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Forbes
21-04-2025
- Forbes
The Best Underseat Luggage To Use As A Personal Item, Based On Testing
The best underseat luggage is lightweight and easily able to fit underneath the seat in front of you on a plane or a train. Typically classified as a personal item, these cabin bags can help you stay organized, and since some basic economy tickets only allow for one personal item in place of a carry-on suitcase, they may also help you avoid extra baggage fees. Our panel tested over a dozen underseat bags and chose the Thule Subterra 2 27L Backpack as the best overall pick thanks to its ideal size, functional design and many interior pockets. For fans of wheeled bags, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Underseat Bag also scored high marks from our panel due to its durability and removable hanging organizer. The best underseat luggage is lightweight, well-organized and easily fits into tight spaces. When evaluating different options, pay close attention to the dimensions, durability and additional features, such as padded compartments for your laptop or tablet. 'I recommend looking for products that can universally fit under seats across various airlines,' says Georgene Rada, vice president of design for Briggs & Riley. 'Having organized compartments and padded pockets for electronics is essential to make the travel experience less stressful and to keep your valuables from being damaged.' Domestic airlines often have different size restrictions for underseat luggage, so be sure to check with your airline before you begin packing. Ahead, the best underseat luggage of 2025. Amazon Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 13.4 x 8.7 x 18.9 inches | Weight: 2.1 pounds | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Vetiver Gray Best for: Skip if: This well-designed backpack is crafted from highly durable 800D nylon with a water-resistant finish and a padded air mesh back panel for breathability. The bag features two side pockets for a water bottle and an umbrella, and the many interior pockets help keep you well-organized while traveling. Two standout features include the padded interior sleeves for storing your laptop and tablet, as well as an organizational panel for pens, keys and smaller items. 'After traveling with this bag on multiple trips, I appreciated its functionality on long flights and protected storage for my computer,' says our tester. 'It has enough space to hold plenty of other essentials, like chargers and a book, and the resilient exterior helps combat spills and crumbs.' Amazon Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 17.5 x 8.5 x 14.5 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Available colors: 7 total, including Burgundy and Orchid Pink Purple Best for: Skip if: Having a bag with wheels helps you move around the airport with ease, no matter how heavy your bag may be. This underseat bag from Travelpro, a popular brand among flight attendants and frequent travelers, features a durable frame and high-performance wheels that glide smoothly across any surface. It also comes with a removable hanging organizer and a padded laptop sleeve to keep your tech safe. 'Since I don't travel with much formalwear, I liked that I could remove the bag's interior garment pocket and have an open cavity to put in clothes and a pair of shoes (which I would place in a packing cube),' says our tester. 'It leaves more than enough real estate for potentially a second full change of clothes.' Briggs & Riley Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 10.5 x 16.5 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 2.8 pounds | Colors: 4, including Olive and Navy Best for: Skip if: Briggs & Riley is a well-reviewed brand that consistently earns top marks from our travel team, with the Briggs & Riley Baseline 22-Inch Carry-On being our top choice for the best softside luggage. The Baseline Underseat Duffle is no exception. It's one of the most spacious bags on this list, and it has several helpful exterior pockets for when you need to grab something quickly. Other useful features include a trolley sleeve, a monogrammed nameplate and an adjustable shoulder strap. 'Of all the options I tested, this bag's ample interior access really stood out to me,' says our tester. 'It was incredibly easy to grab or remove things as I went through security. And despite having such robust storage space, the bag still maintained a stylish look, even as I stuffed it to the brink. Also great: Briggs & Riley products come with a lifetime warranty.' Béis Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 8 inches | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Available colors: 8 total, including Atlas Pink and Beige Best for: Skip if: If you're heading on a quick trip and need a bag to hold the essentials, this compact bag is an excellent pick. The main compartment can fit a change of clothes and several personal items (such as deodorant, a book and a phone charger), and there's a separate bottom compartment for storing your shoes. The trolley sleeve slips over the handle of your suitcase, and it has enough structure that it won't fall over as you're trying to pack or unacpk. 