Best Under Seat Luggage in 2020 – Luggagist’s Picks
If you’re the type of person who constantly goes on business trips or weekend getaways, then you’re probably looking for a bag which will carry all of your belongings while also being easy to carry and such. One excellent option that you can go with is under seat bags, and as the name suggests, these bags are designed to fit under the seat of your plane, which will help you avoid any luggage fees.
In order to help you pick what might be the best under seat luggage for you, we’ve decided to review five different bags that we think are worthy of the title of the best under seat luggage for a number of reasons.
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Best Under Seat Luggage – Our Picks
#1 – Samsonite Spinner Under seater with USB Port
Arguably the best under seat luggage on this list, the Spinner Under seater is a sleek & ergonomic under seat bag, created for people who seek to look stylish whilst traveling. It comes in a variety of colors, most of which are vibrant and beautiful looking, especially the Majolica Blue. So, if aesthetics play an essential role for you when you’re picking a product, then this bag is the best under seat luggage you can get your hands on.
As the name already suggests, this bag comes with the impressive feature of a USB port, however, like most bags that have this perk, you got to buy the battery yourself.
Another great thing about this bag is the fact that it’s a spinner under seat model that rocks 4 wheels! This means that you can glide it alongside you while you move through the airport. Moreover, this bag comes with a handle that is adjustable to 3 different heights, which is a great feature to have, especially for taller users. Other great perks in this bag include the numerous side pockets on the outside, which are perfect for storing your relevant documents with ease. Additionally, the front zipper of the bag comes with some extra slots for storing your credit cards and change.
Last but not least, this bag is one of a few among our list of the best under seat luggage that has a separate laptop pocket and a highly organized interior, both of which are two much-appreciated things to have. And while most bags out there who provide these two features usually fail to be lightweight, that isn’t the case with this bag, which is why we’re giving it the title of the best under seat luggage that you can get your hands on right now.
What we like about it
There is so much to love about the Samsonite Spinner Under seater, but what we dig the most is its elegant looks, roomy compartments, and convenient features – such as the USB port. All of that makes this bag quite the solid candidate for the title of the best underseat luggage.
#2 – Delsey Quilted Rolling Under Seat Tote
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If we were to try and sum up this bag in one sentence, it’d be “don’t let utility get in the way of looking stylish.” And for that reason, believe us when we say that the Delsey Quilted Rolling Under seat luggage is the most beautiful and stylish travel companion that you can get your hands on.
For one, it comes in poppy colors, and it’s a delight to carry. It features some smart, well-organized, pockets which make it super-efficient at moving different things. It is also made out of the best materials in the market, so don’t worry about it catching anything when you slide it in and out from under your seat.
Additionally, the bag comes in dimensions that have been approved by a multitude of airlines across the country. There is also the fact that the bag is wheeled, which is a great feature to have since it basically takes all the stress that would’ve been inflicted upon your shoulders.
As the name already suggests, this bag comes with a quilted design, based on 1800 Denier Polyester. The higher the denier count is, the more durable the material is. Dimensions wise, the bag measures about 14 inches in width, 14.5 inches in height and 9 in-depth. It can easily be tilted on its back and slid under your seat. The base of the bag is a hard-shell, so you technically can’t squeeze it under seats lower than the bag’s depth, 9 inches.
The bag also comes with two handles which allow you to carry it easily. Further, hidden under a zipper on the top of the bag is the retractable handle, which rises in a considerable length from the pack. And you don’t have to stoop to hold it; it automatically locks itself in the extended position. The bag also includes a two-wheel assemble on both sides, which keeps the bag from tipping over.
The Delsey Quilted Rolling Under seat tote greatly utilizes its dimensions, for one, its main compartment has a space that’s protected by a half wall. You can arrange anything from your clothes, shoes, to souvenirs and more in this space. The area also has a mesh pocket for undergarments, toiletries and such. The lid of this space comes with a completely opaque zipper where you can store your essential belongings, as in documents, jewelry, and more.
