Yes, you absolutely can wear a fanny pack on a plane in addition to taking a carry-on luggage with you. The only important point to keep in mind is that a fanny pack is also counted as a personal belonging, which means that you need to ensure that it fits the size policy as laid down by the respective airline.
For instance, United Airlines mentions that any personal belonging should not measure more than 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches or (22 centimeters x 25 centimeters x 43 centimeters). Personal belongings whether they be a fanny pack, a purse, or a laptop bag should ideally be placed under the seat in front of you.
A personal belonging should not hinder free movement onboard and neither should its placement cause any discomfort to fellow travelers. If you’re carrying a backpack, it is easier to attach the fanny pack to the backpack for extra comfort and security.
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Can you Wear a Fanny Pack Through Airport Security?
Yes, and the best part is that it does not count as a carry-on luggage either. Most airlines allow one carry-on luggage as well as a small bag, purse or a laptop bag.
So, you can safely carry a fanny pack and one carry-on luggage but you will not be allowed to carry a purse, a carry-on luggage and a fanny pack together at the same time. Here is what @AskTSA has to say about fanny packs:
Don’t forget that just as you would put your carry-on bag for screening through the scanner, you would have to do the same for your fanny pack too. TSA has a list of permitted items that travelers can pack in their carry-on luggage and the same is applicable for fanny packs too.
8 Things to Bring in Your Fanny Pack
No doubt, a fanny pack is a very useful ‘extra bag’ that you can carry on your person and depending upon how smartly you use up the space, you’ll find that it’s very handy to carry. Here’s a list of our top recommendations should you decide to carry a fanny pack.
- Mobile Phone
- Wallet and ID
- Loose cash
- Hand sanitizer (Less than 3 ounces)
- A snack (granola bar, nuts, trail mix, etc.)
- Ear plugs or ear phones
- Gum (or Mints)
- Medicine
Are Fanny Packs Easy to Steal?
It appears as if stealing from a fanny pack is hard but actually it isn’t. A good pickpocket will be able to easily unbuckle a fanny pack without the owner even knowing. Wallets are the most commonly stolen item from fanny packs.
Here’s what to look for when buying a fanny pack for yourself. The good news is that since fanny packs are now in vogue, they come equipped with better features to protect your valuables:
Look For Locking Zippers
Don’t go for just zippers as these can be quickly unfastened by a seasoned pickpocket. Instead, look for zippers that can be locked and fastened with a clip to the bag, for extra security. Even if someone tries to open the zipper, you’ll feel a tug.
Buy One With a Detachable Strap
Some fanny packs can be strapped to a belt and made extra secure. Go for a fanny pack that can be detached and threaded on an airplane seatback or chair.
Should Have a Crossbody Strap
Fanny packs are no longer worn around the waist. The safest way to protect your valuables is by wearing the pack across the body starting at one shoulder and ending on the opposite side of the hip. That is the most secure way to wear a fanny pack.
Go for Slash Proof Feature
A thin wire neatly hidden in the seam of the fanny pack will make slashing the pack and spilling out its contents difficult. Some bags have thick wires hidden in the straps also for extra security.
Protects Your Cards
Thin aluminum foil strips have been found to be very useful in blocking any credit or debit card skimming. Fanny packs too have extra fabric lined in the pockets to stop thieves from skimming your card information.
Should Have a Secret Inner Compartment
The right fanny pack will have a secret inner compartment with no visible zips outside. This makes it harder for thieves to access cash or cards that are kept in this inner sleeve.
Related Article: Can I Bring an Empty Yeti on a Plane?
The Bestselling Fanny Packs
JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack
JanSport Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack
The Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack is one of the most popular fanny packs sold today base on number of reviews and overall rating. This pack can be worn on your waist and across the chest too for extra security and has two zipper pockets too. It’s made from durable fabric and has straps so that you can carry your fanny pack more comfortably. Considering that JanSport began making backpacks in 1967, they have a great range of functional bags that can be used by all age groups.
Herschel 14 Waist Pack
Herschel, from Canada, is a very popular brand for its range of travel accessories and products. It has a very compact design which makes it ideal for taking along for a short stroll or while traveling. Its long body strap ensures that it sits snugly against the body without moving this way and that irrespective of whether you are walking or running. Plus, its cool shade blends well with casual wear too.
Adidas Originals Fanny Pack Travel Bag
The Adidas fanny pack is available in black and white and is made from polyester. So, here’s why I think you shouldn’t think twice about buying this one. First, it’s an Adidas product – so yes, it has a sleek, sporty look. Secondly, it has a key fob and the main compartment has strong zippers. Plus, it has a small pocket in the front and a very important clip-lock closure. It has enough room to pack in whatever you think is important and can be worn across the body too.
