In this article we take a look at and review some of the best under the seat luggage. This type of luggage is becoming more and more popular especially on low cost airlines.
The reason these are increasing in popularity is because on really busy flights the aircraft overhead lockers can get filled very quickly. The only real alternative to that is to place your luggage under the seat in front of you.
With a hard suitcase, even a cabin bag size, that will be really difficult. Hard cases are inflexible so getting them under is hard, and any feet room you may have will quickly disappear.
With a soft side case you have a better chance, but it really will still cramp the little room you have.
That is where a bag, that is made to fit under the seat will come into its own. The space from the floor to the bottom of the seat is around 15". (45cms) That will vary slightly from aircraft to aircraft, but it is a good average to know.
That will allow your bag to get under the seat if it is less than 15". That keeps the room at your feet free and allows for a more comfortable flight.
5 Cities 40x20x25 Ryanair Maximum Sized 2021 Under Seat
This is the biggest seller and really useful if you fly with Ryanair and their tight baggage rules. If you can take it on Ryanair, it sill suit any other airline
This one measures 40 x 20 x 25 cm, only weighs 0.45 Kg and has a 20 litre capacity
This under seat flight bag will give you quick access to anything that you need throughout your flight, such as books, headphones, snacks and electronic devices
The main compartment is lockable and there is also a handy from compartment.
You can carry by hand or using the shoulder strap.
Check Amazon UK - Average Price £10
Cabin Max Manhattan Travel Bag
This is the highest rated and this backpack is really useful if you fly with Ryanair and their tight baggage rules. If you can take it on Ryanair, it sill suit any other airline
This one measures 40 x 20 x 25 cm, only weighs 0.5 Kg and has a 20 litre capacity
It is made to fit the maximum "free" underseat cabin allowance of Ryanair
Can be used as a travel backpack or as a shoulder bag
It has a padded rear tech pocket suitable for iPads and tablets. The main compartment can be locked and it has a front quick stash ticket pocket
It has shoulder straps and a top carrying handle and comes with a 3 year warranty.
Check Amazon UK - Average Price £50
Aerolite 40x20x25 2021 Ryanair Under Seat Flight Bag
The Aerolite brand deliberately designed this to meet the latest restrictions of Ryanair
This case measures 40x25x20cm and weighs just under 0.5 Kg
There is a choice of 3 colours, black, charcoal or wine
It has a lockable main compartment and a front zipped pocket for your travel documents.
You can carry it using the two handles or using a shoulder strap and comes with a 3 year guarantee.
Check Amazon UK - Average Price £26
Aerolite Under the Seat Design Carry on Suitcase
This is one of the big sellers for under the seat luggage and from the well known Aerolite brand
This case measures 42x35x20cm and weighs just under 2 Kg
There is a choice of 4 colours, black, midnight blue, orange and purple
This one is specifically designed for Easyjet with loads of storage space inside
It has a document pocket, a clear plastic zipped pocket for your toiletries and 3 additional pockets on the outside
Check Amazon UK - Average Price £45
Under the Seat Explained
For a very long time with air travel and when referring to luggage it was pretty straightforward. Your larger luggage had to be checked in and it would then be placed in the hold of the aircraft. That hasn't really changed but it is limited by both size and weight and differs from company to company, depending on who you are flying with.
Hand luggage, also known as carry on luggage, or cabin luggage has changed a lot. Most companies allow you one piece of hand luggage and will also be restricted by weight and by size. A few companies allow you hand luggage and a small piece of luggage such as a handbag. The hand luggage is usually stored in the overhead lockers.
Overhead Lockers and Under the Seat
Many flights are very busy especially during holiday periods. That is why you have seen some strange rules now being introduced by airlines and many of them are really detailed.
With reference to hand luggage it is no longer a given that you can take your hand luggage onboard with you. Many airlines are now adding in an additional charge if you want to have a guarantee to get your hand luggage onboard and with you at all times.
There will be times when certain airlines will stop you when boarding and tell you that they have to put your hand luggage in the hold as they have no available room in the overhead lockers.
This is where a smaller under the seat holdall or case can be of great benefit. The reality is that many people take their important things with them onboard an aircraft. This includes items such as their travel documents, passports, mobile phones, earphones, electronic devices, pills, cash etc
When standing in a boarding queue it can get quite hectic if they suddenly tell you that they are going to book your hand luggage in and you are trying to get out those really important items.
They are unlikely to do that with a small holdall as it can easily fit under the seat. That is an option to it having to go in the overhead locker.
Popular UK Airline Cabin Baggage Size Restrictions
Ryanair
40 x 25 x 20 cm
Easyjet
45 x 36 x 20 cm
Jet2
56 x 45 x 25 cm
Loganair
40 x 35 x 18 cm
Wizz Air
40 x 30 x 20 cm
British Airways
56 x 45 x 25 cm
Thompson Travel
40 x 25 x 20 cm
Aer Lingus
55 x 40 x 24 cm
Thomas Cook
55 x 40 x 20 cm
Buying Tips for Under the Seat Luggage
We would highly recommend that any luggage has some form of lock on it. If it does have to go in the hold at least it is locked and safe from prying hands.
Make sure that it is small enough to meet the hand luggage requirements of the airline especially the strict requirements of companies like Ryanair, Thompson Travel Wizz Air and Loganair.
