Skip to Content

12 Best Underseat Luggage Options That'll Totally Up Your Travel Game

Checked bag? Never heard of her.

By and
best underseat luggage
Images Courtesy of Brands

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.

Whether you like to jet-set in style or are cool with rolling out of bed and heading straight to the airport, I'm here for it all. Do you! Live on the edge! But one thing I won't compromise on? Your underseat luggage situation. Everyone needs a good mini suitcase, travel backpack, tote bag, or weekender to use as an airline-approved personal item, especially for a quick trip. I mean, it's just so convenient: you can skip the "OMG, there's no more overhead space" panic and just slide your bag right under the seat in front of you. I love it.

The perfect piece of underseat luggage will keep all your must-haves close and keep you lookin' snazzy at the same damn time, no matter how many miles it's clocked. And there are so many great options out there. Like, an overwhelming amount, tbh. But that's why I'm here. I spent literal hours sifting through them all to bring ya the cream of the crop. These aren't your roommate's hand-me-downs: they're sleek, chic, and sure to turn heads whether you're strutting through the airport, the train station, or anywhere else you might be short on space.

Our top picks for the best underseat luggage of 2024:

Keep scrolling for 12 of the best underseat luggage picks for every type of traveler—whether you're a sucker for organization, hate having sore shoulders, or can't resist a soft-shell bag with a pretty print. Trust me, you're gonna want to get on board for the complete list.

best overall underseat luggage

Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage

Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage
Now 11% Off

Pros

  • Comes in a bunch of different colors and fun limited-edition hues
  • Two-year warranty
  • TSA-approved lock

Cons

  • Hard to lay it flat because of the wheel placement

This cute lil bag is perfect for those who are highly skilled at packing light...or those who are in the exact opposite boat and need extra room alongside their checked bag (✋). I'm absolutely obsessed with how practical this design is. The 360-degree spinning wheels are a dream when you're racing to catch a connecting flight, and the secure laptop compartment keeps your devices safe and sound. The main section is also really thoughtfully laid out—it's basically a fun-sized version of a full-sized suitcase!

Dimensions16 x 14 x 9 inches
Colorways9
Weight6 lbs
Capacity31.2 L
best underseat crossbody bag

Away Large Featherlight Crossbody

Large Featherlight Crossbody
Credit: Away

Pros

  • So lightweight it's like carrying nothing
  • Plenty of interior and exterior pockets, many of which are hidden
  • Strap is adjustable, so you can wear the bag a lot of different ways
  • Material is water-resistant

Cons

  • Material is thin so it doesn't do much to protect the contents of the bag

Away recently came out with their most lightweight bag collection yet, called Featherlight, and this massive crossbody is my favorite of the new arrivals. It's way more roomy than it appears—complete with a buttoned laptop sleeve, water bottle holder, and more pockets than you'll know what to do with inside—and can be worn over your shoulder or slung across your chest. There's also a hidden side pocket perfect for your passport, as well as a zippered slot in the adjustable strap just big enough for your AirPods or credit cards. The colors are also so chic!

Dimensions15.7 x 6.3 x 13 inches
Colorways5
Weight0.8 lbs
Capacity18 L
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
best underseat backpack

Rinlist Travel Backpack

Travel Backpack

Pros

  • Comes with two toiletry bags
  • Has a separate laptop compartment
  • There's a mesh pocket for a water bottle to keep ya hydrated

Cons

  • Some reviewers reported zipper breakage

I've spotted this travel backpack at the airport countless times, and I had to add it to my cart, too. It's seriously genius—pretty much a carry-on in backpack form—and ideal if you'd rather sling a bag on your back than wheel it around. I love it for weekend getaways because it opens up just like a suitcase, complete with security straps and plenty of organizing pockets. It's even got a spot to hook up a USB cord, so you can charge your goodies while you're on the go.

Dimensions16.5 x 11.4 x 7.8 inches
Colorways9
Weight2.51 lbs
Capacity35 L
best underseat luggage on Amazon

Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner

Underseat Carry-On Spinner
Now 26% Off

Pros

  • Built-in USB port
  • Spinning wheels let you whip it around easily
  • Front and side pockets for small stuff (like headphones and snacks)

Cons

  • Laptop compartment isn't removable and takes up a lot of space

Samsonite is unquestionably a luggage leader, and this cute 'n' compact carry-on is the brand's underseat It Girl. If you're all about pockets on pockets, meet 👏 your 👏 match 👏. With a padded laptop section and compartments galore for stashing and grabbing essentials fast and easily, it's bound to leave all you Type-A travelers drooling.

