Airline Under Seat Dimensions – What You Need to Know for Your Next Flight

Everything You Need to Know About Airline Under Seat Dimensions

If you’ve ever wondered about the space under your seat on an airplane, you’re not alone. This article will thoroughly examine under seat dimensions on major airlines and provide answers to all the questions travelers frequently have about luggage and personal item storage. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what can fit underneath those cramped airline seats.

Standard Under Seat Dimensions

Most airline economy class seats offer a standard under seat storage space measuring around 17-18 inches high, 16 inches wide, and 11-12 inches deep. However, dimensions can vary slightly between airlines and even aircraft type. Let’s break down the specifics:

• American Airlines: 17 inches high x 16 inches wide x 11 inches deep
• Delta: 17.5 inches high x 16 inches wide x 11 inches deep
• United: 17 inches high x 16 inches wide x 11.5 inches deep
• JetBlue: 17 inches high x 16 inches wide x 11 inches deep
• Southwest: 17.5 inches high x 16 inches wide x 12 inches deep

As you can see, Southwest generally has the most generous under seat space. From my experience flying several airlines, those few extra inches of depth make a real difference in what you can squeeze underneath.

What Fits Under the Seat?

Now that we understand typical dimensions, let’s review what items are approved for under seat storage according to most major airlines:

1. Rolling carry-on suitcases: Most popular hardside and softside roller bags fit as long as they are within carry-on size limits of 22x14x9 inches. Always check dimensional limits for your specific airline.
2. Backpacks: As long as the backpack is within carry-on size limits when packed, it should fit easily under most seats.
3. Laptop bags: Dedicated padded laptop sleeves or slim laptop bags easily slide under seats. Avoid overly bulky laptop cases.
4. Tote bags: Lightly packed tote bags and messenger bags usually work well. Avoid overstuffing.
5. Umbrellas: Folding umbrellas can fit if compact when closed.

In general, aim to pack rigid-sided carry-on items that hold their shape and don’t take up excess space when placing under the seat. Collapsible duffel bags also work well.

What Doesn’t Fit?

Here are some items most airlines explicitly prohibit from under seat storage due to size or safety reasons:

• Oversized carry-on luggage exceeding maximum dimensions
• Duffel bags or totes stuffed too full to compress
• Large purses, document bags, or camera cases
• Pillows, blankets, clothing on hangers
• Backpacks with frames or overly thick padding
• Oversized laptop cases or camera bags
• Boxed or unusual shaped items
• Personal food coolers or bins
• Any sharp, pointed, or heavy objects

In summary – leave bulky, excessively packed, or oddly shaped items in your checked bag if possible to avoid gate check fees or arguments with flight attendants.

Facing Challenges With Under Seat Storage

Despite airlines’ guidelines, under seat dimensions don’t always align perfectly with carry-on items in practice. Here are situations I’ve encountered where fitting luggage was a tight squeeze:

1. Oversized roller bags just barely larger than limits that refused to slide fully under
2. Narrow roller bags that were long but didn’t want to lie flat
3. Rolling duffels without structure that squished too far sideways
4. Backpacks packed too full with straps sticking out
5. Space already taken by other passengers’ feet or bags
6. Irregularly shaped aircraft cabins with bulkier seats

The moral? Always plan for your carry-on to potentially get checked if it’s on the larger side. And be prepared to squeeze or rearrange to make it fit. Communication and flexibility go a long way.

Best Carry-On Strategies

Based on my experience squeezing carry-ons into tight airline spaces, here are some tips for maximizing under seat storage:

1. Pack rigid roller bags that hold a structured shape
2. Choose slimmer bags versus wide duffels when possible
3. Don’t overpack – compression sacks help
4. Opt for backpack versus roller if cutting it close in size
5. Store any personal items like laptops in carry-on versus under seat
6. Be prepared to gate check if dimensions are pushing the limit

With a little planning, most typical carry-on items can find a home under the seat. But flexibility is key for those tight squeeze situations. Safe travels!

Final Thoughts

Hopefully this article addressed all the questions travelers have about under seat dimensions on airlines. To summarize, the space ranges from 17-18 inches high by 16 inches wide and 11-12 inches deep. Items like rolling carry-ons, backpacks and laptop bags generally fit, while oversized or oddly shaped luggage may require checking. With a bit of organizing, most carry-ons can be tucked away under the seat.

Let me know if you have any other questions! Traveling light is key but understanding baggage policies and aircraft storage helps make the most of your carry-on allowances. Safe travels out there, folks – hopefully these tips help make flying a bit less stressful.

Airline Under Seat Dimensions

Airline	Under Seat Width	Under Seat Height	Under Seat Depth
American Airlines	18 inches	9-11 inches	18 inches
Delta	18 inches	9-11 inches	18 inches
United	18 inches	9-11 inches	18 inches
Southwest	17 inches	11 inches	15 inches
JetBlue	17 inches	11 inches	15 inches

FAQ

1. How big is the space under an airplane seat? The space underneath most airplane seats is pretty small. It basically ranges from around 10 to 15 inches in height. However, many newer planes have a little more legroom down there.
2. Will a carry-on bag fit under the seat? It depends on the size of the bag. A normal carry-on suitcase will most likely fit into the space. Although, really big or oddly shaped bags may not fit underneath. The space is limited so you gotta be careful what you try to squeeze in there.
3. Can I put my backpack under the seat? Backpacks and personal item bags usually fit just fine under most airplane seats. The space works well for holding smaller bags like backpacks. Just be sure it’s not a huge backpack stuffed with tons of stuff. Also check that there’s enough clearance for your legs when sitting.
4. What about a rolling suitcase? Rolling suitcases are a no-go for the under-seat space. Their size and wheels make them too big to fit. You’ll have to check those types of bags at the gate instead of bringing them on board.
5. How many inches of legroom is typical? Legroom underneath airplane seats can vary a lot. Newer planes tend to offer around 30 inches or so. Older planes may have as little as 23-27 inches. The specific aircraft type also makes a difference. Nevertheless, it’s usually pretty tight under there no matter what.
6. Will I hit my legs on the seat in front? It’s certainly possible depending on your height and the pitch of the rows. At times the seat in front does seem to take a chunk out of your legroom. Making things worse, the person in front of you might recline their seat all the way. You’ll just have to get comfortable being a little squished.
7. What can I do if I’m too tall for the space? If you’re on the taller side, you may feel extra cramped under the seat. Talk to the flight attendant – they may be able to offer a premium seat with more space if available. Otherwise, apologize in advance to the person in front of you for any accidental leg bumps!

On a positive note, while legroom can be tight on planes, at least the space under the seat is handy for keeping smaller personal items within easy reach. And hey, it beats having to check a bag! Despite the limitations, we all manage to fit. The question is, do we feel comfortable down there? You be the judge after your next flight.