“When flying United Airlines, especially with a Basic Economy ticket, knowing their personal item policy is key to a hassle-free trip. Basic Economy passengers are limited to just one personal item, so choosing a bag that meets United Airlines under seat bag size requirements is essential. With specific size limits in place, selecting the right bag will help you avoid unexpected fees and ensure you have everything you need within easy reach.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the top 10 under-seat bags that are perfectly sized for United’s restrictions—keeping you organized and stress-free from takeoff to landing.”
Understanding United Airlines Personal Item Size Restrictions
Before we dive into the bags, let’s clarify what United Airlines considers an acceptable personal item. Their guidelines specify a maximum size of 17 x 10 x 9 inches. Going even slightly over these dimensions can lead to gate-checking your bag (which means you might not have it with you during the flight), or even worse, extra fees. So precision is key!
Top Picks for Underseat Carry-On Bags: Recommendations
Top 12 Bags That Fit United Airlines Under Seat Bag Size Restrictions:
This list combines various styles, from backpacks to totes, to cater to different preferences. Remember to always double-check the manufacturer’s dimensions before purchasing.
1. Samsonite Underseat Carry-on Spinner
Price: $100 | Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 16.5 x 13.5 x 9 inches | Weight: 5.5 lbs
Laptop Sleeve: Fits laptops up to 13.3 inches
Finding a bag with four spinner wheels that fits under an airplane seat and holds enough for a three-day trip is rare—but the Samsonite Underseat Carry-on Spinner delivers on both fronts. The four 360-degree wheels are a game-changer, especially when dashing between terminals, providing smooth and effortless maneuverability.
Inside, the main compartment is thoughtfully designed with multiple pockets and dividers, perfect for organizing clothes, electronics, and travel documents. The padded laptop sleeve is especially useful, securely fitting up to a 13.3-inch laptop. The front pocket system includes quick-access compartments, allowing you to easily reach your passport and boarding pass during security checks without unzipping the main compartment.
2. Hanke 14 Inch Underseat Carry On Luggage
Price: $119 | Material: Polycarbonate | Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.46 x 15.59 inches | Weight: 7.4
Right off the bat, you’ll notice this bag’s compact, hard-shell design. The bag looks nice, sturdy, and has a nice layout. The main compartment opens up like a mini suitcase, so you’ll find packing pretty easy. The wheels glide easily across airport floors, saving your shoulders from the dreaded terminal haul.
Now, you might be thinking: ‘How much can actually fit in this underseat bag?’ Surprisingly, quite a bit! I’ve packed snacks, a water bottle, 2-3 days’ worth of clothes, a 13-inch laptop, basic toiletries, and my travel documents all in here with room to spare. It’s made from water-resistant polyester, with strong zippers.
It comes in nine color options, so there’s something for every taste. Sure, it’s not the cheapest bag out there, but the quality and convenience make it well worth the price. If you’re looking for a travel bag that keeps up with you, the Hanke is a fantastic choice.
3. Nomad Lane Bento Bag
Price: $179.99 | Material: Water Resistant Nylon | Dimensions: 17”W x 8” D x 10” H | Weight: 2.76 lbs
Laptop Sleeve: Yes, Fits 16”
The Nomad Lane Bento Bag is a favorite among frequent travelers—and for good reason. While the dimensions may vary slightly between versions (V3 and V4), the Bento Bag is thoughtfully designed to meet United’s under-seat size restrictions. It features impressive organization, including multiple compartments, a padded laptop sleeve, pockets for electronics, and even dedicated spaces for toiletries, ensuring everything has its place.
Beyond functionality, style is a priority with the Bento Bag. Available in Black, Grey, and Burgundy, it’s as eye-catching as it is practical. As a premium product, the Bento Bag’s price reflects its high-quality materials and design. But if you prioritize exceptional organization, durability, and aesthetics—and often fly with United or other airlines with similar under-seat requirements—it’s well worth the investment. With everything organized and easily accessible, the Bento Bag can be a true travel asset, especially on busy travel days.
