Are you looking for the best personal item bag for travel?
You know the one – that little bag you’re allowed to keep with you while you fly, tucked under the seat in front of you? NOT the carry-on you place into the overhead luggage bin…
The best underseat luggage is one that’s small enough to meet the airline’s requirements, but practical enough for everything you’ll need during your flight.
Finding the perfect personal item for flying can be tricky: these days, airlines are incredibly strict with both the personal item size and the combined weight of carry-on and personal items. This is why before buying one, you’ll have to put some serious thought into what makes the best personal item bag for travel.
If you’re on the hunt for the best carry-on personal item for an upcoming trip, reading this guide will help. I’ll unveil everything you need to consider to buy the best personal item carry-on bag, as well as look at some of the most popular personal carry-on bag options now on the market.
Carry-on and personal item bag for flying: what’s the difference?
Before we get started, let’s be clear: a carry-on bag and personal item are NOT the same, so here we’ll answer the question: “What’s the differences between a carry-on bag and a personal item?”
Difference #1: Size
Most carry-on bags are designed to fit into the overhead bin, whereas your personal item dimensions should enable it to fit under the seat in front of you: the personal bag size is much smaller than the size of the carry-on baggage. If it’s made of soft-shell material, you’ll be able to compress it more easily when it’s time to check the size.
Difference #2: Accessibility
Your personal item luggage piece should be easier to access than something you stuff into the overhead bin, far from your reach. Of course you can open that bin any time − almost. Just not when there’s turbulence and the fasten seat belts sign is on, and not easily when you’re in a window or middle seat and have to crawl over a (sleeping) passenger or two to get to it.
Difference #3: Security
You can put a tote into the overhead bin and leave it standing up, and there’s a chance things might not fall out. You can’t stick it under the seat and hope for the same. So you need zippers, snaps and other fasteners that will keep everything from falling out.
Best personal bag for plane travel: comparison chart
Below is a quick overview of all the travel personal item bag options I review in this guide. Keep reading below for more details of each of these.
Buying Guide
| Title | Image | Size | Weight | Details | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAMTOP Women Ladies Weekender Travel Tote |  | 17.3 x 8.4 x 14.5in / 43.9 x 21.3 x 36.8cm | 2.4lb / 1.08kg | It's the perfect personalized item for an airline journey, with enough room to pack 2-3 days' worth of clothes, makeup, and other travel essentials. Also has a space for footwear. | Buy Now! |
| Lily Bloom Designer Carry on |  | 8.5 x 15 x 13in / 21.6 x 38.1 x 33cm | 4lbs / 1.9kg | A finely constructed bag comes with a TELESCOPIC push-button design for all fashion-savvy folks. This bag can fit comfortably beneath the seat in front of you. It also has various compartments to keep your belongings organized during the airline flight. | Buy Now! |
| ECOSUSI Weekender Bag |  | 18 x 11 x 8in / 45.7 x 27.9 x 20.3cm | 1.4lb / 0.5kg | Fits nicely over your carry-on suitcase handle and has a zipper for quick access to your papers. A padded shoulder strap makes it easy to carry and it's roomy and scrunches to fit under any seat. An excellent personal item (don't overstuff it though). | Buy Now! |
| ANKUER Laptop Tote Bag |  | 16.89 x 12.13 x 2.8in / 42.9 x 30.8 x 48.3 cm | 2.03lb / 0.9kg | This is a classic luxury tote, which comes with multiple storages spaces for your laptop and USB ports. It's one large space inside, but with an organizer, which gives you organized traveling and business trips. | Buy Now! |
| TUMI - Voyageur Carson Laptop Backpack - 15 Inch Computer Bag for Women - Black |  | 12 x 6 x 17 in / 30.9 x 14 x 32.3cm | 1.65lb / 0.74kg | The only reason this item is on this list is aspirational - I want one! The price tag is steep, but it's a Tumi. As a personal item, it'll also double as a daypack and day purse, it's that elegant. This is a high-end item that will last a lifetime. | Buy Now! |
Things to consider when purchasing the best travel personal item bag
In order to buy the very best personal item bag for air travel, here are a few things you should consider:
Travel personal bag size
The personal item bag size is the most important factor. Each airline has its own specific dimensions when it comes to carry-on personal item size – although generally, expect it to be somewhere around 8 x 14 x 18 inches (20 x 35 x 45cm).
