Underseat luggage size restrictions vary by airline. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding underseat luggage and its restrictions. Many airlines are vague about how large your underseat item can be, what counts as an underseat item, and how much it should weigh.
What Is Underseat Luggage?
Underseat Luggage Size
The size restrictions for underseat luggag can range anywhere from 13 x 10 x 8 inches to 18 x 14 x 10 inches. But in general, if your underseat luggage is under 16 x 12 x 6 inches, it should be allowed on most airlines. Slightly larger underseat items are usually allowed if they’re flexible and aren’t packed too full.
Tip: Read this guide if you don’t know how to measure your luggage correctly.
Underseat Luggage Weight
Most airlines don’t have any weight restrictions for underseat bags, and only about ⅓ of all airlines have weight restrictions, ranging between 11-51 lbs (5-23 kg). Though the specifics vary.
Underseat Luggage Size Fees
Underseat bags are included in the regular fare price, even for Economy passengers. You won’t have to pay any additional fees for bringing an underseat item. You can bring two underseat items on most planes, but the second one will count as your carry-on.
Which Bags Can You Use as Underseat Luggage
You can use any bag as your underseat item as long as it’s within the correct size and weight restrictions. This includes backpacks, purses, duffel bags, messenger bags, totes, small rolling suitcases, briefcases, laptop bags, fanny packs, and camera bags.
Wheeled Underseat Luggage vs Without Wheels
The best choice for underseat luggage is a small backpack because you can carry it very easily on your shoulders, and it will fit under most airplane seats. Suitcases, even fabric ones, aren’t really that flexible because they have a built-in frame. Because the under-seat dimensions are so different for each airline, aircraft, class, and even between aisle/middle/window seats, you’d be much better off bringing a flexible fabric bag.
Underseat Luggage vs Carry-Ons
Carry-on luggage is not the same as underseat luggage, so when someone is saying “underseat carry-on,” they’re confusing two different things. Carry-ons are another type of hand baggage that can be bought on planes, but they have to be stored in overhead bins. Carry-ons sometimes require additional fees, and they can be larger and heavier compared to underseat items. You can bring two underseat items on most planes, but the second one will count as your carry-on.
Underseat Luggage Size Restrictions for 25 Popular Airlines
Aer Lingus
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 13 x 10 x 8 inches (33 x 25 x 20 cm) |
| Weight | None |
Air Canada
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 17 x 13 x 6 inches (43 x 33 x 16 cm) |
| Weight | None |
Air France
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm) |
| Weight | 26.4 lbs (12 kg) in total for Economy passengers and 40 lbs (18 kg) for Premium Economy, Business, or La Premiere classes. |
Alaska Airlines
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | Not listed, the company states to use something like a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. |
| Weight | Not listed |
Allegiant Air
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) |
| Weight | Not listed |
American Airlines
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) |
| Weight | None |
British Airways
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm) |
| Weight | 51 lbs (23 kg) |
Delta Airlines
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | Not listed, the company says to use something like a purse, briefcase, diaper bag, or laptop computer. |
| Weight | Not listed |
EasyJet
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 36 x 20 cm) |
| Weight | 33 lbs (15 kg) |
Frontier
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 18 x 14 x 8 inches (46 x 36 x 20 cm) |
| Weight | None |
Hawaiian Airlines
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | Not listed, the company says to use something like a laptop bag, briefcase, purse, or backpack. |
| Weight | Not listed |
Icelandair
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm) |
| Weight | None |
JetBlue
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 17 x 13 x 8 inches (43 x 33 x 20 cm) |
| Weight | None |
KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines)
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm) |
| Weight | 26 lbs (12 kg) |
Lufthansa
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 16 x 12 x 4 inches (40 x 30 x 10 cm) |
| Weight | None |
Qantas
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | Not listed |
| Weight | None |
Ryanair
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 16 x 10 x 8 inches (40 x 25 x 20 cm) |
| Weight | None |
Southwest Airlines
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 16.25 x 13.5 x 8 inches (41 x 34 x 20 cm) |
| Weight | None |
Spirit Airlines
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) |
| Weight | None |
Sun Country
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 17 x 13 x 9 inches (43 x 33 x 23 cm) |
| Weight | None |
Turkish Airlines
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40 x 30 x 15 cm) |
| Weight | 8.8 lbs (4 kg) |
United Airlines
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 17 x 10 x 9 inches (43 x 25 x 23 cm) |
| Weight | None |
Virgin Atlantic
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | None |
| Weight | None |
WestJet
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 16 x 13 x 6 inches (41 x 33 x 15 cm) |
| Weight | None |
Wizz Air
| Size | Limit |
| Measurement | 16 x 12 x 8 inches (40 x 30 x 20 cm) |
| Weight | 22 lbs (10 kg) |
Under Seat Dimensions for Popular Airplane Models
A lot of airlines don’t post exact underseat luggage size restrictions because they have several different airplane models in their fleet, and each model has a different amount of space under the seats. To make matters even more complicated, the middle aisle seat usually offers more space than window or aisle seats, and first/business class seats also offer a different amount of space compared to Economy.
