The 12 Best Underseat Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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The Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On is coming on all of our flights
People / Conor Ralph
Whether you're taking a quick trip and only need a small bag on board or a longer journey where you need all of your necessities at your fingertips (or rather, your feet), underseat luggage can be a huge convenience. While most airlines require around 16 x 14 x 9 inches for an item stowed under the seat, it can be tough to know which bag will a. fit the airline's requirements and b. have all the elements you need. That's why we went to work in our PEOPLE Tested Lab to simulate packing 19 different bags for a two-day trip, maneuvering them around an obstacle course, and stowing them in our staged "underseat" area to see how well they fit. We then took these bags home and tested them for up to six months while traveling and commuting to see how well they work in the real world.
When shopping for a great underseat luggage bag, professional organizer Eryn Donaldson of The Model Home says she accounts for the other luggage she might have with her. “I look for something that has a trolley sleeve so that I can hook it onto my rolling bag,” she tells PEOPLE. “A shoulder strap is also a nice touch — basically, I like to keep my hands free to carry my phone or anything else.”
Keep reading for the best underseat luggage pieces that PEOPLE Tested.
Best Overall: Calpak Hue Mini Carry-on Luggage
Pros
This small luggage features a sleek, hard-sided shell for a minimalist look.
It’s a rolling suitcase, and the wheels have seamless maneuverability.
There are several pockets and compartments for superior organization.
Cons
There’s no outer pocket if you want to easily reach something in-flight.
For short trips, this mini carry-on has just about everything you might need. We were able to easily fit two pairs of pants, a bomber jacket, flip-flops, three shirts, and a laptop sleeve inside — not bad for a piece of luggage this size.
The design impressed us just as much as the capacity. Not only did the exterior look professional, minimalist, and tidy without looking too stuffy or conservative, but it also came with a built-in dial lock, which made us feel like our things were that much safer. The only design downside, though, was the lack of outer pockets, so small items aren’t easily accessible in-flight. Inside, the main compartment is clamshell-style, with one side featuring a zip-around compartment, plus a mesh zip pocket and two sleeves. The other side has two small zip pockets.
As for comfort with the suitcase at your feet, we thought that it fits easily in an underseat compartment, and while it is hard-sided, there’s a bit of give, should you need to wedge the bag into a tight spot. It was also a breeze to maneuver the Calpak Hue thanks to its four spinner wheels, which felt smooth and sturdy during our testing.
Overall, we found the Calpak Hue Mini Carry-on Luggage to be a great value given its performance and bonus extras like well-designed pockets and a built-in look. This is a functional and sleek bag that would be great to have for quick trips.
How it’s held up:
Through virtually all modes of transportation, this Calpak piece has been a dream throughout all of our travels. It fits snugly in the underseat compartments on everything from plane seats to train cars, and it even did well for us on our camping trips (we liked that the hard shell kept our clothes extra protected and dry). We’ve continuously been surprised by how much it can store despite its small size, though its compact frame is perfect for storing away once we get home from our travels. We wish there were outer pockets for easy security line access, but we’re also not mad because we love its sleek, uniform exterior. This roller has been a steadfast travel buddy for the past few months, and we don’t see that changing anytime soon.
Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 8 inches | Weight: 6.4 pounds | Materials: Polycarbonate, polyester | Packing Capacity: 28 liters
Best Budget: Nicole Miller Underseat Luggage
Pros
This bag is spacious while still fitting perfectly underneath a plane seat.
It has a chic look that resembles a large purse rather than a rolling luggage.
The wheels rotate and take corners with ease.
Cons
There’s no padded sleeve for a laptop, which made us worried during business trips.
There’s no denying how cute this purse-like rolling bag is, but what’s even more attractive is its comparatively lower price. Complete with a luggage strap, an extendable handle, and easily maneuverable wheels, this gold-accented bag was a hit while we traveled. Its design is fairly simple, consisting of a top zipper that opens up the bag into what is essentially one spacious pocket. It doesn’t offer much in terms of organization, but if you’re someone who’s looking to just throw some items in and go, then we don’t think this will be too much of a deterrent.