Dimensions9 x 13.5 x 16.5 inches
Colorways2
Weight5.5 lbs
Capacityn/a
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
best patterned underseat luggage

Vera Bradley Softside Underseat Rolling Work Bag

Softside Underseat Rolling Work Bag

Pros

  • Comes in pretty floral patterns and one sleek all-black option
  • Fabric is water-repellant
  • Has a handle on the side, so you can hold it like a briefcase

Cons

  • Opens from the side, which can make grabbing things quickly kinda tough

I don't know about you, but Vera Bradley bags dominated the fashion scene of my youth. Consequently, I thought I had my fill of paisley print for a lifetime, but boy, was I wrong, because I am lusting after this softside roller. Their new styles are v modern, with travel treats like built-in USB ports, TSA-approved locks, and interior compression straps. What I'm loving about this particular bag is the trolley sleeve (for stacking it on top of a roller bag), padded laptop compartment, and, of course, pretty floral print!

Dimensions9 x 14 x 17 inches
Colorways4
Weight7.5 lbs
Capacity25 L
best underseat tote bag

Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote

Large Le Pliage Tote

Pros

  • Weighs less than a pound!
  • Folds up for easy storage
  • Extremely versatile

Cons

  • No organizational features, if you're lookin' for that

Another brand I'm falling in love with all over again? Longchamp. I wore my old Le Pliage Tote every day in the 2010s, and now I'm itching to snag a fresh new one. What's stuck with me is how incredibly durable it was (I, unfortunately, threw uncapped pens into mine, which led to its demise), as well as the fact that it goes with damn near every outfit. The design is as simple as can be—no fancy pockets or compartments, just one big space to load up with all your essentials. And when you're not using it, you can fold it up into a teeny-tiny rectangle for easy storage. So chic! So practical!

Dimensions12.25 x 11.75 x 7.5 inches
Colorways10
Weight0.6 lbs
Capacityn/a
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
best underseat duffel

Away The Everywhere Bag

The Everywhere Bag
Now 74% Off

Pros

  • You can personalize it with a monogram
  • Sleek design is great for those conscious of their travel ensemble
  • Has interior water bottle pocket and key clip

Cons

  • Can be heavy when packed to the brim

Lately, I've been loving eye-catching designs, but don't get me wrong, my love for minimalism runs deep. And this Away bag? Yeah, it nails the neutral aesthetic. The interior layout is brilliant, boasting zippered and slip pockets, a padded laptop slot, and even a detachable key clip so you'll never have to frantically scramble around for your house keys ever again. I adore traveling with it, but pro tip: it also makes for the perfect gym bag, thanks to its interior water bottle holder and room for sneakers.

Dimensions16.3 x 10.2 x 7.3 inches
Colorways8
Weight2.75 lbs
Capacity20 L
best lightweight underseat luggage

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Lightweight Underseat Carry-On

 Maxlite 5 Lightweight Underseat Carry-On

Pros

  • Water- and stain-resistant exterior
  • Sturdy zippers operate smoothly
  • Lightweight yet sturdy

Cons

  • Shoppers say colors look a bit different IRL

My biggest gripe with non-roller bags is that some of them make me feel like I'm lugging around a sack of bricks (fun!), leaving me sweaty and miserable at the airport. But this one is probably the lightest I've ever tried, and I'm not alone in thinking that. Tons of Amazon shoppers rave about its light yet ultra-durable design. And the open-concept interior might just surprise you with how much it can fit for a weekend getaway (trust me!).

Dimensions11 in x 18 in x 8 inches
Colorways12
Weight1.6 lbs
Capacity28 L
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
best underseat luggage for beauty lovers

Steve Madden 15-Inch Carry-On Suitcase

15-Inch Carry-On Suitcase

Pros

  • Built-in toiletry bag
  • Easy to see all your belongings
  • Telescopic handle adjusts for optimal comfort

Cons

  • Height of the handle might be too short for tall folks

I know you're probably thinking I'm a bit too obsessed with underseat bags by now, but hear me out—this one's different from the other rolling options on this list. If you love stuffing your suitcase with beauty minis, then this is the one for you. The U-shaped zipper opens up into a toiletry bag with lots of little sections, which is major for organizing. (Say byeee to digging through a chaotic mess of products.) There's also a spacious main compartment, and a side pocket for your water bottle, plane tickets, and any other items you might need fast access to.

Dimensions15 x 9 x 14 inches
Colorways8
Weight5 lbs
Capacity5 L
best underseat bag with a trolley sleeve

Nomad Lane V4 Bento Bag

V4 Bento Bag

Pros

  • Opens down the middle like a suitcase
  • Trolley sleeve converts into a pocket when it's not in use
  • Comes with a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap

Cons

  • $$$

If you're in the mood to treat yourself, you've gotta check out this seriously chic bag. Yes, it's a little spendy, but it's impossible not to fall head over heels for it. Why? Well, it opens down the middle like a suitcase, but then zips up to the size of a personal item. It comes with all the bells and whistles of a suitcase, too, like toiletry and tech pouches (both are lifesavers at security), a stretchy key leash, an outer water bottle holder, and even an adjustable (and removable!) shoulder strap. Perhaps the coolest feature, though? The trolley sleeve on the back, which can zip into a pocket when not in use.

