Who knew underseat luggage would be the lifesaver of holidays abroad in 2023? If you've been as much a part of this cost of living crisis as we have, you'll be all too familiar with the fact that airlines across the globe have been upping their carry-on luggage prices and, on multiple flights, you now can't even take an overhead bag without having to settle a hefty fee.
Thankfully, the all-knowing social media conglomerate that it is TikTok and its many helpful users have come through with a solution on the luggage front, and it could cost you as little as £10. Ladies and gentleman, we present to you: underseat luggage.
Indeed, now that airlines like Ryanair and easyJet are charging a premium even for so much as an overhead cabin bag, holiday goers worldwide are struggling to fathom how they're a. going to get to their destinations with their luggage safely in tow and b. actually afford to do so.
Luckily, an underseat bag or ‘personal bag’ (as travel companies often call them) still comes free of charge and you'd be surprised how much you can actually fit in that little compartment beneath the seat in front of you.
Indeed, TikTokers have been showing us the ropes and it turns out you can fit all your holiday essentials in a pint-sized bag with a bit of determination and forward planning. Plus, speaking of forward planning, if you're struggling to know where to start, why not check out our holiday packing list guide before you get underway?
Some users are even purchasing vacuum seal storage bags to double up on the contents of their underseat luggage and, to be honest, with prices from just £7.82 on Amazon, we can completely understand why. After all, who wants to sacrifice all those gorg holiday ‘fit ‘Grams?
So, in terms of what you need to know, the 411 if you will…
What size bag can fit under an airplane seat?
From smallest to largest (not including transatlantic or transpacific flights):
- Aer Lingus - 33cm x 25cm x 20cm.
- Norwegian Airlines - 38cm x 30cm x 20 cm.
- KLM - 40cm x 30cm x 15 cm.
- Ryanair - 40cm x 20cm x 25cm.
- Lufthansa - 40cm x 30cm x 10 cm.
- Finnair - 40cm x 30cm x 15cm.
- Air France - 40cm x 30cm x 15cm.
- Turkish Airlines - 40cm x 30cm x 15cm.
- Wizz Air - 40cm x 30cm x 20 cm.
- United Airlines - 43cm x 25cm x 22cm.
- easyJet - 45cm x 36cm x 20 cm.
- Flybe - 45cm x 36cm x 20cm.
- British Airways - 45cm x 36cm x 20cm.
Plus:
- TUI - no underseat specifications, all passengers are only permitted one carry-on bag (overhead or underseat) at size 55cm x40cm x20cm. Laptops, handbags etc. must fit within this.
- Jet2 - ‘small’ personal item, size not disclosed.
What is the best under the seat luggage?
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Keep scrolling for our full, in-depth review of the best underseat luggage and carry-on bags to avoid airline baggage charges.
1. Best underseat luggage overallChelsea overnight bag in navyAirlines suitable for… Tui, easyJet, Flybe, BA.
Why we love it: More of a stylish choice, this Antler holdall is a two-in-one product and offers buyers both a weekender bag and underseat bag with its eight chic pastel colourways. Plus, it has side pockets for smaller items and travel documents, as well as giving you the option to level up your hold luggage with a matching set of, in our opinion, some of the best luggage - a must for savvy travellers.
Pros: Water-resistant nylon, detachable shoulder bag strap and four different little compartments (including a laptop sleeve) as well as one big roomy main compartment. Oh, and don't forget the slide on luggage strap to make travelling with more than one bag 10x easier.
Cons: None of note.
Customers are saying: It's roomy - bigger than expected - and visibly high-quality.
2. Best wheeled underseat luggageMaxlite® 5 Rolling Underseat Carry-OnAirlines suitable for… easyJet, Flybe, British Airways (just, so don't overpack)
Why we love it: Available in two colours and highly reviewed, Travelpro's Maxlite 5 cabin suitcase not only pulls around on wheels to make it easier for you to get from a to b, but also offers buyers a generous five compartments including an in-built laptop sleeve and removable water-resistant toiletries bag, too.