We do wish that it came with a padded sleeve to protect our laptops since this would be the perfect budget-friendly bag for a work trip, but because there’s no designated place for our computers, we’re hesitant to gravitate towards this one for business-oriented travels (unless we stash them in between layers of clothes for some cushion). However, with its roomy storage, excellent wheels, and even better price, we’re loving this rolling bag as a more affordable option for non-work adventures.
How it’s held up:
Whether it’s on a plane or a train, this bag seems to fit snugly under whichever seat we’re stowing it under. Despite months of use, we’re not seeing any wear and tear on the interior or exterior, which makes us think it will continue to last for quite a while. Despite its lower price, we do think the bag still has a stylish quality that looks professional and can be easily used for work trips (if you’re okay with the lack of a computer sleeve). It fits under airline seats and fits the basic clothes we need — and for that, we can’t complain.
Dimensions: 15 x 9 x 14 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Materials: Nylon | Packing Capacity: Not specified
Best Investment: Tumi Voyageur Oxford Compact Carry-on
Pros
There are a ton of extra features that you won't find everywhere.
It has decent packing capacity and easy-to-reach outside pockets.
The wheels moved flawlessly, navigating twists and turns with ease.
It looks more upscale than the rest of the bags we tested.
Cons
It has to be flipped onto its front to fit underneath a seat, which may scuff the facing.
When it comes to luxury luggage (that’s not designer), Tumi is one of the best to do it — and their Compact Carry-On was no exception. Complete with a split-layer zipper compartment for maximum organization (think clothes and shoes on one side, toiletries on the other), you can fit a lot more than meets the eye in this square suitcase. There’s also a protective sleeve that can fit a laptop up to 14 inches wide, making this a surefire solution for your business trip packing problems. We also loved how easy it was to maneuver this bag, as its four recessed wheels allowed us to glide around corners with no trouble at all, a trait that will come in handy next time you’re late for your connecting flight.
But because of all of its compartments and inside and outside pockets, though very helpful, this bag has the capability to get overstuffed and not fit under the seat. We found that if we flip it on its face (so the flat back is facing the sky), it can slide more easily underneath the seat. But because of this, we worry about the fabric scuffing after several times of storing it this way. However, we can’t deny the many perks and exquisite style that come with this costlier pick — from its several handles to its attached bag tag and built-in USB port, there’s so much to love about this Tumi roller bag. If you’re looking for an option to splurge on (and get several years out of), then this is the one.
How it’s held up:
To our relief, we have not experienced any scuff marks or damage (yet) in the months that we’ve been trying out this suitcase. We love how sleek the design is and how lightweight it feels, despite the amount of clothes that we’ve stuffed into it for the weekend. While we know this is an expensive pick, we think it’s worth the splurge if you want to invest in something that will last you for years. Rather than grabbing something cheaper and needing to replace it later, this could be a great investment that could save you money in the long run.
Dimensions: 16 x 14 x 8 inches | Weight: 6.6 pounds | Materials: Nylon | Packing Capacity: 21 liters
Best Features: Samsonite Spinner Underseater With USB Port
Pros
The luggage is well-made, touting quality wheels and nice exterior pockets for easy access.
It comes with an external USB port to charge your gadget.
Cons
It was a tight squeeze to fit the fully-packed suitcase under a seat in our tests.
Functionality is the name of the game with the Samsonite Spinner Underseater with USB port. This bag was able to fit all of our two-day trip belongings, with exterior pockets to store items for quick access while on a plane. We did note that there was a lack of ties/straps to compress clothing in the suitcase, which would be a nice touch if you wanted to fit more items inside.
