Choosing the Right Personal Item for Your Trip: Pros and Cons Explored

[@ItsTheKellys]

What's your go to personal item right now? Share yours below! ➡ Download your FREE guide to all carry on requirements for 160+airlines worldwide! bit.ly/3tY1PoX

[@BlueCherryBomb]

I love my Beis expandable duffel from the air collection! Great size and very lightweight! Thank you so much for this awesome list!

[@plramirez2449]

so far it's been my Calpak Luka duffel or backpack which are pretty, squishy and have worked as both carry on & personal items alone and together but are hard to carry on my body in summer heat sometimes with my cane. Since watching your reviews I'm debating between getting a Nomad Lane bag but like the idea of the upgraded roller underseat pro or the takeoff hardshell where I can use either as a carry on AND/OR personal item all in one and they can stand on their own feet if I want my hands free without having to put a duffel or backpack on ground! I'm cross checking your guide of airline requirements before I buy it for my upcoming trips. (I believe you mentioned a bag spreadsheet you made awhile ago too in one of your videos) I'm so psyched to get that with some merino wool! Quince has some chic and affordable things too, liking them a lot in addition to some anti- theft proof and RFID gear from Pacsafe

[@kryssygee4814]

You are amazing!!! Thank you!!!!

[@hildabyui]

Lauren will you review the TOBIQ 30L backpack? I think it would be an awesome only bag for a 3 day trip

[@tatjana824]

Thank you❤

[@jenniferbriggs1826]

Can you do a video of your favorite backpacks that are good for international travel? Love your videos! ☺️

[@Natalie_11188]

I personally like to use a backpack. I need one with a trolley sleeve before next year. Totes look so chic but I like having my arms free.

[@smr6141]

Yay tysm! I went down the rabbit hole of bag reviews, but realize I should probably take the time to figure out which one actually works for me so this is perfect timing

[@ItsTheKellys]

Glad I could help! Let me know what you decide

[@lbunnygordon1133]

Used to have bag from barclaycard, exact size for airlines for under seat but wore out , it was weightless. Now have a .35g backpack which holds all valuables passport etc plus, v comfy and easy. I switched to 35l ftom 25l recently. It folds to nothing too. I put meds and makeup in a side picket some spare cash in top pocket inside and rest as is in a packing cube or 2 plus clear bag for liquids which are few. In old days used to have big bag and huger than huge suitcase, in days when they didnt weigh your case imagine!❤ Like to look poor so as not to attract attention or robbers. Going to try to get a frontstrap to make it easier on my back.Thanks so much for lovely presentation.

[@cindyleeper4217]

Your list is going to be a lifesaver! Can't tell you how much time I have wasted looking this stuff up. THANK YOU!

[@ItsTheKellys]

Glad I could help! You’re welcome!

[@adms007]

That is a great list… thanks loads. I’m travelling to Asia next year and I’ll have checked luggage. I’ll also have a rolling carry on but I’m yet to decide between an Amazon backpack and my Tui Mia Jennie tote as my personal item. I’ve used the back pack before, but I find it awkward getting stuff out of it from the bottom when in the plane seat. Both have a trolley sleeve and both are the right size for the airline I’m flying with….. I’ll probably decide the night before we fly! 😂

[@spark_6710]

Yes !! This was annoying to know a few years ago !! They really differ from airlines to airlines !! Many have the same measurements, thankfully ! But, if we fly on another airlines than one we flew on ,there's a good chance that we have to buy another new luggage for carry on, or checked in luggage !! Obviously this isn't really a safety precaution !! I've seen many KZbinrs have many luggage !! Lol. We can't keep buying different bags/ suitcases !! Last summer ,I found this really hard / ridiculous as I wanted to take busses in U.K.,then luggage size became a bit of a problem ! The luggage I bought for my flights didn't match for bus's luggage regulations !! And it turned out all the busses there had different size / weight rules !! Lol 😫😅 You really have to read everything !! Lol. I love my travelon handbag for my hand luggage ,it comes with anti theft / anti identity theft features !! And ultra light weight ! For under seat ,I found one on Amazon ! 👍💜🥁🐉🎤🎶✈️💞

[@xo_sincerelyray]

Your list is perfection! Thank you so much Lauren, you literally are the best. I've only flown 4 times domestically in my almost 30 years of life and I've had a bit of flying and travel anxiety each time (although I want to travel the world which is insane 😂) your list is so helpful. I had no idea there were so many airlines in existence. That's WILD lol, thank you for all you do. I definitely downloaded my list! 😊

[@ItsTheKellys]

I’m so glad you like it, thank you!

