What to Know about the Under Seat Luggage Size on Aeroplanes Before You Fly
The under-seat luggage dimensions vary wildly between different planes and airlines. Check with us to know the fundamentals of the under-seat luggage size.
It’s that time of the year again. When people start packing their bags with boarding passes in their hands and are eager to travel to their dream destinations. However, one question remains, how do you pack everything into one under-seat luggage size?
As the overhead compartments fill up quickly and airlines enforce stricter carry-on regulations, travellers increasingly turn to the often-overlooked space beneath the seat.
Most carriers will allow you to bring one free of charge, it would be a waste to not use this compartment. Scroll down to learn all you need to know about this handy storage option, along with all the tips and tricks to make air travel an enjoyable experience.
The traveller-approved underseat bag
What Is The Size Of Under Seat Luggage On Every Airline
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Airline |
Underseat Bag Size (Imperial) |
Underseat Bag Size (Metric) |
Best Bags? |
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Fit underseat |
Fit underseat |
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10 x 13 x 8 |
25 x 33 x 20 |
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Fit underseat |
Fit underseat |
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17 x 13 x 6 |
43 x 33 x 6 |
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15.7 x 11.8 x 5.8 |
40 x 30 x 15 |
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Fit underseat |
Fit underseat |
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Fit underseat |
Fit underseat |
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Fit underseat |
Fit underseat |
Find fitting bags now |
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16 x 15 x 7 |
40.6 x 38 x 17.8 |
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18 x 14 x 8 |
45 x 35 x 20 |
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16 x 12 x 6 |
40 x 30 x 15 |
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Fit underseat |
Fit underseat |
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Fit underseat |
Fit underseat |
Find fitting bags now |
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Fit underseat |
Fit underseat |
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18 x 14 x 8 |
45 x 36 x 20 |
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*Bussiness and 1st class only |
17 x 14 x 8 |
45 x 35 x 20 |
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16 x 12 x 4 |
40 x 30 x 10 |
Find fitting bags now |
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16 x 12 x 6 |
40 x 30 x 15 |
Find fitting bags now |
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18 x 14 x 8 |
46 x 35 x 20 |
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Fit underseat |
Fit underseat |
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16 x12 x 6 |
40 x 30 x 15 |
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Fit underseat |
Fit underseat |
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17 x 13 x 8 |
43.2 x 33 x 20.32 |
Find fitting bags now |
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16 x12 x 6 |
40 x 30 x 15 |
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Fit underseat |
Fit underseat |
Find fitting bags now |
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16 x 12 x 4 |
40 x 30 x 10 |
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15 x 12 x 8 |
38 x 30 x 20 |
Find fitting bags now |
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Fit underseat |
Fit underseat |
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16 x 8 x 10 |
40 x 20 x 25 |
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16 x 12 x 4 |
40 x 30 x 10 |
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16.25 x 13.5 x 8 |
41 x 34 x 20 |
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18 x 14 x 8 |
46 x 16 x 20 |
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16 x 12 x 4 |
40 x 30 x 10 |
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16 x 12 x 6 |
40 x 30 x 15 |
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17 x 10 x 9 |
43 x 25 x 22 |
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Fit underseat |
Fit underseat |
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16 x 13 x 6 |
41 x 33 x 15 |
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16 x 12 x 8 |
40 x 30 x 20 |
Major airlines under seat luggage restrictions
Aegean Under Seat Size
This Greece airline is one of the most popular international travel brands. Moreover, the firm’s website also incorporates a lot of features travellers would typically be interested in, such as tourist updates, car rents, and travelling news.
Aegean allows carry-on luggage as large as 22 x 17.7 x 9.9 inches. However, there’s a difference in allowed weight on board. If you’re flying business class, you’re allowed up to 13kg, but you will only have 8kg if you travel non-business class.
>> Check out: Aegean Cabin Bags
Alaska Airlines Under Seat Size
Alaska Airlines doesn’t specify the dimensions for under seat luggage on the website. They do mention that carry-ons should only be a briefcase, a laptop bag, or a purse.
The actual size will vary depending on the aeroplane you’ll be boarding. Alaska Airlines generally employ the Boeing 737-800 model, whose dimensions would be 14 x 12 x 9 inches. However, do check with the staff to get the exact measurement details.
>> Check out: Alaska Airlines Cabin Bags
American Airlines Under Seat Size
American Airlines is known as one of the companies who offers the most non-stop flights all over the world. The firm is also known for its many flagship lounges all over the world for first-class passengers and its generous discounts as well as reward programs.
It is stated that one carry-on bag and one personal item are allowed per passenger. The dimensions of the under-seat compartment are 18 x 14 x 8 inches, which applies to all cabin and flight configuration. Although they don’t specify the kind of thing your personal should be, they do address what it shouldn’t be, namely diaper bags (1 per child), soft-sided cooler bags with breast milk, child safety seats, strollers and medical or mobility devices.
