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Think traveling with just an underseat carry on is impossible? To get you started, we’ve rounded up a list of the best under seat luggage and we’re showing you how to pack strategically to make the most of low-priced airfares. Find out how!
Packing cubes are the secret to traveling carry-on only. Watch this video to learn why!
Best Under Seat Luggage
Table Of Contents
Airlines are constantly downsizing their offerings, and in the latest move to offer basic economy fares, some airlines now charge for carryons making use of the overhead compartments.
Before you worry, let me clarify. Several US-based airlines have now added new basic economy fares with competitive pricing but without luggage options. While this move has received much criticism, this isn’t necessarily a negative.
I spoke to a representative from a major US airline carrier and they explained their decision to offer this new basic fare.
To summarize, the major airline carriers in the US want to offer budget-friendly airfares similar to the low-budget carriers such as Southwest, Jet Blue, and Spirit. These low budget carriers charge a minimal fee for a seat but make their money upselling other items such as luggage space and food.
Europe’s budget airlines, RyainAir and EasyJet, have done this for years and now American based airlines are catching up. Savvy travelers can benefit from these fare wars and see this an opportunity for more budget travel options within the US; which has been expensive to travel domestically compared to Europe.
Let me show you how you can downsize your belongings to take advantage of these fares and travel only with a “personal item” such as the underseat luggage featured below.
Choosing the Best Under Seat Luggage
In order to travel just with a personal item you need to first choose the perfect underseat carry on. This bag has to fit perfectly under the seat of domestic airlines all while providing you ample room for everything you need to bring.
To be honest, an underseat carry on isn’t drastically smaller than a regular carry on. However, it is important to note that the dimensions of the bags and the space under the airplane seats will vary between airlines. Visit the website for the airlines you travel most frequently in order to choose the most versatile option.
Tip: the middle seat has the most space and it’s usually the least expensive! Keep this in mind when booking your flight.
Wheeled Under Seat Carryon vs Shoulder Bag
Traditional “underseat luggage” features wheels, which many find more convenient than a regular shoulder bag or backpack. For the sake of this article, we’ve focused specifically on wheeled underseat carryon styles but you can also visit this post for ideas on weekender bags.
One of the biggest challenges with trying to find the best under seat luggage is that the majority of styles are designed for business travel. Consequently, this limits the space available for clothing and shoes.
Rest assured, the underseat luggage we’ve featured in this post offers the most spacious interior maximizing the space available for your belongings!
Best Under Seat Luggage Review
Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5 Rolling Tote
Travelpro Maxlite 5
At TFG, we’re big fans of Travelpro and their Maxlite 5, is one of the best underseaters for flights. The bag’s best feature is the wide open space and the fact that it does not include a compartment for a laptop or business documents, making so much more functional as a carry-on bag.
A half pound lighter than the maxlite 4 version, this ultra lightweight, rolling carry on tote is ideal for every trip. Buy it here!
DETAILS: 2.49 kg / 5.5 lbs | 17.5 x 14.5 x 8.5 in / 44.5 x 36.8 x 21.6 cm | Polyester | Inline Skate Wheels | Limited Lifetime Warranty | Padded Laptop/Tablet Sleeve (up to 15″) | Removable Wet Pocket | Water-Resistant Duraguard Coating | 26 L Volume
Samsonite Wheeled Underseater
Samsonite is on our list of the top luggage brands and this wheeled underseater makes this list, too. This durable luggage is built to handle the harshest of travel elements thanks to its polyester and nylon fabrics featuring excellent wear properties. Your luggage will look as great on the 100th trip as it did on the first.
The zippered compartment allows you to separately pack damp or soiled items, while the removable 3-1-1 pouch and removable, hanging organizer pouch make it easy to organize all of your essentials. Buy it here!
