Does a Diaper Bag Count as a Carry-On? Find Out Here!

Traveling with a baby is an adventure in itself. From packing your essentials to keeping your little one comfortable during the flight, there’s a lot to manage. One question many parents have before flying is: “Does a diaper bag count as a carry-on?” The answer might surprise you. Most airlines allow diaper bags as a personal item, meaning you don’t need to count it toward your carry-on allowance. However, it’s always good to know the details. Let’s break it down, so you’re fully prepared for your next flight with your baby.

The Short Answer: Most Airlines Allow Diaper Bags as a Personal Item

Here’s the simple truth: most U.S. airlines let you bring a diaper bag without counting it as a carry-on. Whether you’re flying with Delta, American Airlines, or United, the diaper bag usually gets treated as a personal item.

But What Does That Mean for Your Carry-On?

• Carry-on allowance: Airlines typically let you bring one carry-on bag (for the overhead bin) and one personal item (which could be your diaper bag).
• Personal item: This includes bags like backpacks, small duffel bags, laptop bags, and, yes, diaper bags.

So, does a diaper bag count as a carry-on with United or American Airlines? The answer is no. Diaper bags are treated as personal items, so you can bring both a diaper bag and a carry-on.

But remember, not all airlines have the same rules. It’s always smart to check with your airline before flying.

Diaper Bag Size Matters: Make Sure It Fits

You might be asking: “What size should my diaper bag be?” The good news? A diaper bag is often small enough to fit the personal item allowance. Here’s what you need to know:

• Typical size: A diaper bag usually fits within the personal item size limit of 18” x 14” x 8” (but check with your airline just in case).
• Overly large bags: If your diaper bag is too big, some airlines might count it as a carry-on.

To make sure your diaper bag doesn’t cause any issues, check your airline’s personal item size guidelines and pack accordingly.

Can You Bring Both a Diaper Bag and a Carry-On?

The good news? Yes,you can usually bring both a diaper bag and a carry-on. Here’s a quick guide to your travel essentials:

• 1 carry-on bag: This goes in the overhead bin.
• 1 personal item (diaper bag): This goes under the seat in front of you.

It’s that simple. Whether you're flying with American Airlines, Delta, or United, this rule generally applies.

However, as we’ve cautioned before, it’s always best to check with the particular airline as guidelines vary by airline and rules can always change.

What About TSA Regulations?

When it comes to TSA regulations, diaper bags have some flexibility. Here’s what you should know when going through security:

• Baby food/formula: TSA allows baby food, formula, and breast milk in larger quantities than typical liquids, so don’t worry about the 3.4-ounce rule.
• Clear bags: It's helpful to pack baby food or liquids in a separate, clear bag for easier screening.
• Security tips: Make sure your diaper bag is easy to open, so TSA can quickly inspect it if needed.

Nevertheless, it’s always great to double check current rules and especially for international flights (even for layovers) to double check the other countries regulations so that you can travel with greater pieace of mind. For a quick reference, download our free PDF guide to navigating airline diaper bag policies

Airlines with Strict Diaper Bag Policies

When traveling with a baby, knowing the diaper bag policies of different airlines is crucial to avoid any surprises at the gate. While most airlines allow diaper bags as personal items, some have specific rules about how they count toward your baggage allowance. Here's a quick look at the diaper bag policies for a few major U.S. airlines as of December 2024:

Airline	Diaper Bag Policy	Details
Southwest Airlines	No special diaper bag privileges	Diaper bags may count as part of your regular baggage allowance, with no exemptions.
Hawaiian Airlines	No free diaper bag allowance	Diaper bags are not considered free personal items and may count as a carry-on.
Alaska Airlines	Diaper bags count as your regular carry-on	Diaper bags are treated like regular carry-on luggage and count toward your overall baggage allowance.
Delta Airlines	Diaper bags do not count as an additional carry-on with a lap child (unpaid)	Diaper bags are treated as a personal item, in addition to your carry-on. Breast pumps are also allowed with no extra charge.

Airline Diaper Bag Policies

To help you make sense of the rules, here’s a quick overview of how different airlines handle diaper bags:

Airline	Diaper Bag Policy	Carry-On Allowance	Additional Info
American Airlines	Diaper bags are allowed in addition to the standard carry-on and personal item allowance.	1 carry-on + 1 personal item	Diaper bags can be placed under the seat or in the overhead bin. A stroller and car seat are allowed for infants without extra charge.
United Airlines	Diaper bags are allowed in addition to your regular carry-on.	1 carry-on + 1 personal item	Parents can also bring items like a stroller or car seat for free. You may also bring a breast pump in addition to your personal item.
JetBlue Airways	Diaper bags are allowed as a personal item, in addition to your carry-on.	1 carry-on + 1 personal item	Strollers and car seats are allowed to be checked for free.
Spirit Airlines	Diaper bags are allowed as a personal item, in addition to your carry-on.	1 carry-on + 1 personal item (fees apply for carry-on)	Strollers and car seats can be checked for free, but a fee is charged for carry-on bags.
Allegiant Air	Diaper bags are allowed as a personal item, in addition to your carry-on.	1 carry-on + 1 personal item	Strollers and car seats can be checked free of charge, but other baby gear may incur extra fees.
American Eagle	As part of American Airlines, diaper bags are allowed in addition to the standard carry-on and personal item allowance.	1 carry-on + 1 personal item	Similar to American Airlines, parents can bring extra baby gear like strollers and car seats for no charge.

Choosing the Best Diaper Bag for Your Flight

Now that you know the rules, you’ll want a diaper bag that fits easily under the seat and keeps you organized during your flight. Here are some features to look for:

• Compact size: The Swaddle Tote fits the personal item size limit.
• Multiple compartments: Keep diapers, wipes, bottles, and toys organized and easily accessible.
• Built-in changing pad: Ideal for mid-flight changes or airport diaper stations.

Swaddle Tote: Your Travel Companion

The Swaddle Tote is perfect for parents flying with a baby. Here’s why:

• Smart Organization: With multiple compartments, you’ll never have to dig through your bag for essentials.
• Comfortable Design: Padded straps make carrying your diaper bag a breeze.
• Built-In Changing Pad: Changing your baby on the go has never been easier.
• Detachable small bag: You can easily detach  the small bag from the backpack and keep it with you in front of your seat with all the essentials so you don’t have to reach in your backpack every time you need something. Pack it with your diapering essentials so you can easily dash to the toilet for diaper changes. Keep it packed with a baby bottle for when hunger strikes. Or, keep it packed with a toy for entertainment.

Conclusion: Flying with a Diaper Bag Made Easy

So, does a diaper bag count as a carry-on? In most cases, no—it counts as a personal item, and you can bring it in addition to your carry-on bag. Just check your airline’s personal item size rules to be sure.

With a little planning and the right diaper bag, you can make your flight stress-free and more enjoyable. Safe travels!