With additional luggage fees and cramped overhead bins, travelers are looking for ways to avoid checked bags and carry on their belongings. If you’re wondering whether a fanny pack is allowed on a plane, here’s a quick answer: Yes, you can wear a fanny pack on a plane as your personal item.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about bringing a fanny pack on a flight. We’ll discuss TSA guidelines for fanny packs, using them as personal items vs carry-ons, tips for choosing the best fanny pack for air travel, and review policies from major U.S. airlines.
TSA Guidelines for Wearable Bags Like Fanny Packs
Fanny packs are allowed at TSA checkpoints
Good news for all the fanny pack enthusiasts out there! According to TSA guidelines, you are allowed to wear a fanny pack through airport security checkpoints. Fanny packs are considered to be a type of wearable bag, and they fall under the category of personal items that are permitted on planes.
So, if you’re planning to travel with a fanny pack, you can rest easy knowing that it won’t be an issue at the security checkpoint.
They count as your one personal item
When it comes to carry-on luggage, every passenger is allowed to bring one personal item along with their carry-on bag. The good news is that a fanny pack counts as your one personal item. This means that you can wear your fanny pack around your waist while also carrying another bag, such as a backpack or a small suitcase.
So, you don’t have to worry about sacrificing space for your essentials when you choose to wear a fanny pack.
Consider a clear fanny pack if wanting to avoid extensive screening
If you want to breeze through security without any hassle, you may want to consider opting for a clear fanny pack. While it’s not mandatory to use a clear bag, it can help to expedite the screening process.
By using a clear fanny pack, the TSA officers can easily see the contents of your bag without having to manually inspect it. This can save you time and avoid any potential delays at the security checkpoint.
According to the TSA, clear bags can also help to prevent the need for additional screening. When your bag is transparent, it’s easier for the officers to determine if there are any prohibited items inside.
So, if you want to avoid any extensive screening or potential issues, a clear fanny pack might be a wise choice for your next flight.
Using a Fanny Pack as a Personal Item vs Carry-On
Fanny packs are ideal for personal items
Fanny packs have become increasingly popular as a convenient and stylish way to carry essentials while traveling. They are especially useful for keeping your personal items easily accessible during a flight.
Fanny packs typically have multiple compartments, allowing you to organize your belongings such as your passport, wallet, phone, and other small items. With a fanny pack, you can have everything you need within arm’s reach, making it a great choice for a personal item.
Maximum personal item size varies by airline
While fanny packs are ideal for personal items, it’s important to note that the size restrictions for personal items vary by airline. Each airline has its own guidelines regarding the maximum dimensions and weight for personal items.
For example, one airline may allow a personal item with dimensions of up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches, while another may allow a personal item with dimensions of up to 17 x 13 x 9 inches. It’s crucial to check the specific requirements of the airline you are flying with to ensure your fanny pack falls within their allowed size limits.
Not large enough on their own to be a carry-on bag
While fanny packs are great for carrying personal items, they are not large enough on their own to be considered a carry-on bag. Carry-on bags typically have larger dimensions and are designed to hold more items. Fanny packs are meant to be worn around the waist and have a limited capacity.
However, you can still bring a fanny pack as your personal item in addition to a carry-on bag, as long as it meets the airline’s size restrictions.
It’s important to keep in mind that airline policies and guidelines can change, so it’s always a good idea to check with the airline directly or visit their official website for the most up-to-date information on what is allowed as a personal item and carry-on bag.
Choosing the Best Fanny Pack for Air Travel
When it comes to air travel, having a fanny pack can be a convenient and practical option for carrying your essentials. However, not all fanny packs are suitable for this purpose. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best fanny pack for air travel:
Look for one that fits under seat with needed items
One of the key considerations when selecting a fanny pack for air travel is its size and capacity. You want to make sure that the fanny pack can fit under the seat in front of you, allowing you easy access to your essentials during the flight.
Look for a compact yet spacious fanny pack that can hold your passport, wallet, phone, and other necessary items.
Anti-theft features provide security
Security is always a top concern when traveling, and this holds true for air travel as well. Look for a fanny pack that comes with anti-theft features such as slash-proof material, hidden zippers, or a lockable main compartment.
These features can provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind while you navigate through crowded airports or sit in a busy airplane cabin.
Water-resistant material protects valuables
Accidents happen, and spills or unexpected rain showers can occur during air travel. To safeguard your valuables, opt for a fanny pack made from water-resistant material. This will help protect your belongings from getting wet and potentially damaged.
Whether it’s a sudden coffee spill or a surprise downpour, a water-resistant fanny pack can be a lifesaver for your important items.
Consider lumbar support and pockets for organization
Comfort and organization are also essential factors to consider when choosing a fanny pack for air travel. Look for a fanny pack that offers lumbar support, especially if you’ll be carrying it for an extended period.
Additionally, pockets and compartments are crucial for organizing your belongings and preventing them from getting mixed up. Consider a fanny pack with multiple pockets, including a dedicated space for your passport, boarding pass, and other small items.
Remember, having the right fanny pack can greatly enhance your air travel experience. Take the time to research different options, read reviews, and consider your specific needs before making a decision. Safe travels!
Fanny Pack Policies by Major U.S. Airlines
American Airlines
American Airlines allows passengers to wear fanny packs on their flights as long as they meet the airline’s carry-on size restrictions. Fanny packs are considered personal items and can be worn around the waist or carried like a small bag.
However, it is important to note that the fanny pack should not exceed the maximum size limits set by the airline, which is typically around 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches.
For more information on American Airlines’ carry-on policies, you can visit their official website here.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines also allows passengers to wear fanny packs on their flights. The airline considers fanny packs as personal items and allows them to be carried on board. However, Delta has size restrictions for personal items, so it’s important to ensure that your fanny pack meets the airline’s guidelines.
Typically, the maximum dimensions for personal items are around 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches.
If you want to find out more about Delta Air Lines’ policies, you can visit their official website here.
United Airlines
United Airlines permits passengers to wear fanny packs on their flights and considers them as personal items. As with other airlines, it is essential to ensure that your fanny pack complies with United Airlines’ size restrictions, which are typically around 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches.
This allows you to wear your fanny pack comfortably throughout your journey.
For detailed information on United Airlines’ carry-on policies, you can visit their official website here.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines allows passengers to wear fanny packs on their flights and considers them as personal items. However, the fanny pack must meet the airline’s carry-on size limits, which are typically around 10 inches x 16 inches x 24 inches.
It’s always a good idea to double-check the dimensions of your fanny pack before your flight to avoid any issues.
If you want to learn more about Southwest Airlines’ policies, you can visit their official website here.
JetBlue
JetBlue also permits passengers to wear fanny packs on their flights. Fanny packs are considered personal items and can be worn around the waist or carried like a small bag. However, JetBlue has size restrictions for personal items, so it’s important to ensure that your fanny pack meets their guidelines.
Typically, the maximum dimensions for personal items are around 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches.
For more information on JetBlue’s carry-on policies, you can visit their official website here.
Conclusion
A fanny pack can be a convenient hands-free way to keep your essentials close while traveling. Most airlines allow wearable bags like fanny packs as personal items you can bring onboard. Be sure to check your airline’s specific size restrictions to ensure your fanny pack meets guidelines.
With the right fanny pack that fits under the seat, you’ll have quick access to your passport, phone, headphones, snacks and other flight necessities.
