Allegiant Air is known for offering low-cost travel with an à la carte pricing model, meaning travelers must pay for extras like seat selection and bags. To keep your trip affordable, it’s crucial to understand the airline’s baggage rules—especially those related to Allegiant personal item size.
Allegiant allows passengers one free personal item that must meet strict size limits: 7 x 15 x 16 inches (H x W x D). This includes items such as small backpacks, purses, or laptop bags. If your item is too large, you could be charged for a carry-on or checked bag. Smart packing strategies and selecting the right bag can help you avoid unexpected fees and breeze through boarding with confidence.
What Is a Personal Item on Allegiant Air?
A personal item is smaller than a carry-on and is included for free with every Allegiant Air ticket. It must fit under the seat in front of you and be compact enough to not obstruct foot space. Common personal items include purses, small backpacks, briefcases, and laptop bags. Unlike carry-ons, personal items are not stored in the overhead bin and must comply with Allegiant’s strict size guidelines. Carry-ons are larger and incur additional fees, while personal items are your best no-cost option for bringing essentials onboard.
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What Is the Allegiant Personal Item Size Limit?
Allegiant Air permits one free personal item that fits under the seat. The maximum size limit is 16 x 15 x 7 inches (40.6 x 38.1 x 17.8 cm). This size includes handles, wheels, and side pockets. While Allegiant doesn’t specify a weight limit, your bag must be light enough for you to carry and stow easily.
A personal item is defined as a small bag used to hold essential items during the flight. Common examples include small backpacks, purses, laptop bags, briefcases, or tote bags. It must be compact enough to fit completely under the seat in front of you without sticking out or blocking the aisle.
Can You Bring a Backpack as a Personal Item on Allegiant?
Yes, you can bring a backpack as your personal item—as long as it fits within the required dimensions. The key factor is size and structure. Backpacks designed for everyday use or school typically qualify, but hiking or travel backpacks are often too bulky.
To meet Allegiant’s rules, look for a backpack that measures no more than 16 x 15 x 7 inches, and opt for flexible, soft-sided materials that can compress if needed. Avoid rigid frames or overstuffed bags, which may not fit under the seat. Choosing a compact, lightweight backpack ensures compliance and saves you from last-minute baggage fees at the gate.
Difference Between Personal Item and Carry-On on Allegiant
On Allegiant flights, a personal item is a small bag that fits completely under the seat in front of you, while a carry-on is a larger bag stored in the overhead bin. The maximum size for a personal item is 16 x 15 x 7 inches, whereas carry-ons can measure up to 22 x 16 x 10 inches. Passengers may bring only a personal item for free; carry-ons require an additional fee, which varies depending on the route and time of booking. Choosing only a personal item saves money, but limits packing space. If you need more room or bulky items, adding a carry-on may be worth the extra cost.
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Allegiant Personal Item Fees and Oversize Charges
If your personal item exceeds the 16 x 15 x 7-inch limit, Allegiant may require you to gate-check the bag as a carry-on or checked item—often with a hefty last-minute fee. Oversized personal items that don’t fit under the seat trigger additional charges, typically higher at the gate than if paid in advance. As of 2025, adding a carry-on during booking may cost $25–$45, while checking a bag is around $50–$75 at the airport. To avoid surprise fees, measure your bag before departure and consider prepaying for carry-on or checked baggage if you need more space.
Approved Bags That Fit Allegiant’s Personal Item Size
To comply with Allegiant’s strict policy, choose bags designed to stay within the 16 x 15 x 7-inch size limit. Soft-shell backpacks, laptop sleeves, compact duffels, and underseat totes are excellent options. Bags with flexible material can better conform to the under-seat space than hard-sided ones. Popular personal item bags that fit include:
| Bag Brand/Model | Dimensions (inches) | Type |
| Samsonite Underseat Carry-On | 15 x 13 x 7 | Soft Rolling Bag |
| Amazon Basics Laptop Bag | 15.5 x 11.5 x 2.8 | Laptop Sleeve |
| Travelon Anti-Theft Backpack | 15 x 13 x 6 | Small Backpack |
| Vera Bradley Weekender | 16 x 15 x 7 | Soft Duffel |
Soft-shell bags are preferable to small suitcases because they offer flexibility and can compress under the seat. Hard-shell bags, even within the size range, may not fit due to their rigid structure.
