To be completely candid, I’ve been seeing the Rockland underseater everywhere lately—on social media and as a top recommendation in searches for underseat luggage on Amazon and Walmart. With so much buzz, I realized I didn’t know much about the Rockland brand itself, so I decided to dig a little deeper.
Since its inception in 1998, Rockland has been dedicated to manufacturing stylish and functional luggage designed for various occasions, whether you’re headed for a holiday or hitting the gym. Their bags are made from a mix of materials like polyester, polycarbonate, ABS plastic, nylon, and polypropylene, striking a balance between durability and aesthetic appeal.
With this in mind, I couldn’t resist the urge to purchase the Rockland underseater and see for myself if it truly measures up as a dependable personal item. And here is my honest review.
Rockland Melrose Wheeled Underseater: First Impressions and Exterior
Taking the Rockland Melrose out of the box, I was drawn to its unique pinkish-reddish color and soft, quilted polyester fabric. (Side note: we all see colors a little differently, so don’t judge me!). The bag gives me a tote-bag-on-wheels vibe that’s hard not to love. Unlike the typical rigid underseater, this bag has a more flexible structure when it’s not fully packed, making it a bit easier to squeeze into tight spaces, though sometimes it does require a little reshaping.
For those who appreciate exterior storage, the Melrose comes with two large, stretchy side pockets, ideal for keeping a water bottle, umbrella, or other quick-grab items close by while you’re waiting for your flight. But a word of advice: keep the water bottle stashed while boarding, as the side pockets make it a bit too wide to maneuver down the airplane aisle smoothly.
In terms of functionality, this bag is thoughtfully designed. The retractable handle tucks away neatly into a zippered pouch, so it’s out of the way when you need to grab the top handle quickly. There’s also a sturdy bottom luggage bar for lifting the bag from a lying position and a rear luggage strap that lets you secure it easily on top of a larger suitcase. The two inline wheels are smooth on hard surfaces, giving this bag a stable, easy-to-handle feel when you’re in a busy terminal or navigating a hotel lobby.
Inside the Rockland Melrose Wheeled Underseater: Organization and Layout
Starting with the very front of the bag, there’s a deep zippered pocket that’s perfect for keeping quick-access items organized. I typically stash my phone, ticket, itinerary, and passport here—everything I want to grab without digging around in the main compartment.
Just behind this front pocket, there’s an additional mesh pocket. Across from it is a dedicated spot for tech gear. There is a space specifically for a laptop, but be aware that the padding is a bit lighter than what you’d find in some other bags. It’s fine for tablets and smaller electronics, but I recommend packing your laptop between soft layers if you’re concerned about protection.
Unzipping the main compartment reveals a generously wide opening that makes packing and unpacking incredibly easy. On the inside of the compartment lid, there’s a clear zippered pouch that’s perfect for storing non-liquid toiletries. Below this, you’ll find two stretchy pockets that work great for smaller items you don’t want floating around, plus a removable mesh pouch right in the center. I haven’t found the perfect use for this pouch yet, but it’s nice to have as an option!
Finally, two additional pockets sit along each side of the main compartment, providing a bit of extra space for keeping smaller items from disappearing into the bottom of the bag.
Real-World Packing Test
To ensure this bag would meet the underseat requirements for my usual airlines—American and Delta—I measured the bag for its dimensions. Here is what I got:
- Height: 17 inches
- Depth: 9 inches
- Width: 14.5 inches
These measurements align with underseat dimensions on both airlines, so I felt it should fit comfortably. I also weighed the bag when fully packed, and it came in at a manageable 15 pounds.
For my three-day holiday, I packed essentials: three pairs of pants, four shirts, undergarments, toiletries, and shower shoes. Surprisingly, there was still a bit of room left, but I kept things light to avoid making the bag too heavy to lift into overhead bins.
Finally, I added my laptop. Since the front tech pocket isn’t heavily padded, I tucked my laptop securely in the main compartment, nestled between layers of clothing. I used the front laptop area for my tablet instead, which fit well and felt secure.
Overall, I was impressed with how much I could pack without overstuffing, and with careful packing, the bag kept everything organized and accessible!
Airline Compatibility, Durability, and Performance
I’ve traveled with this bag on American and Delta flights, and it fit comfortably under the seat, with its compact design making it suitable for some airlines. Checking with your airline on specific dimensions is still wise, though, to avoid surprises.
For durability, this bag has held up on quick weekend getaways and as a companion to a larger carry-on on extended trips. The zippers have been smooth and reliable throughout my travels, despite some reports of issues. The quilted fabric has also held up. Since the bag has a softer structure, delicate items were best packed thoughtfully for extra protection.