DETAILS: 2.68 kg / 5.9 lbs | 17.5 x 14 x 8.25 in / 44.5 x 35.6 x 21 cm | 100% Rugged Polyester | With Wheels | 10-Year Limited Warranty | Smart Sleeve | Fits Under Most Airline Seats | Height-adjustable Pull Handle
Nomad Lane Bento Underseat Bag
Nomad Lane Bento Under Seat Bag
This is the ultimate under seat bag at only 2.9 lbs! The Nomad Lane Bento bag opens up like a suitcase and has several organizational pockets making it fantastic for business travel. Not only that, you can easily pack this bag for a weekend trip, including one to two outfits, shoes, a small bag of toiletries, and still fit your 15” laptop.
Editor-in-chief Alex with her Bento bag and packing cubes
It fits under many standard US airline seats and also has a trolley sleeve and shoulder strap attachment! Made of nylon and vegan leather, the bag measures 17” x 8” x 10”. Buy it here!
DETAILS: 1.25 kg / 2.76 lbs | 17 x 10 x 8 in / 43.2 x 25.4 x 20.3 cm | No Wheels | Organizational Compartments | Padded Laptop Compartment (Fits up to 16″) | Padded Tablet Compartment | Water-Resistant Nylon | Trolley Sleeve (Doubles as Pocket) | Toiletry Pouch | Tech Organizer | Adjustable Shoulder Strap | 1-Year Warranty
Read my full review on the Nomad Lane Bento Bag to find out why TFG readers and I have become such great fans of this bag!
Away Everywhere UnderSeat Tote
Away Underseat Tote
Away everywhere underseat tote couldn’t be left off our list. While it has various organizational pockets, it still has a roomy main compartment, which is enough to pack clothing and a pair of shoes. As a plus, it’s also available in two pretty colors!
One user says “I love my everywhere bag, recently travelled with it on a domestic flight and it was so convenient to place the bag under the seat, The best part of the bag is the zippers that go down to the lower portion of the bag, which when opened gives easy access and visibility to all the contents.” Buy it here!
DETAILS: 1.2 kg / 2.75 lbs (with shoulder strap) | 16.3 x 10.2 x 7.3 in / 41.4 x 25.9 x 18.5 cm | No Wheels | Water-Resistant Nylon & Leather | Padded 16” Laptop Pocket | Interior & Exterior Pockets | Detachable Padded Shoulder Strap | Trolley Sleeve | Detachable Key Clip | 1-Year Warranty
Briggs & Riley Underseat Luggage
Travel in style with the Briggs and Riley Cabin Bag, featuring a sleek nylon design. Not only does it look great, but its compact size also maximizes storage space, with a telescoping handle and smooth-rolling wheels for easy manoeuvrability.
The bag has a spacious main compartment, multiple interior pockets, and a convenient front organizer ensuring everything has its place for quick and easy access. Whether you’re heading out on a business trip or a weekend getaway, this durable, high-quality underseat luggage makes travel effortless. Buy it here!
DETAILS: 2.7 kg / 5.94 lbs | 8 x 14 x 15.5 in / 20.3 x 35.6 x 39.4 cm | Micro Weave Nylon | 4 Spinner Wheels | Lifetime Warranty | Padded Laptop Pocket | Wrinkle-Free Packing | Multiple Organizational Pockets
Calpak Luka Soft-Sided Mini Carry-On Luggage
Calpak Luka Mini Carry On Underseater
This Calpak soft-sided mini carry on couldn’t be cuter, with its puffy, water-resistant fabric and 16” size that’ll fit in the smallest of planes! While it’s compact, it’ll fit all the essentials and is decked out with tons of pockets, as well as a padded laptop sleeve. More fabulous features included smooth spinner wheels, TSA locks, and a luggage trolley sleeve to stack on top of your suitcase!
This cutie weighs just 5.3 lbs, too! One traveler impressively says she uses it as a personal item and that it fits everything she needed for a 10-day trip to Puerto Rico! Buy it here!
DETAILS: 2.4 kg / 5.3 lbs | 16 x 14.25 x 9 in / 40.6 x 36.2 x 22.9 cm | Water-Resistant Fabric | 360° Spinner Wheels | TSA Approved Lock | 2-Year Limited Warranty | Padded Laptop Compartment (Up to 13″) | Trolley Sleeve
ECOSUSI Weekender Underseat Duffle Bag
At only 1.8 lbs and a price tag that’s under $40, the ECOSUSI duffle bag is economical and has enough space to organize your belongings. There’s a main compartment to add packing cubes and toiletries, while another pocket is for a laptop or tablet, and two slip pockets can hold smaller items. It also has a handy trolley sleeve.