There are several pockets and a separator inside for organization, and the USB port is a great feature. The size is good overall, though it was a little snug in our testing to fit this model under a seat. Testing out the bag in our obstacle course, it was extremely smooth to maneuver; the handle and extended handle make it easy to transition between different types of flooring, escalators, or stairs.
We found the price to be decent for this bag, and a good option to have for short trips when you don’t need a large bag. It’s a great-looking, functional bag that is sleek to maneuver. A good buy for functionality, overall.
How it’s held up:
Even after a few months, we still love all the nifty pockets, organizational compartments, and extra features (like the USB port) that come with this luggage. We’ve found that the wheels maneuver effortlessly and its compact frame fits into most spaces easily (and we especially love how space-saving it is in the car). It’s a total savior on weekend trips because it eliminates the need to carry a heavy duffel on your shoulder and fits just about everything you’d need for a two-day trip. However, this may be best for your summer travels, because we thought it was a little hard to stuff sweaters into this spinner during the cooler months. Still, we love this one for its helpful functionality and features.
Dimensions: 16.5 x 13.75 x 9 inches | Weight: 5.6 pounds | Materials: Polyester | Packing Capacity: 36 liters
Best for Toiletries: Steve Madden Underseat Wheeled Bag
Pros
Both the interior and exterior are packed with handy, high-quality compartments.
Touting two easily maneuverable wheels, it’s very easy to transport this rolling luggage.
Just like the designer’s shoes, this bag is attractive and stylish.
Cons
The price point is a bit high, given its smaller size.
Not everyone will love the added bulk of the zipper tassels.
You’ve got compartments galore with the Steve Madden Underseat Wheeled Bag, making it our top choice for toiletries. We really loved the amount of toiletry-friendly compartments within the bag, which perfectly fit all the small things we travel with. It also contains a clear, zippable compartment, which made it easier than ever to find our items inside.
The aesthetics are a big draw, too. Its vintage look elevates your average luggage with its brown and gold accents and allows your bag to stand out in style among the sea of drab baggage (though we’d expect nothing less from Steve Madden).
Despite the compartments that keep everything tucked away and organized, fitting the bag under a seat was a struggle. This may be because we filled this bag to the very top, so if you’re planning a lot of outfit changes, this may not be the one for you. We also noted that the decorative zipper tassels added a bit of extra bulk. But when we flipped the luggage face down, it fit under the space with greater ease.
All in all, the bag moved effortlessly and still felt light despite being packed full. We did think the price was slightly high given the size and space, but we think it reflects the stylish look of its exterior (and the convenience of its organized interior). We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the bag for those traveling on a short summer trip (bulky clothes would be problematic), and for those who value the look of their luggage.
How it’s held up:
Even after months of testing, this bag has yet to show a speck of wear and tear (which we can’t say about any of our previously owned luggage). Despite frequent use, we haven’t noticed a decline in the performance of the zippers or rips in any of the pockets, which is a major win in our book. It’s proven to be perfect for weekend stays, typically fitting up to two nights’ worth of clothing, and it’s not a hassle to slide under plane and train seats. Plus, it stows perfectly in a car. Compact and cute? We're in.
Dimensions: 15 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 4.84 pounds | Materials: Polyester | Packing Capacity: 5 liters
Best Rolling: Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Luggage Expandable Underseater Spinner
Pros
This underseat spinner moves super smoothly across the floor, thanks to its four 360-degree wheels.
The exterior features an attractive chevron pattern and gold hardware.
There are easily accessible exterior pockets for convenient storage.
Cons
You’ll need to be aware of how much you pack because it can be hard to fit under the seat when it’s too full.
The Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Underseat Spinner fit two days worth of thick clothes comfortably in our tests, along with shoes and a toiletry bag. Cute and fashionable, the gold hardware creates a nice pop — but the organizational qualities of this bag on the inside are just as great as the exterior, too. Straps on the inside keep your clothes in place, plus there’s a plethora of pockets: two interior stretch pockets, an interior zipper pocket, an exterior pocket on the front, and one on each side.