The front side of the bag has a number of organizer pockets. It comes with a padded sleeve designed to carry your phone or tablet. And there is also a separate phone pocket and numerous mesh pockets for smaller items. All in all, this is a great bag, worthy of a spot on our list of the five best under seat luggage found on the market right now.
What we like about it
Although the Delsey Quilted Rolling Under Seat Tote has so much to offer, it’s thanks to its stylish yet oh so practical design that it got the second spot on our list.
#3 – Travelon Wheeled Under seat Carry-On with Back-Up Bag
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Yet another well-organized bag that suits longer trips, the Travelon Wheeled Under seat Carry-On is a fantastic product, something you should expect from what of the leaders in the industry, Travelon.
While Travelon is generally known for producing bags with a lot of security features, this bag is an exception, as it’s a more stripped-down version. This is the case due to the fact that Travelon aims to maximize room in the bag. And it is rather clear that Travelon succeeds at doing so since this bag comes with a pretty sizeable main compartment which you can maximize even further by using packing cubes and the elasticized pockets. The bag also comes with a separate zippered pocket on the front which offers a well-organized way of keeping things like your ID, plane tickets, and such easily accessible.
If you’re planning on packing a little more than usual, then worry not, since this bag comes with an extra-large bag as “back-up,” which takes very little room but is still quite spacey on the inside.You can strap it to the main wheeled bag, which makes it super easy to move through the airport with both.
The main mini suitcase also comes with a strap, which allows you to strap it to a larger, wheel suitcase in case you have one. However, airlines that charge you for bringing more than one bag will count this combination as two separate bags and not one. But if you do some thorough thinking before packing, and only pick the necessary stuff, the single bag should do you justice. And as we’ve mentioned before, packing cubes are super helpful, especially if you’re going to travel for more than a few days using this bag.
Another great feature of the design of this bag is the fact that the sloped top makes the main compartment very accessible, especially when the bag is placed under the seat.
Unfortunately, this bag doesn’t come with a separate laptop compartment, and the handlebars found inside the bag aren’t padded. In other words, we don’t recommend putting a tablet or a laptop inside this bag without a protective layer, as they can easily be scratched at any moment. But this is literally the only issue about this bag, and why we won’t call it the best under-seat carry-on luggage.
Furthermore, while the idea of having a back-up bag might seem like a nice one when you think about it, it really isn’t. We say this because the whole point of having an under-seat bag is to minimize your packing and to avoid baggage fees, and an extra bag, no matter how small it is can jeopardize that. But other than that, this bag is a great all-around bag to have, and that’s why we included it in our list of the five best under seat luggage of 2020.
What we like about it
While the first two bags on our list focus on practicality and aesthetics, the Travelon Wheeled Under seater is mainly designed to keep your items safe and secure while you’re traveling.
#4 – Timbuk2 Uptown Laptop Backpack
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If you’re someone who’s already registered in Global Entry and knows everything about the screening process of the TSA, then the Timbuk2 Uptown Laptop Backpack is for you. For one, it is designed to align with all of the carry-on policies of the TSA, which allows you to keep your laptop inside when going through security, which can make the process a lot faster and gain you some valuable time.
The bag obviously comes with a separate compartment for your laptop which can fit something as big as a 17-inch MacBook Pro for example. The bag measures 19.7 x 8.7 x 11.4 inches and is a very stylish and versatile backpack. Due to its looks, you can take it to a hangout with your friends, or to a meeting, without an issue.
The overall design of the bag and the shoulder straps make it a very comfortable backpack to wear, and it weighs just around two pounds when empty, which is quite lightweight. All in all, this backpack is a great bag to have for short trips, gaining it a spot on our list of the best under seat luggage found on the market.
What we like about it
Sometimes, one cannot really leave their house without carrying your laptop with them. If that’s the case for you, then you’ll surely love the Timbuk2 Uptown Laptop Backpack, for it’s designed to keep all your electronics safe while complying with all of the carry-on policies of the TSA.
