Under seat luggage

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

OP check what your airline's personal item (because that's what items that go under the seat are) allowable dimensions. Then measure yourself what your wheeled item that you bought to go under your seat measures (including wheels and things that stick out and how 'full' you'll be packing it). I would always error on the side of caution TBH and wouldn't personally bring something that is right there at the limit especially due to how a PP mentioned under the seat storage can vary at times depending on what seat you sit in.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Wheeled under seat bags are not new, there are just more available for sale, lately.

Each legacy carrier, such as American, Delta, United, etc., allows up to two carry-on bags, per passenger. The ultra low-cost carriers, such as Frontier, Allegiant, Spirit, etc., may charge you for any carry-on bag, other than what fits under the seat in front of you. Southwest allows two free carry-ons (one under the seat in front of you and one in the overhead bin), at no extra charge.

You need to be aware that the under seat space varies both by airline and seat location. For instance, many aisle seats have a much narrower under seat storage area, than the center and window seats.

Here is a useful article from USA Today:
https://traveltips.usatoday.com/dimensions-space-under-airline-seats-62378.html

They allow 1 carry on and 1 personal item. Not 2 carry ons. The difference in terminology is important though due to size limitations, location on the plane the item will go, and procedures for when space runs out.

 

[jec6613]

They allow 1 carry on and 1 personal item. Not 2 carry ons. The difference in terminology is important though due to size limitations, location on the plane the item will go, and procedures for when space runs out.

They're both considered carry-on bags, just with different size requirements. On some airlines, primarily foreign ones, you're allowed two both identical in size.

In British English they're known as hand luggage.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

They're both considered carry-on bags, just with different size requirements. On some airlines, primarily foreign ones, you're allowed two both identical in size.

In British English they're known as hand luggage.

We're talking about U.S. domestic flights I would assume from the OP NOT the entire world.

Physically they may be carried on but for airline terminology a Carry On is different than a Personal Item. And all the wording the PP pasted in used Carry On and Personal Item.

It doesn't matter TBH what British English calls it no offense as that's not what we're talking about here. I'm talking about clarification for the airline terminology. I made the distinction so as to have clarification for others. Some people (not talking about the poster I quoted) reading the boards don't fly often and may get confused.

 

[shoreward]

With all of the back and forth, here, I think the best advice is to contact your airline. There are so many variables, which are always subject to change.

 

[jec6613]

We're talking about U.S. domestic flights I would assume from the OP NOT the entire world.

Physically they may be carried on but for airline terminology a Carry On is different than a Personal Item. And all the wording the PP pasted in used Carry On and Personal Item.

It doesn't matter TBH what British English calls it no offense as that's not what we're talking about here. I'm talking about clarification for the airline terminology. I made the distinction so as to have clarification for others. Some people (not talking about the poster I quoted) reading the boards don't fly often and may get confused.

Welcome to a highly regulated industry with very specific terms used inconsistently.

I'm trying to avoid confusion if people actually visit the website or contact the airline. The airlines refer to both pieces as carry-on luggage in their CoC and official documents, the term personal item is only a vernacular that appears in the FAQ type sections. This is important to understand if you actually contact the airline past their teir 1 customer service number or read the CoC to determine what's permitted. Yes, I know that the CoC is a bit like reading the iTunes T&C, but higher tiers in customer service do use the terms correctly, as explained below:

It's not that they may both be, "Carried on," Carry on luggage is actually a term for luggage that is permitted on board the aircraft with the passenger that is not included in the FAA exempt list of personal items that you must be permitted on board. The FAA exempt list are what are officially considered personal items, and include food for consumption on the aircraft, reading material for your flight including tablets or a small laptop sleeve, medical devices including eyeglasses and contact lenses and even some toothpastes and bottles of water, a pair of binoculars or a camera that you hand carry on (usually around your neck), sunglasses, jackets, feminine hygiene products, and other sundry personal items. Legacy and EAS airlines also add a few more items from old hangovers in CAB agreements, such as extra winter clothing (socks, hats, scarves, and gloves not being worn) for airlines operating in certain regions, as well as purses or man bags below a certain size. Specifically personal items as defined by the FAA are things that do not go in a bag and are hand carried or on your person.

The British English I mentioned only because some airlines that fly domestically list it as such, especially ones with large UK/Commonwealth overseas presences, and also because some people from these boards are overseas travelers. Additionally, a smaller piece is sometimes referred to as a, "Cabin bag," indicated its intended use for things you wish to access during the flight.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Welcome to a highly regulated industry with very specific terms used inconsistently.

