The Wallet Shoppe
This is your captain speaking… looking for the best under-seat backpack for your next flight? Here’s what actually fits, and what doesn’t. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the flight.
Let’s face it, flying can be a pain.
The crowds, the security checkpoints, weather delays — there is a lot that can go wrong. Add to that the nightmare of checked baggage fees and lost luggage, and well, that’s enough to ruin any trip.
A DOT report estimates that there were 180,459 incidents of lost or mishandled baggage in a typical year (the last few years have been anything but typical in terms of the number of people flying so we’ll use the older data!)
While this works out to 3.08 cases per 1000 passengers, a mistake like that can ruin your plans and your whole trip.
The Best Under Seat Backpack
One thing you can do to make it slightly easier, especially for a quick business trip or weekend away, is to carry aboard your baggage. I fly many times a year and I try to never check a bag.
Generally speaking, each passenger is allowed one carry-on bag per flight — unless you’re flying on one of those super-budget airlines (*cough, Spirit) and then you can’t check any.
But everyone’s been on a flight where the overhead bins are full … so under the seat in front of you is a great option!
We Have 7 Choices, and One Winner!
We have a list below of 7 great choices, and what’s right for one person might not be right for everyone. Nevertheless - if you want the top choice first, this is our overall favorite:
And for those that want a little more detail, read on! We’ll take you through our list in three different size ranges:
shall we?
Each airline sets their own size restrictions, so you’ll want to check with your airline prior to arrival to see what they allow, but there are some guidelines we can look at here.
Can A Backpack Fit Under An Airplane Seat?
Yes, so long as it fits the definition and sizing of a “personal item”.
First, let’s get those definitions out of the way.
What’s a “Carry On” Item?
This is pretty well understood - one piece of luggage, typically 22 x 14 x 9 inches (that’s the American Airlines carry on size, but it’s pretty standard), that must go in the overhead compartment. There’s the standard “baggage sizer” (the frame you have to be able to fit your bag into) at every check-in counter. How many times have you side-eyed those and hoped the check-in person wouldn’t make you test your luggage? No? Just me?
What’s a “Personal Item”?
Ah, now, that’s a bit more complicated.
The guidance from the different airlines varies quite a bit, partly because of different aircraft, partly because the seat configuration is one of the ways they can make your life miserable … sorry, “differentiate their services”.
For our purposes a “personal item” is something like a bag or backpack that can be stored under the seat in front of you. This is a safety issue of course, they want everything stored away for takeoff and landing in case you have to, ah, de-plane rapidly.
What Size Backpack Fits Under Airplane Seats?
Let’s look at just domestic U.S. airlines for now. International carriers tend to have slightly more room, so anything that works for a domestic flight should be fine for international.
| Airline | Personal Item Size |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | 18 x 14 x 8 inches |
| United Airlines | 17 x 10 x 9 inches |
| Spirit | 18 x 14 x 8 inches |
| Jet Blue | 17 x 13 x 8 inches |
| South West | 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 inches |
So a smaller backpack (say 16 x 10 x 8 inches) should be able to go under the seat on most airlines as a “personal item”. A slightly larger one will be fine on some airlines (more if it can be squashed a bit).
Don’t be tempted to push this too far. If it doesn’t fit, they will take it away and put it overhead - somewhere.
Best Under Seat Backpack (Comfortable Fit)
Any of the following backpacks should be a slam dunk as a “personal item backpack”. They should be no issue with under seat storage, so it’s really all about functionality, durability, and looks.
Let’s go through those in more detail:
SwissGear 1900 Scansmart
The specs:
| Dimensions | Weight | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 19 x 14 x 9 inches | 3.3 lbs | 31 liters |
Product Description:
This backpack is made from durable 1200D polyester fiber and built to last.
The ScanSmart lay-flat design allows quick laptop-in-bag screening through TSA X-ray machines. In addition to the large main compartment, the dedicated laptop compartment holds a computer up to 17”, while the TabletSafe tablet pocket keeps smaller electronics secure. This bag also has multiple interior and side accessory pockets to keep your items organized on the go, and a padded media pocket with headphone port so you can stay connected.
