Getting ready to fly with JetBlue? Then you’ll want to make sure your JetBlue personal item bag meets the airline’s strict size rules—especially if you’re hoping to skip extra fees and keep essentials close during the flight.
As of September 6, 2024, even passengers flying on JetBlue’s Blue Basic fares are allowed both a carry-on and a personal item at no extra charge. But that underseat space is limited. JetBlue defines a personal item as a small bag—like a tote, backpack, or purse—that fits within 17″ x 13″ x 8″.
Choosing the right JetBlue personal item bag means less stress at the gate and easy access to your travel must-haves: snacks, books, chargers, medications, and more. In this guide, we’ll break down JetBlue’s rules and show you the best bags that fit under the seat—so you can board with confidence and travel smarter.
Backpacks That Actually Fit Under the Seat
Aerolite 17 x 13 x 8” Jetblue Airlines
Perfect Size Match | 💰 Budget Winner
Why it’s great: Built specifically to JetBlue’s personal item dimensions – no sizing guesswork needed.
Best for: Travelers who want a “grab and go” bag that’s guaranteed to fit.
Key specs:
- Dimensions: 17″ x 13″ x 8″ (Exact JetBlue compliance)
- Material: Recycled plastic bottles
- Weight: 2.5 lbs (ultra-light)
Price Range: $31 – $36
This backpack doesn’t just fit the rules—it was made for them. Designed around JetBlue’s size limits, it’s lightweight, structured, and made from recycled materials, which gives it bonus points for eco-conscious travelers. Reddit users love that it “slides right under the seat with room to spare” and still fits a change of clothes, tablet, and tech gear. No frills, just function.
Taygeer Travel Backpack for Women
Best Budget Find | USB Charging | Laptop Ready
Why it’s great: Lightweight with smart organization and a built-in USB port.
Best for: Digital nomads who need tech-friendly features on a budget.
Key specs:
- Dimensions: 17″ H x 11″ W x 7″ D (Fits JetBlue’s limits easily)
- Material: Polyester + cotton blend
- Weight: 1.72 lbs (featherlight)
Price Range: $23 – $43
It’s one of those under-the-radar Amazon finds that overdelivers. This backpack fits under JetBlue seats and includes a laptop sleeve, tons of compartments, and even a USB port to keep your phone juiced mid-flight. Fans say it’s “deceptively roomy,” holding more than it looks without bulging.
Lubardy Travel Backpack for Men Women 17 Inch
Soft-Sized Flexibility | Water-Resistant
Why it’s great: Roomy yet packable with a polished professional look.
Best for: Travelers who need extra space (and aren’t in bulkhead/exit rows).
Key specs:
- Dimensions: 20.47″ H x 13.38″ W x 7.87″ D *(Fits when underfilled – soft sides compress)*
- Material: Durable polyester
- Weight: 2.53 lbs
Price Range: $30 – $40
While it’s slightly over JetBlue’s official dimensions, this one gets a pass from many travelers because it’s soft-sided and packable. It has a professional look, multiple compartments, and a dedicated laptop space. Travelers say it’s great if you’re in a seat with more underseat clearance—just don’t overfill it if you’re worried about fitting.
THE NORTH FACE Women’s Every Day Jester Laptop Backpack
Adventure-Ready | All-Day Comfort
Why it’s great: Legendary comfort meets urban-travel functionality.
Best for: Students, hikers, and travelers who prioritize comfort during long journeys.
Key specs:
- Dimensions: 17.25″ H x 11″ W x 6.75″ D (Fits JetBlue’s limits with room to spare)
- Material: Durable polyester
- Weight: 1.8 lbs
Price Range: $79 – $82
Known for its outdoor durability and campus comfort, the Jester is a go-to for travelers who need all-day wearability. It fits within JetBlue’s personal item limits and holds a laptop, water bottle, and layers easily. The FlexVent suspension system also keeps it from digging into your shoulders—especially helpful during airport marathons.
Totes: Style Meets Accessibility
Travelpro Underseat Travel Tote Bag
Flight Crew Favorite | Structured Yet Soft | Weekend-Ready
Why it’s great: Engineered for airline specs with smart organization.
Best for: Frequent flyers who want durability without bulk.
Key specs:
- Dimensions: 16.25″ L x 10″ H x 9″ W (Fits under even tight seats)
- Material: Rugged polyester
- Weight: 1.6 lbs (lighter than most laptops)
Price Range: $110 – $115
From the brand trusted by flight crews, this tote was made with underseat space in mind. It’s lightweight, slides easily under most seats, and holds just enough for a weekend trip or daily commuter needs. Travelers rave about the durability and external pockets—perfect for stashing your boarding pass and charger.
July Carry All Tote
Business Essential | Minimalist Luxe
Why it’s great: Sleek enough for the boardroom, smart enough for TSA.
Best for: Professionals who refuse to sacrifice style for function.
Key specs:
- Dimensions: 16.5″ H x 13″ W x 6.3″ D *(Fits JetBlue + most underseat spaces)*
- Material: Water-resistant nylon + premium leather trim
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
Price Range: $155– $160
Sleek, smart, and perfectly padded—this tote feels high-end without trying too hard. It fits a 15″ laptop, has a hidden trolley sleeve, and is water-resistant for those unpredictable layover runs. Fans love how it blends beauty and brains, calling it “the work bag that doubles as a personal item.”
