Here's my top choice, along with others you might prefer
Confession: I am a luggage junkie. In my 20s, I could carry a bag on my shoulder, heavier than what I’d want to do now. Yes, it fit under the seat, though sometimes it took some persuading of the airline’s gate personnel and some coaxing (aka cramming) under the seat of the bag itself. Now, as a woman of a certain age and then some, I prefer a rolling bag and one that doesn’t require a back-twisting deep dive to access its contents during the flight. I’ve found my perfect bag, so that’s my top choice, but here are others that might work for you.
Each of these bags is nylon and has lockable zippers, wheels, an extension handle for easy rolling, and an add-a-bag strap. To determine what’s right for you, check online manufacturers and retailers for additional details, such as USB if you need it, and read positive and negative reviews.
My Current Fave:
The Tumi Voyageur Oxford Compact Carry-On is my current top choice for use under-seat. At $650, it’s pricey, but at 16 x 14 x 8 inches, it fits comfortably under most airplane seats, with enough space to tuck a smallish purse next to it. What I love about it is that it can fit a 14” laptop, along with enough clothes for a few days, and that its top compartment—incredibly easy to access—is set at the top end of the bag and opens with a curved zipper to reveal a space that easily holds my in-flight comforts—eye mask, ear plugs, small dop kit, Kindle or paperback, inflatable travel pillow, compression socks, melatonin, aspirin, and maybe even a shawl. The other thing I love is the Tumi company itself, which offers terrific, responsive customer service and repairs, should the need ever arise. The bag comes in black or plum with gold or gunmetal colored hardware. A friend commented that you could fly round-trip to Europe for the $650 price of this bag. She’s not wrong, but unlike a flight, the cost of a bag can be amortized across countless trips. And, this bag can be found on sale—check the Gilt app or Nordstrom Rack. Amazon also carries the Tumi brand.
Others to Consider:
Baggallini
I discovered the Baggallini two-wheel carry-on at Book Passage, a remarkable independent bookstore in Corte Madeira, California. Specializing in travel books, but with a wealth of other titles, it also sponsors writing courses and lectures by Bay Area authors and others, including an annual Travel Writing & Photography workshop. Luggage isn’t available on their website, only in the store, but it is offered on Amazon and the brand’s website. Baggalllini’s under-seat carry-ons come in two styles: two-wheel and four-wheel. The two-wheel is smaller: measuring 14.4 x 15 x 8 inches, it tucks easily under the seat in front of you. The larger four-wheel claims to work under the seat, but not for me. So, let’s look at the two-wheel. Available in a range of colors, it has a zip compartment for clothes, a compartment that works for a 13” laptop, and a smaller zip pocket. On its sides, it does have an outer zip compartment for your passport, and a sleeve for a water bottle, which is a plus, but the zippered laptop and smaller pockets are shallow, so they won’t hold bulkier in-flight necessities, and the zippers are set about 3 and 5 inches below the top end of the bag, so not as easy to access as the Tumi. On the other hand, the Baggalini two-wheel rings in at $200 from Baggalini, and gettable for less, so that’s a plus.
Biaggi
A friend who travels often loves her four-wheel Biaggi Zipsak Boost. Measuring 16 x 15 x 9 inches, this bag can expand to 21 inches, so if you’re fully loaded coming home, it can usually qualify as a carry-on, though destined for the overhead bin. It has a main zippered section for clothing, plus three zippered exterior pockets, one on the side for a passport, and two on the front to accommodate a 14” laptop. The zippers for these compartments are about 2 inches from the top of the bag, so relatively easy to reach in-flight. The bag comes in three colors—black, navy, and grey—all with eye-catching white trim. At around $90, the price is good. Other pluses of the Zipsack Boost are that it comes with a packing cube and is collapsable for easy storage. My friend is a costume designer who lives in Brooklyn (think of those tiny NYC closets), so it works for her!
Travelpro
Measuring 17.5 x 14.5 x 8.5 inches, the eco-conscious two-wheel Travel Pro Maxlite® 5 Carry-on Rolling Underseat Bag feels a little large to me, because even when airlines say their under-seat area is 18 inches, it sometimes doesn’t seem to work that way. No denying it, though, this is a beautiful bag. The main compartment zips open at the top, and it has three exterior pockets, one on each side and one in front that will accommodate a 14” laptop. Inside, it contains a hangable ‘wet pocket’. Offered in a range of colors, it’s priced at about $130.
I’ll keep you posted as I evaluate other brands’ rolling under-seat options. But, since we’re on the subject, what’s your favorite under-seat carry-on and why? Email me at gladys@fortheloveoftravel.com and let me know!
Notes on Totes:
If you are of a mind to carry a tote bag on board, you may already have one you like—the possibilities are seemingly endless. Travelpro makes a nice one and Tumi’s weekender is excellent. My personal choice when I don’t mind carrying something on my shoulder is is the Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Tote. Longchamp’s nylon backpacks are a favorite among women travelers, and this tote deserves a place at the top, too. Nylon with leather trim, and measuring 12 x 16 x 7 inches when not expanded, it has one interior compartment with zipper, and is equipped with a leather handle and a separate long strap allowing it to be carried cross-body. A zipper enables the bag to expand. On outgoing flights, I’ll tuck it under the seat in front of me. If I am returning with a load of textiles and other travel purchases, I either stow it in the overhead bin or use a combination lock to secure the zipper and check it—perfect for my needs. On occasion, I’ve folded it up flat and tucked it into a checked suitcase to use coming home if needed. Note: Longchamp also offers an Expandable Travel Duffle Weekender and other options that look great: check those out on the company’s website.
N.B. None of the items I review were gifts from their makers or from retailers.
© Gladys Montgomery 2023
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