Best Underseat Carry On Luggage to Avoid the Baggage Check Blues

There is no doubt that air travel has changed the world. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking to take a weekend business trip to Hong Kong, or fly your wife and kids down to Disneyland for a vacation they’ll never forget. Journeys that would have taken our grandparents weeks to plan, can now be organized by spending a few hours on your favorite travel website.

If you’re planning to fly anytime soon, you can save yourself a lot of headache by ensuring that your luggage all meets the airlines standards. For example, United Airlines allows carry-on baggage to be no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches. A descriptive list of the most common U.S. airline restrictions can be found here.

In this roundup, we’ll be taking a look at the best underseat carry on luggage available. We’ll help you work within the size and weight limitations of most airlines, so you can stow your valuables safely by your feet for the duration of your flight.

What’s the Difference Between “Spinner” and “Wheeled”?

Spinner luggage usually has 4 wheels which means it can be pulled tilted or upright as well as “spin” freely while you maneuver. This is especially convenient when moving slowly in a queue. Wheeled luggage on the other hand, usually only has two wheels and has to be tilted forward while being pulled. (As a side note, these 2 wheels are usually sunken, which does save a lot of space.)

Our Favorite Cabin Luggage Designs

Samsonite Wheeled Underseater

As one of the most well-known brands in the luggage industry, Samsonite is often one of the first brand we look to when shopping for a new bag. The Samsonite Underseater measures 13 inches in height and width, and is only 9 inches thick. This means that it meets all of the FAA requirements for carry on baggage, and fits comfortably in the space by your feet.

Made from a blend of Polyester and Nylon, this bag is lightweight and easy to carry. It features two wheels along the bottom, and can easily be transported with the push-button activated locking handle.

This Understeater has three main storage compartments. The main compartment is the largest, and is sub-divided into several smaller storage areas. There is a waterproof pouch that allows you to store your shampoo, mouthwash, or any other liquids you need to take with you. In the event of a leak, this pouch will prevent any of your other luggage from getting wet or damaged. You’ve also go a front pouch for soft or slim luggage, and a side mounted water bottle carrier, so you can always rehydrate while on the go.

Dimensions: 13 x 13 x 9 inches
Weight: 6.3 pounds

Best Garment Bag Carry On Rolling Tote

If you’re looking for something fashionable, you can’t go wrong with the Delsey Quilted Tote. This stylish carry-on is available in Black or Teal, and is made from 1800 thread count denier polyester. This tote fits most airplane seats, and can also be stored overhead if you need more space by your feet.

Delsey designed this tote with a spacious main compartment, capable of holding a nice pair of heels in addition to your weekend clothing. Combined with a plethora of interior pockets, you’ll be able to keep all of your items neatly organized and tucked away, so you’re not unzipping a mess once you get to your destination.

Dimensions: 9 x 14.5 x 14 inches
Weight: 3.1 pounds

Lucas Rolling Cabin Bag

Spend a lot of time travelling? In this case, you’re going to want the durable Lucas Roller made this bag from doby polyester. This material is much more resistant to rips and tears than other options, so you can throw it in the trunk of your rental car without giving it a second thought.

The cabin bag is available in three different colors: red, blue, and black. The telescoping handle helps you get this bag up and rolling at a moments notice, so it’s ready to get up and go as quickly as you are. At 23.5 inches, this handle is longer than many models. For those of you taller than six feet, this is a feature you’ll be grateful for.

Dimensions: 9.8 x 15.7 x 15.7 inches
Weight: 6.3 pounds

Travelon 18 Inch Wheeled Tote Bag

Want to add a splash of color to your life? The Travelon 18 Inch gives you more options than any other vendor. Their sleek, stylish case is available in five different colors. The black, blue, purple, and teal options all have a muted and slightly metallic look to them, highlighting the smooth polyester panels that hold this bag together.

Despite the impressive color choices available, Travelon’s bags are cheaper than most spinner luggage. They give you two large compartments. The main one is large, spacious, and can be organized however you see fit. The small front compartment is specially designed to hold compact laptops or tablets, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your delicate electronics.

Dimensions: 14 x 18 x 9 inches
Weight: 6.2 pounds

Samsonite Silhouette Sphere 2 Softside Spinner Boarding Bag

Looking for the best lightweight spinner luggage? Samsonite Silhouette Sphere 2 has got you covered. Build quality is well beyond any competing models. With durable dual-stitching, high quality zippers, and soft fabric lining that won’t scratch or damage your delicates, it’s obvious that you’re getting what you pay for here.

Perhaps the most notable feature isn’t inside, or even on the bag itself. It’s the wheels. Ever go to tug your luggage away, only to find that the wheels have become all twisted and mal-aligned? That won’t happen with this model. Samsonite’s high end multi-directional spherical spinners roll smoothly, and more easily than other models. There are four wheels that pertrude on the bottom, so you can gently glide it alongside you while waiting in line for security, or tilt it forwards and travel at high speed with your bag faithfully rolling behind.

Dimensions: 17 x 14 x 7.5 inches
Weight: 9.6 pounds

Which One is Best for Your Needs?

Having a hard time deciding? Which one you choose will depend on a few factors. The most important things to consider is your budget, how frequently you travel, and what types of things you’ll be packing.

Best for Quality & Security

There are 2 Samsonites on the list. The Samsonite Underseater with two wheels and the Samsonite Spinner with four wheels.

These two are the absolute best quality you’ll ever find. They just focus on such detail that the build quality and security is incredible. Both models have fantastic wheels so you’ll just need to choose which you prefer, 2 wheels or 4.

Best for Value

Want something a little more affordable? Check out the Lucas Wheeled Under the Seat Cabin Bag. This option doesn’t have the best wheels, but it’s just as durable at a fraction of the price.

Best for Style

Looking for something that’s just as fashionable as you are? There are two options available to you. For a more luxurious look, check out the Delsey Quilted Rolling Under the Seat Tote. This bag is strictly premium and available in colors to suit both women and men. Even the inside is spectacularly lined.

If you want an even sleeker appearance and wider color options, why not check out the five different colors available with the Travelon 18 Inch.