#5 – AmazonBasics Under seat Luggage
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Keep looking stylish by traveling with the AmazonBasics under-seat luggage, featuring an elegant looking quilted design. A worthy contender for the title of the best under seat luggage of the current year.
Besides its good looks, the AmazonBasics Under seat Luggage is compact in size, and it offers you super smooth-rolling wheels, a telescoping handle, and decent storage space. The main compartment of the bag is quite roomy, and it comes with several interior pockets alongside a useful front organizer.
So, whether you’re headed on a weekend adventure or an important business trip, this elegant looking and highly durable under-seat bag from AmazonBasics will serve you well.
What we like about it
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Choosing the Best Under Seat Luggage – Buying Guide
As you’ve seen above, the best under seat luggage pieces come in different shapes and sizes. That can make picking the right product for your trips seem like a daunting – or even impossible – task. Worry not, though, as once you’re done with our buying guide, the right choice will be obvious.
Why You Need the Best Understeat Luggage
Understeat pieces of luggage are, as the name indicates, designed to fit under an airplane’s seat. One may wonder; why should I get one instead of a regular suitcase or carry-on bag?
Well, to answer that, here are the main advantages of getting one of the best under seat luggage items that we reviewed above:
No Need to Fight for Overhead Bin Space
How many times have you seen people fighting to the death (well, not literally) while standing in the queue to the gate so that they can get on board before everyone else and find some overhead bin space for their bags?
That situation is not that uncommon in any airport, but what most travelers forget is the sweet space they can find under their seats.
Should you get the best under seat luggage, you’ll be able to store it easily under your seat while everyone else is fighting for overhead space. That way, you won’t need to rush your flights. Furthermore, you won’t need to rush to your bags when it’s time to leave the plane. Just slide out your bag and get out while other passengers are still rushing towards their luggage.
Great for Short People
Solo short travelers can find it hard to hoist their bags in the overhead bin space. Considering that you won’t always find a friendly tall person to do that for you, it’s a good idea to look for the best under seat carry on bag or backpack so that you can easily slide it in under your seat where no one can touch it.
Suitable for People Suffering from Back Pain or Injury
Just like short people, travelers suffering from back pain or injury may not always be able to toss their bags in the overhead space themselves. If that’s the case for you, don’t hesitate to get the best under seat bag. It will definitely make your trips more facilitated.
What to Consider Before Purchasing
Before getting the best under seat luggage, there are some essential factors that you must consider, including:
Size
Different airlines have different size requirements when it comes to accepted luggage dimensions. For under seat luggage, the allowed size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, which is the obligatory size for carry-ons by Delta airlines. Note that those dimensions include all the handles, wheels, and side pockets.
That said, the exact size varies by airline, as some allow for slightly larger or smaller luggage, which is why you need to check the requirements of the airline with which you plan to travel.
If you’re flying internationally, you ought to stick with a bag that’s no more than 21 inches in size as some global airlines can be stricter when it comes to the size requirements.
Weight
If you’re a frequent traveler, you ought to opt for the lightest under seat bag or backpack you can get to make it easier to move around. Optimally, aim for a bag that’s no heavier than 10 pounds when empty. As for the limits set by airlines, most companies allow for a maximum weight of 40 pounds.
Material
The last thing you need while traveling is for your luggage to tear down with all your items in it. When it comes to under seat luggage, we recommend staying away from hard-shells, as they don’t squeeze that well and may be hard to fit – hey, surprise! – under your seat. Soft luggage, on the other hand, allows you to maximize storage and squeeze in some extra inches of clothes.
That said, no matter what kind of luggage you choose, be it the best under seat backpack, carry on, or bag, you need to make sure that it’s made of high-quality materials that can resist the constant shoving under the seat.
Wheels and Mobility
We don’t recommend getting a wheeled under seat bag as the wheels can get in the way and make the piece of luggage hard to toss under the seat. Nevertheless, if you can’t carry your luggage from terminal to terminal for one reason or the other, then going with a bag that has sturdy wheels can make traveling easier for you.