With an adjustable padded shoulder strap and a water-resistant outer coating, this bag is ideal for shorter jaunts and fits under the seat nicely! Buy it here!
DETAILS: 0.8 kg / 1.8 lbs | 18.5 x 11.8 x 5.9 in / 47 x 30 x 15 cm | No Wheels | 1 Main Compartment | 1 Padded Velcro Pocket | 1 Inner Zippered Pocket | 2 Slip Pockets | Water-Repellent Nylon | Adjustable Shoulder Strap + Double Top Handles | Trolley Sleeve | 2-Year Warranty
Find out why the ECOSUSI duffle bag is one of the most popular under-the-seat trolley bags!
Vera Bradley Cotton Compact Under Seat Travel Bag
Vera Bradley Weekender UnderSeat Carryon
Our readers love Vera Bradley travel bags as their best under seat luggage, and so many recommended the Twill Performance Weekender bag.
One reader says, “Vera Bradley is very lightweight with a bunch of pockets. I got the large backpack because it was easy to carry on and off trains. It has a place on the back to fit on your suitcase. The weekender bag is wonderful also and is bigger than the backpack.”
Another reader adds, “I have a small Vera Bradley weekender that I use under the seat for when I go home to see my parents. Can easily fit 5 days worth of stuff in there.”
The minimalist, clean design with spaciousness is exactly what we want in a small carry on! Big points for the wide open space! Buy it here!
DETAILS: 1.1 kg / 2.44 lbs | 7.5 x 18.5 x 12.5 in / 19 x 47 x 31.8 cm | Performance Twill | No Wheels | 1-Year Warranty | Adjustable Shoulder Strap | Multiple Organizational Pockets | Water-Repellent | Trolley Sleeve
Delsey Chatelet Underseat Luggage
Delsey Chatelet Wheeled Underseat
Delsey is one of our readers’ favorite brands and their Wheeled Underseat Bag is equally stellar. It weighs 6 pounds and gets rave reviews, with many saying it’s “sturdy and lightweight.”
The bag’s best features include a hidden front pocket to grab items while on the go and a plush interior with zippered pockets, sturdy straps, and handy shoe pockets. Buy it here!
DETAILS: 2.7 kg / 6 lbs | 15.75 x 8.25 x 16.5 in / 40 x 21 x 42 cm | Recycled Polyester & Vegan Leather | 2 Wheels | 5-Year Warranty | Telescoping Handle | Smart Band for Luggage Integration | Water-Resistant | SILVADUR Odor Control Lining
TPRC Underseater Luggage with USB Port
TPRC Underseater
Made from durable, travel-ready polyester, TPRC’s 15-inch wheeled underseat bag boasts a 4.5 out of 5 rating. It features three front zipper pockets, a side pocket, and a regular pocket with a USB port for device charging. A velcro loop on the back lets you attach it to other luggage, while inline wheels provide stability, and a long telescoping handle offers easy maneuverability. Fabric handles are included for carrying by hand.
Inside, the bag offers excellent organization with transparent pockets to easily view your items, a dedicated pocket for connecting a USB battery, and a zipper pocket at the back. Weighing only 6 lbs, it combines functionality and lightweight convenience. Buy it here!
DETAILS: 2.27 kg / 5 lbs | 14 x 8.5 x 15 in / 35.6 x 21.6 x 38.1 cm | 1680D Polyester | 2 Wheels | 1-Year Warranty | Side USB Port | Fully Lined Interior | Water-Resistant
Bagsmart 17 Inch Non Wheeled Underseat Carry On Bag
17″ Underseater by Bagsmart
This Bagsmart under-seat bag is a favorite among readers, and it’s easy to see why. The roomy main compartment can comfortably fit a couple of packing cubes and still leave space for a pair of thin shoes, like ballet flats or sandals.