In our testing, however, the front of the bag bulged with the items inside, giving us a little trouble fitting it under the seat. As with other bags we tested, flipping the bag over did the trick, with the flat side facing up.
Maneuverability is the biggest selling point of this bag in particular. The bag has four wheels that jut out about two inches from the bottom of the bag and make it extremely easy to roll across airport floors and sidewalks. The ease of maneuverability alone justified the price tag for us, and the aesthetics and compartments were the icing on the cake. Just be aware of over-packing if you don’t want to rely on the overhead compartment.
How it’s held up:
Not only does this spinner work for weekend trips ourselves, but we’ve found it to be incredibly useful when traveling with little ones, too. You can pack it like a diaper bag if you need, or use it for work trips thanks to its professional look. Its surplus of handy compartments helped keep us organized during our travels and the outside pockets made it easy to grab passports, phones, and other essentials as we made our way through stations and terminals. We were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to steer and roll this mini luggage and breathed a sigh of relief when it fit perfectly under the airplane seat — every time.
Dimensions: 17 x 13 x 9 inches | Weight: 5.6 pounds. | Materials: Polyester-twill | Packing Capacity: Not specified
Best Spacious: Rockland Melrose Upright Wheeled Underseater Luggage
Pros
There are handy exterior pockets that are helpful for easily accessing necessities during travel.
Its sturdy material kept the bag from becoming damaged.
This bag is well-designed to keep all of your packed items separated and organized.
Cons
This bag features inline wheels rather than spinner wheels, which means that it doesn’t take corners well.
In this roomy rolling bag, we packed everything for a short trip with plenty of space to spare. It fit easily under a seat while packed with two pairs of pants, three t-shirts, a bulky sweatshirt, and a pair of heels. The Rockland Melrose bag also features two external pockets and two mesh side pockets, big enough to fit two water bottles.
With a trolley sleeve, soft handles, a big outer compartment with two separate zip mesh pockets, and a tablet-sized sleeve with an elastic strap to secure the contents, this was one of the most well-designed bags that we tested. There’s also a small pocket in front, which makes it easy to access your belongings during a flight without taking your whole bag out. The main compartment also has great organization: a plastic pocket for toiletries, four separate sleeves, and a removable mesh pocket.
Given the roominess and smart design, we were disappointed by the bag’s performance on the maneuverability test. The wheels are inline rather than spinner wheels, so it doesn't take corners well. Pushing the bag vertically was difficult, but it did travel smoothly when we pulled it behind us. Spinners aside, we think this is a great choice for chronic over-packers and organization lovers due to its ample room and smart design.
How it’s held up:
We still love this rolling suitcase after months of testing it on both our weekend getaways and longer travels. We’ve found that we can typically fit three outfits, a pair of shoes, toiletries, and a hair dryer without excessive squeezing, and it fits comfortably under most airplane seats beside the aisle seat (an odd but recurring experience). Because we’ve used this bag during several trips over the past few months, we were expecting some sort of damage after repeated use — but have yet to discover any unsightly scuffs or fabric deterioration on the sturdy material. If you need something extra in addition to your carry-on, then this is a great option for you.
Dimensions: 9 x 14 x 15 inches | Weight: 3.99 pounds | Materials: Quilted polyester | Packing Capacity: Not specified
Best Tote: Travelpro x Travel + Leisure UnderSeat Tote
Pros
This bag features great capacity to store all of the outfits that a busy weekend trip requires.
It has tons of practical touches, like a shoulder strap, several pockets, and a luggage sleeve.
It’s a more stylish option than a regular duffle bag, thanks to its high-end leather trim.
Cons
Despite being well-made, the price point remains quite high for a small bag.
