QF · Australia · Full-service
Qantas Personal Item Size
Exact personal item rules for Qantas, 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 Qantas as long as it measures under 15.7 x 13.8 x 3.9" (40 x 35 x 10 cm) and fits fully under the seat in front of you.
One personal item is included free on every Qantas fare, in addition to your carry-on bag.
Personal Item
- Max dimensions (in)
- 15.7 x 13.8 x 3.9"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 40 x 35 x 10 cm
- Included
- Yes, free on every fare
- Basic economy
- Carry-on allowed
Handbag or small laptop bag as the second cabin bag.
Carry-On (for context)
- Max dimensions (in)
- 22 x 14.2 x 9.1"
- Max dimensions (cm)
- 56 x 36 x 23 cm
- Fee
- Free
Does your bag count?
Common bag types compared against the Qantas personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.
| Bag type | Typical size | On Qantas |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Qantas personal item size limit?
Qantas allows a personal item up to 15.7 x 13.8 x 3.9" (40 x 35 x 10 cm). Handbag or small laptop bag as the second cabin bag.
Does a backpack count as a personal item on Qantas?
Not always. A typical 18 x 13 x 8 inch backpack is larger than the Qantas published personal item limit of 15.7 x 13.8 x 3.9", so it may be treated as a carry-on. Slimmer laptop backpacks often still fit. Measure yours before flying.
Does Qantas weigh personal items?
Personal item weight is not published by Qantas 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 Qantas?
If your bag exceeds 15.7 x 13.8 x 3.9", 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.
Need the full Qantas baggage policy?
Checked bag fees, overweight and oversize charges, special items, and basic economy rules for Qantas, all in one place.
Flying Qantas out of these airports?
Check terminal layouts, connection times, and layover tips for major Qantas hubs and focus cities.
Helpful guides
Bag picks and fee tactics for your Qantas flight.
- Best personal item bags that fit QantasEight 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 Qantas.
- How to avoid checked baggage feesSeven tactics that keep you under the personal-item-only fare rule.
Compare other airlines
- Air New Zealand baggage policy NZ · New Zealand
- Jetstar Airways baggage policy JQ · Australia
- Virgin Australia baggage policy VA · Australia
- 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
Last verified 2026-04-14 against the official Qantas policy at https://www.qantas.com/us/en/travel-info/baggage/carry-on-baggage.html . Airlines change their rules without notice, so always confirm with your carrier before flying.