For parents who are constantly on the go, the question of what counts as a personal item or carry on can be a tough one.
After all, you’ve got to keep your little one’s needs in mind while still making sure you don’t get bogged down with too much stuff.
So, where does a diaper bag fit into all of this?
Does a Diaper Bag Count as a Personal Item or Carry On?
The answer, unfortunately, is that it depends.
Some airlines are more lenient than others when it comes to what they consider to be a personal item or carry on.
For example, Southwest Airlines allows each passenger to bring one personal item and one carry on item onboard.
However, they are very specific about what they consider to be a personal item.
According to their website, “a personal item must be smaller than your carry-on bag and must fit completely under the seat in front of you.”
So, if your diaper bag is too big or doesn’t fit completely under the seat, then it would have to be checked.
Other airlines have similar restrictions.
American Airlines, for example, also requires that personal items fit completely under the seat in front of you.
However, they are a bit more lenient when it comes to size, allowing personal items to be up to 18x14x8 inches.
So, if your diaper bag is within those dimensions, you should be good to go.
Of course, the best way to avoid any confusion is to simply call the airline ahead of time and ask them about their policies regarding diaper bags.
That way, you’ll know for sure whether or not your diaper bag will need to be checked or if it can come onboard as a personal item.
Conclusion
When it comes to traveling with a baby, there’s a lot to think about.
From packing enough diapers and wipes to making sure you have all of the necessary baby gear, it can be easy to get overwhelmed.
And one question that frequently comes up is whether or not a diaper bag counts as a personal item or carry on.
Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to this question since it varies from airline to airline.
So, the best thing you can do is call the airline ahead of time and ask about their specific policies regarding diaper bags.
That way, you’ll know for sure what you can bring onboard and what will need to be checked before you even get to the airport.
If you’re a parent, then you know how important it is to have a good diaper bag for travel.
After all, you need to be able to carry around all of your baby’s essentials, and you don’t want to be caught without a clean diaper or a spare bottle.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 5 best diaper bags on the market. So click the button below and check out our list. You’ll be glad you did!