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Forbes
8 minutes ago
- Forbes
The Very Best Personal Item Bags, According To A Travel Editor
If a flight is in your future, chances are you'll be packing a personal item bag alongside your luggage. These bags help keep your hands free at the airport and can easily slide under the front seat on any airline. As Forbes Vetted's senior travel editor and a frequent flier myself, I selected the best personal item bags on the market today, including the editor-favorite Calpak Luka Duffel, and my top personal item backpack pick, the Aer City Pack 2. The best personal item bags keep your hands free at the airport and can easily slide underneath the ... More seat in front of you. Illustration: Forbes / Images: Retailer Unlike carry-on backpacks, which can be an alternative to a suitcase, a personal item bag can be brought on your flight in addition to your carry-on luggage. Generally, a bag measuring 18 x 14 x 8 inches qualifies as a personal item—all of our selections adhere to this guideline. However, 'personal item bags restrictions can vary by airline,' says Ally Gibson, a travel content creator who has visited over 30 countries. 'I always recommend double checking the dimensions before travel.' Below, my selections for the best personal item bags of 2025. Our Top Recommendations Best Personal Item Bag Overall: Calpak Luka Duffel Best Personal Item Backpack: Aer City Pack 2 Best Personal Item Tote Bag: MZ Wallace Medium Metro Tote Deluxe Best Convertible Personal Item Bag: Fjällräven Kånken Totepack Best Personal Item Bag For Organization: Away Everywhere Zip Backpack Best Rolling Personal Item Bag: Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 8 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Capacity: 22L | Material: Polyester Best for: Weather-resistant nylon exterior Ample pockets, including shoe compartment Comfortable shoulder handles and crossbody strap Skip if: You want a bag you can wear on your back I've used Calpak's Luka Duffel as both a personal item bag and a weekender bag, and it's always the first item I reach for when I want a duffel option that allows me to easily store a pair of shoes. Alongside its spacious shoe compartment, this bag is a favorite of mine thanks to its soft, pillowy material that makes its handles among the most comfortable of any bag I've used (and the reason I've named it not only a great personal item bag, but one of the best luggage pieces to travel with). Its polyester exterior is also fairly water-resistant, making it a great option for multiple climates, and allowing the bag to be smooth enough to slide under the seat of any airline without snagging. It's an ideal size (there's also a large version available that can serve as a carry-on item), and is reasonably priced at under $150, especially for a style that stands the test of time. Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Capacity: 16L | Materials: Cordura nylon Best for: Easy organization Dedicated laptop compartment A durable Cordura nylon exterior Skip if: You don't want to carry a backpack You want more color options (currently only available in black) San Francisco-based gear company Aer makes some of the most well-constructed travel backpacks on the market today, and the City Pack 2 has become one of my favorites. As its name suggests, this bag is specifically tailored to storing—and protecting—your gear as you hop from city to city. Featuring compartments that house a 16-inch laptop, tablet, phone, cords, chargers and more, the bag makes it easy to stay organized since there's a place for everything—including a dedicated Apple AirTag pocket to help you keep track of your valuables. It has a clean, no-frills design, but don't let its minimalism fool you: The bag's durable Cordura exterior is designed to withstand heavy handling, whether it ends up under the seat or in the overhead storage. Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.4 x 12.7 inches | Weight: 1.8 pounds | Capacity: 23L | Materials: Quilted REC nylon, Italian leather detailing Best for: Organizational pockets Weatherproof exterior Large capacity Skip if: A tote feels too deep for your packing needs You want to avoid leather materials MZ Wallace's Large Metro Tote Deluxe is one of my all-time favorite travel bags—I've traveled with it to multiple continents and have stuffed almost an entire wardrobe inside of it. That bag, however, measures a bit larger than the standard personal item allowance on most airlines, so to be on the safe side, I recommend the brand's Medium Metro Tote as the best option for a tote to bring on board. What really stands out about MZ Wallace's totes are the plethora of pockets: Each bag in this Metro style is built with six zipped interior pockets that include ones right near the handles, making it easy to reach for a passport or wallet. The tote's quilted nylon material is another plus: It's soft and comfortable on your shoulders (it also comes with an attachable