However, if you also happen to be traveling with a large carry-on and don’t need to keep much with you during the flight, then you should be fine with a personal carry-on bag size that’s on the smaller side.
Material and shape
While what your bag is made from and the shape of it are two entirely different things, I’ve placed them together because I recommend you buy a personal item bag which is made from a soft material (not hard-sided) so you can easily shove it under the seat in front of you.
Some airline seats are strangely configured, and you’d hate to be in a situation where your hard personal carry-on can’t go under the seat and you’re forced to pop it into the overhead compartment. Plus, given that your bag will be placed precisely where your legs will be, you’ll want to be able to move the bag around to get comfortable.
Versatility of the personal item travel bag
The best personal carry-on bag is one you can also use for your day-to-day travels at your destination. Unless you want to have to buy (or bring along) both an airplane personal item and a daypack or travel purse.
Type of travel personal item Bag
There is no single type of personal item bag for plane travel. You could choose among several different ones: a personal item backpack, or a small duffel bag personal item, a laptop bag personal item or a crossbody bag – in the end, take along whatever you’re most comfortable with, just as long as it meets the airline personal items size requirements.
When buying your carry-on personal item bag, go with whatever is easiest to use as a day bag once you land.
Security of personal bag for travel
These days, bags come with a range of great security features such as lockable zippers, hidden pockets and slash-proof fabrics. These features are particularly handy if you’re using your airline personal item bag as your day bag.
Whatever you decide, ensure you can zip it up fully to keep the contents safely inside during the flight.
Best personal item bag for airlines review
- For those after a weekend or duffel bag style, the Camtop bag is a perfect personal item bag to consider. Despite being a lightweight bag, youll find you can store plenty in it.
- While dimensions tip it slightly over the standard personal carry-on size, it is made of durable oxford nylon and faux leather material therefore easy to squish and store under the seat in front of you. This under-seat personal item has a roomy main compartment to store your footwear too – so plenty of space for you to store what you need during the flight.
- The bag features carry handles as well as a removable and adjustable strap to carry it either across your body or over your shoulder. Also, on the back of the bag is a sleeve you can use to slide the bag over the handle of your roller luggage.
- If you’re after the best personal bag for air travel, this one is versatile and you can use it as a tote, large purse, or overnight bag during your travels.
- The Lily Bloom Carry-on Bag With Wheels is a beautifully crafted carrier bag that is perfect for both fashion-conscious and environmentally compassionate modern ladies.
- This bag fits perfectly beneath the seat in front of you on an airplane. It also has the TELESCOPIC Push Button handle design, which provides a comfortable, non-abrasive grip.
- Moreover, it has a creative print, wonderful design, shape, and great contrasting colors which make this magical piece just simply fascinating. Also, it contains several compartments to keep your stuff organized, and who doesn’t love that?
- Despite its small frame, you’ll be surprised at just how it has multiple compartments, as well as a fully extendable handle and wheels, zippered front pocket, and an expansive side pocket for a water bottle or umbrella.
- This bag is perfect for those of you who like loads of compartments for staying organized during a flight. It comes in a range of great colors and is a good choice for anyone choosing the best carry-on personal ba
- Similar to the Camptop travel bag above, the ECOSUSI is another great alternative for travelers who like a zippered tote-style small personal item. It is similar in size to the Camptop but around half the weight, so it is a great personal item for storing everything you need in flight.
- This personal carry-on item has a roomy main compartment as well as an external zippered pocket. It also has an internal pocket for tablets and a few smaller additional zippered pockets for your personal valuables such as keys, phone or purse.
- The bag features an external sleeve which allows you to slide the bag over the handle of your rolling luggage, great for getting around the airport. It also has double top handles and an adjustable padded shoulder strap for cross-body or over-the-shoulder wear.