Are wheels not your thing? Here’s a luxe, yet practical tote bag with tons of space and just the right fit. We fit almost everything that we needed into this bag for a quick weekend away — which consisted of two pairs of pants, two shirts, a jacket, a pair of shoes, and a toiletry bag. Large enough to fit a few days’ worth of clothes, but small enough to slide under the seat, this tote is a clear winner in the underseat luggage category.
The leather details and optional shoulder strap are nice touches on the tote, which opens up to one large compartment that features two interior pockets — one is a buttoned sleeve, and one is a small zippered pocket. An exterior pocket on the front and a luggage sleeve on the back made it easy to pair this tote with a larger piece of luggage.
We think this bag would be perfect for someone who likes functional luggage, but still prefers to travel in style. We would note that there aren’t too many organizational compartments inside, so it would also be good for someone who just wants to throw things in it and go.
We really only dinged this tote for value. While this particular underseat tote is well-made and functional, there are comparable alternatives at much lower price points.
How it’s held up:
Everything from the zippers to the storage of this tote has been performing just as well as it did on the very first trip as it is today. We love how easy it is to access our computers and how sleek the look of this elevated tote is — making it perfect for our business and leisure travels alike. It’s pretty easy to fit three separate sets of clothing (though we recommend rolling them instead of folding them), shoes, hats, even an umbrella, and more in this sleek shoulder bag. Though the price may seem steep, we think it’s well worth the investment.
Dimensions: 9.25 x 16.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 2.3 pounds | Materials: High-density fabric, DuraGuard coating, leather trim | Packing Capacity: 22 liters
Best Lightweight: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Lightweight Underseat Carry-on Travel Tote Bag
Pros
This tote is high-quality due to its durable polyester material and sleek, padded structure.
This bag is easy and convenient to travel with.
From its protective exterior pockets to its inner storage compartment, this bag is very well-designed.
Cons
The bag was slightly too big for the underseat compartment, though it may fit on a larger aircraft with more underseat space.
If you cringe at the thought of gate announcements asking you to check your wheeled carry-on, consider this sleek featherweight option instead. This high-quality bag is spacious without being easily weighed down by clothes, which makes it easy to carry around airports and train stations. It was able to house everything we packed with some room to spare: two pairs of pants, two shirts, a jacket, a toiletry bag, a pair of sneakers, and a laptop. There are also three small exterior pockets to easily access your phone and wallet mid-flight.
But while the bag offered a ton of space and very little added weight, it was simply too big for the underseat compartment in our testing, despite flipping and squishing. On a larger aircraft with more underseat space, however, we don’t anticipate a fit problem.
We found this bag to be a good value given its capacity, quality, two carrying options, and multiple zippers and pockets. If you’re someone who’s typically on the go and needs a bag that they can mindlessly throw things into, this product is a great option.
How it’s held up:
In comparison to the backpacks and duffels we’ve used before, this bag takes the cake. From its structured design to its lightweight feel, we’re reaching for this travel tote over everything else in our closets because of how convenient and easy it is to take on the go. We love how organized this bag stays because of its several interior and exterior compartments and pockets, and it fits a surprisingly decent amount of clothes (and a professional camera) despite its smaller size. It did end up fitting well under the seat when one of our testers flew across the country for a weekend, which confirmed our inkling about larger planes.
Dimensions: 11 x 18 x 8 inches | Weight: 1.6 pounds | Materials: Polyester | Packing Capacity: 28 liters
Best Versatile: Nomad Lane Bento Bag V 3.0
Pros
Despite its small, sleek look, this bag can hold quite a lot of items inside.
There are many compartments and pockets to organize your clothes and other travel items.
It includes a luggage sleeve, so you can easily attach it to your carry-on roller bag.
Cons
The price is a bit steep for a bag without wheels.
