Traveling can be relaxing or chaotic based on the number of things you're schlepping to the airport. While I like to travel light, certain destinations require packing more stuff than others. As a frequent traveler, a personal-item bag has always come in handy on many flights. They're smaller than their carry-on bag competitors and don't have weight restrictions.
While personal-item bags offer a more efficient way of carrying things, many airlines have different policies. From duffel bags to backpacks, there's a limitation on what can fit underneath the seat. We brought experts to break down the rules of underseat luggage, what is allowed and how to avoid getting caught at the gate by a travel agent.
Read below to understand specific dimensions, what to bring inside your personal-item bag and the best ones approved by experts and editors.
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What qualifies as a personal-item bag?
"A personal item, for the most part, is any piece of luggage or bag that fits under the seat in front of you," says travel expert and advisor Nicole Cueto. "Think of it as a tote, backpack, laptop bag or small duffel. Most airlines allow one personal item in addition to a carry-on, but it needs to meet size requirements."
However, some airlines are stricter than others and will stop you at the gate if your personal-item bag exceeds their dimensions. "Whether it is domestic U.S. airlines, Canadian or European airlines, the required sizing varies across the board. Usually, budget airlines are very strict and make sure your bag fits within their airline sizer since that's a way to squeeze a little bit extra money out of the consumers," says travel expert Aly Smalls.
Below are some of the most common airlines and their personal-item bag dimension:
- Air Canada: 17"H x 13"W x 6"D
- American Airlines: 18”H x 14”W x 8”D
- Delta: Not specified
- Frontier: 18"H x 14"W x 8"D
- JetBlue: 17"H X 13"W X 8"D
- Southwest: Not specified
- United: 17"H x 10"W x 9"D
Most airlines consider a personal-item bag those similar to a purse, briefcase, small backpack, camera bag or diaper bag.
Features to look for in personal-item bags
Smalls recommends bags with zippers that enclose the entire bag or those that open like a carry-on bag. "You don't want any openings because if you're shoving it under your feet, things might fall out," shares Smalls.
Exterior pockets and additional zipper compartments are also ideal for carrying essentials. Smalls also advises opting for bags that have a light color interior to find items easier since the aircraft tends to be dark when windows are shut down or you fly at night. However, she suggests choosing a bag with a darker color since it's better to cover stains if you spill coffee or drinks on it. As for the material, Smalls suggests opting for either a water-resistant material or nylon.
Best personal-item bags based on expert guidance
Economical, spacious and lots of compartments to make your traveling stress-free, this personal-item bag is constructed in a rectangular shape that offers large capacity with organizational features. It has a wet pocket for leaky items and three mesh pockets for a more visual organization.
According to Smalls, darker bags are better for the airplane in case you spill coffee or drinks, so they're not visible. Plus, this one is made from a water-resistant fabric to avoid any stains.
Vooray is a great choice if you need storage capabilities minus the heaviness of a carry-on luggage. This design offers numerous compartments, a feature recommended by Smalls. With five interior pockets, a hidden phone pocket located outside and a padded laptop sleeve, this bag encompasses all the key organizational space you may need for traveling. Plus, it comes with removable shoulder straps to lug around with ease.
Looking for something that offers many compartments? This is the one. While the bag reaches 16 inches in width, bigger laptops won't fit inside. However, you’ll have space to fit other electronics, shoes, clothes and essentials inside. Following on Smalls' advice, this bag features about nine pockets for storage. It also has a shoe compartment, ideal for separating your clean clothes and footwear. Some shoppers recommend not overfilling as it can get heavy, but they suggest it fits under the seat.
Cueto recommends this personal item bag for its multifunctional design and all-around zipper feature. The bag can be carried in four different ways, maximizing your commute and how you carry things. It's designed to specifically fit under the seat and combines many pockets throughout to store a laptop, small electronics, toiletry pouches and a water bottle. It has a spacious interior to fit clothes, a pair of shoes and other essentials.
Editor-approved personal-item bags
"You can fit so much stuff, it’s crazy. I’ve always been able to fit it under the seat on domestic flights, but have left it behind for some international flights since it’s a little too large for some of the cheaper airlines," says commerce writer Emma Stessman.
Yes, it is cutting it short for some airline requirements, but if you don't overfill, the bag can fit under the seat. Editorial operations manager Jill Ortiz also owns this travel backpack, and in a previous review, she said she still "managed to stuff it under the airplane seat" when traveling. So, if you want to save $70 on a checked bag, this is your solution.
"This is my go-to personal-item bag for travel. It's large enough to fit everything I need (and all of the last-minute things I end up throwing in there before I run out the door) while still fitting underneath the seat," shares associate editor Kamari Stewart.
The bag is spacious and allows you to pack more than necessary. Stewart loves the padded laptop sleeve, which fits a laptop and iPad. "The side pockets are big, so I use them to hold not only my water bottles but things I need easy access to like hand sanitizer, hair ties, etc. It also has a zipped pocket on the front so you can keep items even more secure in there. I love to bring this bag on trips where I know I'm going to buy more fragile souvenirs like ceramics or glassware, because then I know I'll have space to keep it close to me on the flight home," she adds.
Associate editor Sierra Hoeger owns this backpack, which she uses for work, commute and trips.
"I initially had the 26L version of this backpack, and decided to upgrade so I could store more during my travels, and to utilize it as my daily driver to work. It fits everything I need without needing to employ the use of multiple bags — gym clothes, tennis shoes, a lunch box and everything I need for work (laptop, chargers, etc.) Patagonia's products are truly built to last — I've had this bag for a year, but have had my previous backpack since college. I've never had issues shoving it under airplane seats and am always able to fit whatever I can't manage to in my suitcase," she says.
Currently, this is my favorite travel bag for its lightweight design and chic aesthetic. It has two side pockets for bottles or essentials, two inside zipper compartments, an outside zipper for other belongings and an ample interior. While the dimensions are a bit bigger than what most airlines allow, I can place it under the seat easily. It's comfortable to carry or place on top of a carry-on, and it's very functional.
Frequently asked questions
"Anything you can pack in a carry-on is allowed on a personal-item bag," says Cueto.
However, you need to make sure not to exceed the liquid rule when packing it in your carry-on or personal-item bag. Airlines suggest only bringing liquids, gels and creams that don't exceed 3.4 ounces per container.
"I always recommend fitting things in your personal-item bag as some airlines make you consolidate items if you're carrying a lot of things like a jacket, small bag purchased at the gate and so on," adds Smalls.
"Anything that is not allowed in your carry-on, you should also avoid packing in your personal-item bag (i.e., razors/scissors, large liquids, etc.), as well as anything bulky or heavy that you wont need for your flight or immediately when you land," says Cueto.
How we chose
We interviewed travel experts with years of experience in the travel industry and included their recommendations for personal-item bags. We also considered affordability and materials, as suggested by the sources, when featuring other travel bags. Shop TODAY editors also shared their favorite personal item bags.
Meet the experts
- Nicole Cueto is a New York-based travel expert and advisor who is well-versed in the travel industry.
- Aly Smalls is a travel expert who specializes in stress-free travel and how to maximize your travel experience.
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