Boeing 717 200 Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy: 20 x 15.6 x 8.4 inches (50.8 x 39.6 x 21.3 cm)
- First Class: 20 x 10.7 x 10 inches (50.8 x 27.2 x 25.4 cm)
Boeing 737 700 Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy (window and aisle seat): 19 x 14 x 8.25 inches (48.3 x 35.6 x 21 cm)
- Economy (middle seat): 19 x 19 x 8.25 inches (48.3 x 48.3 x 21 cm)
Boeing 737 800 (738) Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy: 15 x 13 x 10 inches (38.1 x 33 x 25.4 cm)
- First Class: 20 x 17 x 10 inches (50.8 x 43.2 x 25.4 cm)
Boeing 737 900ER Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy: 20 x 14 x 7 inches (50.8 x 35.6 x 17.8 cm)
- First Class: 20 x 11 x 10 inches (50.8 x 28 x 25.4 cm)
Boeing 757 200 Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy: 13 x 13 x 8 inches (33 x 33 x 20.3 cm)
- First Class: 19 x 17 x 10.7 inches (48.3 x 43.2 x 27.2 cm)
Boeing 767 300ER Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy: 12 x 10 x 9 inches (30.5 x 25.4 x 22.9 cm)
- First Class: Underseat luggage is stored in overhead compartments
Airbus A220-300 (223) Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy: 16 x 12 x 6 inches (40.6 x 30.5 x 15.2 cm)
- First Class:12 x 9.5 x 7 inches (30.5 x 24.1 x 17.8 cm)
Airbus A319-100 (319) Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy: 18 x 18 x 11 inches (45.7 x 45.7 x 28 cm)
- First Class: 19 x 18 x 11 inches (48.3 x 45.8 x 28 cm)
Airbus A320-200 (320) Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy: 18 x 16 x 11 inches (45.7 x 40.6 x 28 cm)
- First Class:19 x 18 x 11 inches (48.3 x 45.7 x 28 cm)
Airbus A321-200 (321) Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy: 19.7 x 19 x 9.06 inches (50 x 48.3 x 23 cm)
- First Class: 19 x 15.5 x 10.5 inches (48.3 x 39.4 x 26.7 cm)
Airbus A330-200 Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy: 14 x 12 x 10 inches (35.6 x 30.5 x 25.4 cm)
- First Class: 14 x 13.6 x 6.2 inches (35.6 x 34.5 x 15.7 cm)
Airbus A330-300 Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy: 14 x 12 x 10 inches (35.6 x 30.5 x 25.4 cm)
- First Class: Underseat luggage is stored in overhead compartments
Airbus A350-900 Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy: 15 x 14 x 8.8 inches (38.1 x 35.6 x 22.4 cm)
- First Class: 18 x 14 x 5.5. Inches (45.7 x 35.6 x 14 cm)
Embraer rj145 Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy: 17 x 17 x 11 inches (43.2 x 43.2 x 28 cm)
Embraer E-170 Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy: 37.5 x 16 x 7.8 inches (95.25 x 40.6 x 19.8 cm)
- First Class: 19.18 x 16 x 7.8 inches (48.7 x 40.6 x 19.8 cm)
Embraer ERJ-175 Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy: 37.5 x 17.5 x 10.5 inches (95.25 x 44.5 x 26.7 cm)
- First Class: 19 x 17.5 x 10.5 inches (48.3 x 44.5 x 26.7 cm)
Embraer E-190 Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy: 37 x 16 x 9 inches (94 x 40.6 x 22.9 cm)
Bombardier CRJ 200 Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy: 18 x 16.5 x 10.5 inches (45.7 x 41.9 x 26.7 cm)
- First Class: Underseat luggage is stored in overhead compartments
Bombardier CRJ 700 Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy: 15 x 15 x 10 inches (38.1 x 38.1 x 25.4 cm)
- First Class: 15 x 15 x 10 inches (38.1 x 38.1 x 25.4 cm)
Bombardier CRJ 900 Under Seat Dimensions
- Economy: 19.5 x 17.5 x 13 inches (49.5 x 44.5 x 33 cm)
- First Class: 19.5 x 17.5 x 13 inches (49.5 x 44.5 x 33 cm)