The 7 best under-the-seat bags you can take on any plane including super stylish rucksack that fits 12 days of clothes
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WITH airline fees rocketing higher than ever, savvy travellers are finding the best way to save money is by packing smart.
One of the easiest hacks? Bringing an underseat cabin bag that fits within strict airline personal item size limits so you don't have to pay for an overhead locker.
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Fabulous tried some underseat cabin bags to see which ones held the most outfits and had the best features
Credit: BECKY PEMBERTON
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I managed to get 11 dresses in Amazon's offering (pictured) - but one other brand beat it...
Credit: BECKY PEMBERTON
Of course, you'll have to maybe ditch bringing four outfit changes per activity - but underseat bags keep your cash where it belongs - in your wallet.
But which bag is currently the best on the market and how many outfits can it fit in?
Ahead of the looming school holidays, Fabulous put some underseat bags to the test…
Amazon
Xkdoai Travel Backpack - £17.99
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Amazon's Xkdoia bag is sleek and comes with numerous pockets and features
Credit: BECKY PEMBERTON
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The £17.99 bag was one of the best options from the bunch, in terms of size and savvy storage
Credit: BECKY PEMBERTON
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It has a 20L capacity and also included a handy liquids bag
Credit: AMAZON
With Ryanair's ruthless 40x20x25cm underseat baggage dimensions, it is no wonder that some brands are making bags tailored specially for this restriction.
More on bags
BARGAIN BAG Fashion fans rush to snap up £10 Primark bag dubbed a dupe of £1,600 buy
And this is true for Xkdoai Travel Backpack, which fits both this and EasyJet's 45x36x20cm measurements.
It holds 20 litres of baggage, and opens 180 degrees like a suitcase - although there are numerous handy pockets for devices and toiletries.
In order to be more secure, it has a hidden security zipped pocket at the back of the backpack for your mobile phone, passport, wallet and other valuables.
Our verdict - 10/10
Award: Best value
Outfits fitted - 11 dresses + passport + toiletries
There is no wonder travellers are rushing out to snap up this small, compact, yet totally helpful bag, which is currently 44 per cent off down from the original £30.99 price.
I love how it opens like a suitcase, but you don't have the faff of wheeling it through a city if you are on a weekend break.
I loved exploring the handy pockets and thinking about where I'd stack my make-up, shoes and tablet for my next trip.
Personally I think you can't go wrong with a stylish black bag, but I loved the fact there were six colours online to choose from, including purple and grey.
It was hard to beat this bag among the selection - and my partner said he'd be tempted to use it too.
Morrisons
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Morrisons' Lugg bag has wheels that can be detached to fit Ryanair's dimensions
Credit: BECKY PEMBERTON
As part of Morrisons' WIGIG (when it's gone, it's gone) range, is this silver underseat cabin bag by the brand Lugg.
It's made from a strong ABS material which helps protect it against shocks and scratches on your travels.
It also has 360 degree wheels - which can be removed so the bag is compliment with the Ryanair dimensions, and has a three-step telescopic handle for easy grip.
Our verdict - 7.5/10
Outfits fitted - 9 dresses + passport + toiletries
Morrisons' underseat bags have been all the rage lately, so I was excited to try out their latest offering.
I loved the stylish grey colour, and the height of the removable wheels made it feel almost the same size as a cabin bag, but without having to pay the extra flying fees.
The wheels were extremely easy to detach and reattach if you were in a hurry at the airline desk and running late like I always am.
It was quite hard squeezing my clothes in, however, and it didn't come with any internal dividers to organise my belongings - but if you are looking for a classic case that fits the brief, this could certainly do the trick.
It's only available in stores, but if you see it, I'd definitely recommend grabbing one for you or a family member.
Primark
Trolley Cabin Bag - £25
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Primark's Trolley Cabin Bag has wheels and a handle if you want to drag it around
Credit: BECKY PEMBERTON
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The bag is 1cm too big for Ryanair but it complies with Easyjet's underseat dimensions
Credit: PRIMARK
Primark's Trolley Cabin Bag works well in three ways - either as a pull-along bag on wheels, as a handbag with the two top straps, or it can be put on of a suitcase over the handles with the flap.
Sadly at 26x40x20cm, it is just 1cm too large for Ryanair, but it would work with EasyJet and a large number of other airlines for their underseat requirements.
It has a large main zipped compartment, as well as an external zipped pocket to the front for extra organisation.
Our verdict - 8.5/10
Outfits fitted - 12 dresses + passport + toiletries
Many people head to Primark to find an affordable travel bag - and this one comes in three colours depending on how jazzy you are feeling - black, zebra or leopard print.
I was pleasantly surprised how much I could easily roll-pack inside.
It was also a huge perk to have the squishy bag having wheels, so I could have the option of wheeling it if I fancied.
I would have ranked it higher if I could have used it for Ryanair as well as EasyJet.