[@angelwaddington43]

You are an amazing person that is a very extensive list. I appreciate all your time and effort thank you again

[@ItsTheKellys]

I appreciate that! You’re very welcome

[@susandiekmann]

To say you are a fabulous resource is an understatement, Lauren! Thanks for all you do for your viewers! This was a great breakdown, and I love the carry on requirement guide you put together. WOOT!!

[@ItsTheKellys]

Thank you so much!🥰

[@ItsTheKellys]

What's your go to personal item? Share yours below! ➡ Download your FREE guide to all carry on requirements for 160+airlines worldwide! bit.ly/3tY1PoX

[@KenshoQuest]

Nice video! If I was flying within the USA, I would use a backpack or tote bag stacked on a carry on suitcase. Since I fly airlines in Asia with a 7-10kg weight limit for carry on bags, I use a backpack as my carry-on and a purse as my personal item. I technically could bring a larger carry-on, but it would be really difficult to stick within the weight limit. 🌺Heidi

[@ItsTheKellys]

Heidi, just curious, how often do you find your bags are weighed? I almost never am!

[@KenshoQuest]

@@ItsTheKellys Quite often. Every time we fly domestically within Japan (Peach Airlines). They even weighed my toddler’s tiny backpack and made him cry, because he thought they were taking it away. Also flying Philippine Airlines from Malaysia to Japan they weighed everything and made us rearrange bags until each bag was within 7kg. And many times flying AirAsia in SE Asia. Some airlines only ask to weigh rolling carry on suitcases and don’t care about tote bags or backpacks. But lately they’ve been weighing every single piece.

[@joannefrench1172]

You are my favorite travel resource of all the many many ones I've watched. I like the way you're budget minded, minimalist (only the absolute essentials) and your common sense explanations.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Thank you!

[@giginewu]

😉❤ thank you so much for this video Lauren, because I was planning to purchase the underseat pro. Just looking at this video it made me realize that it might be a little too big and I like to travel light though I am am a plus size woman

[@ItsTheKellys]

It can be a great bag, it just depends on the trip! 🥰

[@mariadagostinohannam7410]

My favorite personal item is a Lo and Sons Hanover 2. It's amazing! I've used it for about 4 yrs. I recently just upgraded to the Hanover 2 Deluxe to give me a tad more room and I wanted the option of outer water bottle pockets. I'll be testing it out in early Dec when I head to a European Christmas Market river cruise :-)

[@ItsTheKellys]

Sounds great! Have a great trip!

[@wulfbana]

Wow the list! Thank you Lauren a lot lot lot, it must've been so much work!!

[@ItsTheKellys]

Anything for you guys :)

[@josefinahilomen]

Thank you for the list it’s very helpful for use flying internationally 🥰

[@ItsTheKellys]

You’re welcome 😊

[@sandynbtx6967]

Excellent comparison! My personal item of choice for many years has been a rolling backpack. I am short with a small frame, so 90% of the time I’m rolling it.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Thanks for sharing!

[@plramirez2449]

THANK YOU TO INFINITY for the research and a guide! YOU ROCK! Thank you for addressing all my questions, all my pro/con concerns, comparisons -ALL OF IT! I ❤ you Lauren!!

[@ItsTheKellys]

Happy to help! 🥰🥰

[@FDmedlabs]

Very helpful. . .thank you for all your work !

[@ItsTheKellys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@susanburke8722]

I am travelling form UK to Ireland next spring and have to fly Ryanair. I purchased the Aerolight maximum cabin bag becasue the size allowance is so small. I had a 20" suitcase that I had never used, so it is comming out for this trip as well.

[@ItsTheKellys]

I think I have some Ryan air flights this summer too. 🙈

[@maggieedwards9358]

Thanks so much for compiling this! This is going to be soooo helpful

[@ItsTheKellys]

You’re welcome!

