If you are staring at Aeromexico’s website looking for personal item dimensions and coming up empty, you aren’t crazy. They don’t publish them. But after years of flying with them (and seeing people get gate-checked), I can tell you exactly what you can get away with.
What Size Backpack Can I Bring on Aeromexico Flight?
While Aeromexico does not officially publish dimensions for personal items, the “Safe Zone” size that fits under the seats of their entire fleet (including smaller Embraer jets) is 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm).
Since the only official rule is that it must “fit under the seat in front of you,” you have some flexibility. However, the biggest risk with Aeromexico isn’t the size of your bag – it is the weight.
The “Safe Zone” vs. The “Risk Zone”
| Category | Dimensions | Verdict |
| The “Green” Zone | 17 x 12 x 6 inches | Guaranteed Fit. Fits easily on all planes, including regional Embraer jets. |
| The “Yellow” Zone | 18 x 14 x 8 inches | Standard Personal Item. Fits on 90% of flights (737s & 787 Dreamliners). |
| The “Red” Zone | 20 x 14 x 9 inches | Risky. This looks like a carry-on. You will likely be asked to put it in the overhead bin, counting it as your carry-on allowance. |
The “Gotcha” Rule: Combined Weight Limits
This is where most travelers get caught.
Unlike US airlines (like Delta or United) where personal items are rarely weighed, Aeromexico is strict about combined weight.
- Basic & Classic Fares: Your Carry-On + Personal Item COMBINED must not exceed 10 kg (22 lbs).
- AM Plus & Premier Fares: Your Carry-On + Personal Item COMBINED must not exceed 15 kg (33 lbs).
Pro Tip: If you have a roller bag and a heavy backpack, weigh them together at home. If you show up with a 10kg roller bag and a 5kg backpack, they will force you to check one, and the fees at the gate are significantly higher. Read Aeromexico baggage policy here.
Aircraft Specifics: Does the Plane Matter?
Yes. Aeromexico flies a mix of aircraft, and the under-seat space varies:
- Boeing 787 (Dreamliner): Generous under-seat space. You can easily fit a medium-sized backpack (25-30L) here.
- Boeing 737 (MAX & 800): Standard space. Beware of the aisle seats, which sometimes have entertainment boxes that reduce foot room.
- Embraer 190: These are used for shorter regional flights within Mexico. The overhead bins are tiny, so more people try to shove bags under seats. If you are on an Embraer, stick to a smaller backpack (20L or less) to ensure legroom.
What Actually Counts as a Personal Item?
Aeromexico is generally reasonable about what constitutes a personal item. Common accepted items include:
- A backpack (school size, not hiking size).
- A laptop bag or briefcase.
- A large purse or tote bag.
- A shopping bag from Duty-Free.
Avoid: Duffles that look like gym bags or hiking backpacks with rigid frames. If it has a frame, it likely won’t squish under the seat, and flight attendants will flag it.
Quick Summary for Your Trip
- Target Size: Aim for 18 x 14 x 8 inches or smaller.
- Critical Check: Weigh your backpack AND carry-on together. Keep them under 22 lbs total.
- Visual Test: If your backpack looks “stuffed” or rigid, gate agents are more likely to weigh it.
One more thing, before going consider reading our complete blog on cultural experiences, we have something more unique about Mexico in it.
Does Aeromexico strict on personal item size?
Aeromexico is moderately strict on size but very strict on weight. While they rarely measure personal items with a tape measure, if your bag looks large or heavy, they will weigh it along with your carry-on. The combined weight must be under 10kg (22lbs) for standard economy fares.
Can I bring a backpack and a carry-on on Aeromexico?
Yes, every Aeromexico ticket (even Basic Fare) includes one personal item (backpack/purse) and one standard carry-on bag. However, the total weight of both items combined cannot exceed the limit stated on your ticket (usually 10kg).
What are the dimensions for Aeromexico carry-on luggage?
The official dimensions for a standard carry-on bag on Aeromexico are 21.5 x 15.7 x 10 inches (55 x 40 x 25 cm). This includes wheels and handles. If your bag exceeds this, you will be required to check it.
Is a backpack considered a carry-on or personal item?
A backpack is considered a personal item if it fits under the seat in front of you. If it is a large hiking backpack (40L+) that must go in the overhead bin, it counts as your carry-on.
Does Aeromexico weigh carry-on bags at the gate?
Yes, Aeromexico frequently weighs bags at the check-in counter and occasionally at the gate, especially for full flights. They weigh your carry-on and personal item together to ensure you are under the 10kg limit.
How much does Aeromexico charge for a checked bag?
If you have a Basic Fare ticket (domestic), adding a checked bag usually costs between $30 and $50 USD depending on when you purchase it (online is cheaper than at the airport). International checked bag fees vary by route.
Can I bring a laptop bag and a backpack on Aeromexico?
Technically, no. You are allowed one personal item and one carry-on. If you have a laptop bag and a backpack, one of them must count as your carry-on, or you must fit the laptop bag inside the backpack.
Will a 40L backpack fit as a personal item on Aeromexico?
Likely not. A 40L backpack is usually too tall (around 21-22 inches) to fit fully under the seat. It will likely need to go in the overhead bin, counting as your carry-on baggage rather than your personal item.
What happens if my personal item is too big?
If your personal item does not fit under the seat, flight attendants will ask you to place it in the overhead bin. If you already have a carry-on up there, they may force you to gate-check one of the bags, potentially charging you a fee.
Are Aeromexico baggage rules different for US flights?
The size rules remain the same, but the enforcement of weight can sometimes be stricter on flights departing from Mexico City (MEX) compared to flights departing from US airports, where automated kiosks are more common. However, the 10kg combined limit applies regardless of origin.