Best bag for under airplane seat?

[JessieJones]

I think you should definitely opt for duffle bag which would adjust accordingly under your air seat. I have tried placing my Briggs & Riley baseline duffle under my aircraft seat, it fitted well and comfort was not compromised. And then I din spend an extra penny for luggage so it was worth.

 

[4GoofyCrew]

Backpacks all the way!

I tried an opentop tote one time because I thought it would be easier. I was so worried about stuff falling out once I tucked it under the seat. Now we strictly use backpacks (even the kids, because the more bags I can bring for free, the better!). Easy to wear to board the plane, easy to store. And the bonus? You've got your bag for the park if you decide you need/want to bring one!

 

[disneymarie]

honestly I find backpacks work the best, they fit under the seat great and they are easy to get into if you need something that you packed. Then when you need to carry it, it's so convienant to just strap it on to your back, with two straps the weight is balanced so it's more comfortable, you don't have to worry about it slipping off your shoulder, and it keeps your hands free.

Backpacks and rolling duffels (for the overhead) are the two best pieces of luggage for airline carry-on, bar none!

I agree with back packs. Allegiant charges $16 for the overhead, good luck finding one....the checked bag is $20. I got smart coming home, expanded the one overhead into full size and put the second bag in for the $20. I think they charge by flight, ours was. Direct 2 hr flight.

 

[brennanavery]

I have had this bag for over a year. Fits enough for a few days away. It even fits under the seat with Spirit Airlines!

http://www.ebags.com/product/lucas/wheeled-under-the-seat-bag/211182?productid=10128614

 

[Lewisc]

Be careful if you try to "cheat" Spirit out of their luggage fees.
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3027746

A bag might be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you while exceeding Spirit's maximum size for free cabin bags.

The Vera Bradley bag mentioned in this thread is one such bag.

michellejed--Your pocketbook better be small enough to fit inside your home made bag. Otherwise an observant Spirit employee might get you for $100.

 

[brennanavery]

I never insuated that I am "cheating" Spirit airlines out of their baggage fees. I have used this bag on Spirit, American and Delta without any problems of fitting it under the seat in front of me. It is what it is. It is made for that specific purpose and I have not had any problems using it. Just trying to give my two cents on some options. I never have been stopped or had a problem with having to stuff it to fit under the seat. I am allowed one item that fits under the seat in front of me and this fits into the parameters.

 

[Lewisc]

I never insuated that I am "cheating" Spirit airlines out of their baggage fees. I have used this bag on Spirit, American and Delta without any problems of fitting it under the seat in front of me. It is what it is. It is made for that specific purpose and I have not had any problems using it. Just trying to give my two cents on some options. I never have been stopped or had a problem with having to stuff it to fit under the seat. I am allowed one item that fits under the seat in front of me and this fits into the parameters.

I put the quotes around "cheating". I suspect Spirit thinks passengers were cheating them out of their fees by using bin bags (hence the charge), when 2 passengers share 1 checked bag (hence the 40lb maximum) and now by using the largest bag which fits under the seat in front of them (hence current reports of measuring such bags).

Spirit's website says:
Personal items (e.g. purse, small backpack, briefcase, etc.) must fit underneath the seat, so the dimensions must not exceed 16 x 14 x 12 inches (40 x 35 x 30 cm).

The bag you listed:

15.7" x 15.7" x 9.8"

You're almost 2 inches off in one dimension. The poster in the other thread was only over by an inch and paid $100.

It will cost you $100 when a Spirit employee takes out the tape measure.

I wonder if Spirit pays their employees a bonus based on carry on luggage caught at the gate.

 

[beccasmom]

Vera Bradley bags are good because you can "squish" them (providing they are not over-packed). I particularly like their weekender bags which have a detachable shoulder strap and several pockets. Older patterns are often on sale.

Be careful about the height of your handbag too (unless it is "squishy" too). I was in a window seat on our most recent flight and my Dooney purse was too tall to comfortably fit under the seat (I used the space under DD's middle seat).