Cabin Max
Travel Hack 20L Hand Luggage Bag - £30
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This stylish Cabin Max bag proved to be a hit due to its 20L capacity and design
Credit: BECKY PEMBERTON
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The lightweight bag weighs just 0.6kg
Credit: CABIN MAX
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It opens like a suitcase for easy packing
Credit: CABIN MAX
This compact ladies travel backpack by Cabin Max is compatible for laptop devices up to 13 inches - with 20L of space in total.
It has an an easy access top pocket for purses, phones and travel documents, and its lightweight design weighs just 0.6kg.
Our verdict - 10/10
Award: Most stylish
Outfits fitted - 10 dresses + passport + toiletries
If you are looking for a travel backpack but don't want to compromise on style - this is the beautiful bag is for you.
I absolutely loved the chic cream design and the inside was like a Tardis, fitting in 10 day dresses, plus my travel essentials.
I love how it opened like a suitcase, but had a privacy pocket at the back for my tablet and passport - and loved the flat at the back so you could hook it over suitcase handles if you wished.
Will definitely use this for my next girls' trip away.
Cabin Max
Metz 20L 40x20x25cm Underseat Cabin Bag - £30
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This mint green bag managed to fit a whopping 11 dresses - which is incredible for a weekend away
Credit: BECKY PEMBERTON
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It also includes a number of helpful pockets, including some at the front
Credit: CABIN MAX
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The Cabin Max bag comes in nine fun colours to choose from
Credit: CABIN MAX
Coming in nine fun colours is Cabin Max's Metz 20L 40x20x25cm Underseat Cabin Bag, which weighs just 500g.
It also boasts 20L in storage and includes a front organiser pocket with sections for an iPad or travel documents.
Not only does it have a padded top carry handle, but there is also a side bottle holder and rear trolley strap too.
Our verdict - 9.5/10
Outfits fitted - 11 dresses + passport + toiletries
Backpacks are great for weekends away as you don't have to lug them around on your arm - and this one proved to be such a hit.
I managed to roll 11 dresses inside, and I loved how there was two sections inside so I could keep items organised.
I loved the mint green colour and how comfy the padded straps were - and would definitely reach for it if I had a trip coming up.
Cabin Max
Gozo Cabin Bag Expandable Holdall - £35
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The pink travel bag can be expanded for extra capacity if you aren't travelling on Ryanair
Credit: BECKY PEMBERTON
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It has a shoulder strap and a band so it can attach to your suitcase handles
Credit: CABIN MAX
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It has a padded laptop compartment for devices up to 13.3 inch
Credit: CABIN MAX
The beauty of Cabin Max's Gozo Cabin Bag Expandable Holdall is that its size can be adjusted down to suit Ryanair's dimensions - or it can be expanded if you can have a little more space.
It's 40x20x25cm dimensions are perfect for the Ryanair free bag allowance, but it's expandable 40x30x20cm size fits the free bag rules of airlines like Wizz, Volotea or Vueling.
This means it has 20L internal capacity, which rises to 24L when expanded - and it has a separate padded laptop compartment for devices up to 13.3 inch.
It also has a helpful storage design with three internal zipped pockets and two open pockets - and can be carried with the handles, a shoulder strap or over a suitcase with a handle sleeve.
Our verdict - 9.5/10
Outfits fitted - 12 dresses + passport + toiletries
I was hugely impressed by this pink bag, which fitted in a whopping 12 dresses.
This is more than enough for a weekend break away and, if you are like me, and want multiple outfit changes.
I loved how it could be expanded when you aren't confined by Ryanair rules - meaning it is great value for money.
It also comes in a navy blue colour if the marshmallow pink one is too bold for you.
Tripp
Shell Print Vanity Case
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This gorgeous shell print vanity case from Tripp would be look great on a holiday
Credit: BECKY PEMBERTON
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The 1.4kg case has a 14.6L capacity
Credit: TRIPP
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The vanity case had one divider inside, which could separate a pair of shoes
Credit: TRIPP
Tripp specialises in suitcases and luggage, and so it's no surprise they have created a chic offering for the underseat restrictions.
Their 25x37x17cm vanity case allows you to take 14.6 litres when you fly and it weighs just 1.2kg.
It also comes in a range of colours, including this shell design - and there is also a chic dark green one too.
Our verdict - 7/10
Outfits fitted - 9 dresses + passport + toiletries
If you have ever wanted to feel like a stylish celebrity, you should consider travelling with a vanity case instead of a lumpy backpack.
While it may not have had all the bells and whistles of some travel bags - and just had one divider zipped flap inside - it looked smart and was protective with its hard exterior.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could fit inside, but they are a tad awkward to carry by themselves if they aren't resting on a large suitcase - despite it coming with an adjustable shoulder strap.
