I have never, and will never, pack light. So underseat luggage? Not something that's ever really been on my radar. However, having spent the last two weeks on multiple Ryanair flights, flying between London and Edinburgh to support my artsy other-half in his Fringe debut, it's something I've had to get to know — and quick.
What I've realised? Budget airlines are stingy when it comes to space, and so there are few laptop backpacks, tote bags and weekend bags that meet the requirements. But, to stop you splurging on extra packing space, I've now located multiple pieces of cabin luggage guaranteed to fit, and with various perks of their own.
“With airlines tightening their baggage policies, underseat bags are now one of the easiest ways to avoid any unexpected fees,” says Kirsty Glenne, CEO of Antler House of Brands (Antler, Paravel & Nere). “Choosing a well-designed underseat bag allows you to maximise the allowance you're already entitled to while staying organised.” Preach.
So where to look for such a thing? And what features to scan for? Well, there are shoulder bags that will double as your everyday office or gym bag from the likes of TALA and lululemon, and ultra-practical, yet still impressively aesthetic duffle bags from Antler and Away. In terms of characteristics, look for a bag with structure, separate compartments and a trolley sleeve for seamless airport manoeuvres. A water-resistant finish or external pockets for your boarding pass won’t go amiss, either.
So, read on to discover the best underseat luggage and carry-on bags, approved by a notorious overpacker. Because, why pay £50 in baggage fees every time you fly, when you could just invest once in underseat luggage that’ll get you through years' worth of trips?
Ahead, the best underseat luggage for check-in-free travelling in 2026, approved by Glamour editors:
- Dimensions: H26 x W41.5 x D18cm.
- Airlines suitable for: easyJet, British Airways, Emirates, Swiss Air and more.
- Weight: 0.83kg.
- Capacity: 19 litres.
- Colours available: 3.
Why we love it: My boyfriend can confirm that I do not pack light — so a single bag for a long weekend in Europe? Not a chance… unless it's Antler's newest release. I've flown back and forth between London and Edinburgh multiple times over the last two weeks to watch my boyfriend's Fringe debut, and this has been the ideal underseat luggage for my Ryanair flights.
Despite meeting the airline's requirements, the midsection is really roomy — I've managed to fit a pair of jeans, a jumper, trainers and my makeup bag in with space to spare. Plus the padded tech sleeve is great for making my iPad and Kindle easy to grab mid-flight. The trolley-handle strap also came in super handy when wheeling my partner's cabin case through the city centre too.
Also worthy of praise? The two-way zips, which I can confirm are one-hand-friendly. To summarise, I'm not sure how I survived a short-haul flight without this before, and don't plan on travelling without it in the near future.
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- Dimensions: H40cm x W55 x D13m.
- Airlines suitable for: Most, as long as you don't completely fill it.
- Weight: 0.445kg.
- Capacity: 42 litres.
- Colours available: 10.
Why we love it: I used a Longchamp tote as my school bag (and then work bag) for years, so I know just how durable they are, which meant I had high hopes for the brand's travel bag. Disclaimer: this one comes up a little larger than most airline requirements, but as long as you don't fill it to the max, you should be able to squeeze it under the seat in front.
One of the roomiest options in this lineup, I can't complain about the available space. There are no internal compartments, but packing cubes help keep my stuff organised, and the two internal pockets are handy for holding your passport, phone or power bank.
The leather handles are comfortable to carry, although I do wish this came with a detachable shoulder strap to stop me from having to put it down every time I needed two hands. However, that's easy to overlook when you consider just how lightweight it is. Plus, the foldaway design means it's easy to store and transport when not in use. It's a cult-favourite for a reason, and with a few minor tweaks, could be a 10/10.
- Dimensions: H41 x W29 x D15cm.
- Airlines suitable for: Aer Lingus, easyJet, Wizz Air and more.
- Weight: Unspecified.
- Capacity: Unspecified.
- Colours available: 1.
Why we love it: Coach is a brand synonymous with durable designer handbags — whether that be shoulder, crossbody, or grab-style bags — that nearly always come in at under £1000. Essentially, this is your answer to everyday luxury, and often my go-to accessory when wanting to elevate my basics.
