Best Personal Item Bags for Flying in 2026

What is a Personal Item?

A personal item is a small bag that fits under the seat in front of you on an airplane. Most airlines allow one personal item for free. It's separate from your carry-on bag, which goes in the overhead bin. Airlines enforce different size limits:

• American Airlines: Must fit under the seat (no official dimensions listed)
• Delta: Must fit under the seat (no official dimensions)
• United: Must fit under the seat (no official dimensions)
• Southwest: No official size limit for personal items
• Spirit: 18x14x8 inches
• Frontier: 14x18x8 inches

For practical purposes, any bag that comfortably fits a 15-inch laptop and is under 18x14x8 inches will work as a personal item on any US airline.

Best Overall: Osprey Daylite 13L Backpack

The Osprey Daylite (check price on Amazon) is one of the best personal item backpacks you can buy. At 13L and dimensions well under most airline personal item limits, it has a padded laptop sleeve, multiple organizational pockets, and a breathable back panel. It's made from durable nylon and comes in multiple colors. Osprey's quality is legendary — the bag will outlast many of your trips.

Best for Work Travel: Tumi Alpha Bravo

If you need a personal item that looks professional, the Tumi Alpha Bravo Esports Backpack (check price on Amazon) is a sleek, compact laptop backpack that fits under airplane seats and looks sharp in business settings. It has a dedicated laptop pocket, front organization panel, and is made from Tumi's ballistic nylon.

Best Budget: Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack

The AmazonBasics Laptop Backpack (check price on Amazon) is the best budget personal item bag. It holds a 15-inch laptop, has multiple pockets for organization, and the dimensions fit under most airplane seats. At under $30, it's hard to beat for budget travelers.

Best Tote Bag: Longchamp Le Pliage

For travelers who prefer a tote over a backpack, the Longchamp Le Pliage is a classic foldable nylon tote that's been a traveler's favorite for decades. It collapses flat when empty, making it ideal for bringing home as an extra bag. It fits under airplane seats and is available in dozens of colors.

Tips for Maximizing Your Personal Item

• Use packing cubes to compress clothing efficiently
• Pack your most-needed items here (laptop, meds, snacks, chargers)
• Wear your heaviest clothes on the plane to save bag weight and space
• Choose a bag with a luggage sleeve that slides over a suitcase handle
• Avoid rigid-sided bags — they're harder to squeeze under seats

Personal Item vs. Carry-On: What's the Difference?

Your carry-on goes in the overhead bin. Your personal item goes under the seat in front of you. Most airlines allow both, but ultra-low-cost carriers (Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant) charge for overhead carry-ons while allowing a free personal item. Understanding this distinction can save you $50-100 in bag fees per trip.