[@SpatchG]

This is brilliant, thanks Lauren. Watching from New Zealand x

[@ItsTheKellys]

You're so welcome! I’ll be coming to NZ for the first time in May!

[@bephoebe]

Thank you, thank you for another great resource! I am definitely a backpack personal item gal.

[@ItsTheKellys]

High five!

[@MM-yh2mi]

Thanks for the list and info. Have you run into any issues with the roller style personal bag fitting under the seat? It seems like some aisle seats have smaller under seat areas.

[@ItsTheKellys]

The middle seats are always the widest, and then the aisles and windows you have to slide them in long ways

[@ellaougrik3785]

Thank you so much for the list. What a time saver

[@ItsTheKellys]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chanej2651]

I use a backpack or underseater as my personal item. It depends on where I am going and for how long. It must have a trolley bag. I have a duffle with a trolley sleeve, but I'm afraid it might not count as a personal once you stuff it. So I reserved it for car travel. Love your videos.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Thank you!

[@cs-yq5ed]

Thank you so much, Lauren, for all your hard work!

[@ItsTheKellys]

You're so welcome!

[@CerGu]

Love this. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@sueblaisdell2430]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Lauren!

[@ItsTheKellys]

You are so welcome!

[@lindapark8467]

Thanks ever so much!!!! ❤❤❤

[@ItsTheKellys]

You are so welcome!

[@travlndiva7809]

Love your videos! I typically use a Vera Bradley Campus Backpack. It has a trolley sleeve and a good-sized water bottle pocket and a laptop compartment. I'm always looking for a backpack that sits horizontally on the suitcase, is there's more room to hold the suitcase handle and I'm always looking for a zippered pocket on the trolley sleeve to stash the passport and boarding pass just before the X-ray machines in the airport. I also wish companies like Monos would make a duffle bag that meets the personal bag requirements. Even the Calpak terra backpack duffle, while it meets most of what I'm looking for, it is still too big as a personal item and I don't like the fabrication.

[@johnjulie6657]

If you had a carry on can you also carry a back pack I always carry a back back instead of course. Also which brand of which toiletries bag do you like. Thank you. I use backpack always due to some medicines

[@ItsTheKellys]

My favorite toiletry bag is from @trippedtravelgear

[@lindapark8467]

Another thing to consider when flying international is the weight limit for personal items.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Yes, I have all of the weight limits on my list :) although my personal item has never been weighed by an airline before

[@marlagonzalez5064]

I have….Air France even threw in my coat that I was carrying and my snacks 🫠

[@elusiivelife3]

Hi Lauren! Just started watching your videos for travel (just finished your video on carry-ons!). I hope somewhere in your channel or perhaps give advice on which bag would be great to use if you have a toddler in tow during an international travel. Thank you for your videos, very educational!!

[@ItsTheKellys]

My nephews like to use the take off luggage! It’s just the right size for them, and still compliant!

[@catiejohnson7910]

This is a great topic

[@emailshirleylai]

I absolutely love your videos! Any chance you could do a video on traveling carry-on only with a limited carry-on weight limit without having an oversized personal bag? The last flight I was on allowed 8 kg for carry-on so I ended up having to check my luggage instead because they did weigh it.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Thank you. To be honest, it’s hard if the weight is also with a personal item. My luggage is usually about 20 pounds plus the personal item. Luckily I have only been weighed twice, and with my electronics alone, I’m over. I haven’t even attempted. But one day!

[@danykoskova3554]

BIG WOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW....Another fantastic video, Lauren!!! 😉 Do you have any recommendations for an under-seat/personal item backpack? I am looking for one that would have some sort of a compression system, such as straps. I saw you reviewed the UnderseatPro Backpack, is there any other that you would recommend? I haven't see these included in the list of your luggage, hehe... so I thought, I may just shoot the question out in the open here. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into every review and research you do.

[@ItsTheKellys]

I have a gazillion backpack reviews in the personal item playlist :) not a lot have compression. Most of those will be too large for a personal item.

[@danykoskova3554]

@@ItsTheKellys oh yes I see. Is there any backpack you like the most or use the most? Or do you just rotate them?😊

[@annprahl1375]

Excellent advice! Thank you 😊

[@ItsTheKellys]

You are so welcome!