The bag is ergonomically designed with padded shoulder straps and a padded yet ventilated back panel for comfort and support. Finally, it is available in multiple colors to suit your preference and backed with a 10-year extended warranty.
Pros: Lay-flat design is TSA-compliant; comfortable to carry; lots of organizational compartments
Cons: Some users have found that the bag does not stand well if only lightly packed
Samsonite Pro Backpack
The specs:
| Dimensions | Weight | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 17.5 x 13 x 7 inches | 3.09 lbs | Not listed |
Product Description:
The Samsonite Pro Standard Backpack is a fusion of organization and technology.
This bag has several strategic compartments to keep all of your belongings well in order. The main compartment has a 1.5” expandable gusset and offers file organization.
The tech features include: a lay-flat padded compartment that holds up to a 15.6” laptop and can be adjusted as needed; a wireless charging pocket to fit your phone and battery; a detachable cord pouch to keep all your wires organized; a padded tablet sleeve; an RFID pocket to safeguard from identity theft; and an integrated USB socket for on-the-go charging (note that the power bank is sold separately).
The S-curve comfort straps and padded back panel make carrying this a breeze, and the SmartSleeve allows you to attach it to rolling luggage if needed. This really is a tech lover’s bag.
Pros: perfect for organization of tech products
Cons: We’ve seen some suggestions that Samsonite durability isn’t what it used to be
Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack
The specs:
| Dimensions | Weight | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 18.9 x 11.42 x 5.31 inches | 2.4 lbs | 20 liters |
Product Description:
Timbuk2 has discontinued the Never Check Expandable, and the Authority is the pack we’d reach for instead. It’s a slimmer, flatter shape — which is exactly what you want when the target is the space under a seat rather than an overhead bin.
There’s a dedicated padded laptop compartment, an internal organiser panel for cables and pens, and a water bottle pocket. Timbuk2’s lifetime warranty still applies.
Pros: Slim front-to-back profile slides under a seat easily, well-organised interior, lifetime warranty
Cons: No expansion, so what you see is what you get — if you want a bag that grows for a weekend trip, look at the Matein below
Best Under Seat Backpack (But Might Be Pushing It a Bit)
Stepping up a bit in size, these backpacks should be ok for under an airplane seat on most flights, but you might find it a squeeze on some carriers.
Let’s go through those in a bit more more detail:
The Ridge Travel Backpack with Laptop Holder
The specs:
| Dimensions | Weight | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 18 x 12 x 6 inches | 2.42 lbs | 15L |
Product Description:
This bag is primarily marketed as “The Commuter” by our old friends at Ridge. Everything that makes it a great commuter bag though, also makes it a great underseat travel backpack.
The bag is well thought-out, balancing access and security. Apart from the basics (the bottle holder and luggage strap), there’s also an interior powerbank pocket for charging accessories and an external USB port for charging (the powerbank is a separate purchase), a hidden RFID-blocking pocket, and last but not least, a padded laptop protector pocket.
And when you leave the plane? This bag comes in a weatherproofed 600D nylon, with YKK “Aquaguard” zippers to prevent rain getting at your belongings inside.
All in all, this is a great option, from a company known for producing durable wallets and other accessories.
Pros: Spacious; well-designed; excellent materials
Cons: Some felt the straps were a little small, more “fashion” than “function
Oakley Men’s Kitchen Sink Backpack
The specs:
| Dimensions | Weight | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 20 x 14 x 8 inches | 4.05 lbs (shipping weight) | 34 liters |
Product Description:
This bag is built to last, with abrasion-resistant fabric and durable outer materials.
There is a spacious shoe compartment at the bottom, a hard media-player/phone compartment at the top, a padded side access panel to fit most 17” laptops, a front-zip pocket with accessory organizer panel, and a built-in optics holder (makes sense they would protect glasses and sunglasses given thats probably what Oakley are best known for).
The compression-molded back panel and adjustable shoulder straps keep you comfortable while carrying. If you are looking for a rugged style and diverse function, the Oakley Men’s Kitchen Sink Backpack may be the choice for you.