'I think the Mini Weekender is the perfect underseat bag,' says a flight attendant at a major airline, who always travels with this bag. 'It slides under the seat smoothly and has different compartments for more fragile items like a laptop, or more malleable things like snacks, chargers, toiletries, etc. As a bonus, it also looks and feels very chic and refined.' Away Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 17.9 x 15 x 9.1 inches | Weight: 8.4 pounds | Available colors: 4 total, including Coast Blue and Olive Green Best for: Skip if: This petite suitcase resembles Away's best-selling Softside Carry-On, but it has a smaller size that glides under your seat while you're in the air. It's best suited for trips from one to three days, and it's constructed from a durable, water-repellent nylon with 360-degree smooth-gliding spinner wheels. This bag offers all of the great features of an Away carry-on, including an interior compression system that I found to be very helpful (I'm a chronic overpacker). I also enjoyed its spacious front pocket, where I was able to store my boarding pass, wallet and other items that I needed on hand. I deducted a half of a point off of my final rating only because I wish the bag were a tad lighter—it comes in at just under ten pounds before it's packed. The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of in-depth roundups on luggage, including the best luggage, best carry-on luggage and best lightweight luggage. We relied on expert advice, independent reviews, research and personal experience to select our top recommendations for the best underseat luggage. Although size is admittedly the first thing to consider, durability and additional features (such as a padded tech sleeve) should also be taken into account. Here's what to look for when shopping for the best underseat luggage. Every airline has different standards for underseat carry-on sizing, so check the airline's requirements before packing to ensure your bag is the correct size. If your bag doesn't fit underneath your seat, you'll be asked to place it above you in the overhead bin, and you won't have quick access to things you may need during your flight. When in doubt, opt for a smaller bag than you may need to ensure you have enough space to stretch out comfortably. While both hardside and softside luggage have distinct benefits, experts agree that softside options are an excellent choice for smaller spaces, such as under an airline seat. 'Space is limited beneath seats, so having a soft bag that can be compressed into a tight space is one way to make your travel experience easier and stress-free,' says Rada. 'It also allows one to maximize your packing capacity.' Popular materials include ballistic nylon (which Briggs & Riley uses for most of its underseat luggage), polyester and coated canvas. Rada notes that the material should be easy to wipe down, because your bag might get kicked around and pushed into the seat in front of you. Underseat luggage, like other pieces of luggage, needs to withstand frequent handling and being tossed around. Hardside bags are generally most resistant to rough handling and turbulent conditions, but a thicker woven fabric (for example, ballistic nylon) is just as durable and an excellent choice for flying. Many suitcases come with helpful extras that can make traveling more seamless, such as a padded tech sleeve to store your laptop or a separate, water-resistant compartment. Another worthwhile feature is an expansion option, which can add several extra inches of packing space. Consider which features you will use the most and find the most helpful before making a purchase. After extensive research and hands-on testing, the Thule Subterra 2 27L Backpack is our pick for the best underseat luggage. It has a compact, streamlined appearance with plenty of pockets to store tech, personal items, a change of clothes and more. It also works well as a commuting or work bag, and our tester appreciated the protective storage pockets and resilient exterior. If you're a frequent flyer, investing in underseat storage is a good idea. 'I do believe [underseat luggage] is worth it when there's limited space on the aircraft,' says Ricks. 'There may be times when it's your turn to board and there's no more overhead space left, so you'll want a bag that's small enough to fit smoothly under the seat. You just never know when checking bags these days; things can happen. Carrying on is always the best option.' Every airline has different standards for underseat carry-on sizing, so it's essential to check the requirements for the airline before packing and heading to the airport. American Airlines requires underseat luggage to be a maximum of 18 inches long, 14 inches wide and 8 inches high. In comparison, United Airlines has underseat dimensions of 17 inches long, 10 inches wide and 9 inches high.
