Airport Seat Bags: Availability And Benefits For Travelers

When travelling by plane, passengers are usually allowed to bring one piece of carry-on luggage and a personal item. A personal item is defined as a small bag that fits beneath the seat in front of you, such as a purse, laptop bag, camera bag, tote, diaper bag, or small backpack. While specific airlines may have different size restrictions for carry-on luggage, a personal item usually must be smaller than 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Some airlines, such as Lufthansa, have even stricter restrictions, with personal items being limited to 11.8 x 15.7 x 3.9 inches.

What counts as a 'personal item'?

When packing for a flight, it is important to understand the difference between a carry-on bag and a personal item. A carry-on bag is a piece of hand luggage that you bring into the plane cabin and is larger than a personal item. It must either fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. On the other hand, a personal item is a smaller bag that you can carry onto the plane in addition to your carry-on. It must be able to fit under the seat in front of you.

Personal items typically include a purse, laptop bag, briefcase, backpack, tote, or crossbody bag. The exact dimensions can differ between airlines, but the standard size is 18 x 14 x 8 inches or 45 x 35 x 29 cm. It's important to check with your airline before packing your personal item to ensure it meets their size and weight restrictions.

When packing your personal item, remember that you cannot take sharp objects, self-defence items, or flammable and explosive items. You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes that are 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less. Here is a list of suggested items to pack in your personal item:

• Travel documents and passport
• Eyewear (prescription and sun protection)
• Electronics (laptop, tablet, cellphone, camera, chargers, etc.)
• Snacks (non-smelly)
• TSA-approved toiletries and makeup
• Fuzzy warm socks or slippers
• Noise-cancelling headphones
• A DIY medical kit
• Outerwear (jacket, wrap, scarf, etc.)
• A travel neck pillow, eye mask, and a light blanket
• A carry-on cocktail kit
• Journal and writing utensil

Remember that you will also need to carry your personal item in addition to any other cabin baggage, duty-free purchases, travel pillows, and jackets. So, choose a bag that is comfortable to carry and that meets the size and weight restrictions of your airline.

What are the size restrictions for bags that go under the seat?

When flying, it's important to know the size restrictions for bags that can be stored under the seat in front of you. This is because each airline has different requirements for the size of under-seat bags or personal items, and failure to comply with these restrictions may result in extra fees.

A "personal item" typically refers to laptop bags, handbags, small to medium-sized backpacks, diaper bags, purses, camera bags, totes, and briefcases. Airlines generally have a standard size limit for personal items that fit under the seat. While these dimensions may vary, a common guideline is around 16 inches (40 cm) in length, 10 inches (25 cm) in width, and 8 inches (20 cm) in height.

• Alaska Airlines: No specified dimensions, but their Boeing 737-800 model has dimensions of 14 x 12 x 9 inches.
• Allegiant Air: 16 x 15 x 7 inches.
• Delta Airlines: Depends on the airline model. The Bombardier CRJ200 has a restriction of 18 x 16 x 10.5 inches, while the Embraer 175 has dimensions of 17 x 16 x 7.8 inches.
• Frontier Airlines: 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
• American Airlines: 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
• Southwest Airlines: 18.5 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches.
• WestJet: 16 x 13 x 6 inches.
• Wizz Air: 15.7 x 11.8 x 7.9 inches.
• Easyjet: 17.7 x 14.2 x 7.9 inches.
• Jet2: 22 x 17.7 x 9.9 inches.
• Ryanair: 15.7 x 9.8 x 7.8 inches.

It is recommended to use soft-sided bags that can be compressed and strategically pack essential items on top for easy access. It is also important to check with your specific airline before packing to ensure your bag meets their requirements and to avoid any issues at the airport.

What type of bag should I use?

When it comes to choosing the right bag to take on a flight, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to check the specific requirements of the airline you're flying with, as there may be restrictions on the size and type of bag you can bring on board. Some airlines may also have weight limits for carry-on bags, so it's always best to check in advance to avoid any issues at the airport.

In general, most airlines allow passengers to bring one full-sized carry-on bag and one personal item. The carry-on bag will typically go in the overhead bin, while the personal item is designed to fit under the seat in front of you. Personal items usually include things like laptop bags, handbags, small to medium-sized backpacks, and diaper bags.

To make the most of the limited space under the seat, it's recommended to use soft-sided bags that can be easily compressed and adjusted to fit the available space. Bags with minimal exterior pockets are also preferable, as they slide in more easily without causing obstructions. It's also a good idea to pack strategically, with essential items placed on top for easy access during the flight.

