All Nippon Airways Personal Item Size

So, you’ve booked a flight with All Nippon Airways (ANA). You’re probably dreaming of excellent service, spotless planes, and that delicious curry rice they serve in economy. But first, you need to tackle the personal item size puzzle. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.

Let’s be honest: nobody wants to be that person at the gate frantically shoving a bulging bag into a metal sizer. ANA’s rules are actually pretty friendly, but you need to know the numbers. Ready? Grab a measuring tape and your favorite snack.

The Magic Numbers for Your Personal Item

ANA allows one personal item plus one carry-on suitcase. Your personal item needs to fit under the seat in front of you. Think of it as your seatmate for the flight—small, loyal, and never kicking your shins.

The maximum dimensions are 40 cm x 25 cm x 15 cm (that’s about 15.7 inches x 9.8 inches x 5.9 inches). Yes, it’s a bit smaller than some U.S. carriers allow. But hey, ANA calls it a “small bag,” and they mean it.

So, your standard backpack? Probably a tight squeeze unless it’s a slim daypack. A large tote bag? Maybe not unless you pack it like a Tetris champion. That chunky camera bag? Measure first.

What Actually Works (Real-Life Examples)

A slim laptop bag or a compact crossbody purse is perfect. I’ve used a standard cloth tote folded in half—worked like a charm. A small daypack with a 15-inch laptop fits if you don’t stuff it like a Thanksgiving turkey.

Here’s a pro tip: Don’t rely on your bag “looking small.” ANA staff are trained to spot an overstuffed bag from a mile away. If it looks puffy, they might ask you to size it.

Also, remember that wheeled suitcases are almost never your personal item. That tiny rolling bag? Nope. It’s a carry-on, not a footrest. Save the wheels for your overhead bin.

What Size Is A Carry On For A Plane

The Carry-On Companion

Now, bring in the carry-on suitcase. It can be up to 115 cm (45 inches) total in length + width + height. Most standard airline carry-ons (like a 21-inch bag) fit fine. Just don’t try to bring a full-size checked bag onboard—that’s a fast track to a gate-check tag.

Your personal item plus your carry-on together must weigh under 7 kg (15.4 lbs) for economy class. Yes, that includes the weight of the bags themselves. So if you’re carrying a steel-reinforced laptop bag, you’re already at a disadvantage.

Pro tip: Wear your heaviest jacket and stuff your pockets with books. The jacket doesn’t count as a bag. I once wore a trench coat with four hardcover novels inside. I looked like a detective from a 1940s movie. No judgment.

The “Oops” Factor: When You Bring Too Much

Deep breath. If your personal item is too big, ANA will likely ask you to consolidate or gate-check it. They’re polite but firm—no one wants a bag suffocating under the seat in front of them.

The worst-case scenario? You’ll have to check your carry-on at the gate. It’s free, but you’ll have to wait at baggage claim in Japan. And trust me, waiting for a bag at Narita feels slower than a sloth on a treadmill.

So, avoid the drama. Measure your bag before you leave home. Better yet, use a soft-sided bag that you can squish. A rigid hardshell case is a nightmare to fit into that 40x25x15 cm box.

Japan Airlines Baggage Allowance - Luggage Delivery Company

What About “Special” Items?

Got a camera with a long lens? A musical instrument? A pet guinea pig in a tiny carrier? (Please don’t bring a guinea pig unless it’s an emotional support animal, and even then, ANA has rules.)

For laptops, tablets, and e-readers, they’re fine inside your personal item. Just don’t wave them around like a magic wand during boarding. The flight attendant has seen it before.

If you’re traveling with a diaper bag or medical bag, you might get a bit of wiggle room. But ask at check-in. Don’t assume you can sneak in a duffel bag of snacks.

The Weirdest Personal Item I’ve Seen on ANA

Once, I saw a lady board with a miniature shopping cart full of souvenirs. It was about 40 cm tall and stuffed with Hello Kitty plushies. The flight attendant gently explained it needed to go in the overhead bin. It didn’t fit.

She ended up checking it at the gate. The look on her face was a mix of shame and “I bought too many souvenirs.” Don’t be that lady. Be the person with a sleek, perfectly-packed bag.

Another time, a guy brought a folded-up violin case as his personal item. It barely fit, but he played a silent victory air guitar once it was under the seat. Legendary.

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Final Checklist Before You Fly

Here’s a quick mental checklist: 1) Measure your bag. 40x25x15 cm. 2) Weigh your bag. Under 7 kg total for you and your carry-on. 3) Avoid bulges. If it looks pregnant with clothes, it’s too big.

Also, always bring a reusable shopping bag from Duty Free. If you buy an extra bottle of sake at the airport, you can stuff it into that bag and pretend it was your personal item all along. ANA staff will nod in approval.

Remember: ANA is not trying to ruin your trip. They’re trying to ensure everyone has enough precious shin space. A cramped plane is a cranky plane. Be kind to your fellow passengers and your own knees.

An Uplifting Conclusion (You Made It)

So there you have it: personal item size for ANA is simple if you plan ahead. You’re now equipped with the knowledge to breeze through boarding, give a smug smile to the gate agent, and settle into your seat like a travel pro.

And here’s the best part: once you’re in the air, sipping that free green tea and watching a Japanese rom-com, you’ll forget all about your bag. You’ll be living the dream—flying with ANA, feeling light, stylish, and totally organized.

So go ahead, pack that tiny bag, stuff your pockets, and board with confidence. You’ve got this. And if you ever mess up? Just smile, shrug, and blame it on the jet lag. Safe travels, my friend. ✈️