Pros: Toiletries bag features a hanger-style arm for easy unpacking when you arrive at your destination, while the back strap - designed to be slipped over the handle of a bigger suitcase - will save you from struggling with multiple bags.
Cons: Won't fit a computer bigger than 14 inches into the laptop compartment.
Customers are saying: Holds more than it looks and the multiple zipper pockets are super handy.
3. Best underseat laptop bagDelsey Chatelet 2.0 Travel BackpackAirlines suitable for… Tui, easyJet, Flybe, BA.
Why we love it: If you're after a 2-in-1 travel backpack that's also 15 inch laptop compatible, then you're in luck. This Delsey cabin luggage backpack is fitted with oodles of different compartments - even a removable accessories/toiletries bag - and has padded shoulder straps to save any aches and pains should your packing be heavy.
Pros: With a similar design to its competitor, Briggs & Riley (which wasn't small enough for use as an underseat wheeled bag), the Delsey boasts a lockable zip, double shoulder support - compared to a duffle bag - and a 2 year warranty, just so you're covered.
Cons: None here!
Customers are saying: It's a beautiful bag and makes all your items easily accessible.
Save money on brands like Calpak and Delsey with these Amazon discount codes
4. Underseat luggage Amazon: underseat luggage 18x14x8Travel Duffel Bag 45x36x20Airlines suitable for… easyJet, Flybe, British Airways
Why we love it: At just £9.99 these not much to dislike with this travel duffel; offering buyers a lightweight design with up to 25L capacity and a water-resistant fabric, the WANDF duffel is a top pick for those with a more modest budget.
Pros: Easy access front pocket for documents and valuables, as well as a slide on back strap for use in conjunction with larger luggage items. Not to mention the handy shoulder strap for use as a weekend or overnight bag.
Cons: Aside from the small front pocket, there's only one main compartment.
Customers are saying: It could fit enough for four days and, though it doesn't measure up as such, some buyers are saying it does indeed fit under Turkish Airlines seats.
Save money on carry-on luggage with these Amazon discount codes
5. United Airlines underseat carry-on luggageTripp Black Full Circle II Flight Bag 40x20x25cmAirlines suitable for… Wizz Air, easyJet, Flybe, British Airways, United Airlines
Why we love it: Our pick of the bunch for business travel, this Tripp flight bag features one internal and one external zip pocket, in addition to a smart sleeve for sitting atop larger suitcases.
Pros: 15L capacity, recycled polyester eco-friendly makeup and a five year guarantee/warranty comes as standard.
Cons: None of note.
Customers are saying: Men attesting to the fact that it fits a handful of clothes as well as a size 12 pair of shoes at the base - a great sturdy choice for overnight.
Save money on under seat carry-ons with these Amazon discount codes
6. Best underseat luggage for RyanairAerolite Carry On Luggage Set**Airlines suitable for…**Wizz Air, easyJet, Flybe, British Airways, United Airlines, Ryanair
Why we love it: Suitable for under Ryanair's notoriously small airline seats, this Aerolite carry-on bag features a lockable main compartment, as well as an easy access zipped front compartment for passports, boarding passes etc.
Pros: Five year guarantee, 3,500+ five-star reviews and features an over luggage handle sleeve for to ease the weight of carrying multiple bags.
Cons: Advertised as fitting within Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, KLM and Norwegian airlines' underseat compartments, though this doesn't comply with their online instructions - might be worth double checking.
Customers are saying: Ideal for Ryanair, and some buyers have used it for five days worth of clothes.
Save money on under seat bags with these Amazon discount codes
7. Best underseat luggage less than 14 inchesNordace Siena II Mini BackpackAirlines suitable for… All listed above (tight squeeze with Lufthansa!)
Why we love it: With a whole host of gadget features including RFID protected card holders and an in-built USB port power bank, this Nordace travel bag may be small but she is mighty and a great for an overnight or two-day stay.