Airlines it fits on
Many travelers have reported that this bag fits comfortably under the seats of the following airlines:
American and Delta – “Use for my trip to Florida as my Personal bag to go with my Carry On.. I didn’t have any issues with Delta or American Airlines but frontier made me pay for my Carry On which was bigger than this one so it was to bad.”
Spirit – “I was not sure this item would pass as a personal item on Spirit, because of the wheels. I took the chance and measured it immediately in the bin at the gate in New Orleans.. It fit easily and I had packed it full”
United – “This bag is the perfect size for carry on travel – even for United Airlines! It’s chic and fashionable with the perfect number of pockets and compartments. Quality wheels and an easy collapsing handle. I’m using it for a two week trip to 🇫🇷.”
Southwest – “We fly frontier and Southwest every couple of weeks and this under the set carry-on has been perfect for my computer, files and a little bit of clothes. It is the perfect size and carries way more than I even imagined”
Jetblue – ” I took 2 JetBlue flights. On one of the planes, this bag fit underneath the seat in front of me with no problem. However, on the the other flight/plane, the structured part where the wheels are did NOT fit under the seat. “
Airline Underseat Dimensions
| Airline | Underseat Size (Inches) | Underseat Size (Centimeter) |
| American Airlines | 18 x 14 x 8 | 45 x 35 x 20 cm |
| Delta Air Lines | Items such as: purse, briefcase, small backpack, camera bag, diaper bag, laptop bag | |
| Jet Blue | 17 x 13 x 8 | 43.2 x 33 x 20.32 cm |
| Southwest Airlines | 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 | 47 x 22 x 34 cm |
| Spirit Airlines | 18 x 14 x 8 | 45 x 35 x 20 cm |
| United Airlines | 9 x 10 x 17 | 22 x 25 x 43 cm |
My Verdict
Overall, the Rockland Melrose Wheeled Underseater bag has a cute, stylish appeal when fully packed, but style alone isn’t enough when it comes to reliable travel luggage. While I enjoyed the soft, quilted fabric and appreciated its flexibility, I found myself wishing for a more structured design to better protect my belongings. For travelers like me who rely on tech gear, a well-padded laptop sleeve is a must. Unfortunately, the padding in this bag didn’t provide the reassurance I’d hoped for, especially when carrying valuable electronics.
On the plus side, the bag performed well in terms of mobility, weight, and overall ease of use. However, I did notice concerns raised by other users regarding durability. After reviewing one-star reviews, I became concerned about potential issues over time.
Warranty responses have also been inconsistent, with some reporting 30 days (Amazon’s default policy) and others mentioning 90 days. The Rockland website states a full warranty against defects or damage, yet finding contact information proved challenging, as the Contact link directed me to the top of the page on their site. Amazon does allow for questions, which may help if you’re uncertain.
Interestingly, I noticed a symbol on Amazon’s product page for this product. It indicates the item is frequently returned. Anyway, it’s worth knowing Amazon is listening to customer concerns and trying to address them.
In short, this bag has a lot to offer in terms of convenience and design, but durability and tech protection could be improved.
Final Thoughts
The Rockland Melrose Wheeled Underseater has certainly captured attention with its stylish looks, flexible design, and thoughtful compartments. Its compact design makes it a convenient option for short trips, fitting comfortably under some airline seats—ideal for travelers wanting easy access to essentials during a flight.
However, while it scores points for aesthetics and functionality, there are areas that could use improvement. The lighter structure, while allowing for flexibility, may not provide the protection some travelers need, especially for tech gear. Additionally, while my experience with its durability has been positive, feedback from other users suggests that some may encounter issues over time.
In terms of value, this underseater serves its purpose well if you’re primarily looking for a compact, easy-to-access bag for essentials on quick getaways. Just keep in mind that for heavier-duty travel or consistent tech use, a more structured and padded option might provide better peace of mind. Nonetheless, for anyone in search of a stylish, under-the-seat companion with room for essentials, the Rockland Melrose is a solid choice with a lot of personality! This bag has a lot to offer in terms of convenience and design, but durability and tech protection could be improved.
More from TheTravelYard
TPRC Smart Underseat Carry-On Luggage Review: Spirit, Frontier, Delta?
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Underseat Luggage Review: It’s Worth It But…
The Best International Underseat Luggage For Beating Airline Baggage Charges
Underseat Luggage Size Chart for Major Airlines [Dimensions, Sizes & More] 2024
Best American Airlines Underseaters For Easy Travel
8 Best Spirit Airlines Under Seat Bag With Wheels
What Is A Personal Item Bag? 🤔 Your Ultimate Guide to Underseat Luggage
