So can you have a purse and a carry-on? Yes, emphatically yes, unless you’re flying on a no-frills airline that charges for breathing. Even then, just make your purse the size of a grapefruit and you’ll slide through. Gate agents are surprisingly lenient about a small bag clipped to your suitcase, too—a neat trick if you hate carrying things.
Remember the golden rule: size matters. Your purse must fit under the seat without blocking your neighbor’s feet. If it’s stuffed with a full change of clothes and a yoga mat, you’ve crossed the line. But if it’s just a purse—sleek, small, and full of dreams—you’re golden. Now go forth, pack light, and may your overhead bin space be ever in your favor.
And if you still feel guilty about carrying both? Just wink at the gate agent. It works maybe 3% of the time, but that’s 3% more than zero.
