What's in my... Personal bag

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 As I was packing up for my most recent trip, I thought you all might be interested in some of the things I keep in my personal bag. What's a personal bag you might ask? Most airlines allow you to bring one personal item on the plane with you. Some (sometimes for a fee) will allow you a carry on and a personal item. But do you really take advantage of what that personal item can be? Let's just say when you're packing for your trips primarily as carry on only, you learn to use what's available to you!

 On Alaska Airline's website they state, "One small personal item such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag, and medically necessary items will be allowed on board." The thing is, "purse" and "laptop bag" have LOTS of different definitions! Some would think of this mini:


 While others would consider this more practical:


 And then you have laptop bags. They could be as slim and simple as this:


 But I, personally, find this bag much more useful. This is the laptop bag I use at home and occasionally carry as my personal item:



 The thing is, these days, you can call practically anything a purse or a laptop bag, you just have to stick a laptop in it! So what really are the requirements for a "personal item"? It has to fit under the seat in front of you. I typically fly with Alaska Airlines and their fleet is primarily made up of Boeing 737 series planes. On these, in economy, I can fit my usual "personal item" under *most* seats. Sadly, my preferred seat is an aisle and that is the one that it won't fit under due to it's width. So, as long as it will fit, you're golden. Just be sure to choose your seat wisely!


 I love my little, wheelie personal bag! This is the Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner with USB Port. It doesn't look much like a purse though! Really, this bag would be fine for a weekend getaway or anything under 5 days for sure. It has all 4 wheels so you can guide it upright rather than dragging it behind you (unless you're in Portland airport with the death carpet that you can't wheel ANYTHING over!). It also has a sleeve that will slide over the handle of a larger carry on bag, so you can stack them together, making getting through the airport quite simple.


The front pocket is quite handy and can serve as a type of wallet or purse if desired. I often keep whatever credit cards I am travelling with right here so they're available. I use this one* for most of my travel because I get 2x miles on every purchase and there are no international usage fees. I use my Alaska Airline's Visa when I buy things on an Alaska flight because I get 20% cash back! I also keep my Priority Pass card in here to be able to use airport lounges thanks to this card as well! It has a little mesh pocket where I like to keep some $2 bills for tips as well as a glasses cleaning cloth, Altoids, cough drops and lip balm. It never hurts to keep a few pens handy too!


In the large pocket, I keep my paperwork for the trip and some important backup papers as well. I make a photocopy of mine and my husband's passports in case they get separated from us and we need the information off of them. I also keep a copy of each of our reservations for our trip including: airfare, transfers, parking, lodging, cruise, and tours. If I need any entrance VISAs for countries, I keep a copy of them as well even though they say they are associated with the passport and you don't need to show a copy. I also keep my travel handicap parking placard which comes in handy as "proof of disability" at times. The fun looking item in there is a Flex Flap Cellphone Holder which is super helpful when you want to watch something on your phone or tablet but don't want to hold it the whole time! You can tuck it into the magazine pocket on the airplane or fold it into an "S" shape to prop it on a desk or table in your hotel room. Then it flattens right back out to slide into your bag.

 When you open the main compartment, there's a zippered pocket in the front that will fit books or files and a protective sleeve for a smaller laptop (13") and/ or Kindle or tablet. Behind that is an open compartment where you can pack what you'd like! 


 The side pocket has a jack where you can put a power bank and then plug it into the USB outlet on the side. It's cool, but I've never actually used it. I normally keep the electronics I want to use on the plane (a power adapter, charging cord, and ear buds) in there. 

 Here's the Thing: Your personal item can be whatever you want it to be as long as it fits under the seat in front of you. Don't be "that guy" and stick it in the overhead bin so then people don't have somewhere to put their carry on after you. It's rude.

*This is my personal referral link. If you click through and apply for this card I get a small bonus if you are approved.

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