I'm trying to avoid confusion if people actually visit the website or contact the airline. The airlines refer to both pieces as carry-on luggage in their CoC and official documents, the term personal item is only a vernacular that appears in the FAQ type sections. This is important to understand if you actually contact the airline past their teir 1 customer service number or read the CoC to determine what's permitted. Yes, I know that the CoC is a bit like reading the iTunes T&C, but higher tiers in customer service do use the terms correctly, as explained below:

It's not that they may both be, "Carried on," Carry on luggage is actually a term for luggage that is permitted on board the aircraft with the passenger that is not included in the FAA exempt list of personal items that you must be permitted on board. The FAA exempt list are what are officially considered personal items, and include food for consumption on the aircraft, reading material for your flight including tablets or a small laptop sleeve, medical devices including eyeglasses and contact lenses and even some toothpastes and bottles of water, a pair of binoculars or a camera that you hand carry on (usually around your neck), sunglasses, jackets, feminine hygiene products, and other sundry personal items. Legacy and EAS airlines also add a few more items from old hangovers in CAB agreements, such as extra winter clothing (socks, hats, scarves, and gloves not being worn) for airlines operating in certain regions, as well as purses or man bags below a certain size. Specifically personal items as defined by the FAA are things that do not go in a bag and are hand carried or on your person.

The British English I mentioned only because some airlines that fly domestically list it as such, especially ones with large UK/Commonwealth overseas presences, and also because some people from these boards are overseas travelers. Additionally, a smaller piece is sometimes referred to as a, "Cabin bag," indicated its intended use for things you wish to access during the flight.

We're talking about size restrictions here which is what the OP was asking about (and location they go on the plane and things like gate checking). They distinguish this out on airline websites by Carry On and Personal Item in terms of size restrictions. For clarifications reasons that's why I pointed it out.

If someone uses "...allows up to two carry-on bags, per passenger" that would be an inaccurate description on the OP's question which is what I was initially/originally discussing as the OP asked if their wheeled item they bought would fit under the seat.

Take SWA for example. If you tell someone you're allowed 2 carry ons they may think they are allowed to bring 2 items that are 10 x 16 x 24 inches. They are only allowed 1 item that is that size. Their personal item, which goes under their seat, is restricted to 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inches.

Agree to disagree and move on at this point

 

[AngiTN]

There may be a different policy on codeshare and partner (non-mainline) flights.

Did you fly Delta Connection today, such as a flight operated by Republic or Sky West, but marketed through Delta? Due to the limited overhead bin space on flights on the smaller planes operated by DL Connection carriers, I believe they might make Basic Economy passengers gate check.

No idea. Probably no more then most others do. I booked it all right with Delta. Mostly a warning to anyone else who goes to book and board. Know the fine print

 

[bumbershoot]

I have a Gura Gear bag that is the largest allowed on AA as a personal item to the inch, and it doesn't fit under the seat of any of their current domestic aircraft fleet thanks to new seats and equipment boxes underneath them, so I just throw it in the overhead and nobody cares.

By "nobody", do you mean every FA on that aircraft taht you of course check with each time? Do you mean your fellow passengers who might very well be glaring at you because THEY were forced to check their carryon because the gate agent told them that there was no more room (I have been seated on flights when they tell people that, when I can SEE space and poorly placed bags that would allow more bags)?

If an airline wishes to allow more than that through, the fee charged to the airline by the TSA increases when this happens.

Um...OK so...no one is matching up ticket and bags by that point. And have you ever seen people traveling with kids? Not only the carryons and the personal items, but then the bins with the 311 bags and the shoes and the stuffed animals and the winter coats and the CPAPs and and and and.

That might be how their back end stuff is done, but I don't think there's any checks and balances.

And while some airlines may 'look the other way' if you store 2 items in the overhead bin for one passenger, you are taking away a spot for someone who is following the rules of one piece above and one under the seat.

Agreed.

They're both considered carry-on bags, just with different size requirements.

You keep mentioning British english. Here's the wording from British Airways.

"1 handbag/laptop bag (max. 23kg / 51lb and up to 40 x 30 x 15cm / 16 x 12 x 6in)

plus

1 additional cabin bag (max. 23kg / 51lb and up to 56 x 45 x 25cm / 22 x 18 x 10in)"

See how specific they get? It does *everyone* a disservice to call it just carryon or hand baggage allowances without getting into the nitty gritty.


OP almost every United aisle seat I've sat in domestically has been extra narrow. Just FWIW, in case you're taking United. I've forgotten what you said in your post LOL.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Most airlines don't have any such, "Rule," at all, they simply allow two pieces, and give dimensions,

This is not quite accurate.

• American Airlines "Your personal item like a purse or small handbag must fit under the seat in front of you. Dimensions should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm)."
• United Airlines: "The maximum dimensions for your personal item that fits under the seat in front of you, such as a shoulder bag, purse, laptop bag or other small item, are 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm). If you are traveling on a Basic Economy ticket, your personal item will be the only item you can bring on board."
• Delta: no specific size, but "We know, you’ve probably heard it before, but just in case you need a reminder: you’re only allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item onboard at no charge. Just make sure they fit into the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Cram sessions are not pretty — and they slow things down."
• JetBlue: "Personal item should not exceed the following size and weight restrictions according to flight aircraft:
• A320 and E190 aircraft: 41 linear inches (18 x 15 x 8 in) or 94 centimeters (46 x 38 x 20 cm)
• A321 aircraft: 41 linear inches (17 x 13 x 11 in) or 94 centimeters (43 x 33 x 28 cm)". But actually can go overhead.
• Southwest: "Personal-type items include purses, briefcases, cameras, food containers, or laptops (case included). Your personal item must be stored under the seat in front of you, fitting within 18.5 x 8.5 x 13.5 inch dimensions."

