10 Best Personal Item Bags for Under an Airplane Seat

Best value personal item backpack

When it comes to modern air travel, there aren’t many brands more recognizable to those in the know (aka, those who spend a lot of time at r/onebag on Reddit) than Aer. The Aer City Pack Pro has a lot going for it, but the two things we’ll focus on here are that it can be used as a daypack for your everyday adventures and as a travel backpack when needed. It has numerous pockets for storage and a clamshell opening, which makes organizing your gear that much easier. The harness system isn't as beefy as Aer's bigger Travel Pack backpacks, but the City Pack Pro 2 still boasts thick padding, breathable mesh, and flexibility that most travelers will find agreeable.

When using the Aer City Pack Pro 2 as a personal item-sized bag, you’ll want to stick to the non-budget air options, as it’s pretty large. Don’t get it twisted: we’ve flown with this bag on Spirit without issue, but you can’t count on that working every time. Eventually, you’ll get hit with one of those annoying mammoth fees. Still, for non-budget air, you’ll likely see no issues (other than people constantly asking what backpack you’re carrying). You can fit up to a 16-inch computer inside, which works well for those planning to go straight from the office on Friday to the airport for a weekend trip. It’s comfortable, too, with ample padding and mesh to keep you cozy and cool. The pack does feel large for its 24-liter capacity, but you can fit a ton of gear inside here, so we don’t mind that much.

• It’s organized but still has enough room for larger gear
• The materials are incredibly durable and will last years

• It’s one of the heavier packs on this list
• Slightly too big for budget-friendly airlines

Best budget personal item bag

CabinZero designed the Military Backpack 28L to work as a personal item-sized bag on most airlines. In fact, the only airlines it doesn't fit are those with notoriously tight personal item restrictions, like Ryanair. Still, it'll work for almost all the companies with moderate to lax restrictions, and we've never been flagged at the gate with it, even when it was technically a little too large. Though we've had no issues on a flight out west and two flights to the East Coast, we don't recommend risking it unless you're willing to pay the cost to gate check it if they do flag you.

Overall, this bag has a simple design at a budget-friendly price point without skimping on quality. It's made with 1000D nylon, which has held up well throughout multiple flights, and features YKK zippers and Duraflex hardware (two of the best brands in the business). There are only two pockets: a small one on the front and a large main compartment. The big open space doesn't have any pockets to help you organize your gear, but it'll give you the versatility to pack various-sized pouches, so it'll work for more trips than you might think. It fits up to a 16-inch computer, though its laptop compartment isn't very padded, so it's worth using a laptop sleeve for longer trips or if you're more demanding on your gear. As for comfort, that depends on how much gear you have inside. We've carried this thing all day in New York City and across Michigan's Upper Peninsula and found that overstuffed loads will labor your back, but low-to-medium weights fare fine. If you're an over-packer (or a heavy tech user), this might not be the pack for you!

• The main compartment is sizable so that you can fit bigger gear inside
• It comes in at a budget-friendly price point

• The logo is large and hard to miss, which we don’t love from an aesthetic standpoint
• When fully packed, the back panel bulges and can be uncomfortable

Best splurge personal item bag

The EVERGOODS CTB26 is one of our favorite backpacks with a capacity in the mid-to-high 20s, and its borderline large capacity easily switches between everyday carry and a personal item. That said, bag sizers are the CTB26's arch nemesis, as it's often too big to fit in them. It's technically 1 inch (2.54 cm) too tall for lax airlines like Delta, though we've taken it on dozens of flights with them so far, and no gate agent has batted an eye. Unfortunately, stricter airlines like Frontier or Spirit may be more likely to flag you at the gate (though we have flown with this bag on both airlines without issue).

If you're a frequent traveler, this backpack's build quality makes it worth the splurge. The pack utilizes durable materials and hardware, has numerous easy-to-access pockets for stowing gear, and has an ergonomic, well-padded harness system that's comfortable even when the bag is heavy. We've noticed that it's a little large on those with smaller frames and torsos, though, so it's worth trying it on while it's loaded up before removing the tags. When it comes to laptop storage, the CTB26 blows most packs out of the water, offering space for up to a 17-inch device. This compartment has separate access on the side, so you can get to your device anytime without disrupting your other gear.

• The organization is thoughtful but doesn’t deter you from bringing larger gear
• It’s sleek and stylish, so you’ll blend into your environment anywhere

• The hook-and-loop fastener logo doubles as a spot to put your favorite patch
• The size won’t work with many budget airlines

Best personal item for international travel

The Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack is extraordinarily colorful, but that's not its only trick. There are attachment loops on the pack's exterior for attaching gear, like a Bluetooth speaker or travel water bottle, and the interior has oodles of pockets for stowing your clothing, tech, and toiletries. It packs more like a suitcase than a travel backpack, with zippered compartments segmenting the capacity and giving you a dedicated spot for every piece of gear without needing to utilize packing cubes and pouches. That makes it great for extended trips or specialized vacations requiring many doodads, like trips overseas where you may be doing a lot of different activities.

