12 Best Underseat Luggage Options That'll Totally Up Your Travel Game
Checked bag? Never heard of her.

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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.
Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage

Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage
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!
| Dimensions | 16 x 14 x 9 inches |
| Colorways | 9 |
| Weight | 6 lbs |
| Capacity | 31.2 L |
Away Large Featherlight Crossbody

Away Large Featherlight Crossbody
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!
| Dimensions | 15.7 x 6.3 x 13 inches |
| Colorways | 5 |
| Weight | 0.8 lbs |
| Capacity | 18 L |
Rinlist Travel Backpack

Rinlist 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.
| Dimensions | 16.5 x 11.4 x 7.8 inches |
| Colorways | 9 |
| Weight | 2.51 lbs |
| Capacity | 35 L |
Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner

Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner
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.
| Dimensions | 9 x 13.5 x 16.5 inches |
| Colorways | 2 |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs |
| Capacity | n/a |
Vera Bradley Softside Underseat Rolling Work Bag

Vera Bradley 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!
| Dimensions | 9 x 14 x 17 inches |
| Colorways | 4 |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs |
| Capacity | 25 L |
Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote

Longchamp 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!
| Dimensions | 12.25 x 11.75 x 7.5 inches |
| Colorways | 10 |
| Weight | 0.6 lbs |
| Capacity | n/a |
Away The Everywhere Bag

Away The Everywhere Bag
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.
| Dimensions | 16.3 x 10.2 x 7.3 inches |
| Colorways | 8 |
| Weight | 2.75 lbs |
| Capacity | 20 L |
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Lightweight Underseat Carry-On

Travelpro 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!).
| Dimensions | 11 in x 18 in x 8 inches |
| Colorways | 12 |
| Weight | 1.6 lbs |
| Capacity | 28 L |
Steve Madden 15-Inch Carry-On Suitcase

Steve Madden 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.
| Dimensions | 15 x 9 x 14 inches |
| Colorways | 8 |
| Weight | 5 lbs |
| Capacity | 5 L |
Nomad Lane V4 Bento Bag

Nomad Lane 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.
| Dimensions | 17 x 8 x 10 inches |
| Colorways | 4 |
| Weight | 2.76 lbs |
| Capacity | 24 L |
Béis The Mini Weekender

Béis 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.
| Dimensions | 16 x 15.7 x 8 inches |
| Colorways | 12 |
| Weight | 3.4 lbs |
| Capacity | 33 L |
Delsey Paris Chatelet 2.0 Softside Luggage Under-Seater

Delsey Paris 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).
| Dimensions | 15.75 x 8.25 x 16.5 inches |
| Colorways | 2 |
| Weight | 6 lbs |
| Capacity | 20 L |
How big is underseat luggage?

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:

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.
Why trust Cosmo?

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.

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