The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags

I’ve covered bags and luggage for Wirecutter since 2014. In that time, I’ve assessed hundreds of bags, ranging from carry-on luggage to travel backpacks to duffle bags.

For this guide

• I’ve talked to bag designers, luggage experts, and people who make a life (and sometimes a living) out of traveling the world.
• We also studied underseat size regulations for the major domestic airlines, the ever-changing nature of which drove us to exhaustion.
• We’ve tested our picks ourselves as well as with testers taking trips all over the globe on a myriad of airlines.

At its most basic, a personal-item bag is a carry-on bag that you can stuff under the seat in front of you while on a flight—which is why it’s sometimes called underseat luggage. Although we wanted to find bags that maximize your available underseat space, airlines generally aren’t as forthcoming with their underseat dimensions as they are with their overhead-bin restrictions. And personal-item sizes, once you do find them, usually differ from one airline to another:

Air Canada: 17 by 13 by 6 inches
Alaska Air: not specified
Allegiant: 18 by 14 by 8 inches
American: 18 by 14 by 8 inches
Breeze: 17 by 13 by 8 inches
Delta: not specified
Frontier: 18 by 14 by 8 inches
Hawaiian Airlines: not specified
JetBlue: 17 by 13 by 8 inches
Southwest: not specified
Spirit: 18 by 14 by 8 inches
United: 17 by 10 by 9 inches

After checking with 12 airlines, we found that the average size of a personal-item bag is roughly 18 by 14 by 8 inches. If your bag isn’t rigid, and it comes close to these measurements, you’re probably going to be okay stuffing it under the seat in front of you. If you really want to be sure your underseat luggage will fit, the best approach is to call ahead and confirm the underseat dimensions for your flight.

Similar to carry-on luggage, underseat luggage is subject to size and shape requirements. However, unlike most of the things people fly with—nearly all of which are precisely designed for airplane use—almost any small bag (your favorite backpack or tote, for instance) can work as a personal item. That said, there are a few details that separate a great personal-item bag from an ordinary one. We’ve found that beyond its being just the right size, a personal item should have a few key design details for it to really stand out.

• Durability: A personal-item bag will spend a bunch of time sitting on an airplane floor—an unappealing resting place of shoe grime, spilled liquids, and lost snacks. It’s important that a bag is made of material that’s both resistant to abrasion and easy to clean.
• Organization: As more airlines begin to introduce Basic Economy tickets (which often restrict travelers to personal items only), it is becoming increasingly important to have a bag that can mimic some of the capacity and organization of a carry-on. We prefer bags that have a variety of pockets, ideally a separate laptop compartment, and some kind of water-bottle holder.
• Multiple carrying options: Some underseat-luggage pieces designed with air travel in mind have sleeves that you can slide over the rails of carry-on luggage handles. But other carrying options—such as backpack straps, shoulder straps, or side handles—can also facilitate easy maneuverability.

Lots of luggage manufacturers now sell bags specifically labeled as “personal items,” and some of these have useful features that you might not find in your average backpack or tote bag (more on that later). Still, if you have a bag that already works for you, stick with it. If not, check out our picks below. Also, look at the recommendations in our guides to laptop backpacks (most of which will fit under a seat) and duffle bags (ditto), as well as any of the picks in our guides to packable daypacks and tote bags. One of those might work just as well for you as a made-for-the-purpose personal item.

For this guide, of those bags specifically designed to be personal items, we looked for models from reputable brands that we’ve recommended in the past, that meet the average underseat dimensions, and that have the traits to make something a great personal-item bag. Then we chose bags that offered different features to suit multiple types of travel scenarios and preferences.

Top pick

Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag

A shoulder bag to organize your tech

This bag combines the versatility and toughness of a canvas-and-leather briefcase with the organization and capacity of a small daypack.

Buying Options

$389 from SF Bags

The Waterfield Air Porter Carry-On Bag shines as a tech organizer that still has enough room to also hold a change of clothes. And it’s still good-looking enough to carry from the plane to the office without raising an eyebrow.

