What Fits Under an Airplane Seat – Airplane Carry On Luggage Size Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Airplane Underseat Size

If you’ve ever wondered how much luggage you can fit under the seat in front of you on an airplane, you’re not alone. Packing for a trip can be stressful enough without uncertainty about carry-on luggage restrictions. In this article, I’ll answer all your questions about airplane underseat size limits and provide tips for choosing the right carry-on bag.

Standard Underseat Size Requirements

Most major airlines have pretty consistent requirements for bags that can fit under the seat. The industry standard maximum size is 9 inches high x 17 inches wide x 22 inches long (22 x 43 x 56 cm). However, some key things to note:

• The space under most economy class seats is even smaller – more like 9 x 14 x 22 inches (22 x 35 x 56 cm)
• The space varies slightly depending on the airplane model and seat configuration
• Some bulkier bags could block the aisle or encroach on the foot space of the person in front of you

From my experience of flying multiple times per month for work, sticking to a smaller underseat bag is safer if you plan to put it under the seat in front of you. Most airlines strictly enforce maximum dimensions for safety and accommodating other passengers.

Common Types of Carry-On Bags

With an understanding of typical underseat sizes, here are some popular carry-on bag options to consider:

1. Laptop briefcase or small backpack:
   These versatile bags in the 9x13x16 inch range easily fit under most seats. Good for short trips when packing light.
2. Cabin-approved roller bags:
   Slightly bigger at22x14x9 inches, these “carry-on” rollers are designed for the cabin. Still compact but more capacity.
3. “Personal item” backpack:
   Backpacks around 15x13x7 inches can serve as your personal item plus another small bag like a purse underneath the seat.

The key is having a bag that’s flexible enough to meet both your packing needs and the airline’s carry-on restrictions. From my experience, measuring bags beforehand avoids disappointments at the gate.

Special Considerations When Packing

A few other factors to keep in mind when choosing what to pack in your underseat bag:

• Leave space at the top for items to fit safely under the seat in front of you without getting crushed. I make this mistake too often!
• Pack lighter, soft items like clothes on top since contents will get compressed. Sturdier laptops and toiletries can go on bottom.
• Use packing cubes or Ziploc bags to organize and compress your belongings more efficiently in the confined space. This is basically packing 101.
• Avoid bulky jackets or bundles that won’t squash down easily. Wear your heaviest layers on the plane instead of packing them.

With some creative packing, you can definitely squeeze a few days’ worth of clothing and essentials into a carry-on that meets underseat regulations. But be prepared to check a bag for longer trips.

Dealing with Carry-On Size Restrictions

Even if you measure carefully, there’s always a chance your bag might be too big once at the gate. Here are some strategies for smoothly handling a Size-restricted carry-on:

1. Be prepared to check the bag – have tags ready and know rough checked bag fees. It saves time versus running to the ticket counter.
2. Gate-check the bag if space allows. Then you retain control and don’t have to wait for luggage at your destination. Nearly every flight offers this option.
3. See if flight attendants will “gate-check” the bag in an empty overhead compartment versus officially checking it. Works if it’s just slightly too big.
4. As a last resort, dismantle the bag contents and divide between two bags if volume allows. Personally, I’ve totally done this before a flight departure.

Being polite but persistent usually leads to a reasonable solution. Remember, it’s better than making your bag too big and being forced to check it anyway resulting in longer wait times at your destination.

Customizing Your Carry-On Setup

With experience, you can refine your carry-on system for maximum efficiency. Here are some tips I’ve picked up over years of traveling:

• Invest in a ultra-light duffel or collapsible tote for compressed clothes and toiletries. Pack it flat when not in use.
• Attach a small purse or daypack to your roller bag for in-flight essentials. Avoid gate-checking these “personal items.”
• Use packing cubes nested together versus filling every inch of space. Creates more open pockets to stay organized en route.
• Roll clothing tighter instead of folding for more streamlined packing. Seriously, this packing “hack” is a game changer!
• Bring empty space in your bag in case of souvenirs, purchases or clothes worn multiple times. Good problem to have.

With some trial and error, you’ll ace the carry-on system that works best for your travel needs and style. Keep those bags under the size limits for stress-free trips!

Putting It All Together

Whether embarking on a short weekend getaway or longer vacation, understanding airplane underseat size restrictions is key to avoid flight hassles. By choosing versatile carry-on bags, creatively packing essentials, and preparing for contingencies, you’ll be set up for smooth sailing at the gate.

With a little planning, it’s totally possible to travel light with just a single carry-on bag. Let me know if you have any other questions! Safe travels.

Underseat Bag Size Guidelines for Airlines

Airline	Max Underseat Dimensions	Max Weight
American	22x14x9 in	40 lbs
Delta	22x14x9 in	50 lbs
United	22x14x9 in	40 lbs
Southwest	24x16x10 in	50 lbs
JetBlue	16x13x8 in	40 lbs
Alaska	22x14x9 in	50 lbs
Frontier	22x14x9 in	40 lbs

FAQ

1. How big is the average underseat size on airplanes?

   Most airplanes have underseat sizes that are about the size of a laptop bag or small suitcase. The dimensions are usually around 9 inches high by 14 inches wide by 22 inches deep. But it depends on the airline and type of plane.

2. Will a larger carry-on bag fit under the seat?

   Even though some carry-on bags may look like they’ll fit, bags that are too tall or bulky often won’t fit properly under most airplane seats. The space is pretty tight. So it’s best to choose something with dimensions that are close to or smaller than the average size. It basically needs to slide right under without sticking out too much.

   

3. What should I do if my bag is too big?

   If your bag doesn’t fit, you’ll need to check it. But that comes with fees these days. Perhaps you can borrow a smaller bag from a friend for your trip? Or buy a new carry-on that meets the size limits? You could also see if any items can be transferred to a personal item like a purse. Otherwise, check the bag and hope it doesn’t get lost!

4. Are airlines strict about underseat sizes?

   Most airlines are actually pretty serious about enforcing the size limits under the seats. They don’t want bags sticking out into the aisle where they could block emergency exits. So if an attendant sees a bag that looks too big, they may ask you to check it to avoid any safety issues. It’s not worth the risk of delays if they decide your bag must be gate-checked.

5. Can I use a purse in addition to a carry-on?

   Yes, you’re allowed to bring one personal item like a purse, backpack, or laptop bag that can fit under the seat or on your lap in addition to your carry-on bag. As long as the personal item meets airline size restrictions, you should be good to go. Just make sure any liquids, gels and aerosols are in quantities of 3.4 ounces or less if keeping them in your purse.

6. Will the airlines reimburse me if they lose my bag?

   If your bag gets lost or misplaced by the airline, you’ll want to file a claim as soon as possible. They should reimburse you for reasonable replacement costs of lost contents. However, the airlines are not responsible for reimbursing you if your bag was too big and had to be checked for that reason. You assume the risk of checking bags versus carrying on. It’s always better to play it safe size-wise.

7. What can I do to increase my odds of fitting under the seat?

   The best way is to really measure your bag before flying and make sure it meets carry-on dimensions. You could also purchase compression packing cubes or straps to squish down the bag as much as possible. Removing nonessential items and packing meticulously also helps squeeze in more space. And praying for vacant middle seats never hurts! Overall, proper planning is key to avoiding baggage problems.

   

8. Do most people really know the proper underseat size limits?

   The majority of folks probably have a vague idea that carry-ons need to be relatively small. However, chances are lots of people guess at sizes rather than taking exact measurements. As a result, plenty of bags get wedged onto planes that should have been checked all along. Perhaps the airlines should post size charts more prominently so there’s no confusion. But who actually stops to read those signs, right? We all just want to travel easily – baggage limits be darned!