One traveler managed to pack a pair of shoes, an iPad, a rain jacket, a pair of pants, three shirts, a skirt, two pairs of socks, a few pairs of underwear, and a small Ziploc bag with toiletries. Impressive!
The bag also features a front organizer, perfect for holding a tablet, travel documents, or other small essentials. Plus, it can accommodate a 15.6-inch laptop without compromising on space.
Versatile and practical, this bag is ideal for travel, business trips, the gym, commuting, outdoor activities, or even for use at universities and offices. Buy it here!
DETAILS: 1.0 kg / 2.2 lbs | 18 x 7.9 x 11.8 in / 45.7 x 20 x 30 cm | No Wheels | 2 Storage Zones (Lifestyle & Business) | RFID Blocking Pocket | TSA-Approved Design | Water-Resistant Polyester | Padded Shoulder Strap + Back Luggage Handle Strap | 2-Year Warranty
Rockland 16″ Underseat Women Luggage Carry On
Rockland Underseat
If you’re looking for a stylish under seat bag then the 16-inch Rockland with wheels is a great choice. You can cart this compact carry on through the airport with ease due to its 2-wheel roller system and retractable extending handle.
This cute red carry on is perfect for the fashionable traveler because it’s not only stylish looking, it’s functional too. We all know the importance of staying organized during your travels and this airport bag has built-in organizational pockets (the big one is perfect for using some of those fancy Compass Rose packing cubes you have), along with a padded pocket in the front for a laptop or tablet.
It’s described as “the perfect size and sturdy.’ Buy it here!
DETAILS: 1.81 kg / 3.99 lbs | 9 x 14 x 15 in / 22.9 x 35.6 x 38.1 cm | Polyester | 2 Wheels | 1-Year Warranty | Side Mesh Pockets | Water-Resistant | Multiple Interior Pockets
Baggallini Classic Rolling Tote Bag
Baggallini Carryon Rolling Underseater
The Baggallini Carryon is another win by from this popular brand. This wheeled underseat carryon weighs 6.15 pounds. The nylon fabric is water-resistant and it’s equipped with RFID slots to protect your ID. There is also a computer pocket!
While it doesn’t have a strap to be layered over a larger suitcase, this is the ideal option for someone who strives to pack light enough to travel with only an underseat carry on or a business traveler on a 1-2 day trip for meetings. One reader says of this bag, “Fits under the seat. Taken this everywhere! Love it.” Buy it here!
DETAILS: 2.67 kg / 5.9 lbs | 15 x 14.5 x 9 in / 38.1 x 36.8 x 22.9 cm | Polyester | 2 Inline Wheels | 1-Year Warranty | Telescoping Handle | Water-Resistant | Multiple Organizational Pockets | Laptop Compartment (Up to 14”)
Compass Rose Carryon Size Packing Cubes: Slim Size Cubes | Medium Size Cubes
Packing Your Underseat Carry On Bag
Once you’ve chosen the best under seat luggage for your trip, use packing cubes and other luggage organizers to organize and compress your clothing tightly to make the most of less space.
There are a variety of packing organizers ranging from compression sacks to packing cubes to ziplock bags. Personally, we like using these packing cubes and our readers agree.
If you want to learn how to use packing cubes, watch the video below.
Learn our hacks with packing cubes in this video!
Downsizing Clothing
The idea of packing in a packing cube may seem impossible, and it is if you don’t plan strategically. To make this a reality, use our signature capsule wardrobe framework that show you how to downsize your clothes for any trip to take only what you need to avoid overpacking.
We recommend starting with our ten-piece travel wardrobe and revolving or adding items as needed.
Need more clarification? Read our packing ebook, which reviews the capsule travel wardrobe concept on detail showing you exactly how it’s possible to pack light for every trip.
Downsizing Shoes
Once you’ve managed to downsize your clothing, the next big challenge is downsizing your shoe collection. When traveling with only one underseat carry on, you want to bring no more than two pairs of shoes and plan to wear your heaviest pair on the plane.
Make sure you follow these guidelines so that the two pairs you bring are versatile and mix and match with all your clothing.