It’s a durable bag made for travel. The Waterfield Air Porter has a pass-through strap that you can attach to a wheeled-suitcase handle. And, like our other picks, this bag fits well under an airline seat. In addition to the waterproof waxed-canvas exterior (which makes it easy to wipe off), a Waterfield bag has waterproof exterior zippers and a water-resistant interior lining. The Air Porter is built to look better with age, while also keeping your stuff safe from the elements and the stress of travel. In addition to the pass-through strap, the bag has handles (so you can carry it like a briefcase) and a removable shoulder strap (this keeps it from getting caught on things while it’s stowed away).

It’s a well-organized bag for traveling, especially with tech. The bag is split into two compartments. One half has a built-in padded sleeve for a 15-inch laptop and two pockets for tech accessories (including wires, headphones, and charging components); both are large enough to hold a battery pack for on-the-go charging. The other half is the larger compartment, with plenty of small interior pockets to assist you in organizing items, such as a few small pieces of clothing or a toiletry kit. The Air Porter also has a front expanding pocket, with magnets that keep the flap closed whether the pocket’s empty or full. This is a great feature if you often travel with magazines and books. On either side, the Air Porter has two expanding sleeves for holding a travel umbrella and a water bottle.

It’s customizable. Waterfield also makes an Air Caddy to hold your tablet and cables. If you don’t already have a tech organizer, I recommend it. The Air Caddy is as well built as the Air Porter, plus it fits nicely inside the bag and matches the overall look.

It has a warranty. Waterfield has a 30-day return policy with no restocking fee, but you will have to cover return shipping costs. Additionally, Waterfield offers a lifetime warranty for any product defects.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• The Air Porter is our priciest pick, but considering the quality of the materials and craftsmanship, we think it’s worth the price—this bag will last a lifetime if it’s cared for properly.
• We do wish it were a little larger so you could take full advantage of the space available at your feet. That said, Waterfield does make a larger version of the Air Porter (with almost 10 additional liters of space) called the X-Air Duffel, which still fits under the seat in front of you.

Dimensions: 15 by 10.25 by 4.5 inches
Weight: 2.4 pounds
Capacity: 14.8 liters

Top pick

Monos Metro Duffel

A weekend bag alternative

This classic carryall has luxurious touches, and it holds more than any bag of its type we tested (its capacity is on a par with that of our rollerboard pick).

Buying Options

$190 from Monos

May be out of stock

The Monos Metro Duffel is a luxuriant shoulder bag that has a vegan leather exterior and soft nylon twill interior, with detailed organization and add-ons made specifically for simplifying travel.

It offers high-quality details with travel-specific organization and design. The vegan leather Monos Metro Duffel is reassuringly robust in a world of bags usually made from various types of thin nylon. Although larger, it’s like the Waterfield in weight and feel, and it has similar details, including a pass-through for a luggage handle and an interior sleeve for a laptop (up to 15 inches). The Metro has metal hardware and a few secure-feeling magnetic snaps to hold the bag together.

It’s spacious. The Metro has a 22-liter capacity, about 8 liters more than the Waterfield. It’s enough for a small change of clothes if needed. The bag is easy to carry on your shoulder or by the two handle straps. Even fully packed, it’s not quite large enough to ever feel so impossibly heavy that it’s unmanageable.

Monos also makes a larger version of the bag, called The Weekender. This bag is essentially the same as the Metro Duffel, with additional storage built into the bottom. However, the Weekender slightly exceeds the personal-item dimensions for some airlines, and most people don’t need to carry 48 liters of extra stuff in their personal item.

It has plenty of organization. The Metro has two external pockets and one interior one, as well as an internal water-bottle sleeve. However, one of those external pockets doubles as your luggage-handle pass-through with the aid of a lower zip. It’s a usefully adaptable design for travel in and out of the airport.