Pros: Includes a suitcase trolley sleeve, sunglasses protective pocket, retractable key line, anti-theft back pocket and a patented magnet zip lock system. Plus, a bottle sleeve, pen sleeve and an additional eight plus compartments (including one for your laptop/tablet) to store all your travelling essentials.
Cons: Doesn't zip open the whole way round for easy packing, just 50% of the way.
Customers are saying: “A dream” and a godsend for organising all your bits.
Save money on underseat carry-on bags and overhead bin carry-ons with these Amazon discount codes
8. Best underseat tote bagThule Spira 20L Horizontal Tote BagAirlines suitable for… easyJet, Flybe, British Airways
Why we love it: In our experience, John Lewis is a retailer we can trust so, if they're repping this Thule bag, then it's likely something you'll want to add to your wishlist. Featuring everything from its twill and water-resistant makeup to an adjustable and expandable luggage size, the Spira 20L will become your hand luggage of choice. Not to mention, with its tote bag design, it's definitely smart enough to use on weekends for a quick getaway to the country, too.
Pros: Intergrated mini compartments (including one for a tablet up to 10.1"), leather detailing, two-year guarantee and an adjustable length shoulder strap.
Cons: Won't fit a 16" Macbook in the laptop sleeve.
Customers are saying: So many handy pockets and love the style for carrying around.
Save money on various hand luggage options with these John Lewis discount codes
9. Best rolling underseat luggageAerolite 45x36x20 easyJet Maximum Size Hard Shell Carry OnAirlines suitable for… easyJet, Flybe, British Airways
Why we love it: Finding a hardshell suitcase to fit into one of the overhead compartments is one thing, but finding one for under your seat? Nigh on impossible. That's why this Aerolite suitcase is such a find - and for less than £50? We're take five.
Pros: Four spinner wheels for upright manoeuvring, three-height adjustable telescopic handle, interior packing straps, travel shoe bags/pockets and mesh document wallets. Not to mention a five-year warranty.
Cons: None - we're big fans.
Customers are saying: N/A - though it's selling out, so that's a good sign!
Save money on American Airlines-friendly underseat cabin bags with these Amazon discount codes
10. Best expandable underseat luggageAugot Weekend Bag for Women, Expandable Overnight Bag LargeAirlines suitable for… easyJet, Flybe, British Airways
Why we love it: With the capacity to expand to a whopping 45cm once you arrive at your destination, this Amazon Augot weekend bag is just the pick for travellers with a keen eye for shopping. We're big fans of the mouldable softsided Oxford cloth makeup - which is also waterproof - and the removable dry/wet swim and gym bag is a lifesaver for beach trips.
Pros: Fits one pair of shoes, three pairs of trousers, three tops/dresses, one handbag and all your cosmetics, chargers and extras even in its smaller un-expanded state. Plus it's foldable for when not in use.
Cons: No padded laptop sleeve.
Customers are saying: You can fit loads in it, it's lightweight and durable.
Buy everything from Samsonite to Tumi and Amazon-own brand luggage and save money with these Amazon discount codes
11. Best carry-on luggage for under your seatThe Everywhere BagAirlines suitable for… Tui, easyJet, Flybe, BA.
Why we love it: Another pick from a stylish luggage brand, the AWAY Everywhere Bag comes in six hues and offers travellers a soft side surround of water-resistant nylon with a leather trim and enough space for your laptop, water bottle and all your weekend trip's fashion essentials - all within the limitations of budget airline easyJet's under seat cabin bag requirements.
Pros: If you already have an AWAY carry-on suitcase, you'll find the Everywhere Bag secures to it for easy movement through the airport, not to mention there's a detachable key clip to save your exterior pockets for more pressing travel items - passports etc.
Cons: None here!
Customers are saying: The extended zip makes it easy to view all your items in the main interior pocket at a glance, and it provides lots of space for said items, too.
After more holiday content? Make sure to check out our guide to luggage trackers, Amazon Prime Day luggage deals, handheld fans, best packing cubes and best travel shoe bags - happy holidays!
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