10 Easy-to-Store Pieces of Luggage

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Let's peel back the curtain on the secret world of under-seat luggage—space is premium and the struggle to shop for something practical and efficient is real. Great options are hard to come by, and everyone else on the plane is going to be wheeling around suitcases that seem to have a mind of their own. If you want to know what luggage to invest in (spoiler, it's Rimowa), luggage sets to buy, or affordable suitcases to snag, go ahead and shop those. But, you're obviously here to find the holy grail of travel gear—the perfect under-seat luggage—and the travel experts at Esquire can help with that.

Now, before you embark on this quest, there's a golden rule to keep in mind. Size is non-negotiable here, obviously. You can occasionally stuff a backpack or tote bag partially under the seat and get away with it, but there are finite dimensions you should actually shop within. According to airline policy, any personal items cozying up under those seats must play by the rules, sizing up no more than 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches. This challenge has sparked a sort of arms race for luggage manufacturers. The all want to make the ideal piece of gear that's compact yet somehow swallows half your closet.

As a travel writer who has ventured to over 50 countries and every continent, my journey has been a testament to the tried and tested. I've navigated the myriad of under-seat luggage options firsthand, pushing each contender to its limits across countless terminals, airstrips, and situations. This isn't just research; it's the distillation of years on the move, a quest for durability, functionality, and that elusive perfect fit beneath the seat in front of you. We've sifted through the labyrinth of options, identifying the champions of under-seat travel gear. Here they are.

Everywhere Bag

The Everywhere Bag is perfect for quick trips and everyday hustle, thanks to its smart design. Zip it open, and you've got easy access to all your stuff. It effortlessly attaches to Away suitcases, especially when sprinting through the airport. Carry it your way with a comfy, detachable shoulder strap, or grab the top handles. There's even a special spot for your 15" laptop and a detachable key clip for convenience. Whether you're flying off for a weekend or off to the gym, this bag's ready to make your life a whole lot smoother.

Carry All Weekender

Ready for a weekend getaway? This weekender bag's a game-changer, sliding right under your airplane seat. Spacious yet sleek, it packs your essentials, including a 16" laptop, with style. Its QuickPass pocket and organized compartments keep everything within reach. Whether you're using the soft leather handles or the adjustable shoulder strap, comfort's guaranteed.

Plus, it's water-resistant and hooks easily onto your luggage. With premium finishes like gunmetal zips and leather trims, it's not just practical; it's a statement.

Crew Classic UnderSeat Carry-on

If you want to look like an off-duty pilot, the Travelpro Crew Classic Rolling UnderSeat Carry-on is a favorite among top airline crews, blending durability and smart packing. Perfectly sized to fit under most airline seats, it's made from tough fabric that resists stains and abrasions, with an eco-friendly lining from recycled plastic bottles.

It's all about smart storage here. There's a padded sleeve for laptops and tablets, side pockets for essentials, and a removable, water-resistant toiletry organizer. Glide smoothly through terminals on high-performance wheels and easily stack it on other luggage with its rear strap. Plus, with a warranty that covers airline damage, this carry-on promises to be as resilient as it is practical.

Trnk Mini Carry-On Luggage

Roll smoothly through the airport with this mini trunk... sorry, mini trnk-style carry-on. The faux-crocodile design on a durable hard shell makes it a statement, and the 360° spinner wheels make it practical.

Inside, there's no mess, just organized bliss with a buckled strap and pockets. The cushioned handle means grabbing and going, and it has never felt better. Choose your classic color and make this compact carry-on your go-to for turning heads on every trip.

Herringbone Deluxe Underseater

Glide through the airport with a suitcase that effortlessly fits under your seat while keeping your style on point. This classic piece features Hartmann's signature herringbone fabric, ensuring you look refined every step of the way. Inside, find a monogrammed lining with Ducord accents, a padded sleeve for a 15" laptop, and neatly arranged pockets for seamless organization.

Practicality shines with a USB port for charging on the go (battery not included), a SmartSleeve for easy attachment to larger luggage, and a TSA padlock for security. The lightweight aluminum pull handle and dual-spinner wheels offer smooth handling. Designed to fit under most airline seats, this suitcase blends the legacy of travel with today's essentials. The design is timeless, and the suitcase itself is a functional little travel companion.

Compact Carry-On

This high-tech, under-seat carry-on is your ultimate travel companion for short trips. It features a secure double-zip back compartment and a special padded slot for up to a 14" laptop. Stay powered up with the built-in USB port and a neatly organized front compartment for your cable. Easy to move around with a telescoping handle, four recessed wheels, and a comfortable leather-wrapped handle for lifting.

