20 Travel Backpacks That Double As Personal Items

When it comes to personal items, there are two types of people: bag carriers and backpack wearers. I usually bring a bag as my personal item, but after getting a travel backpack, I get the appeal. One side of your body isn’t disproportionately weighed down, your hands are freed up and you can actually fit a lot of stuff in one. But when it comes to bringing a travel backpack as a personal item, size matters. Here are the best travel backpack options for each major US airline based on personal item size allowance.

Jump to:
Travel Backpacks for United Airlines
Travel Backpacks for JetBlue
Travel Backpacks for Allegiant, Frontier and Spirit

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Travel Backpacks for United Airlines

These travel backpacks are 17 in x 10 in x 9 in, which is the personal item size for United Airlines. That also means you can use them as a personal item for ALL major US airlines, including JetBlue.

Briggs & Riley U-Zip Backpack

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Dimensions: 15 in x 10 in x 7 in
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest, United

As one reviewer said, the Briggs & Riley U-Zip Backpack is small but mighty. Featuring a unique U-shaped opening, this travel backpack is stylish and functional. It’s also loaded with over 12 interior and exterior features to keep you organized on the go.

Additional Features
✅ Laptop sleeve that fits up to 13” laptop and slip pocket for tablets
✅ Interior SpeedThru™ pocket
✅ Hidden security pocket with RFID shield
✅ Trolley sleeve

Cotopaxi Allpa Mini 20L Travel Pack

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Dimensions: 17 in x 10 in x 8 in
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest, United

Looking for a travel backpack that gives back? Made by Cotopaxi, a B Corp certified company that donates 1% of their annual revenue to fight poverty, the Allpa Mini 20L Travel Pack comes highly recommended by adventure travelers. If you have kids or on the shorter side (like me), this would be a good option.

Additional Features
✅ Suitcase-style, full wrap zipper opening
✅ Water resistant
✅ Made from recycled materials
✅ Tablet sleeve

Travel Backpacks for JetBlue

Like United, JetBlue also has a funky personal item size: 17 in x 13 in x 8 in. These travel backpacks meet the airline’s strict size allowance, as well as 8 other airlines’ personal item size limit.

Antler Essential Backpack

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Dimensions: 16.3 in x 11 in x 5.9 in 
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest

The Antler Essential Backpack is specifically designed as an underseat travel backpack on airlines. (It works as a personal item for all US airlines except United.) The full zip opener makes it easy to pack a weekend’s worth of clothing without having to rummage through it. It also features a dedicated laptop compartment where you can also store additional tech accessories.

Additional Features
✅ Made from 100% recycled polyester
✅ Trolley sleeve
✅ External water bottle holder

Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack

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Dimensions: 17 in x 13 in x 7.6 in 
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest

Have a lot to pack for a long weekend? Then check out the Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack. With a capacity of 25L, this travel backpack includes compression straps and an interior pocket system that helps you pack even more. (This is also the largest travel backpack you could bring as a personal item on JetBlue.)

Additional Features
✅ Water bottle pocket that holds up to a 32 oz water bottle
✅ Convertible straps
✅ Exterior 13” laptop sleeve
✅ Water and abrasion-resistant

Beis Expandable Backpack

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Dimensions: 15 in x 13 in x 5 in (15 in x 13 in x 7 in expanded)
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest

Don’t be fooled by the Beis Expandable Backpack’s size. Not only does it come with lots of travel savvy features, when it’s fully filled you can unzip it for 2 inches of additional space.

Additional Features
✅ Trolley sleeve
✅ Water bottle pocket
✅ Laptop sleeve that fits up to 15” laptop
✅ Made from recycled plastic water bottles

Brevitē Backpack

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Dimensions: 16.25 in x 11 in x 5.5 in
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest

Although it’s marketed as a school backpack, the Brevitē Backpack is the perfect travel backpack for those who take their tech gear on the go. There’s even a side zipper that provides easy access to the bottom of your bag. And to make sure all your gadgets and gizmos are secure, the zippers come with anti-theft loops.