4. Travelpro Crew Classic Lightweight Softside Tote
Price: $103.99 | Material: recycled plastic bottles | Dimensions: 16.25 x 10 x 9 inches | Weight: 1.6 lbs
Laptop Sleeve: No
The Travelpro Crew Classic series reflects decades of expertise, designed with an understanding of what frequent travelers truly value. This bag combines a professional look with thoughtful, practical details that set it apart from standard travel bags. It’s made from high-density nylon fabric that resists both water and stains, and maintains a polished appearance even after countless trips.
The main compartment is surprisingly roomy, offering ample space for a weekend’s worth of clothing, while the external pockets are perfectly sized for essentials. A quick-access front pocket makes it easy to grab your phone or passport while you’re on the go.
For those long walks through the terminal, the Crew Classic tote’s ergonomic design makes carrying it feel effortless. The padded shoulder strap distributes weight evenly, and the leather-wrapped handles offer a comfortable grip for shorter carries. This is a bag designed to perform—and look good doing it.
5. 17X10X9 Inches United Airlines Personal Item Under Seat Duffel bag
Price: $29.95 | Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 17″L x 9″W x 10″H | Weight: 1.04 lbs
A duffel bag of this size is great because of how versatile it is. Its soft-sided design offers just the right flexibility for packing while keeping the structure needed to protect your belongings. The rectangular shape maximizes every inch of allowed space, unlike some oddly shaped bags that waste precious room. The 17x10x9 duffel bags are made from nylon with water-resistant fabric.
While backpacks and rolling bags are popular choices, the duffel’s design offers an advantage for under-seat storage. It slides in and out easily, doesn’t have rigid wheels taking up space, and maintains its shape better than many soft backpacks. Duffel bags fit under both window and aisle seats, though middle seat storage might be slightly more restricted due to electronics boxes in some planes.
6. MATEIN Laptop Backpack 15.6 Inch
Price: $39.98 | Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 6″D x 12.5″W x 17″H | Weight: 1.9 lbs
The MATEIN backpack has a modern design that looks just as at home in a corporate office as it does in a casual setting. The thoughtful organization allows for a dedicated, padded laptop compartment that fits devices up to 15.6 inches. The main compartment provides ample space for books, documents, or even a change of clothes.
To keep your devices powered up there is an external USB charging port, paired with a built-in charging cable. (just bring your own power bank). With a competitive mid-range price, the MATEIN backpack delivers a lot of what you’d expect from pricier brands. It’s a solid choice for students, professionals, and travelers who want great quality without breaking the bank.
7. Tucano Tugo Medium travel backpack
Price: $89.99 | Material: 50% Recycled Rubber | Dimensions: 11.81 (H) x 15.75 (W) x 5.91 (D) inches | Weight: 1.74 lbs
Laptop Size: 16 inches
The Tucano Tugo Medium Travel Backpack is a versatile well-organized layout designed bag that is , perfect for both work trips and leisure adventures. The main compartment is spacious enough to hold clothes for a weekend getaway, while the padded laptop sleeve securely fits devices up to 16 inches. Additional interior pockets keep smaller essentials like chargers, notebooks, and travel documents neatly organized. Its water-resistant nylon exterior provides reliable protection against sudden weather changes, ensuring your belongings stay safe and dry.
The backpack is compact enough to fit under most airline seats, making it an excellent carry-on option. Its ergonomic shoulder straps and padded back panel offer exceptional comfort during long days of travel. A luggage pass-through strap lets you attach it securely to your suitcase for easy airport navigation. Stylish yet practical, the Tucano Tugo Medium Travel Backpack is a dependable choice for travelers who prioritize organization, durability, and ease of use.
8. Eagle Creek Packable Backpack
Price: $58.95 | Material: Nylon | Dimensions: 17 x 9 x 5 in | Weight: 5.76 ounces
Despite being lightweight and packable, the Eagle Creek backpack doesn’t skimp on quality. Made with ripstop nylon and reinforced seams the bag will hold up trip after trip. The water-resistant coating will, keep your belongings dry during unexpected rain showers.