If you’re planning on investing in an expensive bag, you’ll at least want it to be something versatile enough to go from the airport to the gym, but also tailored enough to be taken into the office. Meet the Nomad Lane Bento Bag V 3.0: a sleek underseat bag that works as a personal item when traveling, but also serves as a gym bag, weekender, or even a daily tote bag. Equipped with several internal compartments, including folder-like sleeves for a computer and important documents, zippered areas that organize your clothes into sections (think pants on one side, tops on the other), and more. We found that it was easier than ever to keep things in order during our travels with this bag.
We do wish that the price was just a little lower, seeing as it doesn’t have any special functionalities like wheels or a USB port (like some of the more tech-y luggage pieces), but we do think its sturdy material, compact design, and lightweight body make this bag one well worth investing in. With so many different uses, it’s not hard to see how you could incorporate this bag into your everyday life — whether you’re an avid traveler or not. But for short weekend trips away (and for something small enough to slide right over your luggage handle while navigating an airport terminal), we think this is one of the most versatile options on the market today.
Dimensions: 17 x 8 x 10 inches | Weight: 2.76 pounds | Materials: Nylon, leather | Packing Capacity: 24 liters
Best Overnight: Away The Everywhere Bag
Pros
It has a full, wraparound zipper, so it's easy to pack.
It weighs less than 3 pounds. so it's very lightweight.
It features a built-in laptop pocket and a trolley sleeve.
The shoulder strap is adjustable and has plenty of padding for added comfort.
Cons
It's small, so it doesn't feature a separate shoe compartment.
The Everywhere Bag from Away is the ideal underseat bag for an overnight trip. The bag has a full wraparound zippered opening, which makes it easy to pack and find your items. The large main compartment has several slip pockets, a water bottle pocket, a large zippered pocket, and a detachable key clip. It also features a built-in laptop pocket (large enough for a 15-inch laptop) as well as a separate sleeve that’s just the right size for a tablet. The exterior of the bag features a trolley sleeve and a small pocket (which is always convenient). You can carry the bag with ease using the trolley sleeve, top handles, or the detachable padded shoulder strap. The crossbody strap is adjustable and is one of the more padded straps that we’ve encountered, so it’s comfortable to carry, even for long distances.
This small lightweight bag makes an easy-to-stash personal item on a flight or a convenient overnight bag anytime. It doesn’t feature a separate shoe compartment, but it’s made of durable, water-resistant nylon and is easy to fill with all the essentials you’ll need for a quick trip. It comes in four solid colors with black leather trim and can also be personalized. Plus, it weighs just 2.75 pounds (including the detachable strap), so it isn’t a burden to carry through the airport.
Dimensions: 16.3 x 10.2 x 7.3 inches | Weight: 2.75 pounds | Materials: Nylon, leather | Packing Capacity: 20 liters
Best Weekender: Béis The Convertible Mini Weekender
Pros
The bag has a sturdy metal frame that makes packing a breeze.
It has a removable, padded laptop sleeve.
You can carry it like a tote, on your shoulder, or attached to your wheeled bag with the trolley sleeve.
Cons
When we dropped the bag, the zippered bottom compartment became detached, but we were able to reattach it easily.
Dash to the gate in style with this convertible mini weekender bag from Béis. We were amazed at how much we were able to pack into this bag. With a wide-mouth opening supported by a metal frame, it’s easy to fill this bag with everything you’ll need for overnight, or a two or three-night trip (depending on how much you pack). Once we filled the bag, we had a bit of trouble closing the zipper and required the help of another team member, but once closed, the bag held all of our belongings securely.
The real star is the separate shoe compartment, which can hold up to two pairs of shoes (or any other items you might place in a packing cube). The compartment is attached to the bottom of the bag with a zipper that goes around the entire bag, so it’s fully removable. After we dropped the bag off of a table, the zipper compartment separated from the bag. However, once we reattached the shoe compartment, the zipper worked perfectly.
