How Much Storage Space Is Under the Airplane Seat? Find Out Standard Under Seat Size for Carry-On Luggage

Everything You Need to Know About Airplane Under Seat Storage

Airplane travel often involves bringing carry-on luggage and personal items that need to be stored somewhere during the flight. The space under the airplane seat is a convenient place to stash smaller belongings. However, many flyers are unsure about the exact size limits for under seat storage. In this article, we’ll cover all the important specifications and considerations regarding using the space beneath your seat on commercial flights.

Standard Under Seat Dimensions

1. Height: Most airplanes have around 8-10 inches of clearance between the cabin floor and the bottom of the seat in front of you. This is the maximum height your carry-on can be and still fit underneath.
2. Length: The space extends the full length of the seat, usually around 16-18 inches. However, only about 12-14 inches will be accessible since your feet will occupy the rear area.
3. Width: Planes have under seat spaces ranging from 10-14 inches wide depending on the aircraft model. The bulkhead rows tend to have slightly less width available.

From my experience traveling frequently for work, these dimensions can vary slightly between airlines and plane types. But in general, if your bag is less than 10 inches high x 14 inches long x 12 inches wide, it should fit under 99% of commercial airplane seats without issues. Bigger personal items usually need to be checked or stowed in the overhead bins.

Considerations Beyond Simple Size

While raw dimensions are important, there are other factors to weigh when deciding what to store under your seat. For example:

1. Rigidity – Soft sided bags conform better than hard cases. Compressible duffel bags are usually preferable to rigid suitcases.
2. Weight distribution – Heavy items on one side can tip over unstably. Balance weight evenly if possible.
3. Protrusions – Avoid bags with straps, buckles or other parts that stick out and could snag on neighboring feet/legs.
4. Security – Use discreet bags without identifiable logos if storing valuables where they may be out of sight.

In tight underneath spaces, even carry-ons that meet the vertical height spec can be problematic if they lack the right shape for snug positioning. Tactically pack light, flat items wherever practical. From my experience, this helps optimize the limited real estate.

Special Circumstances Affecting Capacity

Sometimes normal under seat allowances are reduced due to unique aircraft configuations or passenger needs. Here are a few scenarios to be aware of:

1. Aisle seats – Their footwells may severly cramp sideways access since the aisle also uses that space.
2. Emergency exit rows – FAA regulations mandate keeping floors unobstructed for rapid evacuations.
3. Bulkhead seats – Structural panels trim back underfoot clearance in these rows.
4. Occupant in front reclines – This steals a few precious inches from your stowage dimensions.
5. Service animals – Their carriers are entitled to floorspace and could displace carry-ons.

In such cases, checking a bag may be necessary even if it technically meets loose guidelines. I’ve learned it’s smarter to pack flexible and be ready for plan B options.

Airline Carry-On Policies Vs Realities

While carriers publish maximum carry-on specifications, space constraints mean guidelines aren’t ironclad. Airlines basically want items that can for sure fit without disruption. From my travels, here’s how the fine print usually shakes out on the ground:

– Cramming oversized rollerboards often causes delays and frustrates others
– Airlines are lenient with barely undersized bags if the flight isn’t full
– But on crowded planes, even properly sized carry-ons may get gate-checked
– Cabin crew have final say on what can roll down the aisles unproblematically

So in summary, it’s better to err slightly smaller than published limits if possible. As the old saying goes – it’s better to check a bag than get in a “size police” argument airsides. The friendly flight attendants have enough on their plates without baggage squabbles.

Alternative Storage Solutions

When under seat storage just won’t cut it, these backup plans may save the day:

1. Overhead bin – Check bag dimensions against the compartments to ensure proper fit.
2. Personal item stowage – Some airlines allot small personal bags like laptop cases in the cabin.
3. Seatback pocket – Useful for storing phones, wallets and other essentials close at hand.
4. Checked baggage – As a last resort, check oversized items before boarding if possible.

Between cycles of playing musical chairs with carry-ons, I’ve used all these techniques over the years. Thankfully, most airline apps now show real-time updates on available bin capacity too. Forewarned is forearmed when juggling baggage Tetris.

Safety Considerations

While stowing underfoot, bear safety in mind as well. From instances I’ve seen, here are some potential risks:

– Bags can shift during turbulence and block evacuation pathways
– Sharp edges or heavy items falling on toes during taxi/takeoff/landing could cause injuries
– Flammable liquids are no-nos near sources of ignition like seat motors
– Loose articles become projectiles if unrestrained in an incident

All in all, secure belongings snugly and use padded covers if warranted. Air travel isn’t the time to take space-saving chances. When in doubt, gate-check or check larger bags that could endanger others if something goes amiss. Peace of mind is worth the extra hassle.

In conclusion, knowing airplane under seat parameters inside out allows flyers to maximize storage while avoiding headaches. Hopefully this covers all the crucial details folks seek when googling this common airport question! Let me know if any other plane logistics need unpacking. Safe travels to all.

Under Seat Airplane Carry-On Size Guidelines

Airline	Maximum Length	Maximum Width	Maximum Height
American Airlines	22 inches	14 inches	9 inches
Delta	22 inches	14 inches	9 inches
United	22 inches	14 inches	9 inches
JetBlue	21.5 inches	13.5 inches	9 inches
Southwest	24 inches	16 inches	10 inches

FAQ

1. How big is the under seat space on a plane?

   The size basically varies with different airlines and types of airplanes. But generally, under seat storage on airline planes is roughly 14-17 inches high, 13-15 inches wide, and 7-12 inches deep. With those limits, it can hold a very small suitcase or personal bag.

2. What can I fit under the seat in front of me?

   You can place a fairly small carry-on suitcase, purse, laptop bag, or backpack under the seat. Probably the largest thing that would basically fit is a rolling suitcase about 15 inches high and 18 inches long. Sadly, bigger bags simply won’t squeeze in there.

3. Is there storage space for my feet under the seat?

   On most planes, the area under the seat isn’t large enough for your feet, unfortunately. Some people report their feet lightly brushing the floor space, while others have no room at all. It varies a lot by your height and the airplane model. But in general, there isn’t quite enough legroom for feet under seats.

4. Should I use the under seat space?

   You can use the under seat area if the item fits without being too tight. Just be careful when the person in front reclines their seat, as they could accidentally bump your stuff. Also, if there is an emergency, you may sort of need to pull things out quickly. The overheads are safer overall, but the under seat is acceptable for small, light bags if handled carefully.

5. What about bigger carry-on bags?

   If your carry-on is too big to fit under the seat, you’ll have to check it or try to fit it in the overhead bins. But those fill up kinda fast on many flights. Perhaps other flyers could help you lift it up high if you ask nicely? Otherwise, you might need to check the bag, which can cost money. So it’s best to pack light if possible.

   

6. Can people in front of me recline with bags under the seat?

   Passengers are unfortunately allowed to recline their seats on flights. So if the person in front leans back, it could potentially squash whatever you stored below. Flying companions are usually fine, yet jerky recliners can cause damage. To avoid issues, remove stuff from under whenever the person ahead reclines. Communication helps too, so they know not to slam back suddenly.

7. What other storage options are there?

   In addition to under seat and overhead bin storage, some planes now offer additional storage bins in the aisle or in ceiling panels. Certain airlines provide “bin within a bin” areas for gear. But availability varies between planes. You may also consider checked luggage for large bags as long as it meets airline size limits. Then just carry on smaller personal items.