Best Carry-On Luggage That Fits Under the Seat (Airline Size Rules)
I was recently on a Delta flight to Jacksonville, Florida, and it reminded me exactly why underseat carry-on luggage matters.
I was traveling with a small rolling carry-on that held my laptop, medications, and other valuables. On both flights, the plane was small and most passengers were required to gate-check their carry-on bags. That meant I had to hurriedly unpack my suitcase at the gate—stuffing essentials into my purse and carrying the rest in my hands. To avoid this hassle in future travels, I plan to maximize space in your carryon bag by using packing cubes and compression bags. This way, I can ensure that everything I need is organized and easily accessible, transforming my carry-on into a practical solution rather than a last-minute scramble. With thoughtful packing, I can make the most of my limited luggage space while keeping my essentials close at hand.
While this doesn’t happen on every Delta flight, it happens often enough—especially on regional jets—that I finally decided it was time to switch to a carry-on bag that fits under the seat.
Airlines constantly change carry-on rules, and overhead bin space is limited. Having underseat luggage means your essentials stay with you, even when gate-checking is required.
This guide covers exactly what size luggage fits under airplane seats and the best underseat carry-on bags that actually work.
What Size Carry-On Fits Under an Airplane Seat?
Most airlines allow underseat carry-on luggage up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
Smaller planes and budget airlines often require even smaller bags, which is why soft-sided underseat luggage works best.
Why you need Carry on luggage that fits under your seat
- You won’t have to do what I did, and scramble to pull out things you need with you at the last minute.
- No more running to the gate at the last minute and trying to squeeze your bag into an overhead bin or under a seat.
- It will save you time when boarding as you don’t need to find an empty overhead compartment.
- You will have access to everything you need on your flight at your fingertips.
What size luggage fits under the seat
The underseat area in front of you will fit anything up to 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches. This is a measurement for most regular airlines. Discount airlines like Frontier and Spirit have smaller guidelines. Please check before you fly!
*I have put the size of each of the bags I recommend under the description. Make sure they are correct for your flight before you purchase!
The Best Under Seat Luggage
Lily Bloom Underseat Tote
Best for: Travelers who want a soft, flexible underseat bag that fits easily on small planes and looks polished enough to use at their destination
A great underseat bag is the Lily Bloom Underseat Tote. This tote can be completely flattened in order to fit underneath a seat, and also expands outwards so that it doesn’t take up more than one space when fully expanded. It’s made from 100% cotton fabric, which means you won’t have any trouble with ripping or tearing while trying to cram your luggage into an overhead compartment!
The pockets on this piece of baggage are perfect for storing anything you might need during your flight including snacks, books and electronics chargers (don’t forget your power cord!). Not only does this tote store everything neatly – it also looks nice as well!
This bag measures 15” x 18” x 14″
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High Sierra Endeavor Wheeled Underseat Carry-On
Best for: Travelers who want a durable underseat bag with wheels that can handle frequent flights and tight overhead-bin rules on regional jets.
This underseat luggage was made to fit under the seat in front of you on an airplane. Made from ballistic nylon and polyester, this carry-on will be durable enough to withstand any travel situation. There is a zipper that extends all the way around so you can open it up completely when needed or just use one side if there’s not enough space for your items.
Another great feature about this luggage is that it has both handles and wheels; so you can carry it how ever works best for you.
This bag measures 7.25″ x 12.0″ x 7.75″
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Rockland Melrose Upright Wheeled Underseater Carry-On Luggage
Best for: Weekend trips and short getaways when you want organized packing without checking a bag.
This carry-on luggage was made to fit under the seat in front of you on an airplane. Made from polyester, this bag is durable enough to withstand any travel situation with its reinforced corners and edges.
There are four pockets for organization: two zippered side pockets – one at the top of the bag and another near the bottom – a large zippered pocket that can be accessed through a flap on either long end; as well as many other compartments inside that are perfect for separating clothing by category (e.g., underwear). Its a great way to pack everything you need for a weekend trip.
This bags is 14″x8″x16″ (with wheels)
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Lewis N. Clark Underseat Carry-on Backpack + RFID Protection System
Best for: Hands-free travelers who want underseat luggage they can wear, especially useful for navigating airports, trains, and tight aisles.
Sometimes the best underseat luggage is one you wear. Lewis N. Clark’s Underseat Carry-on Backpack + RFID Protection System is an underseat luggage bag that you wear on your back, like a backpack while still providing plenty of storage space for all the things you need for carrying-on.
A padded waist belt and sternum strap keep it in place when worn as a backpack or messenger style, while adjustable shoulder straps allow for different ways to carry it if desired. The main zip compartment features three zipper compartments with two mesh pockets (one zippered) inside; there are also two small front slip pockets – one zippered and another open; plus four exterior slots perfect for quick access items such as passports or boarding passes.
This bag is 11.8 x 18 x 6.5.
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Steve Madden Luggage Wheeled Suitcase Under Seat Bag
Best for: Business travelers who want a sleek underseat bag that looks professional and rolls smoothly through airports.
This Steve Madden Luggage Wheeled Suitcase Under Seat Bag is a perfect accessory for your next business trip! It is a beautiful wheeled bag that looks as great as it performs.
The suitcase includes an ergonomic handle and retractable telescoping trolley handle for easy maneuverability. It has four 360-degree spinning wheels that are sturdy on any surface, as well as two exterior pockets to store everything you need while on the go.
Size of bag 15 x 9 x 14 inches
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Bebe Women’s Valentina-Wheeled Under The Seat Carry-on Bag
Best for: Travelers who want a stylish underseat bag with spinner wheels that can attach to larger luggage for longer trips.
This bebe Women’s Valentina-Wheeled Under The Seat Carry-on Bag is a real workhorse that will make trip after trip and still look great!
It features an ergonomic carry handle and retractable telescoping trolley handle for easy maneuverability. In addition, it includes four 360 degree spinning wheels that are sturdy on any surface as well as two exterior pockets to store everything you need while on the go. It also features a strap so you can attach it to a larger suitcase for carrying.
Size of bag 15 x 8 x 16 inches
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Samsonite Upright Wheeled Carry-On Underseater Luggage
Best for: Frequent flyers who want reliable, lightweight underseat luggage from a trusted brand that holds up over time. Best for small planes and regional jets.
The Samsonite Upright Wheeled Carry-On Underseater Luggage will last for years. Samsonite makes beautiful luggage that comes with a 100 year history of suitcase making. The lightweight but durable soft sided case features a retractable handle for ease under foot.
It has a telescoping aluminum trolley system that extends from 22 inches to 41 inches, allowing you more room on top with other luggage being stored below. This bag also includes four 360 degree spinning wheels as well as exterior pockets for storage while on the go.
Size of bag 13 x 9 x 13
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I hope this helps you find the carry on luggage that fits under your seat that works for you! Hopefully it will save you hours of looking on amazon trying to find the right size and having to read every single review. I did that for you!
Do Underseat Carry-On Bags Count as a Personal Item?
Yes. Underseat carry-on luggage typically counts as your personal item on most airlines, as long as it fits under the seat in front of you.
If you are interested in rankings and reviews of other travel gear check out my other articles:
How to pack a carry on for 10 days
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Last update on 2026-02-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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