The 8 Best Underseat Luggage Bags of 2019

Delsey’s high-quality luggage bags have been a staple for travelers since 1946, and their underseat bags are just as well-designed as the brand’s larger carry-on and checked bags. This small, carry-on underseater slips perfectly under most airline seats. Inside, it’s built to hold a few clothes, an extra pair of shoes, and there are even pockets designed to hold toiletries, snacks, and a book or two for the journey. On the front of the 14.5 x 14 x 9-inch bag, a separate zippered pocket holds cables and chargers, while another zippered pocket on the side stores essentials like travel-size sunscreen, facial mists, and hand sanitizer for easy access. Delsey adds a dose of style with gorgeous colors like turquoise, plum, and an eye-catching cobalt blue. Plus, if you’re traveling with a larger roller suitcase, there’s a built-in strap on the back of the bag so you can loop it over your carry handle — making the schlep through the airport way less cumbersome.

Want to take a look at some other options? See our guide to the best Delsey luggage.

Amazon Basics’ line of travel gear consistently holds up, and their underseat bag is no exception. Although it’ll fit easily in the overhead compartment, it’s also designed to smoothly fit under airline seats. Inside, the bag is designed with multiple compartments to keep chargers, toiletries, and an extra pair of shoes separate from one another, and there’s plenty of room for packing a couple of outfits, too. At 13 x 13 x 9 inches, it packs a lot more than it might appear, and there’s also a front exterior panel that keeps essentials like passports and phones within easy reach. As for color options, the terracotta red is right on trend, while the plum and navy colors are also stylish.

Tumi’s bags carry a hefty price tag, but they're designed to last a lifetime. The brand’s new Compact 4 Wheeled Brief, from the Tumi V4 collection, is a rare, hardshell underseat bag, as most of these bags tend to be softshell. The hard sides give your laptop and other electronics protection, and while you won’t be able to take advantage of softer sides to pack in one last sweater, there’s plenty of room for a change of clothes. Plus, an interior system comes with a removable laptop pocket and file divider for your work necessities. One caveat: It might not fit under all coach seats, but depending on the airline, it's a great pick for business and first-class flyers.

This sleek, smart bag from Samsonite comes with a USB charger, which is handy if you're working during a flight or your electronics are running low on battery. It's on the larger side of an underseat luggage bag at 16.5 x 13.5 x 9 inches, but it’ll fit under most airline seats — and it can definitely fit in the overhead bin if space is tight. The bag is designed with four spinner wheels for easy navigation, as most underseat bags come with two wheels. Even more, it features a zippered compartment on the front with pockets for smaller travel essentials like pens or cards.

Check out our other reviews of the best smart luggage available on the market today.

If you’re heading off to a meeting right after landing at the airport, you’re going to want a simple bag that can double as a work tote or briefcase. This bag from Travelers Club not only has enough space for a change of clothing and extra pair of shoes, but it comes with a removable filing system so you can keep everything accessible, including your notes, handouts, and pens. At just 5.5 pounds and 16 x16 x 8 inches, it’ll fit most airline requirements, too. It’s built to last, thanks to heavy-duty polyester construction and a handle that lets you maneuver it easily without being too rickety. If you’re not a fan of the purple, it’s also available in black.

Wheels are often clumsy to navigate with. For those heading to cities with rough, cobblestone streets, a duffel makes for a great option. This one was designed to be a personal item, as opposed to a bag built for overhead compartments, and at 16 x 10 x 8 inches, you shouldn’t have any issues slipping it under the seats of most major carriers. It's even been approved by American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, among others, but as always, do check the most recent policy before you pack. Plus, it's a budget option at just $16. If black is a little too plain for you, there’s a gorgeous shade of plum available as well.

Need some more help finding what you're looking for? Read through our best duffel bags article.

It’s hard to find a bag that kids can tote, can fit under a seat, and make traveling a breeze. Enter Trunki with its 17.5 x 12.2 x 8-inch suitcase that’s not only adorable but complies with the personal-item guidelines from airlines like American Airlines, though be sure to check the latest policy updates. Best of all, kids can ride along on the top of the suitcase, while parents can tow their little ones with the bag's included strap. It also comes in a range of styles and characters, from a fire truck to a bumblebee to an adorable tiger.

If you wind up shopping while you’re traveling, consider an expandable bag like this much-loved one from Ciao: It grows from an underseat luggage bag measuring 15 x 13.5 x 8 inches into a 22 x 13.5 x 8-inch carry-on. Once expanded, it can easily pop into an overhead bin, so you can almost double your packing capacity. Plenty of zippered pockets in the front can hold important valuables, like your passport, phone, and wallet within easy reach. Its two wheels spin easily, the retractable handle can tuck inside its own zippered compartment, and the bag is extremely well made. As it’s a little bigger than some other underseat bags, just make sure that it complies with restrictions for the specific airline you’re traveling on.

Interested in reading more reviews? Take a look at our selection of the best luggage under $200.