However, for those looking for a premium underseat accessory, the brand delivers, too. This smooth leather backpack, which will take you from flight to meeting and then onto the gym, has plenty of space for two nights' worth of clothes, toiletries and chargers (tried and tested) — and even when full to the brim, the padded shoulder straps maximise your comfort. I'm also a fan of the leather exterior, which can easily be wiped clean.
It's a touch bulky and not the most aesthetic — can I request some slightly softer, pastel hues next? — but otherwise, it's a great option for those who want a multi-functional holdall.
- Crafted from durable 100% recycled ripstop fabric.
- Roomy main compartment, plus padded laptop compartment.
- Super lightweight and versatile.
- Short-to-long adjustable handles.
- Rated 5 stars by more than 150 shoppers.
- Can I personally request some more fun colours and patterns?
- Dimensions: H35cm x W52cm x D13m.
- Airlines suitable for: Wizz Air, Vueling, British Airways, easyJet and more.
- Weight: 0.385kg.
- Capacity: 19 litres.
- Colours available: 3.
Why we love it: I could not love this tote more. As in, it's the item I wax lyrical about most, and can't think of a single scenario where it wouldn't be the most practical option. Disclaimer: I was gifted this as part of a PR parcel from Antler, but would 1000% buy it again in another colourway (the stone exterior is now a little grubby after six months of intense wear).
Despite being a tote bag, as opposed to a holdall or backpack, it feels SO roomy. In fact, I've managed to fit three days' worth of clothes, a spare pair of shoes and my oversized toiletry bag in it before.
The padded laptop sleeve gives me peace of mind when carting around my most expensive piece of tech, and the two pockets (one internal, one external) are super roomy too. Best of all, though, has to be the short-to-long adjustable handles — a feature I've never had on a tote bag before, but much appreciated when stacking bulky items like jumpers on top. Literally, I can't think of a single flaw. Just buy it.
- Dimensions: 35cm x 30cm x 12cm.
- Airlines suitable for: easyJet, British Airways, Wizz Air and more.
- Weight: Unspecified.
- Capacity: Unspecified.
- Colours available: 3.
Why we love it: Understated but ultra-organised, this leather laptop backpack handles travelling (or commuting) in style. Crafted from structured grainy-hide leather, it’s effortlessly smart – and practical too, with two zipped compartments that keep everything in place. One section is ideal for your tech – it fits most 15″ laptops and tablets – while built-in card slots, pen loops and a secure back pocket hold all your other essentials.
It’s compact enough to class as underseat luggage, but spacious enough to cover the day’s needs – whether you’re heading to the airport or straight to a meeting. The adjustable straps are comfortable for hands-free travel, but you’ve also got the option to carry it by the woven grab strap or top handle when you’re on the move.
Available in classic black and dark green, this is one grown-up, go-anywhere backpack that makes packing look polished.
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- Dimensions: H45 x W36 x D20cm.
- Airlines suitable for: easyJet, Jet2, Wizz Air, British Airways and more.
- Weight: 2.2kg.
- Capacity: 25 litres.
- Colours available: 2.
Why we love it: Another one that most certainly meets those easyJet underseat requirements, this cute little TRIPP case comes in a range of different metallic finishes. With its impressive twenty-five litre capacity, it's got more than enough room to cater for a long weekend away — and inside you'll find packing straps and a zip-around divider to help you keep the contents properly organised.
Made from a tough and durable ABS material on the outside, it's got a really retro and on-trend look and feel — although this does mean that there are no exterior pockets for easy access. But we think that impressive features like the integrated TSA lock, four smooth dual wheels, and fully retractable trolley handle help more than make up for this. And for total peace of mind, it even comes with a five-year warranty.
- Dimensions: H32 x W45 x D16 cm.
- Airlines suitable for: easyJet, Ryanair.
- Weight: 195g.
- Capacity: 25 litres.
- Colours available: 13.