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The Independent
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- The Independent
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Initially passengers were allowed chunky cabin baggage – typically one roll-along case and a smaller backpack or laptop case. That is still the policy of British Airways, Jet2 and many other airlines. But the giant budget airlines have shrunk the amount they allow and charge a ludicrously large sum for taking larger cabin baggage. On many cheap flights on easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air, taking a 'large cabin bag' can roughly double the cost of the trip. To make matters worse, the three budget giants have different dimensions for the 'small personal item'. Now the European Parliament is demanding that all airlines should allow second piece of luggage as well. What could this mean for travellers? These are the key questions and answers. What has been agreed? The transport and tourism committee of the European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly that: 'Passengers should have a right to carry on board one personal item, such as a handbag, backpack or laptop (maximum dimensions of 40 x 30 x 15cm), and one small hand luggage (maximum dimensions of 100cm and 7kg) without an additional fee.' The crucial points are that the 'small hand luggage' will be in addition to the current free 'personal item'. It has been reported as allowing passengers to bring a roll-along or trolley case on board. But looking at the policy voted upon, it would be tiny. To comply with 'maximum dimensions of 100cm' the second bag would need to be something like 45 x 35 x 20cm, which adds up to 100cm. Yet oddly that is actually smaller than easyJet's existing free personal bag. The maximum volume of something with dimensions of 100cm is about 37 litres, far less than the current allowance for a paid trolley bag on any airline. What is the European Parliament saying? 'Today's vote marks an important step toward fairer and more transparent travel,' says Matteo Ricci, the rapporteur on enforcement of passenger rights. 'The clear definition of free hand luggage up to a maximum size of 100cm [is] a fundamental right to avoid unjustified extra costs.' Earlier this year 16 consumer groups from across the EU, under the main European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) umbrella, demanded 'a small item and a piece of hand luggage' to be included with every air fare. Already courts in Italy and Spain have come down on the side of the passenger wanting to bring two pieces of cabin baggage, with fines imposed on various budget airlines, particularly Ryanair. Appeals are currently in progress. What happens next? Later this year the committee's proposal will be voted on by the European Parliament. The plan is likely to be rubber-stamped. But that is still a long way from anything of this nature coming into effect. Once the parliament in Brussels (or Strasbourg, depending on the week) votes in favour, the issue goes to a 'trilogue'. What's a trilogue? 'An informal inter-institutional negotiation bringing together representatives of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission,' says the EU. 'The aim of a trilogue is to reach a provisional agreement on a legislative proposal that is acceptable to both the Parliament and the Council, the co-legislators. This provisional agreement must then be adopted by each of those institutions' formal procedures.' In other words, a talking shop where individual member states make their views heard. It is likely that Italy and Spain – where ministers have lobbied in favour of extra free cabin bags – will want to push through the new rules. 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When the last UK government started looking into the issue in November 2023, a senior aviation figure compared the idea of bundling in an automatic right to take more cabin baggage to making everyone who orders a pizza pay for extra toppings they may not want. But this is EU legislation – surely the UK could ignore any such law? On domestic flights and links from the UK to non-EU destinations such as Morocco and Montenegro, British carriers would not have to comply. But many links from the UK to European Union destinations are operated by EU airlines – including Ryanair, Wizz Air and easyJet Europe. Were a new 'two cabin bags' law to come in, it is likely that the big airlines would have a uniform policy to avoid even more confusion. Of course, British Airways and Jet2 would comply anyway with their current cabin bag allowances. Why do British Airways and Jet2 have different policies to the others? Because of their specific business models. 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Reuters
6 hours ago
- Reuters
Spanish court suspends fines for two airlines over cabin bag fees
MADRID, June 26 (Reuters) - A Spanish court on Thursday ordered a temporary halt to a fine slapped by the government on two budget airlines, including Ryanair (RYA.I), opens new tab, for practices such as charging for larger cabin bags, which according to the consumer ministry violated customer rights. The airlines have appealed the decision, and the court said it was impossible to get to the bottom of the issue at the moment, and paying the fine while it is being challenged in court would financially strain the companies. The injunction order effectively maintains the airlines' policies until a final decision is reached, and represents a first victory for the airlines. Ryanair and Norwegian Air ( opens new tab logged the appeal after they were fined 109.6 million euros ($128.40 million) last year, saying they believe the fine has no basis. Madrid's administrative court ordered both airlines to issue bank guarantees worth 111.8 million euros, equivalent to the sanctions plus interest, while the suspension is in place, it said in a statement. Industry group ALA praised the court's decision and claimed that the fines have no basis. It argued the fines "limit customers' ability to choose, and distort (the European Union's) common market". It said airlines would continue their charging policy until a final ruling is issued. Other airlines were also fined by Spain's consumer rights ministry last year. ALA said it hoped the court ruling will be later applied to all airlines. The ministry imposed a combined sanction of 179 million euros to all the airlines, which also included IAG's (ICAG.L), opens new tab low-cost unit Vueling, easyJet (EZJ.L), opens new tab, and Volotea. It argued they violated customers' rights when charging for larger carry-on bags, picking seats or boarding pass print-outs and not allowing cash payments at check-in desks or to buy items on board. ($1 = 0.8536 euros)