[@hinmin12]

I generally check in my carryon, take my backpack as the main hand luggage and a crossbody purse as a personal item. I often put the purse in my backpack while travelling.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Nice! I can’t check a bag, so I just pack my purse and use it when I arrive, once I need it.

[@hinmin12]

@@ItsTheKellys Lolz if I am travelling with my family I do that, as my daughters or husband put the carryon in the overhead bin and get it out. I hate doing that so it is either a backpack and purse or checking in one tiny case. But even with this I try to keep everything I would need for 2-3 days with me.

[@grannyb4280]

Would love to find out your take on using a kids hardshell on wheels as personal item. I am a senior and want to travel but too old to carry backpack and love the tiny suitcase with wheels for mobility around airport.

[@ItsTheKellys]

You could, but I would reccommend the Take off Luggage or Underseat Pro so it doesn’t look like it’s for kids! I have several videos showing each of them and packing them 🩷

[@jen1sur]

I still haven't decided what I'm bringing, but I'm leaning toward a backpack. I definitely want something I can use daily and for the plane. One sticking point I have is I don't use a laptop, and it seems like having the laptop space just takes away from the usable space. I would love a way to sort by this feature. Thanks so much!

[@ItsTheKellys]

My friend is traveling without a laptop today. When I packed her, we just used the space as a nice extra pocket!

[@Liliputik2009]

I travelled with a duffle bag to Mexico. It worked great. But I also check in a suitcase and I have a carry on included. Maybe that's why they didn't care. 🤷‍♀️ I am not a minimalist, nor did I overpack. Those duffle bags are just so comfortable. I put 2 pillows in the there and 2 blankets also 2 headphones (I always travel with my son). I just love duffle bag for the airplane. I hate a backpack because it is hanging on back, and I cant see it. Backpack would sometimes easy for the thieves to target.

[@lisamintzer4516]

I roate between a Monos Metro backpack, a Kate Spade tote (cute, has a trolley sleeve, but a very uncomfortable shoulder strap and a non-padded cross body), and the new Bento Bag. I wanted to love the Bento Bag, but it's a little heavy, very structured, and almost too divided. Jury's still. out. The Metro backpack's straps aren't great on me (they are a bit too wide for my frame size), and I wish it could hold a little more. Still on the lookout for the perfect personal item. Wondering about MZ Wallace's Nik bag. Any thoughts (other than being pricey)?

[@dylanariss2511]

Hi Lauren, I'm really enjoying your videos and am going on a 2 week trip to Italy in 2 weeks!! Determined to only do carry on. Have watched some of the reviews of personal item bags, but wondering which you'd recommend if taking a 15inch laptop that I'd like to have access to from the outside of the bag. TheUnderseat Pro looked great, but to have to open the bag and get the laptop out doesn't seem at all convenient. Any suggestions?t

[@ItsTheKellys]

That would be too big for a personal item anyway. Any of the backpacks would be good!

[@mcrisvpacis]

Going to Cancun from Canada, and thinking of Longchamp tote, nomad lane bento bag or just away everywhere bag. Please help

[@ItsTheKellys]

If you need a personal item bag that large, I would go with Nomad Lane. They really designed that well and it’s not just a “duffel”

[@kennethwinks2199]

Would you please also mention that the weight of the bag in Australian airlines are very strict:thank you for all your very helpful advice so clearly explained:

[@ItsTheKellys]

I put the weight limits on the downloaded list.

[@mariamcclean9380]

Have you ever reviewed Lo & Sons tote bags? There is nylon and canvas.

[@ItsTheKellys]

I have not. They have never responded to me.

[@dagnolia6004]

great vid

[@neshachristian-hendrickson5598]

Quince came out with cashmere up to 3x! I would love for you to review some of there plus size wear and there 3 compartment leather weekender

[@ItsTheKellys]

Perhaps!

[@seaspeaktome9167]

My favourite personal item is my regular Jansport backpack when it fits the airlines personal item size - I like the ease of carrying a backpack/being hands free and the bag itself is super lightweight. I have an upcoming trip with a budget airline and we're allowed only a personal item free that's 16x10x6 inches so I still haven't decided which bag to bring. I don't want to pay for a carry-on (Which is still only 20x16x9). The struggle is real!

