So, does an underseat bag count as a personal item? What is the standard underseat luggage size?
Are you ready to take your travel experience to the next level?
Choosing the right under-seat carry-on suitcase is crucial it will significantly speed up your airport process and improve your overall flight experience.
If you’re worried about whether your under-seat bag counts as a personal item or how to pack it so it fits under the seat in front of you, you’re not alone.
There’s a lot of confusion about the right carry-on bag that fits within airline policies.
In fact, some airlines are quite strict about carry-on luggage, but most of the time, they’re more flexible.
In this post, we’ll help you understand what is considered an under-seat bag and the size airlines typically allow for under-seat luggage.
Let’s dive right in.
What Size Bag Is Considered A Personal Item? And What Size Bag Can Fit Under Airplane Seat?
First let us answer this “what is underseat luggage?”
Underseat luggage is the type of bag that you are allowed to bring on board an airplane, and it must fit under the seat in front of you.
This type of bag is typically smaller than a standard carry-on.
The exact size limits can vary depending on the airline, because of the type and capacity of the airplane.
For instance, on United Airlines Boeing 737 Series and Airbus A320 family, the maximum dimensions for personal items are 9 inches in width x 10 inches in length x 17 inches in height (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm).
While on American Airlines Airbus and Boeing aircraft, the maximum dimensions for personal items are 18 inches in width, 14 inches in length, and 8 inches in height (45 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm).
Related: How to Carry Extra Luggage In Flights?
Is underseat luggage a personal item?
Yes, most airlines define personal items as those that fit underneath the seat in front of you.
It can be a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag, and either your carry-on or personal item must fit under the seat.
Jackets, hats, umbrellas, personal pillows, food, child safety seats, strollers, medications, assistive / medical devices, and a reasonable amount of reading material do not count toward your carry-on or personal item allowance.
Can a Backpack Fit Under An Airplane Seat?
Yes, a backpack will easily fit under an airplane seat.
If your backpack is too large and exceeds the airline’s carry-on size, you’ll need to check your bag.
You’ll also have to pay the applicable checked bag fee if the airline doesn’t allow free checked luggage.
What Kind Of Underseat Suitcase Do You Need To Pick?
Under-seat suitcases come with either two or four wheels (sometimes none).
The models with four wheels (spinners) can stand upright on all four wheels and are extremely maneuverable.
Alongforthetrip did a great job reviewing some of the best under-seat carry-ons for this year.
Is a Duffle Bag a Personal Item?
Most airlines don’t enforce any type of bag, you can take a small suitcase, a duffel bag, or a backpack as a carry-on.
So yes, you can carry a duffel bag as a personal item if it is small enough to fit perfectly under the seat in front of you.
However, it always depends on the duffel bag size and the airline you’re flying with.
Hard Or Soft Underseat Luggage
If you’re confused about whether to choose a soft-sided or hard-sided bag, I’ve already compared them.
Remember that hard-shell underseat luggage will usually be smaller in capacity than a soft-sided suitcase, even if their volume is the same.
This is because when you pack a soft-shell suitcase, it can expand slightly, accommodating more clothes.
Major Airlines Underseat Luggage Size
American Airlines
According to AA policy, all items that will be placed under the seat must not exceed 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches.
Delta Airlines
The size under the seat in Delta Airlines is 20 inches wide, 17 inches long and 11 inches tall.
The carry-on luggage for Delta is 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches. and No bag may exceed 45 linear inches combined.
JetBlue
Under-the-seat baggage can not exceed 17 inches by 13 inches by 8 inches on all JetBlue flights. The airline’s fleet is made up of Airbus A321s, which is why the size restriction is uniform.
United Airlines
The maximum size for a personal item on United is 9” by 10” by 17”. and United underseat luggage size can be 17” deep, about 10” tall, and 20” wide (on a 757).
Southwest Airlines
Southwest’s Boeing 737s have an under seat space of 19” long by 14” wide by 8.25” high. Middle seats are the same, except for a 19” width.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska airlines are under 11” tall by 17” wide by 18-20” long. The maximum size for carry-on luggage is 24 inches (including wheels and handles) by 17 inches by 10 inches. The seat width is approximately 17 inches.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa does not state the extra Under Seat size but your personal item must be stowed properly under the seat in front of you , such as laptop bags, shopping bags or handbags.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still wondering what size bag fits under an airplane seat, generally, an under-seat bag size varies from airline to airline. However, most bags under 9” x 10” x 17” should work fine.
The smaller your personal item, the more likely it will fit under the seat.