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Packing Tips to Maximize Your Personal Item Space
To make the most of your limited space under the seat, try these smart packing strategies:
- Roll vs. Fold
Rolling clothes—especially lightweight items like T‑shirts and socks—uses less space and helps minimize wrinkles. Body-hugging fabrics like leggings also pack well when rolled tightly. - Use Packing Cubes or Compression Bags
Packing cubes keep things organized and compact, while zippered compression bags can shrink bulky items like hoodies or sweaters by up to 40%. Label cubes for quick retrieval during travel. - Wear Bulky Items on the Plane
Save space by wearing your heaviest clothes and shoes on travel day. Bulky jackets, boots, and sneakers can be bulky in a bag but take minimal cupboard space on your person (plus you’ll stay warm in the cold cabin).
These tactics help you fit more essentials into your personal item without risking oversize fees or gate checks.
Allegiant Baggage Policy Updates for 2025
- Recent Changes
Allegiant hasn’t made major adjustments to personal item size limits for 2025—the 16 x 15 x 7‑inch rule remains intact. However, fees for carry-ons and checked luggage have slightly increased in some markets. - How to Stay Updated
Visit Allegiant’s official “Baggage” webpage before each trip, particularly if you fly frequently or your route has seasonal variations in fees. Subscribing to the airline’s email alerts and reviewing confirmation emails can prevent unwelcome surprises. - Allegiant App Features for Baggage Tracking
Allegiant’s mobile app now allows you to add and pay for carry-ons or checked bags up to 30 minutes before departure at a discounted “add-on” fare. It also sends alerts if your bag approaches maximum dimensions or weight.
What Happens If Your Bag Is Too Big?
If your personal item exceeds Allegiant’s size limit, you’ll likely need to pay a carry-on or checked bag fee at the gate—often at a premium price. Allegiant agents check bag sizes using measuring bins, and oversized items are either gate-checked or tagged as carry-on baggage. If you haven’t prepaid for these options, you may be charged $50–$75 on the spot, depending on your route and the time of check-in. To avoid this, measure your bag at home and confirm it fits under a standard airline seat. Investing in a compliant travel bag can save you time, stress, and unexpected expenses.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the personal item size for Allegiant in cm and inches?
Allegiant allows one free personal item with maximum dimensions of 16 x 15 x 7 inches. In metric, that’s approximately 40.6 x 38.1 x 17.8 cm. This includes handles, wheels, and any external pockets.
Can a backpack count as a personal item on Allegiant?
Yes, small backpacks are allowed as personal items—as long as they fit within the required size limits. Daypacks or laptop backpacks usually qualify, while larger travel packs may not.
Does Allegiant check personal item size at the gate?
Yes, Allegiant often checks bag sizes at the gate. Bags that appear too large may be measured or tested in the sizing bin. Oversized personal items are subject to extra fees or gate check.
Are diaper bags or medical devices allowed as personal items?
Yes, diaper bags and medical device bags are permitted in addition to your free personal item. However, it’s recommended to notify Allegiant staff in advance or during check-in for clarity.
What is the penalty for oversized personal items?
If your personal item exceeds Allegiant’s limits, you may be charged a carry-on or checked bag fee at the gate—typically $45–$75, depending on the airport and route. Paying for a carry-on during booking is often cheaper than waiting.
Conclusion
Understanding Allegiant personal item size policy helps you travel without stress—or surprise charges. Stick to the size limit of 16 x 15 x 7 inches, use a soft, flexible bag, and pack efficiently using space-saving techniques. If your bag looks close to the limit, measure it before your trip to avoid unexpected fees at the gate. Allegiant is ideal for budget travelers, but only when you plan ahead. Pack smart, follow the guidelines, and enjoy a smooth takeoff without the baggage drama.