Dimensions17 x 8 x 10 inches
Colorways4
Weight2.76 lbs
Capacity24 L
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
best TikTok-viral underseat bag

Béis The Mini Weekender

The Mini Weekender

Pros

  • Has a cushioned crossbody strap
  • Rounded handles make it comfortable to carry
  • Vegan leather trim

Cons

  • Might not fit under the seat of every airline

Shay Mitchell is the real MVP for bringing Béis into the world. This weekender bag went viral on TikTok for all the right reasons, especially the separate bottom compartment designed specifically for your shoes. I can attest that this feature is a huge game-changer, especially if you happen to step in something less than pleasant and don't want your dirty shoes mixing with your clean clothes during your trip. Oh, and if that alone doesn't sell you, just look at the adorable colorways this bag is available in. They truly couldn't be chicer.

Dimensions16 x 15.7 x 8 inches
Colorways12
Weight3.4 lbs
Capacity33 L
Chatelet 2.0 Softside Luggage Under-Seater

Pros

  • Fabric is made from recycled water bottles
  • Inner lining is treated with antimicrobial technology to ward off bacteria and unpleasant odors
  • Looks vintage but is brand-spankin' new

Cons

  • Handle can be a little difficult to pull up, per some reviewers

This bag looks like a vintage gem your grandparents might dig out from their closet. But don't let the old-school vibe fool you—it's anything but outdated. The fabric is made with recycled water bottles, and the bag features vegan leather trim, so it's environmentally conscious, just like you, boo! Plus, the rounded square shape easily slides under any plane seat, and there's a sneaky hidden pocket in the front where you can stash all your in-flight snacks (which is the most important thing to note, obviously).

Dimensions15.75 x 8.25 x 16.5 inches
Colorways2
Weight6 lbs
Capacity20 L
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

How big is underseat luggage?

shape, rectangle

Great question! Before you purchase any ol' underseat bag to use as a personal item, it's absolutely imperative you check out the exact size restrictions for your flight. (Annoying, I know.) The good news is the restrictions for personal items aren't wildly different between airlines, for the most part. If you're like me and aren't tied down to one specific airline (ballin' on a budget over here), I highly recommend grabbing a bag with dimensions sure to fit everyone's requirements.

For some context: American Airlines, Allegiant Airlines, and Spirit require a personal item that's 18 x 14 x 8 inches or smaller, whereas United Airlines is even tighter, at 17 x 10 x 9 inches. Delta's a bit more chill, they just want it to slide under the seat in front of you, which is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. If all these numbers seem overwhelming, pretty please don't stress too much about the specifics. This shopping guide has plenty of options.

Things to consider when buying underseat luggage:

shape, rectangle

Dimensions are obviously the first order of business, or else it's all a flop! But here are some other very important things to consider when buying underseat luggage.

Consider the storage capacity.

Since every bag is built differently, each has a unique storage capacity. Often measured in liters (L), this number will give you an idea of how much stuff you can cram in there. Our list includes options ranging from a cozy five liters to a spacious 35 liters, so there's something for every type of packer. Since most airlines don't have weight restrictions for personal items, you can go HAM filling your bag to the brim to save some $$ if you can avoid checked bag fees.

Think about how you like to organize your stuff.

We all have our own approach to packing. Some prefer tossing everything into one main compartment, while others like to neatly divide their belongings into specialized spots. (I fall somewhere in between chaos and order, personally.) While it's easy to be swayed by a bag's exterior appearance, don't forget to take a peek inside to make sure it matches your packing preferences.

Make sure it's practical to move around with.

I've packed this list with a variety of bag styles, because, well, there are so many different ways to haul stuff from place to place. Maybe you prefer to keep things out of sight and out of mind by throwing a bag on your back, or perhaps you prefer to let wheels carry the load. Whatever your preference, there's something here for everyone! Look out for things like 360-degree spinner wheels, cushy handles, adjustable straps, and lightweight designs to ensure your journey is as comfy as can be.

Study up on special features.

IMHO, the cherry on top of any underseat bag is a cool extra feature. Some of my favorites are nifty key leashes, convenient water bottle holders, and even built-in USB ports to keep your phone juiced up. These small but mighty touches can turn a blah travel experience into an awesome one. (Believe me, as someone whose phone is perpetually on life support, having a built-in charger has saved my life on multiple occasions.) The TLDR: Think about what features would make your life easier, and find an underseat bag that checks all your boxes.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Why trust Cosmo?

shape, rectangle

Our lifestyle team includes Lifestyle Director Rachel Torgerson, Lifestyle Editors Christen Johnson and Hannah Chubb, and Assistant Editor Annabel Iwegbue—collectively we have decades of experience researching and selecting the best buys for you.

We spend all day, every day scouring the internet, testing products, and reading reviews so we can bring you the type of high-quality content we'd want for ourselves. Our shopping roundups also adhere to the 15 Percent Pledge—this one included.

Watch Next 
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below