- Available in red, black or beige, the ECOSUSI weekender is a great one to consider for your personal item.
- If you like the look of the Camtop or ECOSUSI but find them both a little bit too large, the Laptop Tote Bag Working Bag may be perfect.
- A fair bit smaller than the other two mentioned personal bags for flying, this bag is a bit like a large stylish handbag with a built-in USB interface for conveniently charging your phone.
- Long the mainstay of the well-bred businesswoman, this bag features multiple compartments that can also fit your 15.6-inch laptop and still leave room for your other belongings. Also, there is a padded laptop compartment to keep your laptop protected.
- If you prefer a backpack for personal item use, consider the super stylish and elegant Voyageur Carson Laptop Backpack from TUMI. Of course, it will double as a great day pack while you’re out sightseeing.
- This is a great practical bag with a range of compartments to keep all your valuables well organized. It has a roomy main compartment with a padded laptop pocket and other smaller pockets. On the outside, it has double zip side pockets, with a water-resistant water bottle pocket.
- The TUMI includes a top grab handle as well as padded adjustable backpack straps. It has a sleeve you can slide over your rolling luggage and it even comes with the built-in TUMI tracer so you can locate your bag if it becomes lost or stolen.
- While this is a fabulous choice for anyone searching for the best personal item backpack, be aware it comes with a hefty price tag. It is a TUMI, after all, and so will last a lifetim
FAQ: best personal bag for travel
Any unanswered questions about your underseat bags? Find them below.
What can I carry on a plane?
This will always depend on the airline but most scheduled (as in non-discount) airlines will allow you to take two items on board: your carry-on bag, and a personal item bag.
Ask the following questions:
- How long is the flight? You won’t bring the same things on board for a hop from London to Barcelona as you will from Los Angeles to Seoul.
- Is it a day or a night flight? You’ll need more to occupy yourself on a day flight. Your night, on the other hand, will partly be spent asleep (we hope!)
- How busy must you keep? If you’re happy to watch online entertainment throughout your flight, you may need very little with you.
- How are you feeling? Health is a major factor because you may have to bring along medicines, tissues, drops or creams.
- What’s your body temperature like? If you’re the kind of person who goes from hot to cold and back, you may need a wrap or a light fleece on the plane.
- What are your airline’s rules? If you’re flying on European discount airlines, for example, you’ll often have severe weight limits and that will influence what you buy.
Based on your answers to the questions above, here are some suggestions for your personal item:
- Items for work: your laptop, phone, chargers, files, pens, papers – all this easily fits in a personal item
- Items for relaxation: a meditation app, eye mask, earplugs, a travel blanket, essential oils, a neck pillow
- Items for fun: solitaire or deck of cards
- Items for education: kindle or book, travel journal
- Items for comfort: a pair of slippers, a pashmina
One more thing: make sure the items you’ll need the most are nearer the top of your personal item or in an accessible pocket for easy reach. (See here for a full list of what to bring with you.)
What is considered a personal item?
Your personal item is something small. It can be a travel handbag, a tote, a messenger bag, a small daypack, a laptop bag, a camera bag or anything else that fits under the seat in front of you.
Is a backpack a personal item?
Usually, but not always. If the airline has specific size or weight rules for personal items, you’re in luck because it’ll be clear. Many airlines don’t and reserve the right to decide whether your item is acceptable once they see it. And that might mean your backpack won’t make it. Err on the side of caution if you bring a backpack for a personal item and go small if you can.
Is a weekender bag a personal item?
Like the backpack, it will depend on the airline’s attitude and the size of your bag. The trick is to be as discreet as you can be if no size is specified. You don’t want to call attention to yourself and be singled out by the airline at the last minute.
Does a pillow count as a personal item?
SOMETIMES it does. You might find an understanding attendant who lets you bring it on the plane in addition to your personal item but best not to count on it. Either stuff it into your existing bag, or get an inflatable pillow you can carry in your bag or, in a pinch, even in your pocket.
What else am I allowed to bring on board?
