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The Solo Traveler’s Guide to Under Seat Luggage Dimensions

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August 11, 2023

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As an avid traveler, choosing the right luggage is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The perfect luggage allows you to pack all your travel essentials efficiently while complying with airline regulations. This is especially true when it comes to under-seat luggage.

Under-seat bags offer unparalleled accessibility to your in-flight necessities. But to enjoy their benefits, you need a bag that fits under the seat and adheres to the dimensions specified by airlines. With tight spaces in aircraft cabins, every inch matters.

This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about mastering under-seat luggage dimensions. You’ll learn how to:

Differentiate under-seat bags from other carry-on luggage
Understand size restrictions set by different airlines
Pick the ideal dimensions for your travel needs
Shop for a feature-rich under-seat bag
Utilize packing tips to maximize your under-seat luggage

Follow these tips to choose a perfectly sized under-seat bag for stress-free travels. Let’s get started!

What is Under Seat Luggage

Under-seat luggage refers to small bags that can fit in the space under the seat in front of you on an airplane. They are designed to be compact and easy to store during flights.

The main purpose of under-seat luggage is to allow easy in-flight access to essentials like snacks, medications, electronics, travel documents, and other things you may need during the journey. You won’t have to disturb fellow passengers by frequently accessing the overhead cabins.

Under-seat bags come in different styles including:

Backpacks – Hands-free and mobile
Tote bags – Roomy with multiple pockets
Rolling under seat – Smooth maneuverability

What Are the Dimensions for Underseat Luggage?

Before packing your underseat bag, it helps to understand the size restrictions. The specific dimensions can vary slightly by airline, but most underseat bags should adhere to these general guidelines:

Width: no wider than 18 inches/45 cm
Depth: no deeper than 14 inches/35 cm
Height: no taller than 8 inches/20 cm

Some airlines specify the underseat bag must fit completely under the seat in front of you, not obstructing legroom or the aisle. Be sure to check your airline’s website for their specific underseat luggage dimensions.

Tip: Look for underseat bags around 16 x 14 x 12 inches (40 x 35 x 30 cm). This leaves a bit of wiggle room if dimensions are enforced.

To visualize standard underseat carry-on size, it’s roughly equivalent to a women’s purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. With some careful packing techniques, you can fit all your essentials!

Choosing the Best Underseat Bag for Your Needs

With underseat luggage dimensions in mind, let’s explore how to pick an ideal underseat carry-on bag for your trip:

Hardside vs. Softside

Underseat bags come in both hardside and softside designs:

Hardside: Rigid shells like plastic or polycarbonate. Fixed structure with little flexibility.
Softside: Panels of fabric sewn into expandable compartments. Allows adjustments to contents.

calpak under seater hardshell — Hard Shell

For underseat stowage, softside bags often work better to compress contents and maximize capacity. However, hardsides provide rigid protection and can force you to pack sparingly. Pick the style aligned with your packing personality!

Wheeled vs. Non-wheeled

Another choice is wheeled vs. non-wheeled underseat bags:

Wheeled: Built-in wheels and retractable handle like a carry-on suitcase. Easy to transport between airport and gate.
Non-wheeled: No wheels or handle. Must be carried by hand or shoulder strap. Lighter weight but less convenient transport.

Wheeled bags allow you to quickly move through terminals without lugging weight on your shoulders. However, they take up legroom once stowed underseat.

If you don’t mind carrying your bag, a non-wheeled underseat bag optimizes in-flight space. But it’s a trade-off for airport convenience.

Compartments

Look for an underseat bag with thoughtful organization to keep your items secure and readily accessible in-flight:

Dedicated pockets: For electronics, toiletries, medications, documents
Interior dividers: To separate clothes, shoes, accessories
Expansion zippers: Adds depth when needed
Exterior pockets/clips: For quick-grab items like phones, tickets, water

Multiple compartments make it easy to stay organized when frantically grabbing items on a plane. Well-designed underseat bags act like your personal in-flight closet!