Regarding the Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack's use as a personal item bag, it'll serve you well on most airlines. Though it doesn't meet the requirements of some budget airlines, the bag's flexible materials allow it to slide into the sizing bin as long as you haven't stuffed the bag into oblivion. We've flown budget airlines with this pack to Portland, New York City, and Boston and had zero issues! You can also stow a 17-inch laptop in here, which is handy for those working on the go. When it comes to comfort, this pack scores incredibly well, even on long days without many breaks. It's a long bag, so it will hit some travelers' butts, but not in an uncomfortable way—the padding, mesh, sternum strap, and hip belt take off some weight.

• Seemingly endless colorway choices
• The materials are flexible, so you can shove it into the baggage box at the gate of budget airlines if you pack a little lighter

• It’s long, which will bump your booty if you have a short torso
• It does most of the organization for you, but this puts up barriers for bringing larger items

Best personal item laptop bag

The Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack might be the cutest of all the backpacks on this list, but it's more than just its good looks. This is our managing editor's go-to personal item bag when flying budget airlines—when she's not testing another bag, that is. The shoulder straps tuck flat, so there's no risk of them snagging under the plane's seats. Packing is nearly effortless since you have excellent access to the bucket-like interior. That said, it can be tough to get to items at the bottom while you're on the plane, so pack things you need often toward the top. Fortunately, your laptop is easily accessible in the dedicated compartment, which is handy if you're working while flying or traveling (don't worry, we won't tell your boss). Plus, the large top handles make it easy to get up and go at a moment's notice, whether you're sliding the bag out from under the seat or got too absorbed in your phone while riding public transit. The Achilles Heel of this pack is the side pockets, which aren't large enough for a water bottle and are best for a snack bar or travel umbrella.

When stacked up against the smallest personal item bag restrictions (we're looking at you, Ryanair), this Fjallraven bag makes the cut. Of course, the bag's small size means it can only fit 13-inch laptops, but that's an otherwise understandable compromise. If you have a larger device, this bag also comes in sizes that accommodate 15" and 17" laptops, though their increased dimensions take you out of personal item compliance with airlines like Ryanair. Regardless of the size you choose, we find the Kanken Laptop Backpack great for people with a petite frame because of its compact design. It can be limiting for taller people, as it's a small pack, and the shoulder straps can feel claustrophobic around broad shoulders, but it's still reasonably comfortable.

• The materials look unique and are durable and water-resistant
• It has an external laptop compartment for quicker access to your tech

• The side pockets are too small to be useful
• The fabric started to fade around 3 years of use

Best underseat luggage

The Travelpro Maxlite® 5 Carry-On Rolling Underseat Bag has everything you're used to using on a larger rolling bag in a small package. Packed with three external compartments, two on the sides and one on the front, you can quickly access smaller items like a snack, headphones, phone, or wallet at a moment's notice. Inside the main compartment, there's a compartment for up to a 13-inch laptop and ample space for clothing and other essential items. It has a clamshell-style opening, so it's easy to load and access your gear while you're on the road. The side pockets aren't the most useful, but they don't get in the way if you aren't using them, so we don't mind their inclusion.

Though it doesn't work on all budget airlines due to its size, we got through without issue on those that didn't look too closely. That said, considering some airlines' fees, you'll have to decide whether you really want a rolling carry-on and are okay with the risk of getting charged.

• It has three secondary compartments, which are handy in the airport for snacks and tech
• There’s a laptop compartment, which isn’t something we often see in rolling luggage

• It won’t get through the gate every time at some budget airlines because of its size
• Some of the secondary compartments aren’t as useful as we’d like

Best personal item tote bag

The TOM BIHN Nomad Tote is a tote bag that works well in tandem with a carry on or checked bag. It’s small enough to work with most airlines, has a dedicated spot for your computer, and is crafted from durable materials and rugged hardware that’ll last. Plus, it’s compatible with other TOM BIHN gear, so all you BIHNions can get as modular as you want. Most of that modularity is packed into the secondary compartment, which has two O-rings to which gear can be attached. There’s a large luggage pass-through, which ensures that the tote is secure when you load it onto the telescopic handle of your rolling luggage. Similar to other travel totes we’ve recommended, the top has a zippered closure, so your gear won’t tumble out while under the seat in front of you.

