Duffle bags are well known for their thick and flexible exterior built. In the beginning, these bags were simple, but with time it has gained more popularity and versatile uses. 

That ended up with more and more features in it. 

Such features are removable compartments, wheels, extension handle, drop bottom, etc. 

One noticeable difference between the early duffle bags and today’s duffle bags is size variation. Today you will find duffle bags of many sizes, from small to extra-large. 

But airports have restrictions on size for something to be called carry-on. 

So, is a duffle bag a carry-on? 

Well, it depends on the size of the duffle bag for sure.  

How to measure a duffle bag for use as a carry-on bag:

For carrying a duffle bag as a carry-on, first, you have to be sure that it goes with airline restrictions regarding size. 

You also have to know the dimension of your duffle bag. 

You have to know your duffle bag sizes in inches and does the size restriction is applicable on the carry-on duffle bag with wheels or not. 

 Now let’s see how to measure your duffle bags. 

To measure your duffle bag, you have to know the height, width, and length of a duffle bag. Remember, your duffle bags’ height, width, and length should not cross the limit of the rectangular shape and size limit of airlines. 

Now you can measure it with a measurement tape. 

So first, get a measurement tape. 

Step 1: Fill up your duffle bag for measurement:

Fill up your duffle bag for measurement
Fill up your duffle bag for measurement

The size of the duffle bag can be changed if it is not full. 

Besides, you will face difficulty in measuring the proper size of your duffle bag if you do not pack it at its best capacity. 

Step 2: Get and wrap a measuring tape on the narrowest end of the bag:

Get and wrap a measuring tape on the narrowest end of the bag
Get and wrap a measuring tape on the narrowest end of the bag

To know the diameter of your duffle bag, first, you have to measure the narrow end of your bag with a measurement tape. 

Step 3: Divide the sum by two:

Divide the sum by two
Divide the sum by two

 When you get the measurement of the narrow end, you have to divide the sum by two so that you get the width and depth of your duffle bag.

Step 4: Measure the longest size of your duffle bag:    

Measure the longest size of your duffle bag
Measure the longest size of your duffle bag

Now take the measurement tape and measure the long end-to-end side of your duffle bag 

This is how you can get the dimension of your duffle bag. 

What size duffel bag is considered a carry-on?  

The dimension restriction of a duffle bag, to consider as a carry-on, is the same as any other type of bag. 

Although the restriction varies from airline to airline but in general, most airlines go with a maximum carry-on size limit of (22 x 14 x 9) inches. 

In centimeter it is (56 x 36 x 23). 

For taking a duffle bag as a carry-on on a plane, the bag has to be below or at 22 x 14 x 9 inches in dimension.  

Some carry-on size restriction is given for the most famous airlines in the following section

  • United Airlines: Dimension should be under 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
  • South West Airlines: Dimension should be under 24 x 16 x 10 inches.
  • Spirit Airlines: Dimension should be under 22 x 18 x 10 inches.  

Pros and Cons Is a duffle bag a carry-on: 

To take a duffle bag with you as a carry-on, first, you should know the pros and cons of carrying it as a carry-on. 

There are some pros and cons of using a duffle bag as a carry-on; those pros and cons include

Pros of using a Duffle bag as a carry-on

Pros of using a Duffle bag as a carry-on
Pros of using a Duffle bag as a carry-on

Easy packing and carrying ability 

Duffle bags are super easy to pack because of their simplistic shapes, and there is a number of the duffle bag that comes with expandable feature and wheels, which makes them super easy to carry as a carry-on.

Lightweight: 

Duffle bags are made of strong natural or synthetic fabrics that are lightweight in nature compared with luggage. 

High affordability: 

Duffle bags are more affordable than luggage. That is cost-efficient for its users. 

Besides, it has a greater chance to take as a carry-on on a plane. 

Duffle bags are flexible: 

Duffle bags are flexible, so when your bag does not go with the standard size limit of an inch, you may still be able to take it as a carry-on as its size can shrink. 

Cons of Is a duffle bag a carry-on?

Pros of using a Duffle bag as a carry-on
Pros of using a Duffle bag as a carry-on

Hard to carry for an extended period of time. 

Most duffle bag comes with a side handle and a shoulder strap which is tough to carry in case of long-distance traveling.   

But if your bag wheels, then the case is different. 

Lacks packing features:

Duffle bags are easy to pack because they have fewer packing sections in them, but it also means that you will have fewer packing features. 

In most cheap duffle bags, you will not have any specialized packing sections for unique and expensive items.  

Less protection for fragile items: 

Duffle bags are made of soft fabrics, and it is a disadvantage for carrying fragile items in the bag, such as electronics and glass items. 

And if it is not passed as carry-on, then you should worry about your fragile items. 

Using a duffle bag as checked luggage: 

Some people believe that luggage should have wheels to be called checked luggage, but it is not valid, some airlines made this restriction for themselves, but in most cases, you can take a duffle bag as checked luggage. 

Duffle bag varies in size it can be as small as 21 inches in length and also can be 62 inches in length. 

For a duffle bag of more than 22-inch length, you might require to take it as checked-in luggage. And it is not a bad idea at all, but make sure to avoid putting fragile items in the duffle bag if it’s checked-in luggage while traveling. 

Can I bring a backpack and a duffel bag on a plane? 

It depends on two things, your seat class and your bag size. 

If you are traveling on an economic class seat, then you can bring one carry-on and one personal item on board. 

And you have to put that carry-on into the overhead bin and that personal item underneath your seat. 

So if your bag pack goes underneath your seat, you definitely can carry both backpack and a duffle bag on a plane. 

In the case of a business class seat, you may be able to carry multiple carry-on too. 

Hopefully, going through this article will answer your question regarding a duffle bag on a plane, especially if a duffle bag is taken as a carry-on.

Siam Sarwar