>> Check out: American Airlines Cabin Bags
Cathay Pacific Airways Under Seat Size
Founded in Hong Kong in 2946, Cathay Pacific Airways is now the fifth largest airline in the entire world. Its planes fly to 190 countries, spanning across 6 continents.
Although the official website doesn’t state the actual details of the under seat bag size, they only allow luggages that count as one piece. This piece should not exceed 62 inches in combined dimensions. That’s pretty generous!
>> Check out: Cathay Cabin Bags
Delta Under Seat Size
Delta is one of the largest and oldest airlines in the world. The firm offers a wide range of cabin configurations that cater to the specific needs of the customers. It is because of this, along with their great customer service, that has made Delta a popular choice.
Delta doesn’t specify their under seat luggage dimensions. They do, however, recommend only a briefcase, a diaper bag, a laptop computer, a purse, or other similar items should be carried on board as carry-on items. Admittedly, this is of little help as bags come in all kinds of shape and size.
That being said, figuring out the size of the under-seat compartment isn’t impossible. Once you have booked your flight and obtain the flight details, you can contact the customer service and ask them for the specific measurements. Most of the flights from Delta airlines are on either the Bombardier CRJ200 model or the Embraer 175. If so, the restrictions would be 18 x 16 x 10.5 inches and 17 x 16 x 7.8 inches, respectively.
>> Check out: Delta Cabin Bags
Easyjet Under Seat Size
Easyjet is the UK’s largest airline. It’s famous for its low-cost, which is made possible thanks to the streamlined but sufficient services. While many deem this to be a huge shortcoming compared to many other airlines, others think this is the bread and butter of the brand, considering many people couldn’t be too bothered with unnecessary services.
Easyjet underseat bag size is measured at 17.7 x 14.2 x 7.9 inches, and that’s already included the wheels and handles. There aren’t any weight restrictions, however, but they do state that the passenger should be able to carry the weight by themselves.
>> Check out: Easyjet Cabin Bags
Jet2 Under Seat Size
Jet2 is a low-cost airline based in Britain. Much like Easyjet, many customers come to the brand for the incredibly inexpensive price that it offers. However, there’s a lot of common services that are excluded, such as checked luggage and seats with extra leg room.
Jet2 allows luggage of maximum 10kg and 22 x 17.7 x 9.9 inches for their under-seat carry-on size. Any excess weight you bring will come at an additional charge fee.
>> Check out: Jet2 Cabin Bags
Qatar Airways Under Seat Size
Qatar Airways is the flagship airline of Qatar. From its main hub Doha, Qatar, Qatar Airways flies to 145 across all 6 continents. It’s fleet features both two-cabin planes (Business Class and Economy Class) and three-cabin planes (First Class, Business Class and Economy Class). It’s one of the most recognizable airlines of East Asia.
According to the airline’s official website, for Economy Class, the maximum dimensions of each piece of hand baggage are 20x15x10 inches, while the maximum weight is 7kg. They do allow an extra carry-on, but it’s recommended that the carry-on should only be a small lady’s handbag or a small briefcase.
First Class and Business Class customers, however, can enjoy a bit more of a perk. While the allowed dimensions remain unchanged, the allowed weight goes up to 15kg, which is more than double. They are also allowed to bring up to 2 pieces of luggage on board. So virtually First Class and Business Class customers can travel with 4 times the volume an Economy Class customer could.
>> Check out: Qatar Airways Cabin Bags
Ryanair Under Seat Size
Founded in 1984, Ryanair is a famous ultra-low-cost carrier based in Dublin. Thanks to its smart no-frills business model that focuses on keeping the cost as friendly as can be, the airline has been growing exponentially ever since its foundation, and thus making its name in the aviation industry as one of the best cheap airlines.
The Ryanair underseat bag size is restricted to 15.7 x 9.8 x 7.8 inches. If you find this a tad uncomfortable, Ryanair offers a range of backpacks that fit perfectly to their compartment on their website. Great upsell, isn’t it?
>> Check out: Ryanair Cabin Bags
Southwest Airlines Under Seat Size
Southwest Airlines is one of the world’s most popular low-cost firms. Besides its inexpensive pricings, the airline is able to attract a wide audience thanks to some quirky perks it offers, such as free non-alcoholic drinks and simple snacks on board. There are also some special services available for a reasonable price such as early boarding, automatic online check-in, and alcoholic beverages. Another reason why the firm is so popular is the fact that they allow up to 2 checked bags on board free of charge.
The maximum size that Southwest Airlines allows is 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches. The firm does recommend that your personal item should be a camera, a briefcase, a food container, or a laptop (in a laptop case). If this big compartment still isn’t enough for your luggage, then you can store it in the overhead bin.
>> Check out: Southwest Cabin Bags
WestJet Under Seat Size
Westjet is Canada’s second largest airline. Despite being fairly new to the game, only going into operation in 1996, the airline is undoubtedly well-liked due to its low-cost ticket price and great customer service.
