Is my pillow considered a carry-on?

Author: Ethyl Farrell Sr.  |  Last update: Monday, October 20, 2025

If you are taking a full-sized pillow with you and not storing it in your carry-on luggage, it will be treated as an additional carry-on bag. While some people might find standard pillows to be more comfortable, it's best to ensure they are on the smaller side so that no hassles are caused during boarding.

How to pack a pillow in a carry-on?

If you are carrying a pillow in your hand it's baggage and counts as a personal item or carry on. You need to pack your travel pillow inside one of your bags. Does a pillow even fit under the seat of an airplane? A standard size pillow from a bed is 26 x 20 x 7 inches.

Does American Airlines count a pillow as a personal item?

In addition to your carry-on allowance, American Airlines allows you to board with any of the following: A coat, jacket, or other outerwear. A diaper bag for a lap or ticketed child. A pillow or blanket.

Does pillow count as personal item spirit?

Personal Item:

Neck and head pillows can be carried on the aircraft as long as they fit completely in your personal item bag.

Does a full size pillow count as a carry-on?

If you are taking a full-sized pillow with you and not storing it in your carry-on luggage, it will be treated as an additional carry-on bag. While some people might find standard pillows to be more comfortable, it's best to ensure they are on the smaller side so that no hassles are caused during boarding.

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Do pillows and blankets count as personal items?

Can you bring a blanket and pillow on a plane? Yes, you can bring both a blanket and a travel pillow on a plane. A blanket is considered a personal item by some airlines, whereas neck pillows typically are not.

What if my personal item is 2 inches too big?

If your personal bag is too big to be a personal bag, they'll count it as a carryon and charge you for it. If you already have a carryon, they may check that as hold baggage.

Can you take a pillow as hand luggage?

No. Carry-ons are bags or small suitcases that you bring with you into the cabin. Most airlines will allow you to bring a personal items in addition, such as a purse or a backpack. Neck pillows are so small that they are not even counted by the airline.

What is not allowed in a carry-on bag?

Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

What is the airline pillow trick?

For airlines that charge for carry-on luggage, you can skip the fee by bringing a pillow on board which airlines usually don't charge for. Here's what some people are doing about it. Instead of bringing along a real pillow, they just stuff the pillowcase with clothes and other soft items.

How do I travel with my own pillow?

Simply place any standard pillow into the SleepKeeper bag, roll it up and fasten with the extra wide velcro. Instantly the pillow is compacted to 1/3 of its original size.

Are you allowed to take the blanket and pillow from a plane?

Just like with blankets, if you're offered a pillow during your flight you need to leave it when you're leaving.

Can airlines charge you for a pillow?

Some low-cost airlines, like Spirit Airlines, may charge an additional fee for bringing a larger pillow that exceeds the personal item dimensions, even if it can fit under the seat.

Can I bring two personal items on a plane?

If your ticket includes a personal item and a carry-on bag, you can take two personal items instead of one carry-on bag, providing they meet the size criteria. If your ticket only includes a personal item, you should never attempt to carry two pieces onboard.

What not to take in hand luggage on a plane?

You cannot take any of these items as hand luggage or in the hold:
  • blasting caps.
  • detonators and fuses.
  • imitation explosive devices (including replica or model guns)
  • mines, grenades, and other explosive military stores.
  • fireworks and pyrotechnics.
  • smoke canisters.
  • smoke cartridges.
  • dynamite.

Does a crossbody bag count as hand luggage?

What is considered a personal item bag varies from airline to airline, but a small purse, briefcase and laptop bag are always considered personal items. Backpacks, totes, and crossbody bags are typically considered personal items too. The key to remember is it must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you.

Can you carry-on a full size pillow on a plane?

Pillows are permitted in both carry-on bags and checked bags, according to the TSA's website. But while you'll have no problem bringing a full-size pillow through security, it's up to the airline to decide if it counts as your personal item.

Does a pillow count as a personal item spirit?

Spirit allows passengers to carry neck and head pillows on board as long as the pillow fits entirely in your personal item bag.

What happens if my carry-on is 1 inch too big?

According to airline rules, if your carry-on bag is too large, the airline will require you to gate-check your bag and, often, pay a hefty fee to do so.

Can you bring a purse and a backpack on a plane?

Yes, a purse counts as its own personal item, so if you have both a purse and a backpack, and your carry-on, then that will be counted as 1 personal item and 2 carry-ons for most budget airlines!

Do airlines measure personal items?

While these sizes vary by airline, a personal item will typically measure no more than 18 x 14 x 8 inches or 45 x 35 x 29 cm. If your bag does not fit within these dimensions, the airline will likely consider it your 'carry-on' bag and charge you accordingly.

What doesn't count as a personal item?

In addition, most airlines allow passengers to bring extras—duty free purchases, food and drink bought after clearing the security line, and jackets, coats, or umbrellas, for example—that don't count toward their personal item.

Are pillows considered bedding?

Bedding refers to the bedsheets, blankets, pillows, and other bed accouterments that people use to cover and protect their mattresses. Types of bedding include mattress covers, fitted sheets, flat sheets, pillowcases, comforters, shams, quilts, and bed skirts.

Does a pillow count as a carry-on southwest?

Additional items you can bring into the cabin

Your Southwest Airlines carry-on allowance doesn't end there, as you can also take a variety of small items on board. Small items include coats, umbrellas, neck pillows, and food or drink bought at the airport.

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