Forbes
28-03-2025
- Forbes
The Best Softside Luggage, Rigorously Tested By Our Staff Editors
The best softside luggage is flexible and forgiving, often built with more malleable materials that provide extra packing space. After extensive testing by our team of editors, the Briggs & Riley Baseline 22-inch Carry-On is our top recommendation thanks to its durable construction, built-in compression system and excellent interior organization. We also recommend the lightweight Calpak Terra Softside Carry-On, coming in at just six pounds, as well as the Travelpro Versapack + Large Check In Spinner for a checked option. The best softside luggage is lightweight and expandable, which provides extra flexibility when ... More traveling. As its name suggests, softside luggage has a soft exterior that is more pliant; these suitcases are also often equipped with a large external pocket. Despite the added flexibility, softside luggage is most commonly crafted from nylon or polyester, synthetic materials trusted for their durability, abrasion resistance and strength. When choosing the right softside suitcase for you, make sure to consider size, weight and interior and exterior organization. 'Look for convenient exterior pockets that offer easy access to phones, boarding passes (if used) and tech gear," says Georgene Rada, vice president of design at Briggs & Riley. Below, the best softside luggage for 2025. Briggs & Riley Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Colors: 5 total, including Navy and Olive | Weight: 10 pounds | Material: Ballistic nylon What you'll love: Keep in mind: This well-designed suitcase from trusted brand Briggs & Riley routinely tops our best luggage list due to its durable yet flexible exterior crafted with ballistic nylon. It also features a unique, one-touch expansion tool that allows you to compress your belongings and increase the interior capacity easily and efficiently. Its sleek design is elegant and gender neutral, and it comes with a garment folder that can hold up to two suits or dresses, which is a nice feature if you're traveling for business or a wedding. 'It rolls so smoothly and has a super comfortable grip handle," says our tester. 'I also loved its many interior and exterior pockets.' This suitcase is certainly a splurge, but despite its price tag, customers rave about its endurance, with many reviewers saying it will hold up beautifully for years to come. Amazon Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 30.7 x 18 x 13.2 inches | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Estate Blue | Weight: 10.9 pounds | Material: High-density ballistic nylon fabric What you'll love: Keep in mind: A go-to brand for pilots and flight attendants, Travelpro's reasonably priced and durable suitcases (the brand earned the top spot in our guide to the best luggage) are commonly spotted at airports around the world. This sturdy, checked suitcase from the brand's recently launched Versapack+ collection is made from ballistic nylon fabric, which hides scratches and stains well. Our tester appreciated the spacious main compartment lined with several slimmer zippered compartments for storing smaller items. Its expandable design is also helpful for longer trips requiring more gear, which came in handy on our tester's recent ski trip: 'It's a super-spacious bag as is, but it didn't hurt to have those two extra inches of expansion." Plus, it comes with two removable packing cubes and a removable laundry bag. Calpak Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 21.5 x 14.5 x 8.7 inches | Colors: 4 total, including Juniper and White Sands | Weight: 6 pounds | Material: Recycled ripstop polyester with TPU What you'll love: Keep in mind: The Calpak Terra Softside Carry-On is a stylish and well-made piece of luggage that's easy to transport from one destination to the next. It's made from 29 recycled bottles and has a good amount of structure for a softside bag. There are two exterior pockets and three interior ones, although there's no locking mechanism, which may be a downside for some. However, its biggest strength lies in its maneuverability. It's incredibly lightweight, even when fully packed, and easily fits into the overhead compartment. 'I can rotate it in a 360-degree circle with one hand, and it smoothly glides along the floor," says our tester. "It's easy to make sharp turns in the airport and has an effortless pull.' Cotopaxi Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 12 inches | Colors: 3 total, including Woods and Blue Spruce | Weight: 6.1 pounds | Material: Recycled nylon and ripstop polyester What you'll love: Keep in mind: Cotopaxi's Alpa Roller Bag is your best bet for trips requiring a highly durable and rugged bag that can handle being tossed around. Our tester took this on a trip to Japan, where she visited five different cities—traversing planes, trains, ferries, city streets and snow—and it held up well and felt sturdy. It has a comfortable, retractable handle, a split-case