Pockets and Arrangement
No matter what kind of luggage you’re getting, it’s essential to check its pockets and internal organization (as to how it’s divided into different compartments). Pockets are crucial if you travel with various items, such as your clothes, toiletries, ties, etc.
Price
The price is yet another essential factor to keep in mind when looking for the best under seat luggage. In our roundup, we tried to include products and models that suit different budgets so that we can help everyone pick the best under seat bag money can get them.
Picking the Best Under Seat Luggage – Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Accepted Dimensions for Under Seat Luggage?
As we mentioned above, not all airplanes are created equal. That’s why you need to check your airline’s accepted size before choosing the best under seat luggage. Here are the dimensions required by the main airlines in the US:
- American Airlines: 18 x 14 x 8 inches
- Vueling: 8 x 14 x 8 inches
- Spirit: 18 x 14 x 8 inches
- Frontier: 18 x 14 x 8 inches
- RyanAir: 15.5 x 8 x 10 inches
- JetBlue: 17 x 13 x 8 inches
- Southwest: 8.5 x 13.5 x 18.5 inches
- United: 17 x 10 x 9 inches
Make sure to check your airline’s accepted size at their website before ultimately picking the best under seat backpack, bag, or carry on.
How Can I Pack an Under Seat Bag?
Once you’ve picked the best under seat luggage for your flight, you have to move on to a more serious task: fitting all the essentials inside it. To do that, there are three steps that you need to accomplish: downsizing your clothes, shoes, and toiletries, getting rid of everything you don’t need in your trip, and whittling down your technology.
Downsizing Your Clothes, Shoes, and Toiletries
If you really want your clothes to take minimal space in your luggage, we recommend rolling them instead of going with the traditional way of folding them. Everything from jeans and tops to socks and underwear can be rolled and packed tightly in appropriately-sized packing cubes.
Packing cubes are such a nice idea because they can maximize space inside your bag by keeping everything organized in a neat manner. They’re also an excellent way to keep your dirty, worn clothes and your clean ones separated inside your luggage.
Once you’ve managed to minimize the total space taken by your clothes, the next step is to tale care of your shoes. Unfortunately, there isn’t an easy way to downsize them, as they’re not as flexible as clothing items, but what you can do is keep their number to a minimum. You don’t need to take your entire shoe collection when traveling. Just grab your favorite two pairs and wear the heaviest on the plane.
As for your toiletries, tech, cords, and extra items, such as snacks, you can easily downsize them by using a small packing cube. There are also some pretty space-efficient, lightweight toiletry bags that can help you take advantage of all the available space in your luggage.
Get Rid of Unneeded Items
The last thing you need when going on a vacation is to fumble around with a heavy bag full of unnecessary items, especially if you’re planning to keep your luggage under your seat. That’s why you need to think strategically and follow common sense when picking the items you’re going to take on your trip. For example, when it comes to toiletries, pack one half-full toothpaste and face wash and throw the empties away as soon as you’re done with them.
The same applies when it’s time to get back home. Instead of picking every souvenir you found on the street, get only a few special ones. That way, you won’t find it hard to fit your luggage under your seat (hate to break it to you, but no one’s going to see those tube map undies anyway).
Whittle Down Your Tech
Sure, it would be pretty nice to take your laptop, tablet, and even Kindle when traveling, but such items would only weigh you down. That’s why you need to take only the device you use most, such as your smartphone. If you have to take your laptop with you, make sure the product you pick as the best under seat package does provide appropriate protection.
Verdict
Picking the best under seat luggage is no small feat, as there are many features to consider – mainly related to the size and dimensions. Thankfully, you don’t have to do it alone, as we’ve already done the heavy lifting and reviewed the best under seat luggage items you can find today. Couple our reviews with our buying guide, and the choice will become a breeze.
You have no excuse, so go ahead and pick your best under seat luggage!
References:
- https://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/airplane-under-seat-storage-space
- https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2013/12/25/packing-tips-how-to-pack-more/4191763/
- Our own travel experience, guides, and reviews