LA · Chile · Full-service
LATAM Airlines Personal Item Size
Exact personal item rules for LATAM Airlines, verified against the airline's own published policy on 2026-04-14.
Quick answer
Yes, a standard backpack, tote, or laptop bag fits as a personal item on LATAM Airlines as long as it measures under 13.8 x 9.8 x 7.9" (35 x 25 x 20 cm) and fits fully under the seat in front of you.
On Basic Economy fares, the personal item may be the ONLY bag you are allowed to bring on board without paying extra, so size matters.
Personal Item
- Max dimensions (in)
- 13.8 x 9.8 x 7.9"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 35 x 25 x 20 cm
- Included
- Yes, free on every fare
- Basic economy
- Often personal item only
Purse or small laptop bag that fits under the seat.
Carry-On (for context)
- Max dimensions (in)
- 21.6 x 13.7 x 9.8"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 55 x 35 x 25 cm
- Fee
- Free
Does your bag count?
Common bag types compared against the LATAM Airlines personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.
| Bag type | Typical size | On LATAM Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Standard backpack Everyday daypack, laptop backpack | 18 x 13 x 8" | Too big |
| Tote bag Canvas or leather tote | 15 x 14 x 5" | Too big |
| Laptop bag Messenger or slim briefcase | 16 x 12 x 4" | Too big |
| Small duffel Gym or weekender | 18 x 11 x 11" | Too big |
| Purse Handbag or crossbody | 12 x 10 x 5" | Too big |
| Under-seat roller Mini wheeled bag | 16 x 14 x 8" | Too big |
Frequently asked questions
What is the LATAM Airlines personal item size limit?
LATAM Airlines allows a personal item up to 13.8 x 9.8 x 7.9" (35 x 25 x 20 cm). Purse or small laptop bag that fits under the seat.
Does a backpack count as a personal item on LATAM Airlines?
Not always. A typical 18 x 13 x 8 inch backpack is larger than the LATAM Airlines published personal item limit of 13.8 x 9.8 x 7.9", so it may be treated as a carry-on. Slimmer laptop backpacks often still fit. Measure yours before flying.
Does LATAM Airlines weigh personal items?
Personal item weight is not published by LATAM Airlines and is rarely enforced at the gate for US domestic flights. On international routes, especially with codeshare partners, agents may weigh bags, so keep your personal item reasonable in weight.
What if my personal item is too big for LATAM Airlines?
If your bag exceeds 13.8 x 9.8 x 7.9", a gate agent can ask you to place it in the sizer. If it does not fit, you may need to pay a carry-on or checked bag fee. On Basic Economy fares, an oversized personal item is the most common cause of surprise fees.
Can I bring a personal item plus a carry-on on LATAM Airlines Basic Economy?
Often no. LATAM Airlines restricts Basic Economy passengers to a personal item only on many routes, with full-size carry-ons either banned or charged as a paid add-on. Read the fare rules at booking before you pack.
Need the full LATAM Airlines baggage policy?
Checked bag fees, overweight and oversize charges, special items, and basic economy rules for LATAM Airlines, all in one place.
Flying LATAM Airlines out of these airports?
Check terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips for major LATAM Airlines hubs and focus cities.
Helpful guides
Bag picks and fee tactics for your LATAM Airlines flight.
- Best personal item bags that fit LATAM AirlinesEight bags sized against Ryanair, Spirit, Frontier, Wizz Air, and the big US carriers.
- Best carry-on bags in 2026If your trip needs more than a personal item, here are carry-ons that fit LATAM Airlines.
- How to avoid checked baggage feesSeven tactics that keep you under the personal-item-only fare rule.
Compare other airlines
- Avianca baggage policy AV · Colombia
- Aer Lingus baggage policy EI · Ireland
- Aeromexico baggage policy AM · Mexico
- Air Canada baggage policy AC · Canada
- Air France baggage policy AF · France
- Air India baggage policy AI · India
- Air New Zealand baggage policy NZ · New Zealand
- Alaska Airlines baggage policy AS · United States
Last verified 2026-04-14 against the official LATAM Airlines policy at https://www.latamairlines.com/us/en/experience/baggage . Airlines change their rules without notice, so always confirm with your carrier before flying.