In a European travel landscape dominated by low‑cost airlines, a quiet revolution is happening (or happened!) in the baggage world. With the big hitting carriers such as Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air enforcing stringent size restrictions, an explosion in demand for underseat bags (those designed to fit neatly under passenger seats) has taken hold.

Over the past year in the UK retail market, bargain underseat bags have surged in popularity. Even since writing this Post, the number and style of options available has increased enormously. The choice now is huge.

Here are the maximum sizes for a ‘personal item’ or ‘small bag’ as they are commonly referred to, for it to be included in the basic fare.

Correct @ 3 Dec 2025.
40 x 30 x 20 cm – Ryanair, Wizz, TUI, Vueling and JET2 (10kg limit for most of these, please check)
40 x 36 x 20 cm – Easyjet (15kg limit, that’s heavy for such a small bag!)
If you want some ideas, and different styles, try the Travel Luggage and Cabin bags website. It has size and style (backpack, wheels, no-wheels) filters to narrow your search. Amazon has noted a surge in underseat bag sales, featuring lots of clever pockets and openings, laptop and document compartments, and hidden compartments for money and passport security too. All perfectly sized to suit your airline.

Travellers have to move with the times, as aircraft cabins are evolving. New, thin‑profile seats means more seat rows can be fitted in, squeezing the already limited under‑seat space. Travellers look to adjust, prompting retailers to innovate.

The prime difference between this new generation of underseat bag and current traditional backpacks is the shape. Traditional backpacks are shaped whereas the new generation of underseat bags are more boxy, geared to providing travellers with more luggage space to pack their gear in.

Travel writers and reviewers are taking note. Conde Nast Traveller, Forbes, and Travel+Leisure have all spotlighted these compact companions as essential for sidestepping expensive luggage fees. The advice is clear: pack light, choose smart and stay under the seat.

At Travel and Trek Limited, we spotted the trend early last year and decided to put it to the test on our hand luggage trip to Italy in Oct 2024. Underseat bags offer a dual edge: cost‑avoidance and convenience. With some care, travellers can carry plenty of essentials for a long weekend adventure: electronics, toiletries, a couple of outfits without paying for overhead or hold luggage.

As budget flyers continue to seek value, the underseat bag isn’t just clever – it’s becoming indispensable.

Decathlon’s Anode 30L wheeled bag fits Easyjet’s max measurements.

Aerolite MiniMAX 20L, fits ALL of the airlines above.

The Metz 20L, fits ALL of the airlines above.