There are some customization options. The Metro also comes with a snap-on kit bag for easy access to personal items. And we like the Metro Folio Kit if you travel often; it also snaps on but is more rigid than the included kit. It’s something between a travel wallet and a miniature personal item.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

While we’re sure that vegan leather is durable—as in, your bag won’t suddenly fall apart from a tear or scuff—we do wonder how it will look after years of use. Real leather tends to “wear in,” whereas not all vegan leather does, at least not as well. We’ll continue to test and update.

Dimensions: 16.3 by 11.2 by 7.2 inches
Weight: 3.6 pounds
Capacity: 22 liters

Top pick

Travelpro Crew VersaPack Carry-On Rolling Tote

A wheeled bag with reinforced sides

Designed to fit under an airline seat, this diminutive version of our favorite carry-on luggage rolls along on wheels and has a long extending handle. And due to its reinforced sides, it’s tougher than your average fabric tote or backpack.

Buying Options

Buy from Amazon

May be out of stock

The Travelpro Crew VersaPack Carry-On Rolling Tote is our choice for a personal item that you can roll on to the plane.

This diminutive luggage is easy to move around. This compact tote is large enough to carry everything you need for an overnight trip, but it still falls within the average US airline underseat dimensions. It sits on two wheels, so it’s a remarkably maneuverable case for anyone who doesn’t prefer (or is unable) to carry their personal item on their shoulder or back.

It lasts. We’ve recommended Travelpro Platinum Elite luggage for years in our carry-on and checked suitcases guides, due to its durability, dependability, and lifetime warranty (that also protects against airline damage for the first three years). Like those other Travelpro picks, the Crew VersaPack tote meets the same standards in materials, build quality, and guarantee. The internal frame (wrapped in nylon fabric similar to soft-sided carry-on luggage) should endure plenty of accidental kicks and scuffs. That reinforcement is particularly useful if you’re packing delicate items, such as cameras, extra computer equipment, or fragile gifts.

Simple organization with good capacity. This tote has one main compartment, as well as a front pocket for small papers and tickets. The bag’s main compartment is built and organized like a small piece of carry-on luggage—with rolling wheels and internal, zippered organizational compartments, combined with some aspects useful in a personal item, such as a padded sleeve (it holds up to a 14-inch laptop) and a pass-through sleeve.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• As with any rolling luggage, with Travelpro Crew VersaPack Carry-On Rolling Tote, you lose a little packing space to the handle and wheel carriage. The tote’s rigid shape means there’s very little wiggle room if, for whatever reason, it doesn’t fit under the seat in front of you. Despite the inclusion of a small, exterior, flexible pocket—nominally for an umbrella or water bottle—we found that it was too small to be of much use for anything except a very narrow plastic water bottle.
• If you catch a seat with an underseat power bank or any other kind of obstruction, you won’t be able to wedge this case into place like you might be able to do with a soft bag or backpack.

Dimensions: 16.5 by 15.75 by 8.5 inches
Weight: 6.7 pounds
Capacity: 22.5 liters

Top pick

Away The Everywhere Bag

A hold-all to attach to your carry-on

This bag slides over the handles of your carry-on for easy transport. It’s made of durable nylon and has plenty of space for in-flight essentials.

Buying Options

$195 $146 from Away

You save $49 (25%)

If you want a personal item that’s simple, well organized, and similar to a weekend duffle or a large tote (with enough space for a spare outfit, a toiletry bag, and a laptop), Away’s The Everywhere Bag is an excellent choice.

It’s a convenient, lightweight bag. The Everywhere Bag is made of water- and abrasion-resistant nylon, perfect for the floor of an airplane. The bag also has a removable shoulder strap. And, like most of our other picks, it includes a sleeve for slipping over the handles of a carry-on suitcase, so it’s convenient to carry atop your luggage. This bag feels aggressively designed to offend absolutely no one. It is the true neutral of all personal items, with plenty of carrying options and as many organization options as our other picks have.