Additional Features
✅ Water resistant
✅ Made from recycled materials
✅ Organized pockets

Briggs & Riley Slim Expandable Backpack

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Dimensions: 16 in x 10.5 in x 6 in 
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest

Looking for a travel backpack that’s compact, but spacious? As they say, get you a girl that can do both. The Briggs & Riley Slim Expandable Backpack is slim and lightweight. But it also features a side expansion zipper that gives you 3 inches of additional space. That’s in addition to all the storage compartments.

Additional Features
✅ RFID-blocking front pocket
✅ Made from 26 recycled plastic water bottles
✅ Laptop sleeve that fits up to 16” laptop
✅ Trolley sleeve

CALPAK Luka Backpack

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Dimensions: 16 in x 12 in x 7 in
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest

I’m already a big fan of the Luka Duffel for travel and emergencies. But if you’re on team backpack, the CALPAK 15” Luka Backpackmay be perfect for you. Just like its carry-on counterpart, this travel backpack is spacious, lightweight and big on features.

Additional Features
✅ Shoe compartment
✅ Laptop sleeve that fits up to a 13” laptop
✅ Scratch-resistant fabric
✅ Water bottle pocket

Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

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Dimensions: 17 in x 11.5 in x 5 in 
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest

Made of quick-drying neoprene, the Dagne Dover Dakota Backpackis a versatile and durable travel backpack — not to mention chic. Reviewers rave about the design, how much space it provides and how comfortable it is.

Additional Features
✅ Mesh laptop sleeve that fits up to a 13” laptop
✅ Water-resistant neoprene
✅ Vegan and eco-friendly
✅ Trolley sleeve

Delsey Paris Chatelet Laptop Backpack 

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Dimensions: 16.25 in x 12.5 in x 7 in
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest

If you love the look of Delsey Paris’ carry-on luggage, then the Delsey Paris Chatelet Laptop Backpack will be “coup de foudre.” Featuring dual compartments, this eco-friendly travel backpack can store up to 23L. In other words, it can hold a lot. Unfortunately, the #1 complaint is that the side pockets aren’t big enough to fit a water bottle.

Additional Features
✅ Made with recycled water bottles and vegan leather trim
✅ Removable pouch for accessories
✅ Antimicrobial lining for odor control
✅ Dedicated laptop sleeve

GOLF SUPAGS Laptop Backpack

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Dimensions: 15 in x 11 in x 4.7 in
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest

Need a travel backpack, but on a budget? You can’t go wrong with the GOLF SUPAGS Laptop Backpack. For under $40, this Amazon find provides a generous amount of space with lots of pockets and compartments. Make sure to choose the 14 inch option if you’re flying JetBlue.

Additional Features
✅ Water resistant
✅ Laptop sleeve that fits up to a 14” laptop
✅ Trolley sleeve

Lo & Sons The Roledge Backpack

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Dimensions: 16.5 in x 11.5 in x 6.75 in 
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest

The Roledge Backpack from Lo & Sons is what I would consider a luxury travel backpack. It’s touted as a “do it all nylon backpack” since it can seamlessly convert to a tote bag. But with a price tag of over $300 (and that’s after a discount!), I would expect it to carry me to my gate at the airport. That being said, it is highly-rated and is packed with travel-friendly features.

Additional Features
✅ Laptop compartment that fits up to a 13” laptop
✅ Water-resistant zippers (to keep your laptop dry)
✅ Water bottle pocket
✅ Trolley sleeve

Monos Metro Backpack

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Dimensions: 16.5 in x 11.5 in x 6 in 
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest

Not only is the Monos Metro Backpack only sleek, it’s also vegan-friendly! What makes this travel backpack unique is the QuickSnap™ Modular Kit System. It’s a removable and interchangeable kit that can store your most-used travel essentials, like a passport, phone or power bank. The biggest complaint? No water bottle holder.

