✈️ 9 Biggest Under-Seat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags (AARP Article)

[Fall2025VA]

FROM THE ARTICLE.

9 Big Under-Seat Bags to Take on Your Next Plane Trip.

These superstar personal-item bags fit under an airplane seat yet still have room for your travel essentials.

By Berit Thorkelson, AARP. Published August 29, 2025.

Over the years, I’ve become a pro at packing everything into my personal-item bag when flying. This is largely because airlines have forced my hand. I regularly fly on the cheap, opting for low-cost carriers and full-service carriers’ budget category, both of which often charge for a carry-on.On the low end, on average, that’s $35 per leg, and when you multiply that by four family members, that’s $280, at minimum — money I’d rather spend at my destination or keep in my bank account. My teenage kids have even taken to packing light, if only because they might experience the savings as a splurge vacation meal or destination swag. If we must, we’ll spring for one carry-on for us all.

USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE.

https://www.aarp.org/travel/travel-tips/large-personal-item-airplane.html

[MatthewP230724 · Accepted solution]

I have made dozens of trips by plane in the past few years. Sometimes my checked baggage did not make it to my final destination, and it took a while to get the airline to find it and return it. I started putting an airtag in my checked luggage, which makes me feel more comfortable being able to track its location. 

Sometimes it is nice to not worry about a checked bag making it to your final destination. Other times it is nice to not have to worry about fitting a carry on into a crowded overhead bin. I guess it depends on my mood. 😁

[Fall2025VA]

[Sunday 11/2/5]

Any "thoughts" on this TOPIC?

Do you "check in" ALL OF YOUR LUGGAGE when flying?

IF yes, what has worked for you and what has NOT?

IF you do "carry on" - any TIPS on the best way to accomplish this with all the rules/additional cost?

*** Stop by to SHARE & READ what others have posted.

HAPPY flying!!!

Take care,

Nicole  ‌✈️‌. (Travel Forum)

[GailL1 · Accepted solution]

@Fall2025VA asked “Do you "check in" ALL OF YOUR LUGGAGE when flying”

Nope - I ship it to my direct destination - arriving the day before so I know there is no mess ups.  Especially true if I am gonna be there awhile.  Has always worked out well and saves money on the flight side.

[Fall2025VA]

I NO longer travel by plane but when I did, HATED "checking" in my baggage. Between lost baggage or it NOT making it on my connecting flight = I luved carryon.

Do you have a preference?  🤔

Another challenge was finding my baggage once I had landed. Lol, it seemed EVERYONE had the "same" exact color & style I had.

Take care,

Nicole. ✈  (Travel Forum)

[MatthewP230724 · Accepted solution]

I have made dozens of trips by plane in the past few years. Sometimes my checked baggage did not make it to my final destination, and it took a while to get the airline to find it and return it. I started putting an airtag in my checked luggage, which makes me feel more comfortable being able to track its location. 

Sometimes it is nice to not worry about a checked bag making it to your final destination. Other times it is nice to not have to worry about fitting a carry on into a crowded overhead bin. I guess it depends on my mood. 😁

[Fall2025VA]

Thanks for stopping by Matthew @MatthewP230724 !!!

I luv your "airtag" suggestion.

My daughter travels alot, sometimes overseas. I need to ask her IF she is using them. ALOT about them in the media "rescuing" STOLEN luggage from "dishonest" airport employees.  👍

Take care,

Nicole  ✈  (Travel Forum)

➡️[*** MATTHEW 

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@MatthewP230724 wrote:

I have made dozens of trips by plane in the past few years. Sometimes my checked baggage did not make it to my final destination, and it took a while to get the airline to find it and return it. I started putting an airtag in my checked luggage, which makes me feel more comfortable being able to track its location. 

Sometimes it is nice to not worry about a checked bag making it to your final destination. Other times it is nice to not have to worry about fitting a carry on into a crowded overhead bin. I guess it depends on my mood. 😁

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