It’s thoughtfully organized. The interior features six slim pockets and a sleeve large enough for a 15-inch laptop. At the base of the bag, there’s a zippered waterproof pocket for an umbrella. On the outside of the bag, there’s a single slim pocket, which is well shaped for tickets and important travel documents. Otherwise, the bag opens into a larger interior pocket, which is big enough to hold a change of clothes, a toiletry kit, and a book or magazine. If you’re flying for just an overnight trip, this could easily be the only bag you need to carry.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Everywhere Bag isn’t as protective as other picks. There’s no interior separation, so all of your gear is mashed together along with your computer and tech. And there isn’t a water-bottle pocket, so if you carry one, it will sit dangerously close to everything else.

Dimensions: 16.3 by 7.3 by 10.2 inches
Weight: 2.6 pounds
Capacity: 20 liters

Top pick

Longchamp Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag

A stylish, expandable tote

This tote packs up small when not in use, and the tough nylon is perfect for the floor of an airplane: It’s easy to clean, and it protects items from most scuffs and kicks.

Buying Options

$155 from Nordstrom

$155 from Longchamp

The Longchamp Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag is handsome, so it works nicely if you need a personal item that can easily transition from a travel bag to a purse or work bag as soon as you leave the plane.

This is a lightweight bag for easy travel. Longchamp’s Le Pliage Tote is very lightweight (especially compared with leather bags), so it shines as a travel bag due to its simple, packable design and practical materials. The nylon construction wipes down easily if it’s spilled on. And if you want to consolidate down to one bag on any leg of your trip, this tote can be folded down and packed away.

It’s well made and surprisingly durable. The shoulder strap is made of rolled leather, and our tester said it didn’t bite into the shoulder as much as unrolled leather straps do. The bag’s main compartment is large enough to hold a laptop, sweatshirt, water bottle, and other assorted travel items. It zips shut, so you won’t lose anything, even as you stuff it underneath your seat. The bag also has an understated shape and design, so it blends in nicely with both professional and casual outfits. There is one modest pocket on top for your phone, wallet, and keys. However, we found that even this pocket felt a touch small. One of our testers has had this bag for almost five years. And she reports that the nylon looks the same as when she got it, and the leather, while it has worn in over the years, is still in excellent shape.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Considering that this bag is great for going right from the plane to the office, we would have loved for it to have a laptop compartment or some other way to separate items beyond the single top pocket. In our testing, we ended up organizing the tote ourselves with bag organizers. Also, Longchamp’s Le Pliage lacks a pass-through strap or slot for attaching it to the handles of your carry-on luggage.

Dimensions: 12.25 by 11.75 by 7.5 inches
Weight: 0.7 pounds
Capacity: 17 liters

The Tom Bihn Pilot may be a good option if you’re looking for an alternative to our top-pick shoulder bag. While it’s not as conveniently organized or as nicely styled as our other picks, it is half the price and well made, if a bit aesthetically utilitarian. We’re going to take a closer look at this option in our next update. The Nomad Lane V4 Bento Bag is another interesting option that’s decently well recommended on other reputable sites. We haven’t looked at much from Nomad Lane, so we can’t speak to the quality yet. But this bag’s design and reputation make it an intriguing option to test. And lastly, we’re taking a look at the Vagabond Jet from ultralight gear brand Gossamer Gear.

The Cotopaxi Batac 24L Backpack is a decent small backpack, but it’s not ideally set up for underseat access or use during a flight. That said, the bag is well made, shaped to fit under just about any airline seat, and warrantied for a lifetime of travel.

The Calpak Luka Duffle has limited organization and about as much style as a well-folded duvet. And we think our other picks are easier to use while handling luggage and moving through airports—let alone on the actual plane itself.

The Briggs & Riley Underseat Cabin Bag is a resoundingly fine bag! It does exactly what it says it should, and it’s from a company we trust. But there’s nothing really to set it apart, either. However, if you end up with this bag, it should be satisfying to use.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.