When flying with the TOM BIHN Nomad Tote, you won’t have issues with using it as a personal item on most carriers, as it fits within most dimensions; however, there are a few for which it’s too long. Still, you’ll likely be able to make it work for most airlines, as it’s more malleable than a backpack. Essentially, it squishes easier, which is a good thing! You can only fit a 13-inch computer inside, but that’s not terrible for how small the tote is. There isn’t much padding on the straps, and there isn’t any aeration, though, we’ve found the tote straps to be comfortable for most uses, though they’ll dig in slightly when the bag is overpacked.

• The materials are incredibly durable and will last
• It’s compatible with other TOM BIHN gear

• It’s fairly large for the 11-liter capacity
• It can be challenging to get your laptop out when the bag is fully packed

Best personal item sling bag

Though a sling bag will likely never be the only bag you take on a trip, it's probably what we recommend travelers use as a personal item most often. It's a simple way to carry your flight essentials if everything else is packed in a travel backpack, rolling luggage, or a checked bag. The tomtoc Wander-T26 Daily Sling 5.5L is budget-friendly, so you can spend your money on experiences on your trip instead. The strap has a large padded area on the strap that slides around to ensure your shoulder is padded no matter how you wear it, ensuring comfort at the airport while you're exploring your destination. Plus, it comes in multiple materials, including X-PAC, which is lightweight and highly water-resistant. Between trips to Boston, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and more, this sling has held up during pretty much any activity you can think of.

As a personal item, you're pretty much clear no matter what airline you're flying in any part of the world. That isn't surprising, though, since it's a sling—they aren't meant to be gear haulers, and they aren't going to maximize the space that you're given by any airline. You can't fit a laptop here, but you can fit a Nintendo Switch, a small tablet, and similar-sized tech gear. There's enough space for this to essentially become your tech pouch, which is handy for charging on the flight and keeps gear out of your carry on or checked bag. The footprint is very long, which we've noticed can feel a bit big on smaller bodies. Still, with how much gear you can fit inside and the comfort and versatility offered by this sling, it's well worth considering it as your next personal item bag for travel.

• It’s budget-friendly, so that you can spend more money on your trip
• There’s enough space for a Nintendo Switch inside a case

• It’s long, which may feel claustrophobic on smaller frames
• Without tech, some of the organization is hard to use

Though it's been accused of looking like a "dad pack," we actually love the look of the TOM BIHN Synik 22. The only thing we like better is how functional it is. With more pockets than you'll know what to do with (you'll find a way to use them all eventually) and a style that reminds us of a classic 1990s Jansport, you can hit the road without worrying about where to store all your small items. It has great built-in options for organizing gear, including five front pockets. You can only fit a 13-inch computer inside, but that's all most people need, especially if you're going on vacation! Getting to your gear is also fairly easy, as most compartments are accessible independently of each other. And if you want even more organization, there are loops to attach other TOM BIHN gear, like the 3D Organizer Cube or Ghost Whale Organizer Pouches. Modularity is the name of the game for TOM BIHN!

It comes in at 22 liters, making it one of the smaller packs on this list. It's slightly too big for some of the most stringent airlines, but it's well within most. Small as it may be, TOM BIHN is known for its durable materials and rugged hardware, so the small Synik 22 will stand the test of time. Comfort is no slouch, either. It's well-padded, and there's mesh on the shoulder straps to keep you cool in hot climates. While our lower backs tend to sweat a lot while wearing this pack, that isn't totally out of the ordinary for a heavy backpack in warm weather.

• There’s plenty of organization and segmentation for gear, both built-in and customizable
• It’s compatible with other TOM BIHN gear

• The vibe isn’t for everyone, though it never completely goes out of style
• Even though it’s durable, it is hard to get over how heavy this pack is compared to other similar capacity bags

The Tropicfeel Hive Backpack's fun colorway patchwork of yellows, blues, and greens is enough to catch anyone’s attention, but the feature-rich design is enough to keep it. See those four nipple-like buttons? They're magnetic attachment points for FidLock-equipped accessories. These include Tropicfeel's FidLock Pouch and FidLock Toiletry. Of course, adding these items will affect the Hive's overall size, so we suggest keeping things lean to keep it personal item-compliant. However, when flying with more lax airlines, you may be able to get away with more modularity.

Not that the Hive feels lacking on its own. That slick outer shell is weather-protected, while the zippers and hardware are from reputable brands YKK and Duraflex, respectively. Its clamshell-style main compartment is roomy and easy to pack like a suitcase. For organization, there are pockets in the main compartment, as well as the exterior, for all your travel accessories. The bag's volume also expands in case you really need extra space and are willing to check the bag at the gate if caught. Overall, it checks all the features we'd usually look for in a larger travel backpack, but in a package that can fit under an airline seat.

• Can be fitted with a toiletry bag or tech pouch at the front via nifty FidLock magnets
• Spacious, and has plenty of pockets for a relatively modestly-sized backpack

• Adding those FidLock accessories affect the bag's overall dimensions
• Laptop compartment's lid isn't as secure as we would've liked