The Personal-Item Bags Getting PS Editors Home for the Holidays

There's nothing like going on a quick trip for New Year's Eve or taking the time to visit friends and family you haven't seen in a while. However, the costs of flights are skyrocketing, suitcases are getting lost, and airlines are charging a pretty penny for carry-on luggage and checked bags. The hunt for cheap flights and convenient travel is an ongoing challenge, especially during the holiday season. One way to keep travel costs as low as possible: utilizing the personal-item carry-on bag. The personal-item bag is a must when you fly a no-frills airline such as Frontier or Spirit Airlines, or buy a basic economy seat for domestic travel, since it's the only bag you can bring that's free of extra costs. And fortunately, our editors try hundreds of products each year, which means we've done our fair share of traveling with the best of the best travel bags that will make your long-haul flights as easy as possible.

Our Favorite Personal-Item Bags to Shop

• The best option for the committed Spirit Airlines flyer: Narwey Foldable Travel Duffel Bag at $14
• Most durable option for weekend trips: Lubardy Travel Backpack at $31, originally $33
• Most affordable option for travelers on the go: Amazon Basics Underseat Carry-On at $40, originally $47
• For a 48-hour summer road trip: Beis The Mini Weekender at $98
• The best option for busy people: Dagne Dover Landon Large Neoprene Carryall at $119, originally $170
• The best option that can withstand scuffs and bumps: Calpak Hue Mini Carry-On Luggage at $148, originally $185
• The best option that doesn't compromise on style or functionality: Béis The Commuter Duffle at $158
• An editor-approved travel backpack: Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack 25L at $158
• Best for people with frequent weekend trips: Calpak Diaper Tote Bag With Laptop Sleeve at $195
• Best option with an detachable shoulder strap: Nex Carryall Bag at $207
• The ultimate personal-item bag: Calpak Ambeur Mini Carry-On Luggage at $215
• Best option with a luggage trolley sleeve: Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L Travel Pack at $225
• Best hiking-approved option: Away Overnight Bag at $228
• Best for those who need a bigger carry-on: Nomad Lane V4 Bento Bag at $283, originally $298

What Qualifies as a Personal-Item Bag?

A personal-item bag can be a durable backpack, a stylish tote bag, a spacious diaper bag, a laptop or work bag, or anything small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you. Each airline has different qualifications on sizes and proportions, so we've listed a few common ones below:

• Spirit: 8" depth x 14" width x 18" height
• Frontier: 8" depth x 18" width x 14" height
• United: 9" depth x 10" width x 17" height
• Delta: 9" depth x 13" width x 17" height
• American: 8" depth x 14" width x 18" height
• Southwest: 8.5" depth x 13.5" width x 18.5" height
• JetBlue: 8" depth x 13" width x 17" height
• Allegiant: 7" depth x 15" width x 16" height

How We Test the Best Personal-Item Bags

The personal-item bags we chose for the list below combine functionality and style with long-lasting use. Here are a few things our editors consider when reviewing them:

• Storage - Does it have enough room for all of your travel must haves while being able to fit under the seat?
• Style - Is the design flattering? Could it go with all of your airport outfits?
• Extra features - Does it have other compartments that can store useful products like small toiletries or a phone charger?

In short, a quality personal-item bag has enough room for all your travel accessories while being compact enough to fit under the seat in front of you according to the airline guidelines, along with a few vacation outfits, an extra pair of shoes, makeup, skin-care, and maybe a reusable water bottle. Fortunately, we curated the best personal-item bags for planes that you can shop right now, like a top-rated, PS editor-approved weekender bag from Béis. Ready to hit "buy" on a new one for yourself? Ahead, a selection of the best personal carry-on bags for flying.

Update on Dec. 18, 2025 at 10:OO AM ET: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.