design and several internal pockets to keep you organized. However, our tester missed the lack of spinner wheels and recommends this bag for a streamlined packer, as it doesn't have an expandable design. Dagne Dover Forbes Vetted Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence. Dimensions: 20.5 × 13 × 8.7 inches | Colors: 4 total, including Onyx and Ash | Weight: 9.2 pounds | Material: Recycled 900D poly What you'll love: Keep in mind: If you prefer traveling with a carry-on only, the Dagne Dover Seattle Carry-On is an excellent option that scored high marks with our tester. This option is constructed from recycled 900D polyester with 360-degree smooth glide wheels, and there are tons of pockets to help you stay organized while on the road. 'I can't get over the number of compartments and zipped-in segments,' says our tester. 'Organizing was effortless, and every single item had a designated place. I didn't have to rummage whatsoever.' Users also can roll up the internal divider if they don't need it, and a padded tech sleeve keeps your laptop safe and secure while in transit. The Forbes Vetted travel team has researched, written and published dozens of in-depth roundups on luggage, including the best checked luggage, best carry-on luggage and best lightweight luggage. We relied on expert advice, independent reviews, research and personal experience to select our top recommendations for the best softside luggage. There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best softside luggage. Here's what to look for. Most softside luggage is made from nylon or polyester, both synthetic materials known for their strength and durability. 'Nylon is a better choice over polyester as it's a strong, superior material,' says Rada. 'Ballistic [nylon] is still a good standard, but other durable nylon weaves work well too.' While hardside materials, like aluminum or polycarbonate, can offer more protection from rough handling, synthetic fabrics are more resistant to scratches and scuffs. If you're a frequent flyer worried about in-flight turbulence and other unforeseen circumstances but prefer a softside suitcase, opt for something made from ballistic nylon. The Travelpro Versapack + Large Check-In Spinner and Briggs & Riley Baseline 22-inch Carry-On are made from this material and received excellent marks from our testers regarding their durability. The length of your trip will determine the size of your suitcase. A carry-on should offer you enough packing space for trips lasting less than a week, but you might want to invest in a checked bag for trips over a week. Also, opt for a checked suitcase if you plan to bring items that cannot be carried on, such as liquids or creams over 3.4 ounces. Before you make a purchase and begin packing, check the airline's guidelines to ensure your bag complies with the rules. Softside luggage is known for being lighter than its hardside counterparts, but some options are lighter than others. If you're looking for something easy to move through the airport and lift into an overhead bin, the Calpak Terra Softside Carry-On is an excellent choice as it weighs a mere six pounds. As a general rule, always check the airline's weight restrictions for carry-on and checked bags before arriving at the airport. Many suitcases come with helpful extras that can make traveling more seamless. For example, a tech sleeve to store your laptop, included packing cubes, a separate water-resistant compartment and built-in TSA-approved luggage locks are all helpful and convenient features. (If your suitcase doesn't have a built-in luggage lock, we found the best TSA-approved luggage locks you can purchase separately.) Another worthwhile feature is an expansion option, which can add several extra inches of packing space. Before you invest in a new suitcase, decide what features are most important to you. After extensive research and testing, the best softside luggage is the Travelpro Versapack + Large Check-In Spinner. It's a spacious bag with smooth wheels and many helpful features, like a built-in TSA-approved lock and large packing cubes. The expandable design also gives you two extra inches of space. There are benefits to both types of luggage, but if you prefer having extra packing space, softside options have more give. Beyond the flexible materials, many softside suitcases have an expandable design that can give you several additional inches of space. They also tend to weigh less and have exterior pockets where you can stash essential items like your passport, keys and wallet. Flight attendants prefer softside luggage as they are more convenient and flexible when it comes to packing. 'As flight attendants, we need a luggage system that carries at least three bags, and a hardsided bag doesn't cut it,' says Marisa Ramos, a flight attendant at a major airline. 'We can stuff more in a softsided bag, which comes in handy. In 26 years of flying, I've only gone through three bags…softside suitcases are very sturdy.'
