The Best Underseat Luggage for Quick Trips, Light Packers, and Budget Airlines
For many travelers, going carry-on-only is a sign of packing prowess. These are the same types of travelers who have likely mastered the art of packing cubes and steer clear of baggage claim chaos at all costs.
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However, for those looking to pack even lighter—or circumvent paying for a carry-on bag when flying with a budget airline—there’s another option: underseat luggage.
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Technically, there’s no major difference between underseat luggage and a personal item, at least in how airlines define the bags. Both are portable items that can fit under the seat in front of you.
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Underseat luggage, however, is usually a bag that can be packed like a suitcase—think duffels and smaller wheeled suitcases. They’re ideal for business travelers, particularly those only spending a night or two away from home.
Below, we’ve compiled nine of the best pieces of underseat luggage on the market, including several that have been road-tested by Condé Nast Traveler editors.
The Best Underseat Luggage
When it comes to underseat luggage, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, the bag must fit under the seat in front of you. This means looking for luggage that is compact and lightweight.
Another important consideration is the material. Underseat luggage is often made from water-resistant materials, which can help protect your belongings from spills and other accidents.
Finally, consider the features you need. Some underseat luggage comes with additional pockets and compartments, while others may have a built-in laptop sleeve or TSA lock.
Travelpro Crew Classic Rolling UnderSeat Carry-On
If you’re the type of traveler who prefers to wheel your luggage instead of throwing it over your shoulder, Travelpro’s Crew Classic Rolling UnderSeat carry-on may be the right fit for you.
Made of water- and stain-resistant fabric, the business travel-friendly underseat bag is designed with efficiency in mind. It comes with a removable hanging organizer for toiletries, side pockets for a water bottle and an umbrella, and an interior laptop sleeve.
Dimensions: 15.5” x 13.75” x 8”
Weight: 5.8 lb
Capacity: 24.5L
Features a removable hanging organizer
Padded laptop sleeve
Water- and stain-resistant
Padded laptop sleeve only fits devices up to 14”
Antler Icon Overnight Bag
Travelers who want to bring both a suitcase and underseat luggage on board will need a bag that can ride on top of a regular-size carry-on—otherwise, you’ll be wheeling two bags through the airport.
Antler’s water-resistant Icon Overnight Bag is the perfect choice; it’s spacious, structured, and complete with a detachable shoulder strap and a trolley strap, which slides right over the handle of your suitcase.
Dimensions: 10” x 16” x 7.1”
Weight: 1.83 lb
Capacity: 19L
Made from 100% recycled material
Water-resistant exterior
Luggage sleeve
Cons: Limited pockets, Laptop sleeve isn’t very sturdy
Calpak Luka Soft-Sided Mini Carry-On
Underseat luggage can be a little stuffy, design-wise, but that’s certainly not true of Calpak’s Luka soft-sided mini carry-on.
The rolling suitcase is available in several colors that feel a bit more playful than your typical business travel suitcase (oatmeal, celadon, rose quartz) while simultaneously providing all the important functional features.
The carry-on features a padded laptop compartment, a built-in TSA lock, and an interior storage compartment will keep your belongings safe and secure.
Dimensions: 13.75” x 13.75” x 7.5”
Weight: 5.3 lb
Capacity: 22.5L
Padded laptop compartment
Water-resistant material
Can be personalized with your name or monogram
Cons: Lighter colorways will show dirt and scuffs more easily, Soft-sided bags may not be as durable as hard-shell cases
Calpak Luka Duffel
Duffel bags tend to get a bad rap for being oversized and unwieldy, but Calpak’s Luka duffel proves this isn’t always the case.
“Even when it’s full—and I mean stuffed—it never feels too heavy or bulky to carry,” says commerce editor Meaghan Kenny.
With a 25-liter capacity, this lightweight, water-resistant option not only has a spacious main compartment and nine pockets, but also a dedicated shoe compartment.
Dimensions: 12” x 16” x 8”
Weight: 2 lbs
Capacity: 25L
Fits underneath a plane seat
Several interior compartments and zippered pockets
Cons: Not big enough for extended weekend trips, Adding a pair of shoes to the bottom compartment takes up a lot of interior space, Zippers may become sticky after years of use
Ultimately, the best underseat luggage for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the size, material, and features you need, and don’t be afraid to try out a few different options before making a final decision.
