I tested 17 of the highest-rated personal item bags and underseat backpacks. Three emerged as the best of the best.

The best personal item bags are designed to fit under the seat in front of you and provide easy access to items you need to have on hand. Here are our top picks for 2025.

As more airlines charge for traditional carry-on bags, those who don’t want to pay need to fit everything into a tote, small ...

For example, here is how I packed for a recent three-day trip to San Francisco. Inside the Take Off Personal Item 2.0, I have: ...

Here’s how to maximize your carry-on space while flying with a carry-on and personal item. Plus, the best daypacks, duffels, and camera bags that will pass for your personal item on a plane flight.

When flying with just a personal-item, make sure your bag’s dimensions don’t exceed eight x 18 x 14 inches and that it’s not too overstuffed to slide into a baggage sizer. We asked travel ...

Ready to hit "buy" on a new one for yourself? Ahead, a selection of the best personal carry-on bags for flying. Update on June 24, 2025 at 1:30 PM ET: Updated prices and checked stock for all ...

Examples include clothes, books, large electronic devices, toiletry bags, and extra shoes. You can also keep jewellery such as expensive watches, rings, earrings, and bracelets in a carry-on bag.

The definition of "personal item" is pretty broad, and there are so many options out there for you to choose from. Here, 13 of the best bags we've found.