Other Handy Features

Some other features to consider when selecting an underseat carry-on bag:

Trolley sleeve: Slides over luggage handle for easy transport
USB port: Built-in USB charger to power devices
TSA lock: Special integrated lock that airport security can inspect
Identification: Underseat bags can look very similar – add a tag or ribbon for easy identification

What to Pack in Your Under-Seat Luggage

Under-seat luggage is a versatile and accessible storage option that plays a crucial role in keeping travel essentials at your fingertips during various travel adventures. Whether you’re flying, taking a train, or embarking on a road trip, having quick access to items like:

Travel documents: Passport, boarding pass, ID, travel itinerary, and any necessary visas.
Electronics: Laptop, tablet, smartphone, chargers, and headphones.
Valuables: Wallet, cash, credit cards, jewelry, and other important items.
Medications: Any prescription medications or over-the-counter remedies you may need during the flight.
Personal care items: Hand sanitizer, lip balm, facial tissues, and wet wipes.
Reading materials: Books, magazines, or e-readers for entertainment during the flight.
Snacks: Non-perishable snacks to keep you nourished during the journey.
Water bottle: An empty refillable water bottle to fill up after passing through security.
Sweater or scarf: A light layer in case the cabin gets chilly.
Eye mask and earplugs: For a more comfortable rest during the flight.
Change of clothing: A fresh set of clothes in case of luggage delays or other unexpected situations.
Comfort Items: Travel pillow, blanket, or any other personal comfort items to ensure a more relaxed and cozy journey.

Why Dimensions Matter

To enjoy the perks of under-seat luggage, you need a bag that actually fits under an airline seat.

Different airlines have specific size restrictions for this space:

American Airlines – 18 x 14 x 8 inches
Jet Blue – 17 x 13 x 8 inches
United – 17 x 10 x 9 inches

As you can see, the dimensions tend to be around 18 x 14 x 8 inches but do vary slightly.

You want a bag that maximizes storage without exceeding space constraints. Oversized bags will need to be checked in, defeating the purpose of under-seat luggage.

Equally important is meeting TSA guidelines – bags over a certain size need screening before boarding. Outsized bags slow down security checks.

That’s why properly measuring your under-seat luggage is crucial for easy airport navigation and hassle-free packing.

Personal Items vs. Under Seat vs. Carry-Ons

When traveling, most airline passengers are typically allowed to bring both a carry-on bag and a personal item on board. The personal item is usually required to fit under the seat in front of you. It provides additional space for items that you may need during your trip or want to keep nearby.

On the other hand, a carry-on bag is generally larger and is stored in the overhead compartment. It provides additional space and must adhere to the airline’s specified size restrictions.

Before boarding, it’s essential to be aware of the specific size and weight restrictions for both the carry-on bag and personal item, as they may vary between airlines. By following these guidelines, travelers can ensure a smooth and efficient boarding process and enjoy a comfortable flight experience.

Personal Items:

Small bags like purses and laptop bags, around 16 x 12 x 6 inches.
Can be considered an under-seat bag.
Need to be stored under the seat or in overhead bins during flight.

Under Seat Luggage:

Slightly larger than personal items, meant to be stowed under the seat.
Sometimes considered a personal item.
The average dimensions are around 18 x 14 x 8 inches.

Carry-On Bags:

Larger bags like rollers and duffels are stored in overhead bins.
Typical size limits are 22 x 14 x 9 inches.

While personal items offer easy access to absolute essentials, they lack sufficient storage. Carry-ons provide ample space but are cumbersome in-flight.

Under-seat bags strike the perfect balance of size and storage for short trips. They also pair well with a personal item and a carry-on for longer journeys.

How to Measure Under Seat Luggage for Dimensions

The first step to choosing the perfect under-seat bag is measuring correctly:

Use a soft measuring tape for accuracy
Measure at the bag’s widest points
Round UP to the nearest inch
Check all sides (height, width, length)

This gives you the true maximum dimensions and accounts for any bulges when packed.

soft measuring tape — Soft Measuring Tape

When shopping, look for bags with the following popular under-seat sizes:

17 x 13 x 7 inches – Very compact but limited storage
18 x 14 x 8 inches – Meets most airline requirements
18 x 14 x 9 inches – Extra depth for more packing
18 x 15 x 8 inches – Wider than typical under-seat bags

Bags sized 18 x 14 x 8 or 9 inches offer the best bet for fitting under most airline seats.

Consider your needs when picking dimensions:

Short flights – Compact 17 x 13 x 7 inch bag
Long-haul – Deeper 18 x 14 x 9 inches for extras
Group travel – Wider 18 x 15 x 8 inches bag

Airline-Specific Under Seat Luggage Regulations

Make sure to check the under-seat luggage dimensions for any airlines you’re traveling with.

