA