Best 18x14x8 Personal Item Bags (Spirit, Frontier, United Airlines)
Carry-on luggage fees! Checked bags at the gate! These are just some of the surprises you can run into when traveling. Trust us, we've been there and share your frustration.
With the rise in popularity of the basic economy fare, more and more people are deciding to ditch the carry-on bag and travel with just a personal item. Many major airlines are including a free personal item with a basic economy ticket but it needs to fit underneath your seat in order to be allowed.
The good news is that many domestic airlines in the United States, such as American, Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit Airlines, all share the same standard personal item size limit of 18 x 14 x 8 inches, which gives you the chance to have just one bag for multiple airlines.
In this buying guide we are going to focus on backpacks that not only fit the 18x14x8 bag requirement and have the best quality, organization and features. Those looking for smaller personal items bags should check out our buying guides for United Airlines (9x10x17) and JetBlue (17x13x8).
Video Review
What You Need to Know About Personal Items
A personal item is any bag that can fit underneath the airplane seat in front of you. If a bag is too large to fit underneath the seat it will considered carry-on baggage and will have to placed in the overhead bin. Travelers with Basic Economy tickets, are often only allowed one personal item bag and will be charged an extra fee for any carry-on item they board with.
Below are the official links to airlines with an 18" x 14" x 8" personal item size limit to help you determine the most up to date carry-on and personal item size restrictions. It’s always a good idea to double check your airline before your next trip.
Delta Airlines (no official personal item size limit)
How We Tested Each Bag
Size Limit Check
We measured the bags we tested to confirm that they fit the personal item maximum dimensions of 14" x 18" x 8" or under. Sometimes the bag measurements on the brand website can be off and we wanted to make sure there were no surprises.
Shown above: Fjallraven Kanken 15” and Db Hugger 20L backpacks tested in our studio
Packing Test
Our packing test is simple - how many t-shirts can fit inside the main compartment? This will give you a standard way to visualize what can fit inside and will be very useful if you plan on ditching the carry-on bag for your next trip and just bringing a personal item to take advantage of cheap basic economy tickets. We used a men's size small t-shirt for our testing.
Tested! Backpacks 18 x 14 x 8 inches or Under
Bagsmart Blast Carry On Travel Backpack
Bagsmart set out to design the ultimate personal item backpack — one that's perfectly sized (and priced) for one-bag travel on budget airlines. After testing it, we can confidently say this might be the only small travel backpack you'll ever need.
Its compact size makes it ideal for travelers with basic economy fares who want to pack everything into a single bag. During testing, we appreciated the separate tech compartment, which includes both a 15.6" laptop sleeve and a tablet sleeve, with a lay-flat design that makes getting through airport security a breeze. There’s also a convenient trolley sleeve on the back to slip over rolling luggage handles and a water bottle pocket on the side.
The main packing compartment opens flat like a suitcase and features external compression straps to help cinch down the bag and keep it within strict airline size limits. The best part? The Bagsmart Blast is small enough to fit underneath an airplane seat — no more gate-checking your bag!
Its compact design also makes it one of our favorite travel backpacks for petite women, who often find typical travel bags too large. Despite the smaller footprint, it’s roomy enough for a 2–3 day trip.
Our Testing: The Bagsmart Blast comes in two sizes: the standard 28L version and an expandable 38L version. We tested both. The 28L Blast easily fit 24 t-shirts inside the main packing compartment. When expanded, the 38L version could fit up to 33 t-shirts — but keep in mind that when expanded, its depth increases to 10", which pushes it over most airlines’ personal item size limits.
If you’re debating between the two sizes, we recommend going with the expandable 38L version. It gives you the flexibility to stay within personal item size when zipped down, but it’s nice to have the option for extra space if you pick up souvenirs or need a little more room on the way home.
Features at a glance:
Dimensions: 16.5 x 12.2 x 8 inches (28L)
Capacity: 28L (available in expandable 38L version)
15.6" laptop sleeve + tablet sleeve
Opens like a suitcase for easy packing
Knack Pack Expandable Backpack Series 2
Say goodbye to baggage fees! The Knack Pack has to be one of our favorite travel backpacks for travel thanks to its expandable travel compartment and myriad of clever travel features.
It's the little things that make the Knack Pack it such a pleasure to use, such as lockable zippers, a trolley sleeve to attach the bag to a suitcase, and anti-microbial lining on the inside to prevent stinky smells.
Knack Packs come in three sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. For use as an under-seat bag, we recommend going with the size Small, which can fit underneath the most airline seats when fully expanded. You could also use the size Medium as an underseat bag when not expanded. For an in-depth comparison of all Knack Pack models, check out our Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2 comparison.
Our testing: We found that the Knack Pack Series 2 Small can fit eight t-shirts inside the main compartment and an additional 20 t-shirts inside the expandable packing compartment, giving you a total of 28 t-shirts!
Although the Knack Pack offers the most packing space out of any bag on this list, it measures slightly over the 18x14x8 personal item measurements with a 9” depth (the maximum is 8”) when fully expanded. Just be careful not to overpack this bag when expanded and you should have no issues fitting the Knack Pack underneath your airplane seat.
Features at a glance:
Dimensions: 17 x 12.5 x 5 inches (17 x 12.5 x 9 inches expanded)
Capacity: 17-27L
Laptop sleeve can fit up to 16” Macbook Pro
Packing compartment opens like a suitcase
Db Hugger Backpack 20L
There are so many great things to say about the Db Hugger backpack - where should we begin?
For starters, this backpack gives you 20 liters of packing space while still being small enough to stay within standard 14 x 18 x 8 bag requirements. It's a winner already! But unlike other 20 liter bags with bulky pockets, the Hugger gives you a lot of open space just for packing making it perfect to take as your free personal item on a basic economy flight.
One of our favorite features of the Db Hugger backpack is its top pocket, which provides quick access to small items such as headphones, chewing gum, and other flying essentials without requiring you to remove the backpack from underneath the airline seat. The Db Hugger also includes a 13" laptop sleeve on the outside, making it easy to access your tech without having to fuss with your packing.
Our testing: The Db Hugger 20L can fit 19 t-shirts inside the main compartment and doesn't balloon out to accidentally add more inches like other laptop backpacks when packed full. The secret weapon is Db's Rib Cage Technology that gives the backpack its structured shape while keeping it lightweight.
Features at a glance:
Dimensions: 17.72 x 10.8 x 7.7 inches
Capacity: 20L
13” padded laptop sleeve on the outside
Large packing compartment that is lined with mesh pockets for organization
Available in many different colors
Nayo Smart Herman Pro Half-Roll Top Backpack
The Nayo Smart Herman Pro is one of our top personal item backpack recommendations, and it’s easy to see why once you explore everything it has to offer. This backpack comes in two sizes: 20L and 25L. We suggest going with the smaller 20L version, as its compact size is ideal for flying with budget airlines that have strict personal item size limits, making compliance one less thing to worry about on busy travel days.
For a small backpack, the Herman Pro offers a surprising amount of packing space. The rear tech compartment gives you quick access to a laptop, tablet, and accessories, while the main compartment provides room for clothing and bulkier items. It even includes secret pockets for extra security — including a concealed side water bottle pocket and a hidden back panel pocket for essentials like your passport, wallet, or phone.
The streamlined design keeps you looking sharp whether you’re flying baisc economy or have a first-class ticket. In fact, this is one of the best-looking backpacks we’ve tested. Add in a trolley sleeve for airport travel and a water-repellent finish for sightseeing, and you’ve got the perfect travel companion.
Our Testing: The Nayo Smart Herman Pro can fit 19 t-shirts inside the main compartment when the roll top is compressed down. We appreciate how well the backpack holds its shape and avoids bulging even when fully packed. Where the Herman Pro truly shines is as a laptop and tech carry for in-flight entertainment — it's very easy to grab a laptop, tablet or headphones. Howver, if you’re looking for a one-bag travel solution to avoid airline baggage fees, you may want to consider an option with a bit more internal packing space.
Features at a Glance:
Dimensions: 17” x 11.5” x 7” (22” height when roll top is fully expanded)
Capacity: 20–25L
Rear 16" laptop sleeve + tablet sleeve
Anti-theft design with hidden pockets
Trolley sleeve for attaching to rolling luggage
Pacsafe V Anti-Theft Tour Backpack
Unlike many backpacks on the market, the Pacsafe V was designed from the ground up to work as a personal item backpack for air travel. Its dimensions fall well within the common 18" x 14" x 8" maximum size limit — even when fully packed. Plus, it’s loaded with anti-theft features for peace of mind when traveling.
Each Pacsafe V includes slash-resistant straps and a reinforced front panel to deter slash-and-grab theft, the ability to lock the bag to a chair or table leg to prevent bag theft, and lockable zippers to keep pickpockets at bay. All of this is wrapped in a water-resistant, recycled PET exterior that's ready for a day of sightseeing or airport travel.
The main compartment was designed for easy, efficient packing. Along with a 16-inch laptop sleeve, it’s roomy enough to fit in-flight essentials like a sweater, neck pillow, and tech pouches. Light packers will find it big enough for short 2–3 day trips.
What we love most about the Pacsafe V is the thoughtful organization in the front of the bag. Both the front admin compartment and the smaller front pocket are lined with internal pockets, allowing you to stash your passport, headphones, toiletries, and other important items within easy reach - without needing to dig into the main compartment. This setup makes life much easier on flights!
Our Testing: The Pacsafe V easily fit 19 t-shirts inside the main compartment. When you add in the separate front compartments, side water bottle pockets, you’re looking at a generous amount of storage for such a compact bag. We did find that this backpack can bulge slightly when overpacked. However, even when stuffed full, the Pacsafe V 26L still stays within the personal item size limit.
Features at a Glance:
Dimensions: 18” x 11” x 7”
Capacity: 26L
16” padded laptop sleeve inside the main compartment
Anti-theft design: locking zippers, slashproof fabric, anti-RFID pocket
Travel-ready details: grab handles, trolley sleeve, and easy-access pockets
Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 15"
The Fjallraven Kanken is a favorite amongst travelers and it's easy to why! The Kanken is made from a tough Vinylon-F material that keeps the bag's square shape so that you don't have to worry about going over the personal item maximum size when stuffing it full. This is the kind of peace of mind you'll be thankful for when bag on strict flights.
Don't be fooled by the Kanken's small size! Anyone traveling with a basic economy ticket on Frontier or Spirit Airlines will appreciate the wide open main compartment that can fit more than you think. This is thanks to the Kanken's simple construction. There aren't many pockets on the inside to take up much needed packing room.
Our testing: The Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 15 can fit 22 t-shirts inside the main packing area while still giving you the outside laptop sleeve for your tech and a pocket up front for smaller items. No matter how you pack the Kanken, it will always stay under the airline size restrictions.
If you want more packing room, we recommend going with the larger Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 17 which measures a little larger at 16.53 x 11.81 x 7.08 inches
Features at a glance:
Dimensions: 15.75 x 11.03 x 6.29 inches
Capacity: 18L
15" padded laptop sleeve on the outside
Durable yet lightweight construction
Patagonia Refugio 26L Backpack
Available in a ton of fun colors with a water repellent exterior, the Patagonia Refugio 26L is the backpack you'll want to use to pack for your trip and wear as a daypack at your destination.
When traveling, you'll appreciate the Refugio's "Desk Caddy" - a removable panel that includes a 15" laptop sleeve and pockets for accessories. This feature allows you to have everything you need during your flight without having to rummage through other pockets. The stretchy side water bottle pockets and front pocket are also there to give you quick access to other travel must-haves.
With 26 liters of packing room, the Patagonia Refugio is a great option for budget airlines on trips when you are trying to maximize your packing space while avoiding additional charges. And since the Rufugio only weighs 1lb 10oz, it's the lightweight backpack you need to stay underneath any airline weight limits.
Check out our Patagonia Refugio 26L vs 30L comparison to see the difference in sizing.
Features at a glance:
Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 6.5 inches
Capacity: 26L
Removable padded tech sleeve
Made of recycled materials with water repellent finish
Sherpani Soleil Anti-Theft Travel Bag
The Sherpani Soleil is easily the most versatile bag on this list! This convertible backpack allows you to also wear it as a backpack, crossbody bag or tote bag. But the real win are the advanced anti-theft features that are built into each bag. Not only do you get lockable zippers, RFID-safe protection and anti-slash fabric but each Soleil includes Return.me lost and found technology that helps you track down you bag worldwide if it were to ever get lost. This service is free of charge with each Soleil purchase.
At a 14-liter capacity, the Sherpani Soleil will be on the smaller side. We found the overall size great for people with slim shoulders or shoulder torsos who usually find most backpacks too bulky. Inside we were able to fit our in-flight essentials like a laptop, water bottles and light jacket. So, if you are looking for a bag that can be used for multi-day travel packing, you might want to look at some of the other options on this list.
Our testing: The Sherpani Soleil backpack can fit only 14 t-shirts inside the main compartment. This backpack isn't ideal as a packing backpack for one-bag travel but we do recommend it as a personal item when paired with a larger carry-on bag or checked luggage. The built-in luggage sleeve makes it super easy to attach to luggage for easy airport carry.
Check out our Sherpani Soleil review for an in-depth look!
Features at a glance:
Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 4.5 inches
Capacity: 14L
15" padded laptop sleeve
Convertible: Backpack, crossbody or tote bag
Advanced anti-theft design makes it a great daybag in busy cities and tourist areas
Everlane ReNew Transit
Stylish yet practical, the Everlane ReNew Transit is the perfect size if you are looking to replace a carry-on bag for packing. With 27 liters of interior space, the ReNew Transit is one of the largest backpacks we have tested under 14"H x 18"W x 8"D dimensions. Some of our favorite features include water bottle pockets both inside and outside of the bag, a separate padded laptop sleeve and plenty of exterior pockets for quick access to travel essentials.
Traveling with a checked bag? No problem. The Everlane Renew Transit even includes a pass-through strap so that you can attach it to rolling luggage for hands-free carry at airports and hotels.
Our testing: We found that the Everlane ReNew Transit can fit 24 t-shirts inside the main compartment, making it one of the roomiest backpacks we have tested while still keeping under the 14 x 9 x 18 size restrictions.
For a closer look at this backpack, head over to our Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack review.
Features at a glance:
Dimensions: 17.5 x 12 x 7.25 inches
Capacity: 27L
15" laptop sleeve
Available in lots of stylish colors
Timbuk2 Division Laptop Backpack
Rugged, comfortable, and packed with great pockets, the Timbuk2 Division gives you everything you need to travel with confidence. The Division is our favorite laptop backpack for carrying tech on flights, thanks to its 15-inch laptop compartment and a second padded sleeve inside the main compartment that can hold a second device.
Not only does the Timbuk2 Division meet the personal item requirement of 18x14x8 for airlines like Spirit and Frontier Airlines, but it is also small enough to be used on other popular airlines, like United Airlines and JetBlue, that have stricter personal item size limits.
Our testing: Our packing test revealed that the Timbuk2 Division can fit 22 t-shirts inside the main compartment. At 22 liters, you could use the Timbuk2 Division for packing but we recommend it as a small backpack for travel essentials to compliment luggage stored in the overhead bin.
Features at a glance:
Dimensions: 17.3 x 10.6 x 5.12 inches
Capacity: 22L
Weight: 2.2 lbs
15" padded laptop compartment
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
Matein makes an affordable laptop backpack for both travel and daily carry that we recommend to those on a tight budget. Now, there are two versions of this backpack: the 15.6 inch and 17 inch versions. For personal item travel, get the 15.6 inch version.
Some great features you can expect from the Matein Travel Laptop backpack are lots of pockets for organization, a hidden pocket for valuables and a passport and a USB port for charging. Matein doesn't say what the capacity of this backpack is but we guess it's around 20-25 liters.
Our testing: The main compartment of the Matein Travel Laptop backpack can fit 22 t-shirts making it a great Spirit or Frontier Airlines personal item bag for packing to avoid additional charges. When packed full the depth of the Matein backpack is closer to the 8" depth personal item limit but will still be compliant.
For an in-depth look at this bag, head over to our Matein Travel Laptop Backpack review.
Features at a glance:
Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 7.8
Capacity: about 20-25L
Laptop and tablet sleeves
Built-in USB port for charging on the go
More Great 18 x 14 x 8 Personal Item Bags
Coofay Travel Backpack
This travel backpack is another budget find from Amazon and it has some great features for the price. It's has with a large packing compartment in addition to a bottom pocket to store dirty laundry or shoes. Some other standout perks include a built-in USB port for charging your phone, plenty of pockets for organization and a waterproof pocket for storing toiletries.
Features at a glance:
Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.8 x 5.9
Waterproof compartment for toiletries
Seperate padded laptop pocket
Amazon Basics Underseat Rolling Luggage
Amazon offers an affordable underseat luggage model with their own Amazon Basics brand. This rolling luggage pairs perfectly with travelers who want to keep luggage fees to a minimum on budget airlines. The roomy interior will give light packers enough room for a 4-5 trip with extra pockets on the inside for organizing toiletries.
Unlike other underseat luggage with exterior wheels, the Amazon Basics Underseat Carry-On has only two rear recessed wheels to keep its size at a minimum. This makes this luggage a sure bet for using on airlines like Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant and American Airlines. Now, that’s a win!
Features at a glance:
Dimensions: 13.39 x 9.45 x 14.17 inches
Interior pockets for organization
Telescoping carry handle and back wheels for easy rolling
Trolley sleeve so that you can attach it to check-in luggage
BAGSMART Underseater Luggage
Need an 18 x 14 x 8 bag with wheels? BAGSMART has you covered!
The BAGSMART Underseater is a perfect match for travelers of budget airlines who want the features of large carry-on luggage but in the size that can fit underneath an airplane seat. In fact, it measures well beneath the personal item size limit of Spirit, Frontier and American Airlines for zero worries at boarding. Just like larger luggage, this underseat luggage has spinner wheels and an adjustable handle for easy carry at the airport.
Other great features include a side water bottle pocket and roomy front compartment for on-flight items you need quick access to.
Features at a glance:
Dimensions: 17.55 x 13.26 x 6.63 inches
Exterior pockets for easy access to small items
Spinner wheels for easy transport
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Rolling Underseat Bag
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 allows you to skip the overhead compartment and keep your luggage underneath the airplane seat thanks to its small size. Each Travelpro Maxlite comes with Travelpro's high quality spinner wheels and an adjustable handle so you can carry it just like larger carry-on luggage.
Out of all underseat luggage, the Maxlite is one of the most feature-packed. It includes a removable toiletries bag that keeps your liquids safe from spills, a padded laptop sleeve and extra pockets for organizing your travel essentials. It even has a rear strap so that you can attach it to larger suitcases!
Features at a glance:
Dimensions: 17.5 x 14.5 x 8.5 inches
Padded laptop sleeve
Spinner wheels for easy transport
More Helpful Resources
We have gathered a few helpful resources to help you get ready for your next trip. They share some tips and tricks to help those who plan traveling with just a personal item and no carry-on bag. Bon voyage!
Points Guy: Comparing Basic Economy Fares Across U.S. airlines
Mental Floss: 7 Packing Tips for a Basic Economy Flight
Spirit Airlines: Baggage Allowance FAQ
American Airlines: Basic Economy Fare Information
Frontier Airlines: What is included in my fare? FAQ
Delta Airlines: Basic Economy