Don’t forget that comfort is the number one priority. The wrong pair of shoes can ruin your trip!
Read our ultimate guide on how to choose travel shoes for more details!
Downsizing Toiletries
Lastly, it’s time to downsize your toiletries, hair styling tools, and makeup. Our Ultimate Guide to Travel Toiletries shows you exactly how to pack less beauty products without giving up your favorite things – plus it has a free printable toiletry list!
Next, create a capsule makeup collection so you can make the most of mess stiff without sacrificing your beauty routine. If your hair is high maintenance, consider bringing a compact multi-tool like this one.
Tip: These travel containers are my secret to decreasing my beauty products and toiletries for any trip!
What do you think is the best under seat luggage? Share in the comments below!
For more packing strategies, please read these posts:
- Ultimate Guide to Travel Packing Tips
- Ultimate Guide to a Travel Capsule Wardrobe
- How to Fit Everything in a Carryon (Video Tutorial)
- How to Pack Clothes Without Wrinkles
For suggested travel gear, please read:
- Top Toiletry Bags for Travel
- Choosing the Best Luggage
- Guide to the Best Travel Accessories
- Anti-theft Travel Accessories
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As someone with back issues, my Samsonite rolling underseater is a godsend. It holds so much more than you would think. I never travel without it.
I still love my Vera Bradley weekender as even stuffed full, it fits under an airline seat.
I have a Samsonite underseater that I use all the time. It doesn’t always fit under the aisle seat though.
I have the wheeled American Tourist-or under seater. I have used it and a Vera Bradley campus backpack for a full week of travel.
This is so helpful! As I get older I am traveling lighter. It’s more about the experience and less about the outfits. Thanks!
Great article. Need a bag for a weekend trip to Las Vegas with only one personal item. Lots of ideas.
Just got introduced by a travelling companion, to Travel Fashion Girl on Facebook.So many proven and realistic techniques. I am committed this year to become a better, lighter packer and traveller. Thanks so much!
I have a Tumi compact four wheeled underseat bag. I just got back from a trip to Paris and London. While I love it, on no flight would it have fit under the seat – I was on British Airways, Virgin, and Air France. You need to consider that if you’re planning on actually using it under the seat rather than stowing up above. I’ve also taken it on Hawaiian and Alaska, same story. Of course, I usually have aisle seats and they tend to have less underseat room. The good thing is because it is compact it requires less overhead bin space. It has a trolly sleeve that adds to the convenience, and it’s so easy to get through the airport wheeling rather than lugging a tote over shoulder.
I consider myself a minimalist when traveling and love a rolling underseat carry-on! These suggestions are great and I am looking forward to getting a new snazzy roller as a carryon! Thanks
This is such a great in depth review on under seat luggage, very helpful! thank you
I’m not sure why I never thought about an under the seat rolling bag but I am now! It’s especially appealing since a lot have sleeves so will fit over my other carry on for longer trips and bigger airports. Thanks for the thorough review🙂
Fantastic suggestions for luggage under the seat! I have only put a backpack under the seat and never even thought about using luggage under the seat. I really like the look of the Samsonite Wheeled Underseater. Thanks for opening my eyes on this fabulous travel suggestion.
I am always searching for a reliable luggage! Any way to get it on the plane bc I cannot stand to check it!! Thanks for this very informative post!!!
Love your suggestions and your blogs ! Keep them coming 👍💕
Definitely checking out that samsonite – I need new luggage and it looks perfect for the trips I have planned!
So many great options here. Now which one do I choose…
Great post and I’m considering a couple of these. My dilemma stems from preferring the aisle seat. I’ve noticed on a lot of US flights (Delta in particular), the aisle underseat is partially blocked by seat mounting hardware. This effectively eliminates about half the under seat space, so I’m stuck with smaller, soft sided items like a tote bag.
Love this post!
I love TravelPro for the quality but Vera Bradley is definitely the cutest! Lately I’m into small roller bags that I can wheel around but fit insert the seat. You have so many good options on this list! Thanks for all your thorough research!! ❤️
Just purchased the Rockland bag listed above when you listed it as an Amazon Prime deal. Taking it out this week for its inaugural trip. : )
Thank you for all of your hard work to provide so much valuable travel information on so many topics. I love to travel and have learned so many things from you and this community!