The main compartment is surprisingly roomy, comfortably fitting a laptop up to 15 inches, with additional pockets to keep essentials organized and within easy reach. The padded shoulder straps, though minimal in weight, do a great job of distributing the load evenly. Plus, the adjustable sternum strap provides extra stability—perfect for those times when you’re dashing through airports or exploring new cities.
9. Cabin Zero Unisex Classic Backpack 28l Backpack
Price: $88.02 | Material: polyester fabric | Dimensions: 15.4 x 11.6 x 7 inch | Weight: 1 lb 5 lbs
Laptop Size: Up to 15.6 inches
The CabinZero backpack has a simple, clean design that’s both practical and stylish. It’s made from waterproof polyester and keeps your belongings safe from unexpected rain or accidental coffee spills. The thick shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry even when packed to the brim for a long weekend getaway.
The main compartment opens suitcase-style, so packing and finding your items is effortless. It also features a dedicated laptop sleeve that fits devices up to 15 inches—perfect for work trips or enjoying in-flight entertainment.
Designed for convenience, this bag slides easily under the seat, leaving you with ample legroom for a more comfortable flight. The side compression straps are another thoughtful touch, allowing you to adjust the bag’s size when it’s not fully loaded, keeping your belongings secure and compact.
10. MZ Wallace Large Empire Tote
Price: $295 | Material: Fabrication: REC Oxford bluesign® APPROVED | Dimensions: 1.61 in L × 8.27 in W × 13.19 in H | Weight: 2.4 lbS
Made with the MZ Wallace brand’s signature quilted nylon, this tote is not only lightweight but also durable, practical, and stylish. What you’ll find is that this bag fits everything you need—yes, everything—without sacrificing its sleek look.
Despite its compact design, the interior is impressively roomy. You can easily fit a 13-inch laptop, Your everyday essentials, a change of clothes, travel documents, and even snacks with a water bottle. It’s a bag that adapts to almost any outfit or occasion, whether you’re headed to a business meeting or running weekend errands. The classic design and neutral color options ensure it pairs effortlessly with any wardrobe.
11. Away Travel The Everywhere Bag
Price: $195 | Material: Nylon with leather handles | Dimensions: 16.3 x 10.2 x 7.3″ | Weight: 2.75 lbs
Laptop Sleeve: Fits most 15” laptops
The Away Travel Everywhere Bag has a minimalist design and made from durable, water-resistant nylon. The bag features a spacious main compartment with multiple organizational pockets, including a padded laptop sleeve for laptop up to 15 inches.
Compact enough to fit under most airline seats, it still offers ample room for your essentials. Its timeless design and versatile color options make it perfect for any occasion, from business trips to weekend getaways.
12. Calpak Luka Duffel
Price: $102.40 | Material: Polyester | Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 8 inches | Weight: 2 lbs
Inside the Luka Duffel is a well-organized layout, including multiple compartments for effortless packing. The main compartment provides ample space for clothing, shoes, or gear, while smaller zippered pockets keep essentials like passports, chargers, and keys easily accessible. You will like the separate shoe compartment, which keeps your belongings clean and organized. Whether you’re heading to the gym, catching a flight, or enjoying a road trip, the Calpak Luka Duffel combines practicality and style to meet a variety of travel needs.
Underseat Luggage Dimensions for Airlines
When preparing for a trip, knowing the underseat luggage dimensions of the airline you’re flying with can save you a lot of hassle. Each airline has its own size guidelines, so it’s always smart to double-check before packing. Below is a quick reference guide to underseat luggage dimensions for various airlines:
| Airline | Underseat Size (in) | Underseat Size (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Underseat Luggage Dimensions
Other United Airline Personal Item Alternatives
- Monos Metro Duffel: Sleek and versatile! This duffel combines timeless style with practical organization. Perfect for underseat storage, it features removable compartments and a trolley sleeve for easy travel.
- Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack: A classic choice! The Kanken is known for its durability and simple design. While some larger Kanken models might exceed United’s limits, the smaller sizes are perfect for fitting under the seat. Great for students or those needing laptop storage.
- Vera Bradley Ultimate Travel Case: AStylish and functional! This travel case offers plenty of compartments for toiletries, makeup, or small essentials. Lightweight and easy to tuck under your seat, it’s ideal for keeping your items organized on the go.
- LOVEVOOK Diaper Bag Backpack A parent’s dream! This bag combines chic design with functionality, offering insulated pockets, a changing pad, and plenty of storage. It fits easily under the seat, making family travel stress-free.
Comparison United Airlines Under Seat Bag Size At A Glance
| United Airlines Underseat Bags | Product | Price | Material | Dimensions | Weight | Laptop Sleeve |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsonite Underseat Carry-on Spinner | $100 | Polyester | 16.5 x 13.5 x 9 inches | 5.5 lbs | Fits up to 13.3 inches |
 | Hanke 14 Inch Underseat Carry On Luggage | $119 | Polycarbonate | 12.4 x 8.46 x 15.59 inches | 7.4 lbs | – |
 | Nomad Lane Bento Bag | $179.99 | Water Resistant Nylon | 17″W x 8″ D x 10″ H | 2.76 lbs | Fits 16″ laptop |
 | Travelpro Crew Classic Softside Tote | $103.99 | Recycled Plastic Bottles | 16.25 x 10 x 9 inches | 1.6 lbs | – |
| United Airlines Personal Item Duffel | $29.95 | Nylon | 17″L x 9″W x 10″H | 1.04 lbs | – |
| MATEIN Laptop Backpack | $39.98 | Polyester | 6″D x 12.5″W x 17″H | 1.9 lbs | Fits up to 15.6 inch laptop |
| Tucano Tugo Medium Travel Backpack | $89.99 | 50% Recycled Rubber | 11.81 x 15.75 x 5.91 inches | 1.74 lbs | Fits up to 16 inch laptop |
| Eagle Creek Packable Backpack | $58.95 | Nylon | 17 x 9 x 5 in | 5.76 oz | Fits up to 15 inch laptop |
| Cabin Zero Unisex Classic Backpack 28L | $88.02 | Polyester | 15.4 x 11.6 x 7 inch | 1.5 lbs | Fits up to 15.6 inch laptop |
| MZ Wallace Large Empire Tote | $295 | REC Oxford bluesign® APPROVED | 16.1 x 8.27 x 13.19 inches | 2.4 lbs | – |
 | Away Travel The Everywhere Bag | $195 | Nylon | 16.3 x 10.2 x 7.3 | 2.75 lbs | Fits up to 15 inch laptop |
| Calpak Luka Duffel | $102.40 | Polyester | 12 x 16 x 8 inches | 2 lbs | – |
Why is the right bag so important?
Think about it: a poorly chosen bag can mean awkwardly crammed belongings, a frustrating experience at the gate, and extra costs. But the right bag? That’s the difference between smooth sailing and a travel headache. We’re aiming for smooth sailing, folks!
Beyond the Bag: Packing Tips for United Airlines Flights
Even with the perfect bag, smart packing is crucial. Here are a few tips to maximize space:
- Packing Cubes: These fabric containers compress clothing and keep things organized.
- Roll Your Clothes: Rolling instead of folding saves space and minimizes wrinkles.
- Wear Your Bulkiest Items: Wear your heaviest shoes and jacket on the plane.
- Lightweight Materials: Choose lightweight clothing to reduce overall weight.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right personal item bag for United Airlines flights doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding the size restrictions and selecting a bag from this list, you’ll ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience. Remember to always double-check the bag’s dimensions before purchasing and pack smart!
Happy travels! ✈️
Sources:
United Airlines Basic Economy
United Airlines Carry-on Bags
United Airlines Checked Bags
United Airlines App
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