According to Westjet’s official website, passengers are allowed to bring one carry-on and one personal item on board. The carry-on will be stored in the overhead compartment, while the personal item will be stored in the under-seat compartment. The personal item allowed on board shouldn’t exceed 16 x 13 x 6 inches.
>> Check out: Westjet Cabin Bags
Wizz Air Under Seat Size
Wizz Air is a famed Hungary-based ultra-low-cost carrier. While it isn’t the best when it comes to customer service, the low-cost pricings, additional affiliated services, as well as its huge non-stop flights are what makes the airline stand out.
On Wizz Air’s official website, it is stated that passengers can only bring one baggage on board, whether it is a trolley bag or a carry-on bag. The carry-on bag, which is designated to be in the under-seat compartment, must not exceed 10kg in weight and 15.7 x 11.8 x 7.9 inches in dimensions. They also add that the size allowance doesn’t include wheels or handles, but should there be they must add no more than 2 inches to the size of the bag.
>> Check out: Wizz Air Cabin Bags
Why all the different sizes?
It is because of the plane’s design. Planes are like cars, figuratively. They come in all shapes and sizes. Some of the popular lines of air carriers currently being employed worldwide are Boeing, Bombardier, Airbus, or Embraer. Even then there’s multiple models within the same line of brand.
It has been proposed that a set standard should be set to save passengers from all the fuzz and hassle of figuring out just how much they can bring on board. However, many believe that the wide variety of options is better overall for the industry as the customers’ needs vary wildly.
What should I be bringing then?
Anything that fits, essentially, as long as it is allowed. Different airlines have different restrictions on what kind of item you could bring, so check carefully so that you don't have to incur unnecessary fines.
What is the under-seat storage?
The under-seat storage is the small section underneath the seat in front of you where you are allowed to stow a small bag or a personal item. There is none of this, however, if you’re sitting on the emergency exit row. In such a case, you will have to store all of your baggage in the overhead cabin.
What Is The Best Size For Under Seat Luggage?
As you can see from our cheat sheet, the average dimensions for under-seat luggage fall somewhere about 16 x 12 x 6 inches. Therefore, a size bag around that number will be your best bet.
What can be stored in this under-seat storage?
It depends entirely on the policy about the size of the under seat on aeroplanes. Generally speaking, you can use anything as long as they fit in the storage, as this space isn’t as heavily restricted as the overhead cabin. But since the size isn’t as large the choices are limited anyway. To be safe, you should only use a small handbag, a briefcase, or a laptop bag.
Why Should You Travel with Carry-on Under the Seat Luggage?
For a multitude of reasons, you should ideally utilise the under-seat compartment.
All aeroplanes are designed with this compartment. It allows for extra storage on board while keeping the overall weight of the aeroplane manageable. There are no reasons as to why you don’t use something that you literally paid for. Moreover, on a personal note, it wouldn’t be optimal to just pack everything into one massive trolley bag. That makes toting it around awkward and stowing it inconvenient. In fact, nobody ever does that, unless they don’t bring much stuff. If they do, it would most definitely be divided into separate carriers, which makes the two-compartment design especially useful. On top of that, there are certain on-the-go items you need to have at hand, but just carrying it all the time can be a bit inconvenient. Stowing somewhere visible and close-by, like in the under-seat compartment, is going to make your flight, especially long flights, a lot more enjoyable.
CabinZero Backpack for Underseat Cabin Bag Compartment
CabinZero offers a wide range of backpacks that come in a variety of volumes that would fit in all kinds of under-seat compartments.
CabinZero Classic Backpacks
CabinZero offers a wide range of backpacks that come in a variety of volumes that would fit in all kinds of under-seat compartments. We recommend the CabinZero’s 28L backpacks as they are designed to be versatile for cabin requirements from most airlines - even the low-cost ones.
CabinZero Military Backpacks
The Military backpack in 28L or 36L would be a great choice if you’re looking for a cabin-sized luggage that fits well in both the overhead compartment as well as underseat.
CabinZero ADV Backpacks
For adventurers who need luggage that just fits the underseat compartment on planes, we recommend the ADV backpacks with premium features and an ideal dimensions for aeroplanes.
CabinZero ADV Backpack in 32L for the frequent travellers
Savvy Jetsetters' Secret To The Right Underseat Luggage Size
And there you have it, everything you need to know about under-seat luggage size, and the best backpacks for the occasion. Remember, size does matter, but it's not the only thing that counts. Find a bag that fits your needs and your style. And most importantly, have fun with it! Travel is an adventure, so you don’t need to sweat many little details.
Have you unlocked the art of packing for the skies? We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with under seat luggage sizes across different airlines. Share your travel wisdom and engage with fellow jet setters by commenting below.
And if you found this guide valuable, spread the word and help others travel smarter by sharing this post with your friends and fellow adventurers.
Khoa Pham
I was recently on a flight from Dallas to Houston with my underseat bag but they had installed what looked like charging ports which did not allow bag to fit. This was an unpleasant surprise. I was lucky there was a small overhead space left.
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