Love all of the travel information! Very informative.
Soo appreciate all the choices, well done Alex! (we ARE out there reading/enjoy the pics and REAL women reviews 🙂
Baggallni Backpacks are great! Did you know you can order some of their long wearing items from COSTCO NEXT? You must be a Costco member, get on their website and then look on the top Menu for “Costco NEXT”…simply add your Costco membership # and yer IN! I’ve saved a lot of $$$ this way.
This brand was created by FLIGHT STEWARDS who know what we need!
This is great information and will be utilized on my Europe trip. Excited to be leaving in two weeks!
I can’t tell you how much all the help and suggestions on this blog has meant to me. Packing always made me sick each time I got ready for a trip as I decided what to take until I found your blog. The help I have received from you and others has freed me to travel light and with confidence. I’m still looking for the perfect suitcase and personal item so these suggestions have been super helpful. I’ll be trying carryon only for the first time on my next trip. Thank you for all these suggestions. I like the ones with wheels but with a carryon also it might not be necessary. Still deciding but these are helpful comments. Thanks so much. Love you all.
This is just what I need for an upcoming trip.
TFG has become my guilty Pleasure on Facebook. I love hearing about everyone’s packing successes and challenges. I also love the support we give to one another. So uplifting!
I love the Travelpro Underseat. It’s quite roomy.
I just joined this group and love all the great info! My Bento Bag arrives tomorrow and I’m excited to put some tips to use.
In the market for new luggage. Appreciate the info! Thank you
I’m so glad I was recommended to your Facebook sight and all the great tips and suggestions. I’ve been debating on what sort of carry on to take for a 12 day trip to Spain and this blog really helped!
I like using my Vera Bradley large duffle to stuff in under the seat, but can’t be over stuffed. The wheeled totes don’t always fit if there is an extra bar under the seat on certain planes. I always seem to get that one!
Thank you so much for the information. I’ve been using a backpack and due to shoulder issues, I’m now looking for a rolling bag. Now I just have to pick which one.
I was bummed when I had to change from a backpack too.
But now I have a lovely bad that slides over the handle of my carry-on.
Win! Win!
Same situation. Will be putting this list to use.
Still hunting for my unicorn underseater. I’m sure it will eventual show up on TFG comments!
Me, too – so difficult when you have certain requirements.
I recently pulled out my old Samsonite under seat bag. Pleasantly surprised at how much it held!
Great information! Love all the detail in the reviews!
Always on the search for a good travel bag. Your article was very informative.
Thank you for the information on under the seat bags. I was looking for one for international flights, and found one here.
These are so beautiful! Do any of them match up with a larger luggage so you can roll both at once?
Love this post. Always trying to find the right luggage!
I recently purchased the Samsonite Underseat Luggage because of a shoulder injury that made it difficult to carry my favorite backpack on a recent trip. It’s a hearty, roomy underseater that rolls well. Checks all my boxes!
I’ll be going to Istanbul, Danube River cruise, then Prague in September!! This site has seriously lessened my packing stress. Thanks ladies!!
Downsizing shoes is always the hardest part! I always want to bring a pair of running shoes to work out so struggle with getting down to 2. Thanks for the tips!
I am travelling on my own in November to Argentina and I was looking for a small bag I could wheel to carry my laptop and other few things. These are some great options for all budget! Thank you!
Great article and so thorough with so many recommendations! Thank you 😊
I recently purchased the Monos Backpack and love it- designed just right for optimizing space but still having some organization. They left off water bottle pockets, but this is actually helpful as there’s nothing on the sides to get caught anywhere.
I have an away everywhere and it gets too heavy to use for your main. If I’m traveling further distances and taking the Away carry-on roller, then the Away everywhere is fine for personal stuff (underseat)
Anyway, loving the Monos – can take 6 days worth – flight attendant even commented on it and was shocked I had 6 days worth of travel in one bag and carried nothing else except my Zest wrap. On way home I carried my water bottle separately to make room for something I purchased. I haven’t seen the airlines stop you from carrying your water bottle separately, so that works well as mine has a handle.