 

[kaytieeldr]

We're talking about U.S. domestic flights I would assume from the OP NOT the entire world

and American English.

With all of the back and forth, here, I think the best advice is to contact your airline. There are so many variables, which are always subject to change.

Yes, absolutely. Most airlines also provide good online resources.

The airlines refer to both pieces as carry-on luggage in their CoC and official documents, the term personal item is only a vernacular that appears in the FAQ type sections.

Pasted directly from AA.com Contract of Carriage "

• Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.
• All bags must be stowed before takeoff."

While the CoC does not specify sizes (presumably for flexibility without having to rewrite), it does describe where each of the two items must fit.

 

[maxiesmom]

[QUOTE="shoreward, post: 60645032, member: 521392"

You need to be aware that the under seat space varies both by airline and seat location. For instance, many aisle seats have a much narrower under seat storage area, than the center and window seats.

Here is a useful article from USA Today:
https://traveltips.usatoday.com/dimensions-space-under-airline-seats-62378.html[/QUOTE]

THIS! I bought what I thought would be a great under the seat wheeled bag. And I have used it exactly once. It is just to hard to know ahead of time if it will truly fit under the seat ahead of me.

 

[Nohal]

Flying Southwest tomorrow. I have measured the underseat piece of luggage and it fits within the guide lines. I'll report back how I make out. Just in case, the other carryon has things not needed immediately in case we have to gate check it. Also wondering if it is gate checked, can I then put the Magical Express tag on or in this case is it better not to.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Just watch I was on an AA flight and in the window seat there is a box that was attached to the seat in front of me so the bag (a rolling underseat bag)
would not fit under the seat but my husband was in the middle so we were able to put it under the seat in front of him.. I have used the bag on Frontier and it fit perfect in the window and middle seat.

 

[Lewisc]

Did the OP ever tell us what airline? Spirit doesn't like customers "cheating" them out of luggage fees. A year or so ago they lowered the maximum size bags allowed as a free personal item. Any wheeled bag I found exceeded the allowable dimensions. It's real easy, if the bag doesn't fit in the sizing template you'll pay. Current price for a bin bag (NYC-MCO) paid at the gate is $65.

People who want to maximize the packing volume for a personal item (really any bag) is to use a bag without wheels. Wheels add to the lenght. Wheels frequently require a frame which further reduced packing size.

https://www.gonexsport.com/collecti...tweight-travel-hiking-backpack-travel-daypackIs a backpack which maximizes packing volume. It's a little larger then Spiritt's maximum. Don't pack it full so you can squish it to fit. A small duffel bag also works well.

Asking about a "real" airline, Costco currently has 2 under the seat wheeled bags. They just miss Spirit's measurements but should work with the major carriers.

 

[DIS_MIKE]

Is a backpack which maximizes packing volume. It's a little larger then Spiritt's maximum. Don't pack it full so you can squish it to fit. A small duffel bag also works well.

Asking about a "real" airline, Costco currently has 2 under the seat wheeled bags. They just miss Spirit's measurements but should work with the major carriers.

I've always gotten away with a laptop case as my personal item (placed under my seat) and a wheeled luggage for the overhead bin. Over the years I've discontinued use of my laptop and use my iPad exclusively on trips so I've replaced my laptop case with a backpack. Does it meet the guidelines of the airline? Barely....but as you mention..you can squish it to fit under your seat. I've never been asked to verify it's length.

I also take my hydration system (a must for WDW trips) which packs easily in the backpack as well. I almost always take a light jacket or sweater with me on flights. It can take up a decent amount of room in my pack so I always wear it as I board and if it gets to hot then i'll move it to my backpack. It's a nice little way to cut down on the size of the backpack as you scan your ticket before you get onto the jetway.

 

[Nohal]

We flew southwest and the “under” seat bag didn’t fit under the seat. Fortunately there was plenty of room in the overhead bins. Someone said that there was less room under the aisle seat and that’s where we sat. Going to try again on return flight. I’ll let you know.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

TSA leaves it up to the airlines:

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/what-are-size-restrictions-carry-bags

Kind of.

Each airline submits their allowed carryon rules to the FAA who evaluates them for safety.

 

[Darcy03231]

I have one and it fit perfectly under the seat of my Delta flight. I did have to have Delta tag it for me as TSA wouldn't let it through without Delta saying it fit their requirements for a personal item.