shoulder strap) as well as being virtually weatherproof—it kept all of my items (including a laptop) dry when I got caught in a torrential downpour in Athens. Fjällräven Fjällräven Kånken Totepack Dimensions: 14.2 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches | Weight: 11.6 ounces | Capacity: 14L | Materials: Vinylon F (mix of recycled polyester and cotton) Best for: Can be converted to a tote Water-resistant Lightweight Skip if: You want more storage—this is one of the smaller bags on our list If, like me, you love a tote bag but sometimes need a break from putting all of its weight on one shoulder, Fjällräven's Kånken Totepack delivers: Pull down on one of its webbed shoulder handles and transition it into backpack straps for a hands-free carry option. Its flexible design is ideal for when you're on the go, and its dedicated laptop sleeve and three pockets make it great for storing your in-flight essentials without taking up too much underseat space. This bag is made of the brand's G-1000 Vinylon F fabric, a mix of recycled polyester and cotton that's both durable and water-resistant. For extra water protection, it's also compatible with Greenland Wax, a sustainable and DIY-friendly waterproofing method. Dimensions: 12 x 5.9 x 17.7 inches | Weight: 2.45 pounds | Capacity: 20L | Materials: Nylon, leather Best for: Organization Clamshell opening Durable nylon and leather exterior Skip if: You don't want to carry a backpack You need an exterior water bottle holder I've traveled with a wide variety of Away luggage over the years, and the brand has quickly become one of my favorites thanks to its durability. Gibson agrees: 'Away bags always hold up so well, even after tons of travel.' I personally keep reaching for the brand's Everywhere Zip Backpack thanks to its full clamshell opening that makes it easy to spot my items as soon as I open it. The bag also features no shortage of pockets, including several hidden zippered pockets that can store smaller items like keys or lip balm. The exterior's nylon and leather is stylish and durable enough to withstand your flight, and on the backside there's a trolley sleeve that allows it to attach to your suitcase handle. One thing to note: The water bottle holder is inside the main compartment, not on the exterior like with many other backpacks. Samsonite Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner Dimensions: 9 x 13.5 x 16.5 inches | Weight: 5.6 pounds | Capacity: 10.5L | Materials: Polyester Best for: 360-degree spinner wheels Built-in USB port Exterior pockets Skip if: You don't want to roll your personal item bag A rolling suitcase efficiently stores your goods while taking the weight off your shoulders, and this petite version from editor-approved luggage brand Samsonite is designed to fit under most airlines' seats. It has four 360-degree spinning wheels for easy airport maneuvering and a built-in USB port to charge your tech on the go (batteries sold separately). I like its easy-access exterior pockets for items you'll need on hand—like an ID or boarding pass—and its interior compartments protect your small laptop or tablet, toiletries, clothes and more. Take note: If you're traveling with a purse or crossbody, you'll need to store it inside this bag before boarding the plane or the airline will count this as a carry-on suitcase. If there's one thing the Forbes Vetted travel team loves (besides an epic trip, of course), it's a smart travel product. We've researched, evaluated and written about travel accessories—from the best garment bags to the best packing cubes—to make your trip better, easier and more organized. This story was written by Astrid Taran, Forbes Vetted's senior travel editor, who's been to over 40 countries and has over 8 years of experience in the travel space. She is a frequent flier who has used several of the personal item bags on this list. This story was edited by Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung, who approved all product picks. She oversees the travel and fashion sections, and has traveled with her beloved Calpak Luka on domestic and international trips. For this story, Taran spoke to Ally Gibson , a travel content creator who has visited over 30 countries with many of the backpacks on this list. Gibson shared key insights as well as her own recommendations for personal item bags. We relied on expert advice, independent reviews, research and personal experience to select our top recommendations for the best personal item bags. Our travel team evaluated ten different bags for this review, testing many top options over the course of months. Our winners were evaluated based on their design, materials, dimensions, capacity, interior organization and durability. We researched all the brands featured on this list to ensure each has a strong reputation and positive reviews, focusing on models with an average rating of at least 4 stars and negligible concerning reviews, if any. The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.