Thanks for sharing! I’ve been using a Victoria Secret duffel, which surprisingly fits a LOT. But my shoulders are giving up, so these are great alternatives
I appreciate the information about packing the on flight bag. The video instructions for packing cubes is helpful for a first timer. Has anyone tried the Portland Gear open top backpack? Seems like an interesting way to pack and access.
Great article, thanks!
I had never feel the need for this size of luggage. However, as I get older and want to travel super light on short trips. I’m so glad you made my research easy with this article. Thank you so much for the detailed recommendations! As always, your content are so helpful. Much appreciated!
I have a few of these bags but my absolute favorite right now is Nomad Lane Bento Bag. I’ve been taking this on Avelo Airlines as just my personal item so that I don’t have to pay for a bag. I have been able to get so much in this bag. I’ve actually taken out my items, put into packing cubes and repacked it, and I was able to get more without packing cubes. I also took the same items and put it into my other personal item bags, and I still couldn’t get everything in them either. So overall, this bag seems to be able to carry more all while looking fabulous. I’ve also taken it with my carry on and it just fits perfectly on top. Highly recommend!
I am always looking for the right bag! I cannot express how much you helped with that! I can’t decide which one! Thank you for all your help with my traveling!!
Thank you, TFG!
I began reading your posts when my life changed and travel became more frequent. Short trips, longer trips; your posts and capsule wardrobe tips made managing airline baggage rules much easier to understand.
I was thankful that my Baggallini purse fit inside my under-seat bag on my last flight. The charge to carry both separately was $75.00. Thank you again.
I keep searching for sales 🙂
Purchased the Samsonite Wheeled Underseater after reading this. Even though I had something similar, it was just way too heavy. The Samsonite model worked great for a few trips. Traveled to London and Scotland about 2 months ago and picked up the wrong suitcase! By the time I left Glasgow Airport from London, I was almost in tears with this “carry-on” (I’m no youngster). I happened to have a big nylon bag with me which I decided to promote to my “carry-on” on the trip back from Heathrow to Newark. I do hope that someone has given this piece of luggage a good home! I left it in the corner in my hotelroom and I hope it is enjoying UK life!
I have the Bagsmart bag and love it. It holds alot and great for personal item. It fits under the seat perfectly
So many good choices for under seat luggage. Thank you!
I love this. I usually only do a personal item so this is perfect.
I really enjoy reading all your blog posts. They are very informative and helpful.
The problem with most if not all the above listed underseat rolling bags is that they are typically 15″ across, and we always sit in aisle seats of usually a 737-800 which “seat feet” vary from the A, B, C seats — the aisle seat comes nowhere close to 15″. Therefore must always take a soft-side duffel (Lucas Luggage makes a great rolling one). Wish luggage manufacturers would take note of this.
ooh Jane this is a great point that I hadn’t really considered, but I do always go for an aisle seat if I can get it. Thanks for pointing this out!
Excellent observation!
Do you know if any of these underseat bags are designed to interlock and sit on top of a larger checked bag of the same style/brand? I’m taking an extended trip to North Africa and this combination was advised by my experienced traveling companion. Thanks.
Hi Jan, not sure but I don’t think so. If you’re looking for a luggage set, we do have more ideas here: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-lugagge-sets/
To get the best recommendations, I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and ask your question there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ It’s a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their travel reviews and recommendations.
Have an amazing time!
Was wondering if anyone has tried the Biaggi brand? I like the idea of it, but don’t know if it’s as good as they say.
I don’t need laptop/file space so any suggestions on wheeled underseat bags that have the most interior room? I have the original Away everywhere bag and don’t care for it at all. I saw that they updated the bag with a larger zipper, but want to get a different personal item.
Thanks, Alex! This roundup is great. I wasn’t familiar with the Nomad brand. I love their approach to organization in this bag!