Why we love it: With its impressive twenty-five-litre capacity and incredibly lightweight design, there's not much to dislike about this travel duffle. Add in the fact that it's only £8.99 on Amazon, and it's really not all that surprising that this bag has become quite the TikTok sensation.
It's super simple in design, but we love that it's been made with a water-resistant fabric — and also that there's a handy exterior zipped pocket for any travel documents and valuables. Plus, there's a slide-on back strap for easy use in conjunction with larger luggage items.
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- Dimensions: H25.9 x W41.4 x D18.5cm.
- Airlines suitable for: easyJet, Wizz Air, British Airways, Swiss Air and more.
- Weight: 1.25kg.
- Capacity: 20 litres.
- Colours available: 7.
Why we love it: Another pick from a stylish luggage brand, this high-quality bag comes in nine gorgeous hues. While its dimensions are a little on the large side, its soft nylon casing means it'll squish with relative ease under the seat in front of you on an easyJet flight — as long as it isn't completely stuffed full.
Aside from the fact that it looks oh-so-chic, the thing we love most about this brilliant bag is its full wraparound zip opening that gives you really easy access to the spacious main compartment. And on the outside, there's even an exterior padded laptop pocket that's fitted with a magnetic locking zipper for security. So, it's definitely a bag that's well-suited to business trips.
- Dimensions: 45cm x 36cm x 20cm.
- Airlines suitable for: easyJet, Ryanair (priority), British Airways and Emirates.
- Weight: Unspecified.
- Capacity: 24 litres.
- Colours available: 12.
Why we love it: This little number gives big main character energy at the airport. Small enough to tuck under the seat but spacious enough for your in-flight essentials, it’s designed for short getaways, last-minute work trips or simply streamlining your cabin bag game. It also cleverly maxes out on easyJet's dimensions so not an inch of precious underseat space is wasted. The hard shell adds structure (and keeps your belongings protected), while the 360° spinner wheels glide smoothly even through the chaos of a busy terminal.
Inside, there’s more room than you’d expect – think laptop, a light change of clothes, makeup bag and that unputdownable summer read. Plus, a zipped divider and compression straps help keep things neat, so you're not digging around for your charger mid-flight.
Whether you’re travelling light or upgrading from that soft weekender you’ve had for years, this case nails both form and function. And at under £25, it’s a stylish and affordable way to stay organised in transit.
Underseat luggage FAQs, answered:
Also called a personal item, underseat luggage is any piece of hand luggage that fits underneath the aeroplane seat in front of you. While it was originally just a bag or purse used to store smaller items like a book or tablet you might want to use during the flight, nowadays people are maxing out the requirements by picking underseat cabin bags that fit everything required for a short trip.
Annoyingly, it can vary depending on your airline. There are no specific underseat requirements for airlines like British Airways and TUI, who include stowing a cabin case or bag in the aeroplane's overhead locker as part of their standard economy tickets.
Ryanair, easyJet, or Wizz Air require any bag you bring to fit seamlessly underneath the seat in front of you if you want to avoid additional luggage costs.
| Airline | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Aer Lingus | H40 x W30 x D20cm | Weight not specified. |
| Wizz Air | H40 x W30 x D20cm | 10kg max weight. |
| Vueling | H40 x W30 x D20cm | Weight not specified. |
| easyJet | H45 x W36 x D20cm | 15kg max weight. |
| Ryanair | H40 x W20 x D25cm | 10kg max weight. |
| Norwegian Airlines | H30 x W40 x D20cm | Weight not specified. |
“For many travellers the answer is yes, but it depends on how you travel,” says Kirsty Glenne, CEO of Antler House of Brands. “If you're travelling for a weekend or even a few days with a carefully planned wardrobe, an underseat bag can absolutely replace a traditional carry-on suitcase.”
She continues: “I think the key to travelling with an underseat bag is in the packing. Choosing versatile clothing, limiting footwear and making the most of internal compartments enables you to pack more efficiently than many people expect. Using packing cubes can also help maximise space while keeping everything neatly organised.”
“One of the first things to consider is the size of your bag,” adds Kirsty. "As dimensions differ between airlines, choosing one designed to fit beneath most aircraft seats can make travelling much less stressful.