[@ItsTheKellys]

As long as it’s a backpack, you will be fine!

[@marieajordan2574]

PLEASE !! REVIEW THE LUG BRAND !! I'VE BEEN ASKING FOR SOME TIME NOW . THX !

[@ItsTheKellys]

It’s not a matter of me deciding to review it, it’s a matter of the company sending one. I always try!

[@BlueCherryBomb]

The Lug puddle jumper duffel is a fantastic personal item!

[@DrPatriceBerry]

I love a backpack because I’m a mom and it lets me be hands free. I have one with a luggage strap in case my kiddo gets tired of carrying his backpack

[@ItsTheKellys]

Great idea :)

[@kaz6655]

I check a case so make sure I pack most items in that I hate having luggage whilst walking around the airport so I just take a bag that will hold my iPad kindle and a few other items of value I don’t want to pack in my case. I tried carryon case but just hated lugging the case and personal item around. In uk most airlines have free checked case.

[@debraowen1441]

Thank you!!!!

[@ItsTheKellys]

You're welcome!

[@melissamiranda7430]

Have you try any bag from dagne dover

[@ItsTheKellys]

I haven’t, just the dupes from quince. But I did see them at Nordstrom

[@PoisonPenArts]

I like backpacks too. Been enjoying your channel. We are doing business class Atlanta to Dublin in a few months and so confused as to what to carry for my personal item on Delta (says A350 for the airplane). It says 45 Linear for personal item, when I checked what that means on line, that's saying it's the same dimensions for their carry on. :( Their website said it has to fit under the seat. I'll never understand why they can't be consistent LOL

[@ItsTheKellys]

Thank you! Honestly Delta is so chill and you can pretty much bring anything as long as it’s actually Delta and not code sharing with Air France or KLM.

[@TeresaReedy-lk3vw]

Can you do a video of traveling to Japan

[@ItsTheKellys]

I’ve never been to Japan

[@dgol10]

Visually, the tote bag looks bigger than the duffel bag, am I missing something? I was coming to see that duffel bag, bc I have the beis mini weekender bag and it’s huge, way too big for a plane, but I didn’t want something small either.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Some totes can be huge, and some are too big for a personal item. I have the mini weekender too, and it is truly massive. The monos duffel is smaller than it, and the nomad lane tote is probably similar dimensions length and width wide as that duffel but not as deep.

[@TerriWarfield]

Your list does not include Sky Express airline, and we are struggling to obtain the full information.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Sorry, they did not come up in my list of airlines in the world that I had found. But their info is right on their website. “The hand luggage, which should have a maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 23 cm and should not exceed 8 kg” and the personal item is a small handbag or laptop bag.

[@james22939]

I love you so much you’re a great friend

[@lindabourketempleton4040]

I can’t download the list

[@ItsTheKellys]

Sorry for the inconvenience. Please email me at [e-mail] and I will send you a direct link.

[@lindabourketempleton4040]

@@ItsTheKellys got it thanks

[@JujuJus2017]

Do you ever take a makeup bag?

[@ItsTheKellys]

Yes I always have my makeup in my toiletries bag. I put it in all of my packing videos

[@nnajj01]

I have a rolling backpack

[@JenniferKeegin]

I'm usually a backpack person. No hands!

[@catiejohnson7910]

All these bags look so small 😂. I have a son who I need to pack a lot for. Including a weighted blanket usually

[@ItsTheKellys]

Haha well three of them are too big for all airlines!

[@sunnie2474]

Let's face it, no matter what size the airline says is allowed, the item must fit completely under the seat space in front of you, or the flight attendant will want it up in the bin.

[@ItsTheKellys]

And also, it could fit under the seat, but still be “too big” for their stingy allowance too!

[@Pluscelamemechose]

Why not just pay for the carry-on and stop wasting valuable LIFE thinking/doing/searching to save a little less valuable money?

[@ItsTheKellys]

That’s only a worry when paying for a budget airline. Most of this video covers personal items for all flights.

[@Pluscelamemechose]

@@ItsTheKellys then it's not much of a budget airline.