“Personal Item” under seat bag

only if its half empty. The space is not 40L big.

I have one of those RS backpacks. I think it falls into the carryon in the overhead category, I don’t think it would fit under seat. Even just partially filled, it has enough structure that it would probably be larger than the under seat area. The measurements aren’t under seat compliant for any airlines that I know of.

Rick’s 40L backpack suitcase

You mean one of these or something else?

https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/classic-backpack
https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/carry-on-backpack

If it is one of those, or something like it, I join with those who say putting it under the seat is unlikely.( unless it is empty to the point that it is essentially useless)

Are you also traveling with a carry on, plus that 40L bag? That sure is pushing the limits. That being said, it seem very common for people to do so. Having a carryon and a “personal item” that must have every personal thing imaginable in it because it often is at least as large as a carry on.

Those airlines that charge for this are strict. So no this isn’t going to work because it’s too big. You need to read the measurements and make sure you’re under seat item fits their measurement.

If you have two bags, even both of them would fit under the seat you are not getting both of them on for free

27 liters is the maximum for most underseat bags. Some airlines are even more restrictive and have dimension requirements. Look at CabinZero military 28 liter pack. Or, patagonia 25 liter black hole pack, or Patagonia lightweight tote pack. RedOxx M.U.T.T. bag. These are underseat bags. There are others. Use packing cubes.

Don't be cheap, it will bite you. If you are taking a budget airline, pay attention to the rules, follow them. Usually for underseat bags there are sizes mentioned. I travel with a 39 liter bag, I almost always check it on airlines like Ryanair or Easyjet. It is just so much easier, no worries, the flight is point to point, so no worries about lost bags, usually you also get other perks if you get a package that includes a checked bag.

People that look to get around the rules get caught, then blame the airline for enforcing their rules.

I’ve only flown one of these carriers once and I just paid for luggage. I was like I’m not dealing with it just pay.

I was fine, but there was drama at boarding. And those gate agents don’t take it. One couple did not actually even get on the plane, they refused to pay because their luggage was the right size (when it clearly wasn’t because they hadn’t measured handles and wheels). I don’t know what happened but they never got.

Might also add, even if you figure in the cost of a checked bag, the total cost is still much less than other options.

Some people just can't stand that they might have missed out on an ultra cheap fare by having to pay for a bag.

If this is the bag you are talking about, https://store.ricksteves.com/shop/p/carry-on-backpack, the dimensions are 21" x 14" x 9". I have a 28L Cotopaxi Allpa. It's dimensions are: 19 x 12 x 9in. It would not fit under the aisle seat of an Alaska Air Boeing 737 Max 9.

ringo, yours was the correct answer, but it's like you were shouting out into a black hole.

Mr. E,
Would that be patagonia “black hole” bags? (Joking here.)
It all boils down to each airlines requirements for weight, dimensions, and “squishability.”

I don’t see how any 40 liter backpack or suitcase could fit under any airline seat. 27 liters max.
Definitely not a “personal” item by airline standards.

Sun-Baked in Florida, yes and yes. But the second Yes just opens up a meaningless discussion as the first Yes is the only answer.

And at least domestically, Aren't we still seeing those metal boxes using 2/3 of the space under the seat that are supposedly part of the wi-fi system??

doric8, and thats the trouble with all these discussions of what size bags are allowed. You can meet all the published requirements, and still not be guaranteed that there is actually space for your bags.

Doric,
I have not seen an underseat electronics box in a while. But, I don’t get out and fly much.
Good point about actual underseat space, if there is any. Plus, it’s harder for long legged flyers. Underseat space is needed for feet. Difficult if a bag is there.

Mr. E,
Meaningless discussions and going in to “the weeds” are all part of the fun of this forum.

Okay then,

I use this for most airlines (doesnt work for Lufthansa for instance): It is 12 x 16 x 7 which makes it 1" too thick for a lot of airlines and that requires some squishing.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07B7J1VY8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

I checked it in a Turkish Air sizer once, it fit with a little "help". Turkish Air website says 40 x 30 x 15 and that technically is 15.75 x 11.80 x 5.90 It is only 21L so the only way a 40L bag is going to fit on the majority of the planes is if it is half empty and you squih the heck out of it.

There are ailines with crazy small sizes like Lufthansa for instance. But a 16 x 12 x 7 bag will meet maybe 75% of the airlines size requirements with a tiny bit of squishing sometimes.

But dont overpack it. The poblem with soft bags is its easy to over fill it and make it larger. One of the reasons I love hard sided carry on bags. They always fit.

Still, my underseat bag will hold wading boots, heavy socks, long john bottoms, a pair of fast dry pants and shirt, pair of hip waders, collapsable net, two reels, tippet and flies and a wading staff and still fit a Turkish Air sizeing thingy...

Here is a list of underseat size limitations, but dont trust it. Go to your airline and double check:
https://www.cabinzero.com/blogs/air-travel-tips/under-seat-luggage-size-on-aeroplanes?srsltid=AfmBOoq6x4mSZjTd0TiNYiVkY4OdiZsPNtjvg-0mwlcmndfTTImrBd9V

Now, you’ve got the spirit Mr. E.
Let’s load this guy up with as many underseat bag options as possible until we hit at least 35 posts.

I'm out. Lesson learned.