Some major airline size dimension restrictions include:

Airline	Underseat Size (Inches)	Underseat Size (Centimeter)
Air Canada	17 x 13 x 6	43 x 33 x 16 cm
Air France	16 x 12 x 6	40 x 30 x 15 cm
Alaska Airlines	Not specified. Seat width approximately 17"
Allegiant Air	8 x 14 x 18	20 x 35 x 45 cm
American Airlines	18 x 14 x 8	45 x 35 x 20 cm
British Airways	16 x 12 x 6	40 x 30 x 15 cm
Delta Air Lines	Items such as: purse, briefcase, small backpack, camera bag, diaper bag, laptop bag
EasyJet	18 x 14 x 8	45 x 36 x 20 cm
Frontier Airlines	18 x 14 x 8	45 x 35 x 20 cm
Hawaiian Airlines	Items such as: purse, briefcase, laptop computer, small backpack, or similar piece. Most seats are 18 inches wide.
Jet Blue	17 x 13 x 8	43.2 x 33 x 20.32 cm
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines	16 x 12 x 6	40 x 30 x 15 cm
Lufthansa	15 x 11 x 3.9	40 x 30 x 10 cm
Norwegian Airlines	14.9 x 11.8 x 7.8	55 x 40 x 23 cm
Qatar	19 x 14.6 x 8	50 x 37 x 25 cm
Ryanair	16 x 8 x 10	40 x 20 x 25 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
Sun Country Airlines	17 x 13 x 9	43 x 33 x 23 cm
United Airlines	9 x 10 x 17	22 x 25 x 43 cm

Tips for adhering to airline under-seat luggage rules:

Check airline website for size charts
Call airline if dimensions are unclear
Measure bag and compare to rules
Avoid overstuffing if close to limits
Be ready to check-in if unsure of compliance

It can be tricky when flying with multiple airlines to keep up with varying luggage regulations. Do your homework before packing so you can adjust your under-seat bag if needed.

Top Under Seat Luggage Picks

Here are some top-rated under-seat luggage brands and models:

Away – The Everywhere Bag

Durable anti-microbial nylon with trolley sleeve and leather details. 16.3 x 10.2 x 7.3 inches.

Tumi – Oxford Compact Carry-On

Ballistic nylon with wheels and extendable handle. 16 x 14 x 8 inches.

Samsonite – Underseat Carry-On Spinner

Sturdy carry-on with cross straps and storage compartments. 16.5 x 13.5 x 9 inches.

Delsey – Chatelet Soft Underseat Bag

Roomy with padded laptop sleeve. 16.5 x 15.75 x 8.25 inches.

Travelpro – Platinum Elite Underseat Bag

High-quality bag with padded tablet sleeve. 16 x 14 x 9 inches.

Customers praise the thoughtful organization, premium quality and structured shape of these bags while noting their under-seat-friendly compact footprint.

According to reviews, the Tumi and Away bags lead for durability while the Delsey model offers maximal storage. The Travelpro is a budget-friendly option.

Frequently Asked Questions About Underseat Carry-On Bags

What are the standard dimensions for underseat luggage?

Most airlines allow underseat bags with maximum dimensions of around 16 x 14 x 10 inches (40 x 35 x 25 cm). However, be sure to check your specific airline’s underseat baggage restrictions.

How many bags can you bring on a plane?

Most airlines allow 1 underseat bag, plus 1 personal item like a purse or laptop bag. You can also bring 1 carry-on bag to store in the overhead bin. Check your airline’s specific baggage allowances.

Can I use a backpack as an underseat personal item?

Yes, backpacks make excellent underseat personal items if they meet the size requirements. Just be sure no straps are sticking out into the legroom area.

What if my bag doesn’t fit under the seat?

If your underseat bag ends up being too large, you will need to place it in an overhead bin. Try to board early to secure overhead space. Removing bulky items may also help contents fit underseat.

Can I store a coat or sweater under the seat in front of me?

No, only approved carry-on bags can be stored under the seat. Garments need to be stored in overhead bins or on your lap.

What essentials should I keep in my underseat bag vs. overhead?

Keep anything you need access to in flight in the underseat bag – electronics, medications, documents, some snacks, etc. Overhead can hold less-needed items like extra clothes.

Conclusion

Perfectly sized under-seat luggage ensures you can make the most of this convenient storage space on flights. Follow the tips in this guide to find an under-seat bag that meets airline regulations and your packing needs.

The right dimensions coupled with smart packing give you optimal in-flight access to your essentials. No more wondering what’s in the overhead bin or waiting impatiently to retrieve items.

Under-seat luggage lets you travel light without sacrificing necessities. Get started picking the ideal under-seat companion for all your upcoming trips!

Happy Travels!