• Tote bags: These can be a great option as a personal item, especially if paired with a carry-on bag. Look for a tote with a zippered closure to keep your belongings secure and, if you plan to carry a laptop, choose one with a dedicated laptop compartment.
• Backpacks: Backpacks are a popular choice for personal items, as they are often flexible and can conform to the available space. Opt for a soft-sided backpack made from flexible materials, and consider choosing one with padded and adjustable straps for added comfort.
• Duffel bags: Small duffel bags can also work well as personal items. Look for a bag made from soft, compressible material that can easily fit under the seat.
• Sling bags: Sling bags are another good option, especially if you're looking for something lightweight and compact. They can be easily stowed under the seat and are perfect for carrying small tech items like tablets or e-readers.

Where should I put my bag?

When it comes to flying, cabin space is precious, and knowing how to make the most of it is essential. Most airlines allow passengers to bring a full-sized carry-on bag and a "personal item". The carry-on bag goes in the overhead bin, while the personal item is placed under the seat in front of you.

It's important to note that different airlines have specific size restrictions for personal items, so it's crucial to check your airline's requirements before packing. Generally, a personal item should be around 16 inches (40 cm) in length, 10 inches (25 cm) in width, and 8 inches (20 cm) in height. However, these dimensions may vary slightly, so always check with your airline.

To maximise the capacity of your personal item and ensure it fits under the seat, consider the following:

• Opt for soft-sided bags like tote bags, backpacks, and small duffels that can be easily compressed and adjusted to fit the available space.
• Avoid bulky designs and go for bags with minimal exterior pockets to slide easily into the designated space.
• Pack strategically by placing essential items at the top for easy access and ensuring you utilise the available space efficiently.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the space under your seat is not typically meant for storing your belongings. That space is usually reserved for the person sitting in front of you.

Now, let's go through some specific scenarios and the best practices for each:

Where to Put Your Bag When Boarding:

When boarding the plane, you will likely be instructed to place your carry-on bag in the overhead bin, while your personal item, such as a small backpack, handbag, or laptop bag, should be placed under the seat in front of you. Ensure that your personal item complies with the size restrictions to avoid any issues.

Where to Put Your Bag During Taxi, Takeoff, and Landing:

During these critical phases of flight, it is crucial to keep the aisles clear and your belongings securely stowed. Place your personal item under the seat in front of you, ensuring it is securely tucked away and does not obstruct the aisle or emergency exit path.

Where to Put Your Bag During the Flight:

Once the plane reaches a safe altitude and the seatbelt signs are turned off, you may access your belongings more freely. However, it is still important to be considerate of the space and not obstruct the aisle or your neighbour's area. Keep your personal item under the seat in front of you, and if you need to access items frequently, consider placing them in the outer pockets of your bag for easy access.

Where to Put Your Bag When Deplaning:

As you prepare to deplane, ensure that your personal item is securely stowed under the seat in front of you. This helps prevent any items from being left behind and ensures a smooth exit from the aircraft.

In summary, when flying, always be mindful of the space constraints and aim to maximise the capacity of your personal item while complying with airline size restrictions. Place your personal item under the seat in front of you during the various phases of the flight, and be considerate of your fellow passengers by keeping the aisles clear and avoiding encroaching on their space.

What are the rules for carry-on luggage?

When travelling, it's important to know the rules for carry-on luggage to ensure a smooth journey through the airport. Each airline has its own restrictions for carry-on luggage size, so it's essential to check with your chosen airline before packing. However, there are some general rules and guidelines that apply to most airlines.

Firstly, passengers are typically allowed to bring one full-sized carry-on bag and one "personal item". The carry-on bag should be placed in the overhead bin, while the personal item should fit underneath the seat in front of you. The personal item can be a small backpack, purse, briefcase, diaper bag, or any similar item.

Different airlines have different size restrictions for carry-on luggage, but as an example, American Airlines allows carry-on bags with a total size, including handles and wheels, of up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). Their restriction for personal items is 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). It's important to note that some airports and planes may have additional carry-on restrictions.

In addition to size restrictions, there are also weight limits for carry-on luggage. While some airlines, like American Airlines, don't specify a weight limit, others, like Delta, have weight restrictions that vary depending on the destination. For example, Delta has weight limits of 7 kg (15.4 pounds) for flights to Singapore, 10 kg (22 pounds) for Beijing, and 10 kg (22 pounds) for Shanghai.

It's also important to consider the types of items allowed in carry-on luggage. Liquids are subject to the TSA 3-1-1 rule, which allows containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less in a single quart-sized bag per person. This includes liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes. Medically necessary liquids, such as certain medications and baby formula, are exempt from this restriction. Additionally, duty-free liquids purchased during inbound international flights are allowed as long as they are securely packaged and you have the original receipt.

Other items with specific restrictions include electronic devices, which may need to be powered on to be allowed onboard, and flammable items, which are limited to cigars, cigarettes, disposable and Zippo lighters, and dry batteries.

When packing carry-on luggage, it's important to check the restrictions of your specific airline and follow any special instructions they provide. By planning ahead and packing properly, you can ensure a smoother and less stressful travel experience.

Frequently asked questions