As I said above, a pillow is a maybe. So is a blanket. What is more certain is an umbrella – I’ve never seen anyone lose theirs at the boarding gate – along with duty free that you’ve just purchased, your coat or sweater (worn or carried over your arm), and a book or a magazine. I’ve boarded most major airlines in the cheapest budget class with these items and haven’t yet had to relinquish them.
What size bag can fit under an airplane seat? Airline personal item size dimensions
Here are a few sample personal bag dimensions from different airlines but remember – airlines change their rules all the time so don’t even think of just taking my word for it – check directly with the airline’s website to confirm!
- Delta airplane personal item size: they don’t give dimensions but specify a single item – a purse, briefcase, camera bag or laptop computer. You can also bring an umbrella and jacket, duty free, or medical equipment.
- United personal item size: an item that fits under the seat in front of you with maximum measurements of 9″ x 10″ x 17″ (22cm x 25cm x 43cm). No carry-on allowed in basic economy – just the personal item (the rules are more flexible on transatlantic flights, where you can take a carry-on as well). Special items such as umbrellas and jackets, duty-free bags or medical equipment like crutches are allowed.
- Frontier personal item size: only one personal item is allowed and must fit under the seat; dimensions are 18″ x 14″ x 8″ (45cm x 35cm x 20cm).
- AA personal item size: the standard 18″ x 14″ x 8″ (45cm x 35cm x 20cm) personal item with additional medical equipment and duty free bags.
- Spirit personal item size: the same rules apply – a single personal item 18″ x 14″ x 8″ (45cm x 35cm x 20cm) plus medical equipment.
- Southwest personal item size: these are slightly different than the standard at 18.5″ x 13.5 ” x 8.5″ (47cm x 34cm x 20cm). Free extras include jackets and umbrellas, medical equipment and duty-free purchases.
- Jetblue personal item size: must not exceed 17″ x 13″ x 8″ (43cm x 33cm x 20cm) and free extras are allowed (jackets and umbrellas, medical equipment and duty free bags).
- Lufthansa personal item: none is allowed, only one carry-on bag weighing a maximum of 8kg (17.6lb) so if you have a personal item, it’ll have to fit into your carry-on.
- Air France personal item size is 16″ x 12″ x 6″ (40cm x 30cm x 15cm) plus the usual free extras.
- Qatar Airways personal item: none in economy, only a carry-on of up to 7kg (15lb) plus the usual extras.
- Easyjet personal item: this is a relatively liberal policy because although it allows no personal item, it does let you bring aboard a carry-on 22″ x 17.5″ x 9.8″ (56cm x 45cm x 25cm) but there is no weight restriction.
So yes, that personal item can make all the difference, because there’s plenty you can fit into it and it might save you from having to check your luggage.
The perfect alternatives to personal item bags
Still can’t fit it all into the personal item and carry-on?
I do my best to stick by the rules but once in a while, I need more things than I’m allowed to carry on board. It may be that I have several connections and don’t dare check any luggage, or perhaps I have valuables – computer and cables, plus documents and the like – that have to stay with me no matter what.
Here are two things I use:
- This little marvel is light, comfortable, and has half a dozen pockets (officially it has 16 but I don’t count the pen-holders and other little nooks and crannies).
- Still, plenty enough pockets to keep pretty much everything you’d put into a personal item: an iPad, book, all your money, cards and identification papers, keys, pens, a journal, glasses, flight documents
- Just beware that it’s snug so I’d advise you to order a size above your usual, especially if you plan to stuff it full.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
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Sholdit infinity scarf
I have a wonderful grey version of this scarf and it’s the perfect accessory for those times when I don’t want to carry anything or want to keep my hands free. You won’t fit everything in here but the hidden pocket will take your passport, papers, keys, iPhone, and a few other goodies. So if you’re traveling light…Buy now, or Find out more about the Sholdit here.
Have you found the best personal item bag for plane travel?
Here’s hoping you’ve found the perfect pick from this list of best personal item bags. It’s important to take into consideration your preferences as well as crucial requirements, such as security, durability… and pockets!
Remember, the best carry-on personal bag differs from a standard carry-on bag in that it fits under the seat. This means that the size and functionality of the bag need to be suitable for this.