I’ve been on the hunt for years for a rolling backpack that will fit underseat as my personal item. Approximately 17x13x8in. Lockable, plus other security features such as slash resistance and RFID protection. Extras such as a water bottle holder and trolley strap would be appreciated, but I can find alternate accessories for those. If you ever come across my dream backpack, please let me know! Thanks.
I would like to see some underseat backpack options.
Hi Kim, here are a few backpack options that might work for you, all recommended by the experts, TFG readers!
🎒 Lily & Drew Daypack: https://amzn.to/2EI6Kyb
🎒 Vera Bradley backpack: https://amzn.to/3vZOtXY
🎒 Matein Travel Laptop Backpack: https://amzn.to/38EuogF
🎒Travelpro Maxlite Backpack: https://amzn.to/3t1vaMo
Have a look at this roundup for even more reader recommended styles: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/travel-bags-with-trolley-sleeve/
Hope this helps you in your search 😃
What is the best to fit the small 9x10x16 personal item dimensions for under seat on United airlines?
Hi Michelle, I am afraid that none of the options on this article would not fit the dimensions requirements of 9x10x16. I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question there about the luggage for United airlines: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their advice and recommendations particularly for luggage. Sorry I could not have been of more help. ?
Still confused with all these choices for under the seat luggage after reading the reviews . Some say get a two wheeler fits better underneath the seat any suggestions ? My smallest luggage is 22“Hx14”Wx 8”D.
Hi Kathy, if you are still unsure about what the best luggage to get which best suits your requirements, then I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have about various luggage there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their advice and recommendations. Hope this helps. Happy travels!
My Osprey Ozone 18” fits under the aisle seat in Southwest, the airline I usually travel on. I love it!
Hi Barbara, thank you for sharing your go-to under seat luggage with us!! Happy travels!
I love my London Fog Underseat bag!
My daughter is a young violinist who travels to lessons via air a few times a year. The trips are usually long weekends (Fri-Sun) and she takes the 13.5” Delsey Quilted Underseater for her clothing. Her violin counts as her carryon and goes in the overhead, leaving her with only a personal item for clothing if she doesn’t want to check a bag under the plane. She wears her heaviest shoes and brings another dressy pair in the carryon (black ballet flats). She’s been able to make this work for every trip. She must pack her music, metronome, recording device, chargers, toiletries, etc. in addition to her clothing in the Delsey carryon. She uses packing cubes and wears the same outfit for travel days. This underseater has been perfect – we absolutely love it!
Hi Ashley, thank you for sharing your daughter’s packing experiences with us! Sounds fantastic, and love all your daughters travel packing hacks!
Eagle creek has an under seat sized bag 13” x13” x 8.5”. It has a front pocket large enough for a large iPad, one side pocket( wish there were two), top unzips for easy access to interior. It weighs approximately 4.5 pounds. It is very durable, well made of quality material. I’ve used it on 8 out of country trips and at least 16 in state trips.
sure wish there was a smaller rolling bag out there, 12” x 12” x 6” that could be converted into a backpack, having a pocket on each side, iPad pocket and a band in back to go over suitcase handle.
I travel with an 18” in which I carry no more than 25#, want to downsize more, and my eagle creek underseat bag. Being a seasoned traveler I want to carry less so all is easily manageable for me and by me.
Hi Dona, thank you for sharing your recommendation for under the seat luggage, always enjoy hearing about our readers’ favorite brands. Happy travels!!
my main concern these days is bedbugs. i would think that the slickest surface with the fewest zippers would attract them the least but i don’t know. i would especially worry about the quilted ones..what a great place to hitch a ride. i always steam mine after i return home and have recently brought a large space saver bag to store mine in while traveling…
Hi Mary, thank you for your comment!! You may find this article about how to prevent bed bugs interesting: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/how-to-prevent-bed-bugs/ That’s great advice for steaming your luggage once you have arrived home, thank you for sharing!! 🙂
As an FYI… Bags (two) fly free on Southwest Airlines and there’s no charge for drinks (soda, water, juice) on Southwest either.
I love the eagle creek expanse as it looks like a backpack but i really like the briggs & riley baseline as it has a style that is ageless
thanks for this. keep travelling 🙂
Thanks Anjella! Glad you liked our choices 🙂