Away The Everywhere Tote
Airport Icon | Smart Organization
Why it’s great: The gold standard of travel totes – instantly recognizable and practical.
Best for: Jet-setters who want their bag to work as hard as they do.
Key specs:
- Dimensions: 16″ L x 12.6″ W x 7.9″ D (Fits all JetBlue seats with room to spare)
- Material: Water-resistant nylon + leather trim
- Weight: 1.57 lbs (lighter than MacBook Air)
Price Range: $155 – $160
You’ll see this one in airports everywhere—and that’s not a bad thing. Away’s Everywhere Tote is made from water-resistant nylon and trimmed with leather, giving it that premium look. Inside, it’s organized without being over-complicated. With a laptop sleeve, zipped compartments, and a trolley sleeve, it’s built for the modern traveler who wants form and function.
Duffels: Pack More, Carry Comfortably
Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag
🧘 Shape-Shifter | 👟 Shoe + Bottle Pockets | 💎 Cult-Favorite
Why it’s great: A neoprene bag that morphs to fit your needs (and the underseat space).
Best for: Style-conscious travelers who refuse to choose between form and function.
Key specs (Medium):
- Dimensions: 14.5” L x 7.5” W x 9” H *(Fits when packed mindfully – neoprene flexes!)*
- Material: Premium neoprene (like a wetsuit for your gear)
- Weight: 2 lbs
Price Range: $200 – $205
This neoprene duffel is cult-favorite status for a reason. The medium size flirts with JetBlue’s max dimensions, but the material is so flexible that it still fits under most seats if packed smart. With a dedicated shoe compartment and water bottle holder, it’s like a gym bag, weekender, and travel tote all in one.
Calpak Luka Duffel
All-in-One Workhorse | Trolley Ready
Why it’s great: Structured enough to stay organized, soft enough to adapt.
Best for: Travelers who want a single bag for every scenario.
Key specs:
- Dimensions: 16″ L x 12″ H x 7″ W (Fits JetBlue’s limits with smart packing)
- Material: Scratch-resistant polyester (keeps looking new)
- Weight: 2 lbs
Price Range: $128 – $132
With its rounded shape and scratch-resistant fabric, the Luka Duffel looks good and works hard. There’s a place for everything—tech, toiletries, even shoes—and the trolley sleeve makes it easy to stack on rolling luggage. Users say it’s “surprisingly spacious” and holds up beautifully to airport wear and tear.
Away The Everywhere Bag
The Everyday Bag | Ready for all occasions
Why it’s great: Minimalist design with maximum versatility.
Best for: Travelers who want one sleek bag they can use every day.
- Dimensions: 16.3″ L x 10.2″ H x 7.3″ D (Fits all JetBlue seats easily)
- Material: Water-resistant nylon + leather accents
- Weight: 2.75 lbs (lighter than it looks
Price Range: $195 – $200
Think of this as the tote’s cooler cousin. With a padded laptop pocket, smart compartments, and a trolley sleeve, this bag slides under the seat and transitions from airport to city streets without missing a beat. It’s a top pick for those who value subtle design with high utility.
Quick Recap: JetBlue Personal Item vs. Carry-On Bag
Just to make sure we’re all on the same page, let’s quickly refresh the difference:
- Personal Item:
- Size Limit: 17″ x 13″ x 8″
- Where it Goes: Under the seat in front of you
- Allowance: 1 per passenger (all fares)
- Examples: Purse, small backpack, laptop bag, tote, small duffel.
- Carry-On Bag:
- Size Limit: 22″ x 14″ x 9″
- Where it Goes: Overhead bin
- Allowance: 1 per passenger (all fares, as of Sept 6, 2024) (JetBlue News)
- Examples: Rolling suitcase, larger backpack, larger duffel.
You get to bring both! Use that personal item space wisely for things you need during the flight.
Disclaimer:
- Size Guidelines: JetBlue’s personal item dimensions are strictly 17″ x 13″ x 8″. While we’ve selected bags that meet (or come close to) these limits, some recommendations may slightly exceed them. Soft-sided bags (e.g., backpacks, duffels) often fit if underpacked, while hard-shell bags (e.g., wheeled cases) are less forgiving. Always check your specific aircraft’s underseat space, as some rows (like bulkheads) may have less clearance.
- Airline Enforcement: Policies can vary by agent or flight. Bags listed here are based on traveler reviews and brand claims, but we can’t guarantee they’ll pass scrutiny in every instance. When in doubt, opt for a bag at or under JetBlue’s limits.
- Pricing & Availability: Product prices and stock fluctuate. Links provided may earn us a commission, but we prioritize unbiased picks. Verify details (e.g., weight, materials) on the retailer’s site before purchasing.
- Personal Preference: Choose a bag based on your needs (e.g., laptop space, wheels, eco-materials). What works for a weekend traveler may not suit a digital nomad.
Pro Tip: Underseat space varies by aircraft (Airbus A320 has more room than Embraer 190). Bulkhead/exit rows often have less clearance. Always check SeatGuru for your specific flight.
Safe travels and happy packing!
Final Thoughts on JetBlue Personal Item Bags
Finding the perfect JetBlue personal item bag makes travel easier from the moment you board. The right underseat bag keeps your must-haves within reach, saves you from surprise fees, and lets you skip the overhead bin scramble. From sleek totes and soft duffels to airline-specific backpacks, these bags meet JetBlue’s size rules and look good doing it.
Ready to upgrade your in-flight experience? Pick the one that fits your style—and your seat.
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