The bag is just the right size for a personal item on a plane, and it can be stowed under the seat in front of you. This compact bag also boasts several interior slip pockets and a removable padded laptop case with a Velcro closure that can fit a 13 or 15-inch laptop. There’s also an outside pocket (great for stashing something you’ll need on the plane) and a zippered sleeve to attach to your luggage. You can carry this bag like a tote, on your shoulder, or attached to your wheeled bag with the trolley sleeve.
Dimensions: 16 x 8 x 15.7 inches | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Materials: Jute canvas, vegan leather | Packing Capacity: 33 liters
Things to Consider Before Buying Underseat Luggage
Wheels
Underseat luggage is clearly divided into two camps: With wheels, and without. While having wheels on your bag makes the airport a breeze, it’s important to think about how that additional bulk fits under a seat. “You want to consider if having wheels will take up too much space to give you some leg room,” says flight attendant Casey P. Zack. “A smaller tote can be easily ‘scrunched’ to the side more so than a harder material like plastic.” You’ll want to check out something like the Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Underseat Tote or the Nomad Lane Bento Bag for a bag like the one Zack describes.
Of course, this is a personal decision, and Janelle Cohen, professional organizer and author of The Folding Book, sees wheels as a priority. “An important feature for any easy trip is four wheels. This makes it super easy to navigate airports and adding a backpack to the handlebar.” Consider our top underseat luggage rolling pick, the Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Luggage, for a spinner that can fit snugly underneath your seat during your next flight.
Pockets
Zack also suggests asking this question of underseat luggage: “Does it have multiple pockets for easier access to finding items such as headphones, passport, wallet, and keys?” he asks. This feature is key for many travelers, both in flight and for keeping their belongings organized at their destination. “It’s so much easier going through security when everything has its specific compartments and you can quickly pull out electronics without digging through the bottom of your bag,” Donaldson adds. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Lightweight Underseat Carry-On was one of our favorites for its lightweight feel and structured design, but a huge selling point was its many exterior pockets, which made it super easy to grab everything we needed out of it in the security line.
However, if you’re prone to over-packing, keep in mind that pockets on the outside of underseat luggage take away from space on the inside, and plan accordingly. “I look for luggage that has no outer pocket because that takes away from the inner storage,” says Cohen. A smooth, hard-backed exterior like the Calpak Hue Mini (our best pick overall) would be a good option if your preference leans toward no-frills designs.
Quality
If you prefer a soft bag for underseat luggage, check to see if the zipper is dyed to match the bag. “If it is, this is a good sign of quality and that it’s not cheaply made,” says Zack. “It’s also good to check if your items are well kept. If they tend to poke out the fabric too much, this means your bag is cheaply made and could tear easily if packed too tightly.”
Professional organizer Eryn Donaldson adds that there are key ways to check a piece of underseat luggage for durability before finding out the hard way. “Looking at things as small as zippers and the fabric quality are important. Look for quality handles and pockets,” she says. Donaldson also recommends checking the zippers to see if they run smoothly, or if they hit a few snags along the way. This should be your initial red flag, as it would most likely only get worse with more use.
Weight
Donaldson also recommends feeling the weight of the underseat luggage while it’s empty. “If the bag feels a bit heavy while empty, it will certainly be heavy once you put your items in it.” The PEOPLE Tested winners range in weight from 1.6 lbs to 6.4 lbs. And while that may not seem like a big range, the measure of a heavy bag is up to the traveler — if you have any doubts about how cumbersome the underseat luggage will be when packed, opt for something lighter.
People / Conor Ralph
How We Tested Underseat Luggage
Measurements: We started off our underseat luggage testing by independently measuring the dimensions of each bag to confirm that it meets the average airline’s under-seat dimensions, which we calculated to be 16 x 14 x 9 inches.
Packing: Next, we evaluated what we’d need for a two-day trip (think a work trip or quick weekend getaway) and packed each piece of underseat luggage accordingly — usually consisting of two different top and bottom combos, a pair of shoes, a toiletry case filled with products, a laptop, and whatever else we’d need. We took note of how well the items fit and if there was any extra room, or if we had to wrestle with the luggage to zip it closed.