Pros: lots of compartments for organization
Cons: the structure isn’t terribly rigid
Pacsafe Metrosafe X 25L Anti Theft Backpack
The specs:
| Dimensions | Weight | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 18.9 x 12.2 x 7.1 inches | 2.2 lbs | 25 liters |
Product Description:
Pacsafe has replaced the LS450 with the Metrosafe X, which keeps the same 25-litre anti-theft formula and adds a slightly roomier 16” laptop sleeve. It’s built from recycled PET with lockable zips and a 5-year warranty.
Constructed from 100% durable polyester, the Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 has an anti-theft design that includes lockable zippers and lightweight steel mesh woven into the panels to deter slashing and pickpocketing. The RFID blocking pocket protects your credit cards and IDs from digital theft.
The backpack has several organizational features: three lockable zipper exterior pockets, a padded and suspended interior notebook sleeve, two side pockets for water bottles or umbrellas, two zipper interior pockets (one RFIDsafe), and a key/wallet clip. With its roomy capacity, the Metrosafe LS450 can easily hold notebooks, a MacBook, an iPad, a phone, an e-reader, a camera, and other travel accessories.
The padded shoulder straps adjust from 26.8” to 36.2”, so it fits a wide range of body sizes.
Measuring 18.9”H x 11.8”W x 6.7”D and weighing 1.84 lbs, the Metrosafe LS450 is made from soft, water-resistant, easy-to-clean polyester. It also comes with a 5-year Pacsafe warranty.
We like the backpack’s well-made construction and versatility for smaller individuals who want to travel light. One reviewer commented that the Metrosafe LS450’s 25-liter capacity can “fit a month’s worth of essentials while remaining easy to lift overhead and carry around”.
(OK, to me that “month” is excessive, but you get the picture - it’s roomier than it looks.)
Pros: Lots of thought has gone into the anti-theft features; roomy and comfortable to wear
Cons: The lengthy design might make this inappropriate for people of smaller stature
Best Backpacks That Are Carry-On Sized
And finally, what if you just have too much stuff, but you don’t want to have yet another wheeled carry-on?
The following are a couple of great options for hands-free carry that are officially carry-on sized (so they will go in the overhead bins, even if they can’t go under an airplane seat).
Let’s look a little closer at those:
Matein Carry on Backpack, Extra Large Travel Backpack
The specs:
| Dimensions | Weight | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| 19.5 x 14 x 6.5 (exp. 7.5) inches | 2.6 lbs | 29 liters (exp. 39 L) |
Product Description:
This bag isn’t flashy, but it will definitely get the job done, and its budget-friendly too (we know a little something about budget backpack options).
It has a large capacity to hold up to a week’s worth of luggage and an interior accessory pocket to aid in organization. The hide-away shoulder straps, top and side handles, and optional chest strap make carrying this bag easy and enjoyable.
The durable waterproof polyester and metal zippers ensure longevity which is supported by the lifetime warranty. If you are looking for a basic high-quality carry-on, give the Matein Large Carry-on Backpack a try!
Pros: Great value; solid and dependable option
Cons: No specific laptop pocket
It Is Now Safe To Move About The Cabin
Not all travel backpacks are made alike and whats right for you will depend on whether your focus is budget, security, capacity or convenience.
Hopefully this list will help you whittle it down when choosing the best backpack for under airplane seats! But as we said before, there can only be one winner:
The Best Under Seat Backpack
The Samsonite Pro takes it. It clears the under-seat measurement on every carrier we checked, carries a 15-inch laptop in a dedicated padded sleeve, and has the build quality to survive being shoved under a seat several times a week for years. The SwissGear 1900 is the budget alternative if you can live with a bigger footprint.
Before You Go:
Backpacks that can fit under an aircraft seat are a great solution, but that’s not the only approach you can take. It’s no secret we’re big fans of messenger bags - so if you feel like taking a different approach altogether, check out our next article:
Best Messenger Bags for Air Travel
And if you’re picking the rolling carry-on that goes in the overhead bin to pair with whatever personal item you settle on, the luggage pilots and flight attendants actually use is a good place to start. The people who pull a bag through a terminal six days a week know which ones survive.