Forbes
8 minutes ago
- Forbes
Dreams Take Flight At JFK's Iconic TWA Hotel
The stunning TWA Hotel at JFK Airport in New York. David Mitchell Remember when flying used to be glamorous? No? Well, it's time for a stay at the gorgeous TWA Hotel, a welcoming oasis in the chaos and construction that is the current state of New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. The former TWA terminal, which was built in 1962 by renowned architect Eero Saarinen (who also designed the legendary Gateway Arch in St. Louis) and is considered an architectural masterpiece, has been transformed into a breathtaking space that's part hotel, part gathering place for dining, musing and even swimming, and part museum with fascinating historical artifacts and mid-century modern eye candy everywhere you look. Staying here is such a unique experience but is also practical because it's the only hotel on the actual airport property — and it's Air Train-accessible. This makes it an ideal place to spend the night when you have an early morning flight. Even better if your flight is leaving from Terminal 5, which connects to the hotel via super-cool flight tubes. Room with a (runway) view at TWA Hotel David Mitchell There are 512 rooms at the hotel and, although I've stayed in their standard rooms, which are fine, it's absolutely worth splurging for one with a runway view. Unlike the photo above, our king bed directly faced the floor to ceiling windows, providing a bird's eye look at the planes taking off and landing. Honestly, we didn't need a TV in the room (although there was a nice big screen one) because this was a show in itself and we actually spent much of the evening guessing where they were going, talking about where we wanted to go and reminiscing over past trips. We even put away our phones. What's amazing is that, despite the up close and personal views of all the action, you can't hear any of it, thanks to the second-thickest windows in the world. We were also glad to have blackout shades for sleeping but put them right back up as soon as we rose in the morning. I loved the flattering Hollywood-style vanity in the bathroom and the adorable vintage TWA toiletry kit. My husband was happy to grab a *few* (LOL) of his favorite TWA pencils from the well-stocked holder on the desk. Dining at TWA Hotel Enjoy a drink at Connie Cocktail Lounge in a retired 1958 Lockheed Constellation airplane. David Mitchell On previous stays, we usually end up grabbing something to eat in the hotel's expansive Food Hall, which features New York staples like bagels, pizza, Feltman's hot dogs and Mister Softee ice cream. This time, though, we decided to up our game and try Paris Cafe by Jean-Georges instead. Our fish and chips were pricey but delicious and we were intrigued by the fact that the menu was inspired by old TWA in-flight menus. If all the '60s Mad Men vibes are making you crave a martini, head outside, climb the stairs up into an actual 1958 Lockheed Constellation airplane turned cocktail lounge and order a Vodka is My Co-Pilot. Connie Cocktail Lounge, named one of the best hotel bars in the world, is a fun place to have a drink or at least post some selfies. Things to see and do at TWA Hotel Step back into the '60s in the Twister room. Lois Alter Mark TWA Hotel is an Instagrammer's dream, from the eye-popping Twister room (where you can actually play the game) to the pretty in pink Sweet'N Glow Salon to the beautiful lines and curves of the architecture. One of the many exhibits on display at TWA Hotel. David Mitchell It's also a mecca for aviation geeks and historians, who will appreciate the free museum-quality exhibits curated by the New York Historical Society. You can see TWA uniforms from 1945-2001, vintage in-flight amenities and original TWA travel posters, interact in period-perfect recreations of historic rooms and study dozens of photos and timelines. The rooftop infinity pool at TWA Hotel. StephanieBC There's an infinity pool on the roof that's as inviting in the winter, when it's set to a balmy 95 degrees, as it is for cooling off during the hot New York summer. If you feel compelled to work out during your stay, the world's largest hotel gym is complimentary for guests and offers 14 Peloton bikes, lots of other machines and equipment and a full yoga studio. A stay at TWA Hotel is a must for anyone who loves to travel. If only your pre- and post-stay flights were as civilized and sophisticated as the ones celebrated here.
Yahoo
12 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Alberta restaurants increase their sales; Canadian and U.S. tourists up
Restaurant sales in Alberta rose by 6.8 per cent in May from last year, according to Statistics Canada — and an economist says multiple factors explain the increase. Alberta isn't alone. Instead, the trend is consistent across Canada, and its most important driver is a push to buy local and ditch travel plans to the U.S. following President Donald Trump's threats of tariffs and annexation, says Siddhartha Bhattacharya, an economist with financial institution ATB, which is also a provincial crown corporation. Trump's rhetoric has prompted a decline in American air travel among Canadians. The number of Canadians returning to Calgary and Edmonton airports from the U.S. fell by 7.2 per cent in June from last year, while returns from Canadian destinations rose, according to ATB. 'They are definitely spending more locally in terms of travel,' Bhattacharya said. U.S. tourists to Canada increasing while more Canadians staying home The flow of American tourists, meanwhile, has only been rising. ATB's analysis shows that the number of Americans entering Canada via Alberta's airports has grown by more than 11 per cent. 'That's definitely boosting revenues,' Bhattacharya said. Also propelling the province's hospitality industry is population growth. Alberta swelled by more than 200,000 residents last year, and Bhattacharya said ATB projects more than 120,000 newcomers will have moved to the province by the end of this year. Despite the pressures on infrastructure, the pattern has proved favourable for certain industries. More people means more demand and more labour. Employment in the food and accommodation sector in the first half of this year was up by 4.9 from the same period in 2024. The trend is buffeted by a softer inflation, which fell from 5.9 per cent in 2023 to 3.6 per cent in 2024. However, higher revenues could also be a result of increased prices over the years. Alberta, however, isn't the province with the highest revenue gains in its hospitality sector. New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan all boast a rise of eight per cent or more in proceeds from the previous year, although the numbers don't yet include the economic impact from hosting the G7 and the Rotary convention, which drew thousands of people to Alberta. Bhattacharya said geopolitical tensions have inevitably infiltrated the domestic markets in Canada, and so he expects a drop in consumer purchases over the next few months as the effects of tariffs begin to unfold. However, the restaurant industry may remain relatively unscathed. 'It's a healthy sign that dining out is on a relatively strong footing. And even for our future outlook . . . we don't expect a huge drop-off point or a turnaround in this sector,' Bhattacharya said.