Obstacles: The obstacle course was the next step. To test how well our rolling luggage could handle twists and turns, we glided through a winding trail carved by obstacle course cones to mimic corners and the foot traffic that comes with weaving through airport crowds. Each of our selected luggage held up handsomely.
Fit: After this, we arrived at our “gate.” Each piece of underseat luggage was placed into a standard-size underseat area which we sat about 12 inches behind in chairs, noting how easy or difficult it was to slide the bag into the space.
Rating: Finally, we rated each piece of underseat luggage on the following attributes: capacity (Can it accommodate a packing cube?), design, functionality, and maneuverability. After scoring each bag in those categories, we learned the retail price of the luggage and then rated its value.
Real-World Testing: There’s only so much travel you can simulate in a lab without testing the real thing. Thus, we sent our luggage away with our team of testers to take with them on their upcoming travels. For up to six months, the majority of our winning bags were taken across the country to test how well they stand up against frequent travel, different airlines, and even long-distance trains to see how versatile (and underseat-friendly) these bags were.
Long-Term Results: We later updated this list with that information to bring you the most up-to-date (and realistic) feedback that we can, so you can make more informed decisions when it comes time for your next luggage purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size underseat luggage fits under airplane seats?
At PEOPLE Tested, we used these average dimensions for an underseat compartment: 16 x 14 x 9 inches. There is a considerable amount of variation among airlines, but we found this average to be a good guide. A slightly larger bag may fit in some cases, or you may have to squish soft-sided underseat luggage to fit.
Should I get hard-sided underseat luggage or a softer bag?
“Hard shell luggage is my preference for a carry-on bag because it ensures that you don’t overfill your bag,” says Cohen. If you’re prone to over-packing, or if you need to fit your new luggage under the seat (and not be forced to use the overhead compartment or check your bag), this is a good option. Our best overall pick, CalPack Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage, is a great hard shell option.
Does underseat luggage count as a personal item?
Yes. If you’ve got an underseat bag or suitcase that fits under the seat in front of you, you can generally also bring a piece of carry-on luggage or a travel purse that fits in the overhead compartment, provided that your particular airline ticket allows one carry-on and one personal item.
Will an underseat bag or suitcase fit my laptop?
Check the specs on each individual piece of underseat luggage to determine whether a laptop will fit and up to what size. This varies among brands and models. For example, the Tumi Oxford Compact Carry-On has a sleeve that can fit up to a 14-inch computer. Some brands even have special pockets for phones, technology cords, and wireless or wired earbuds, too.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Rennie Dyball is an award-winning author who began her career at PEOPLE in 2002 as a reporter and remained on staff until 2017; she now regularly freelances for the brand. She covers a wide range of topics from beauty to pets, to housewares. Here, Dyball dissected the insights from our lab testers as they tried out several different types of underseat luggage, from rolling bags to totes, in our obstacle course and simulated airplane seats in our lab, considering each based on their overall performance. She tapped several travel experts, including Eryn Donaldson of The Model Home, flight attendant Casey P. Zack, and Janelle Cohen, professional organizer and author of The Folding Book, for their sound advice when it comes to buying a new piece of underseat luggage.
Alyssa Brascia, a commerce writer at PEOPLE, later updated this story with the insights our testers provided after an additional six months of long-term testing in the real world to see how enjoyable the underseat luggage pieces are to travel with (and how well they fit under an actual airplane seat).
Meet Our Experts
Eryn Donaldson is a professional organizer and the founder and CEO of The Model Home.
Casey P. Zack is a professional flight attendant.
Janelle Cohen is a professional organizer and author of The Folding Book.
What Is People Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
Up Next: The 13 Best Checked Luggage of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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Read the original article on People.