Additional Features
✅ Water and scratch-resistant
✅ Privacy compartment for gym clothes or wet items
✅ Laptop sleeve for up to a 15” laptop
✅ Top carry handle and trolley sleeve

Nomad Lane Ikigai Slim Backpack

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Dimensions: 16.5 in x 11 in x 6 in 
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest

If you like to stay organized while traveling, you’ll love the Nomad Lane Ikigai Slim Backpack. It’s sleek, modern and includes tons of pockets, pouches, and storage compartments for all your travel gear. I’ve been using this travel backpack as my work bag ever since I got it as a free gift with purchase on Black Friday. As someone who never really used a backpack, this one converted me.

Additional Features
✅ Made with water-resistant nylon
✅ Memory foam and no-slack straps
✅ External water bottle holder
✅ Trolley sleeve

Samsonite NuRoad Backpack

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Dimensions: 15.8 in x 13 in x 7 in
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Spirit, Southwest

The Samsonite NuRoad Backpack should be renamed the Samsonite Pocket Backpack. With multiple interior pockets, 7 exterior pockets and 2 expandable pockets, this travel backpack can store pretty much anything. It also comes with a removable pouch to store your favorite tech accessories.

Additional Features
✅ Laptop sleeve that fits up to a 14” laptop
✅ Water-repellent fabric
✅ RFID security

Travel Backpacks for Allegiant, Frontier and Spirit Airlines

These travel backpacks are all 18 in x 14 in x 8 in or less — the maximum personal item size allowed. While each one will work for Frontier, Allegiant or Spirit Airlines, they’ll also meet the size requirements for all airlines except JetBlue and United.

Antler Chelsea Backpack

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Dimensions: 17.7 in x 11 in x 6.7 in
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, Spirit, Southwest

Slightly bigger than the Essential travel backpack, the Antler Chelsea Backpack is a travel backpack for the overpacker. This daypack comes with compression straps so you can fit even more of your items inside. There’s also a removable packing pocket for your shoes or a change of clothes. (You could also use this for dirty clothes or wet items, like a bathing suit.)

Additional Features
✅ Water resistant
✅ Trolley sleeve
✅ External water bottle holder
✅ Laptop sleeve that fits up to a 16.5” laptop

Bagsmart Blast Quick Access Travel Backpack

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Dimensions: 16.5 in x 12.2 in x 8.1 in
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, Spirit, Southwest

Want a backpack that functions like carry-on? Look no further than the Bagsmart Blast Quick Access Travel Backpack. Featuring a clam shell opening, this travel backpack has a lot more space than it looks. This would be a good option if you travel Frontier, Allegiant or Spirit Airlines and don’t want to pay carry-on fees.

Additional Features
✅ Shoe compartment
✅ Compression straps
✅ Laptop sleeve that fits up to a 15.6” laptop
✅ 2 anti-theft pockets
✅ Trolley sleeve

CALPAK Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack

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Dimensions: 18 in x 12 in x 7.5 in
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, Spirit, Southwest

If you really want to push your space to the limit, the CALPAK Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack’s got your back. In addition to its large capacity, this backpack has a clam shell opening, compression straps and different carrying options. It’s also highly rated.

Additional Features
✅ Made from 27 recycled plastic bottles 
✅ Laptop sleeve that fits up to a 17” laptop
✅ Detachable and adjustable shoulder straps

Poppy & Peonies Commuter Backpack

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Dimensions: 16.5 in x 14 in x 5.5 in 
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, Spirit, Southwest

The Poppy & Peonies Commuter Backpack is a 2-for-1: a travel backpack and a work backpack. And with the removable shoulder strap, it can also be a tote bag. In addition to the designated cell phone and sunglasses compartment, there’s also a designated interior Stanley cup holder.

Additional Features
✅ Padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 16” laptop
✅ Made from pebbled vegan leather
✅ Trolley sleeve

WANDF Travel Backpack

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Dimensions: 18 in x 13.5 in x 8 in
US Airline-approved: Alaska, American, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, Spirit, Southwest

The WANDF Travel Backpack is another budget option that opens like a suitcase. It also includes a lot of features that the more expensive travel backpacks have, like an anti-theft pocket and detachable straps.

Additional Features
✅ Laptop sleeve that fits up to a 17” laptop
✅ Charging port
✅ Wet pocket
✅ Trolley sleeve

Do you use a travel backpack as your personal item? Which one is your favorite?