Underseat Luggage Size Chart for Major Airlines [Dimensions, Sizes & More] 2024

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Underseat Luggage Size Chart

Underseat luggage sizes are one of the biggest mysteries when traveling by air. Airlines have varying rules about what bags and personal items can fit in that coveted space under the seat in front of you. And not all planes have the same underseat storage capacities.

The struggle to find a universal underseat size is real. Dimensions vary between airlines and aircraft – a commuter jet may have less room than a long-haul plane. Seat configuration and in-flight entertainment systems also impact usable space.

Bulkhead rows lose underseat storage for extra legroom. First-class seats potentially gain some wiggle room.  With so many variables, underseat sizes are far from one-size-fits-all.

To help make sense of the underseat size puzzle, we’ve put together key dimensions of the underseat luggage allowances for major U.S. airlines.

Airlines Underseat Luggage Size

AirlineUnderseat Size (Inches)Underseat Size (Centimeter)
Air Canada17 x 13 x 643 x 33 x 16 cm
Air France16 x 12 x 640 x 30 x 15 cm
Alaska AirlinesNot specified.  Seat width approximately 17"
Allegiant Air8 x 14 x 1820 x 35 x 45 cm
American Airlines18 x 14 x 845 x 35 x 20 cm
British Airways16 x 12 x 640 x 30 x 15 cm
Delta Air LinesItems such as:  purse, briefcase, small backpack,
camera bag, diaper bag, laptop bag
EasyJet18 x 14 x 845 x 36 x 20 cm
Frontier Airlines18 x 14 x 845 x 35 x 20 cm
Hawaiian AirlinesItems such as:  purse, briefcase, laptop computer,
small backpack, or similar piece. Most seats are 18 inches wide.
Jet Blue17 x 13 x 843.2 x 33 x 20.32 cm
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines16 x 12 x 640 x 30 x 15 cm
Lufthansa15 x 11 x 3.940 x 30 x 10 cm
Norwegian Airlines14.9 x 11.8 x 7.855 x 40 x 23 cm
Qatar19 x 14.6 x 850 x 37 x 25 cm
Ryanair16 x 8 x 1040 x 20 x 25 cm
Southwest Airlines16.25 x 13.5 x 847 x 22 x 34 cm
Spirit Airlines18 x 14 x 845 x 35 x 20 cm
Sun Country Airlines17 x 13 x 943 x 33 x 23 cm
United Airlines9 x 10 x 1722 x 25 x 43 cm

What is Underseat Luggage?

Underseat luggage is any bag that can fit under the seat in front of you. This includes small wheeled suitcases, small backpacks, tote bags, handbags, duffle bags, messenger bags, laptop bags, camera bags, briefcases, and other similar items.

Takeoff underseat luggage
Small Suitcase
Taygear underseat backpack
Backpack
bagsmart underseat tote
Tote

What is a Personal Item?

A personal item is a smaller bag that you’re allowed to bring onto the airplane in addition to your carry-on bag. It’s typically a purse, backpack, or laptop bag that fits under the seat in front of you. Airlines have strict rules concerning the size of under-seat luggage: if your personal item exceeds an airline’s under-seat dimensions, it will have to be checked, which usually means paying a fee.

telena sling bag
Sling Bag
underseat luggage Travelon Anti-Theft Cross-Body
Crossbody Bag
underseat luggage dimensions Micheal Kors
Crossbody Bag

The Difference Between Personal Items and Underseat Luggage?

The main difference between a personal item and underseat luggage is that a personal item is a smaller bag that must fit under the seat in front of you, while underseat luggage can be any bag that fits under the seat. Personal items are typically smaller and more flexible than underseat luggage, and they are subject to less strict size restrictions.

Knowing the difference between a personal item and underseat luggage is important when preparing for air travel. While personal items are smaller and subject to less strict size restrictions, underseat luggage can be any bag that fits under the seat. Always double-check with the airline’s official website before packing to ensure that your bags meet the size restrictions.

Key Underseat Luggage Sizes to Consider

The dimensions for underseat luggage can vary greatly depending on the airline. However, a good rule of thumb is that a bag under 16 x 12 x 6 inches should be accepted as underseat luggage by most airlines. Some airlines have more specific size restrictions that can range from around 13 x 10 x 8 inches up to 18 x 14 x 10 inches for underseat bags.

Remember that these dimensions are approximate and can vary between airlines. Some airlines might allow slightly larger dimensions, while others might have stricter size limits.

Factors to Evaluate When Choosing Underseat Luggage Size

  1. Airline Regulations: Check the specific size requirements for carry-on bags, both for overhead bins and underseat storage, for the airlines you plan to fly with. Airlines often provide these details on their websites.
  2. Personal Needs: Consider what items you’ll be carrying and whether you need more space. If you’re just carrying essentials for a short trip, a smaller bag might suffice. If you need to carry a laptop, documents, and more, a slightly larger bag might be necessary.
  3. Comfort: Make sure the dimensions you choose allow the bag to fit comfortably under the seat in front of you without causing discomfort during the flight.
  4. Durability and Features: Pay attention to the design and features of the underseat luggage. Look for durable materials, compartments for easy organization, and additional features that suit your travel style.
  5. Weight: Don’t forget to consider the weight of the bag itself. Many airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on bags, so choose a bag that leaves you enough weight allowance for your belongings.
  6. Flexibility: Aim for a bag with a little flexibility in its dimensions. This can be helpful if you encounter situations where the bag needs to fit into a slightly different space.

It’s crucial to check with each airline you’ll be flying with to determine their exact size limitations for underseat luggage before purchasing a bag. Restrictions can differ considerably between airlines. Checking an airline’s website in advance and opting for an adjustable underseat bag that allows some flexibility in sizing can help ensure your luggage complies with policies and fits under the seat during your flight.

Underseat Luggage Frequently asked Question

What happens if an under-seat bag is too large?

How strict are airlines about personal item size?

Do airlines prefer hard or soft luggage?

What is the easiest luggage to travel with?

What can’t you put in a personal item bag?

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