The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal Items

The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal Items

 

When it comes to air travel, the personal item is often overlooked but can be a game-changer for efficiency and convenience. Finding the perfect personal item bag requires balancing style, functionality, and the ability to fit under the seat in front of you. At BÉIS, we’ve designed an array of options to meet every travel need, from sleek crossbodies to spacious totes and expandable backpacks. Here’s your ultimate guide to underseat luggage and personal item bags, and why they’re the travel companions you never knew you needed.

What Makes a Bag a Personal Item?

Airlines typically allow one personal item in addition to your carry-on, but what exactly qualifies as a personal item? Think smaller, more compact bags that can fit under the seat. Personal item dimensions vary by airline but generally fall in the range of 16”x12”x6” to 18”x14”x8”—time to break out the measuring tape! Before packing, always check the specific personal item size allowed by your airline to avoid any surprises at the gate.

A personal item can include backpacks, totes, crossbodies, or even small duffles. Key features to look for? Durability, smart organizational pockets, and, if you’re a frequent flyer, a trolley sleeve that slides over your luggage handle to make navigating the airport a breeze. Here’s a few important questions to consider:
  • Does an underseat bag count as a personal item? Yes! As long as it fits under the seat and meets the airline’s size requirements.
  • What bags can you use as a personal item? Backpacks, totes, crossbodies, and even some compact duffles.
  • Does a crossbody bag count as a personal item? If it’s your only additional bag and fits under the seat, absolutely.

The Ultimate BÉIS Personal Items

From quick trips to long hauls, our personal item bags are designed with packability, style, and function in mind. Explore our lineup to find your perfect travel companion.

Expandable Backpack

The name says it all—expandable for when you need more space, yet compact enough to qualify as a personal item. The Expandable Backpack is eco-friendly, crafted from recycled plastic water bottles, and packed with features, including:
  • A padded laptop sleeve
  • Key leash
  • Water bottle pocket
  • Expandable zipper for extra packing room
Whether you’re an overpacker or a minimalist, this travel-tested backpack is the ultimate personal item for flying, with the added bonus of hands-free travel.

East To West Tote

If you’re looking for the best personal item bag to maximize space without compromising style, The East To West Tote delivers. Made from recycled materials, this tote features internal pockets for your laptop, water bottle, and other essentials. Multiple carry options make it easy to adapt, whether you’re breezing through security or squeezing it under the seat.
  • Personal Item Size? Perfectly compact and airline-friendly.
  • Ideal For: Travelers who love a carry-all tote that transitions seamlessly from plane to office.

Crossbodies and Slings

For the ultimate grab-and-go option, our head-turning crossbodies and slings are your new travel MVPs. Designed to keep your essentials organized and within reach, they’re small enough to pair with a larger personal item or carry-on.
  • Sport Sling: Compact yet mighty, with space for your phone, sunglasses, cards, and even a water bottle.
  • Classic Crossbody: Featuring a PVC ID slot, credit card pocket, and adjustable strap—perfect for when you need to keep it light.
These versatile options are ideal for navigating the airport, running errands, or exploring a new city in style once you’ve reached your destination.


Key Features to Look for in a Personal Item Bag

When choosing the perfect personal item bag, consider these must-haves:
  1. Durability: Whether it’s recycled nylon or vegan leather, our bags are built to last.
  2. Organization: Look for multiple compartments, laptop sleeves, and hidden pockets.
  3. Packability: A wide-opening design ensures you can pack and access your essentials with ease—aka no more bag diving.
  4. Trolley Sleeve: Effortless airport navigation by sliding your bag onto your roller’s handle.

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

A carry-on bag is larger and goes in the overhead compartment, while a personal item must fit under the seat. With BÉIS, you don’t have to choose—our products are thoughtfully designed to work together. Pair your Sport Duffle Backpack or The Mini Roller with any of our personal items for a seamless travel experience.

The Best Personal Item Bags by BÉIS

From expandable backpacks to chic totes and compact crossbodies, our bags are redefining travel essentials. Durable, stylish, and packed with functionality, they’re ready to support your every move—even if you’re sprinting to your gate with coffee in one hand and zero clue where your passport is. Because with the perfect personal travel companion, losing your cool (or your boarding pass) is officially a thing of the past.