"Look for practical features that make life easier, such as organised pockets for your headphones, water bottle and other essentials. Bags with padded shoulder straps, sturdy grab handles and a luggage sleeve are all worth having too, as they make travelling much more comfortable.
"Durability is another key factor to consider. Hard-wearing materials, quality zips and strong construction will help your bag cope with regular travel, whether you're flying or commuting.
“Finally, choose a bag you'll use beyond the airport. The Icon Overnight Bag and Heritage Overnight Bag are great examples of bags that work just as well for weekends away, commuting and everyday use!”
“There isn't a single ‘best’ material for an underseat bag,” shares Kirsty. “The right choice depends on how you travel, but durability, weight and how easy the bag is to maintain should always be top priorities. A well-made underseat bag should be able to withstand frequent lifting, sliding under airline seats and everyday wear, while remaining lightweight enough to carry comfortably. Unlike more rigid materials, soft fabrics can adapt more easily to the limited space beneath an airplane seat, making it easier to maximise your packing without exceeding airline size restrictions.”
"My top tip would be to choose clothing that can be mixed and matched, and keep shoes to a minimum, as they're often the bulkiest items in your bag. Packing cubes are a great way to stay organised, save space and make it easier to find what you need — especially compression zips.
“Rolling clothes instead of folding them can help reduce creases and make better use of every inch. Pack heavier items at the bottom of your bag, fill any gaps with softer clothing and keep essentials like chargers, toiletries and travel documents in easy-to-reach pockets.”
Meet the expert:
| Kirsty Glenne | CEO of Antler House of Brands (Antler, Paravel & Nere). |
How I test the best underseat luggage:
For this round-up, I requested multiple pieces of underseat luggage — including laptop backpacks, weekend bags and carry-on suitcases — from various brands to see which delivered in terms of support and style.
After using each multiple times, I reviewed each against the following criteria:
| Materials & durability | Is the underseat luggage of good quality, hard-wearing and fit for purpose? What is the quality of the zippers, stitching, handles and wheels like? |
| Dimensions & airline compatibility | What are the actual external dimensions, including the wheels and handles? Does it fall within common underseat limits? Does it expand to accommodate bulky or additional items? |
| Capacity & organization | How does the usable interior space compare to the advertised litres? How many compartments are there, and how practical are they? Does it have a laptop or tablet sleeve? Are there easy-access pockets for your phone, wallet and passport? |
| Weight | What is the empty weight, and does it comply with airline regulations? |
| Wheels & manoeuvrability | Does it have two or four wheels? Are they of good quality and smooth? Do the wheel housings reduce the interior space? What is its stability like when standing upright? |
For those I haven't yet had proper travel experience with, I called on my colleagues and trusted contributors for their recommendations. I also sifted through customer reviews to get the lowdown on each model, and used sites like Mumsnet and Reddit for extra opinions.
Only the pieces of underseat luggage that impressed all around made it into this edit — and sadly, the following didn't make the cut. Read more about how we test here, and in terms of what I'm currently testing, stay tuned for these reviews:
Why you can trust me:
Despite starting my journalism career on the showbiz desk of a national newspaper, I pivoted to shopping three years ago and have since penned product reviews for UK titles like Glamour, GQ, Condé Nast Traveller, Cosmopolitan and Women's Health. During that time, I've reviewed fashion essentials like underwear, shapewear and activewear, the latest wellness launches and lifestyle buys, such as best-selling luggage and underseat bags.
In terms of my working week, it's a mix of personal testing, writing up my findings and attending press events to catch up with brands or experts — activewear designers, women's health experts and brand founders — to gain answers to common FAQs.
In terms of my personal experience with luggage, I don't travel light and so rarely rely on underseat luggage alone. However, ahead of writing this round-up, I challenged myself to travel across Europe without putting a suitcase in the hold. I can confirm I successfully managed to pack light for trips to Florence and Edinburgh, ahead of the Fringe Festival, plus for a long off-grid weekend with Unplugged.