It's not just about moving, either. It's about keeping everything in place while you do. Inside, find media pockets, a zip pocket for your power bank, and spaces for cards and pens, all wrapped up in lightweight nylon. The front U-zip gives you easy access to the main compartment, ensuring that this carry-on is high-tech and highly functional, fitting perfectly under your seat.

Compact

The Rimowa Original Compact redefines luxury travel with its versatile design, perfect for daily commutes or quick one to two-day trips. This silver marvel adapts effortlessly to your needs. Use it as a sleek wheeled briefcase or remove the interior accordion divider to convert it into a compact carry-on that fits neatly in any train or airplane luggage compartments. Inside, the bag is a sanctuary for your essentials, featuring a zipped compartment, multiple pockets for impeccable organization, and a generous padded section that securely accommodates laptops up to 16 inches.

Foldable Plume Mini Cabin

The Foldable Plume luggage series is like having a travel magic trick up your sleeve. Imagine a suitcase that not only fits all your stuff but also folds down into a whisper-thin profile when you're done. Press two buttons near the wheels, and voilà, it collapses, ready to slide into the slimmest of spaces—under the bed, in the closet, or anywhere else you need to stash it away.

Despite its folding superpower, this bag doesn't skimp on space or durability. It's surprisingly roomy and lightweight, perfect for those who dread lugging around heavy suitcases. Plus, it comes with a lining and PVC cover for when it's time to tuck it away, keeping it dust-free and ready for the next adventure.

Underseat Carry-On Spinner

This budget-friendly carry-on ticks all the boxes for savvy travelers. Designed to fit snugly under most airline seats, it's a dream to keep your essentials close without digging through overhead bins mid-flight. But check your airline's dimensions just in case, as sizes can vary.

With four multi-directional spinner wheels, this bag offers 360-degree rolling, making navigating through crowded airports a breeze. Plus, the USB port is a lifesaver for charging your devices on the move—just remember to pack your own battery.

The ergonomic push-button locking handle feels like it was made just for your hand, easing the strain of travel. For those who love to be organized, the quick stash exterior pockets are perfect for tucking away smaller items. Inside, the main compartment doesn't disappoint, featuring a padded laptop compartment ready to protect laptops up to 13.3 inches.

Baseline Underseat Duffle Bag

This classic duffle is the perfect under-seat travel companion, combining timeless style with practical features. It features durable, self-repairing YKK zippers and a ballistic nylon exterior that withstands wear and resists moisture and dirt. Its four double swivel wheels guarantee the ease of movement, while the slip-through back strap allows for effortless coupling with rolling luggage. Quick access to essentials is made easy with the SpeedThru pocket, which is ideal for security checkpoints.

The interior is thoughtfully designed with a large main compartment, including a zip mesh pocket, and two large pockets for efficient organization. For added security, there’s a HideAway ID tag. Carrying options include a top handle and a removable, adjustable crossbody strap, making it a versatile choice for any traveler looking for convenience and style packed into one.

Tips for Buying Underseat Luggage

Check the Bag Size - When shopping for under-seat luggage, measuring the bag's size first is crucial. Always take a moment to review the dimensions provided in the product description. Despite bags being advertised as airline-approved, our experience suggests it's best to double-check. Since airlines vary in their under-seat space allowances, confirming with them directly is a smart strategy.

Consider Wheeled vs. Tote Bags - Ponder over the choice between a wheeled bag and a tote. For regular travelers, a wheeled under-seat bag, whether it has two or four wheels, can greatly ease your journey through bustling airports. Tote bags, devoid of wheels, are lighter and thus more suited for short trips by car or train, where you're not as restricted by space constraints. Our tests revealed that both wheeled and tote bags, particularly those with rear straps for easy attachment to larger luggage, significantly streamline carrying your under seat item through airports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size luggage can fit under your seat?

So, every airline has its own idea of under-seat space, but guess what? The max is usually 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches. But, we found a sweet spot for size: 16 x 14 x 9 inches. That's our go-to for testing. Most under-the-seat bags hover around these dimensions, but how chunky your bag ends up really depends on how much you stuff it.

How much can an underseat suitcase fit?

In our evaluations, we checked how much each bag could carry by packing it with essentials: two days' worth of outfits, a laptop, and a toiletry kit. Typically, an underseat suitcase is ideal for packing lightly, covering just about a weekend's needs. However, the actual capacity might fluctuate based on what kind of clothing and gadgets you decide to pack.

Why Trust Esquire?

Because no one else has the taste that we do. No one travels like we do. I, personally, have been to more than 50 countries and touched down on all 7 continents. I've tested a million suitcases, and the rest of the Esquire editors have tested a million more. We test products. We award the most revolutionary home stuff. And we only recommend the things we would get with our own money.

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