There's nothing like going on a quick end of summer trip or taking the time to visit friends and family before the school year kicks off. However, the costs of flights are skyrocketing, suitcases are getting lost, and airlines are charging a pretty penny for carry-on luggage and checked bags. The hunt for cheap flights and convenient travel is an ongoing challenge, especially during busy seasons. One way to keep travel costs as low as possible: utilizing the personal-item carry-on bag. The personal-item bag is a must when you fly a no-frills airline such as Frontier, or buy a basic economy seat for domestic travel, since it's the only bag you can bring that's free of extra costs. And fortunately, our editors try hundreds of products each year, which means we've done our fair share of traveling with the best of the best travel bags that will make your long-haul flights as easy as possible.
A personal-item bag can be a durable backpack, a stylish tote bag, a spacious diaper bag, a laptop or work bag, or anything small enough to fit underneath the seat in front of you. Each airline has different qualifications on sizes and proportions, so we've listed a few common ones below:
The personal-item bags we chose for the list below combine functionality and style with long-lasting use. Here are a few things our editors consider when reviewing them:
In short, a quality personal-item bag has enough room for all your travel accessories while being compact enough to fit under the seat in front of you according to the airline guidelines, along with a few vacation outfits, an extra pair of shoes, makeup, skin-care, and maybe a reusable water bottle. Fortunately, we curated the best personal-item bags for planes that you can shop right now, like a top-rated, PS editor-approved weekender bag from Béis. Ready to hit "buy" on a new one for yourself? Ahead, a selection of the best personal carry-on bags for flying.
Update on August 20, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET: Updated prices and added new bags from Shinola, North Face, and Bèis.
The Narwey Foldable Travel Duffel Bag is a foldable and affordable travel option that comes in a ton of different colors and prints. It has two top-handle carrying straps, a detachable shoulder strap, a trolley sleeve, and an external zipper pocket. The bag is made from a thick waterproof material that can hold its shape. Plus, it's a bestseller on Amazon.
What Reviewers Say: "I was very hesitant at first when I received my package, as you can see it was almost the size of my hand. After unwrapping it I was really surprised by how spacious it was! I put about four days worth of clothes with two pairs of shoes and there was still some space left!"
Lubardy Travel Backpack ($38, originally $40)
If you're looking for a durable backpack you can use for weekend trips, the Lubardy Travel Backpack is a great option and it's waterproof. It has a spacious main compartment that can fit a few outfits and a pair of shoes, and it comes with three packing cubes. Plus, it has a laptop compartment, a wet pocket for toiletries and laundry, and a side pocket for a water bottle or an umbrella. The zippers are sturdy and reinforced, so you can keep squishing items in without the bag exploding. It comes in five colors.
The Amazon Basics Underseat Carry-On is perfect for the traveler on the go. For starters, unlike most weekender bags and duffels, this one has wheels. You can carry this with its top handle or roll it through the airport. It's spacious on the inside with plenty of pockets and sections to stay organized, including a spot for your shoes. You could even attach a Popsugar Travel Neck Pillow ($20) to the handle, if you felt inclined.
The Béis The Mini Weekender is the smaller version of the bestselling Weekender Bag, which is also an editor favorite. It can be used as an everyday tote, but it's also perfect for overnight trips or as a personal item on flights. This personal-item bag has a padded, built-in laptop sleeve; a bottom compartment for shoes, hair tools, and toiletries; and a trolley pass-through sleeve. Plus, the inside has a large zip pocket and two small slip pockets. It has a top handle and a padded longer strap. It comes in eight colors, including beige, black, navy, olive green, maple brown, pink, and more, but some sell out fast.
Béis The Commuter Duffle ($119, originally $158)
Although we're huge fans of the bestselling Béis Mini Weekender Bag, its Commuter Duffle is a worthy competitor. It has a capacity of 24.2 liters, and comes in a classic black color. The bag is designed for the busybody who's constantly on the go; it has two slip pockets on either side for water bottles or umbrellas and a zipper pocket in the front. Plus, the interior has the perfect blend of spaciousness and organization. Not only is there a padded laptop pocket, but also four elastic pockets (two of which are mesh), as well as a zipper pocket.
This bag maintains is sleek silhouette and crisp look with five metal feet that let it stand on its own. It's made from a water resistant nylon, but it has vegan leather top handles and a padded leather adjustable strap.
Never underestimate the storage power of a good tote bag. Equipped with two front pockets and one large opening, you can trust that all your travel essentials will find a home and stay organized on the go. Durability is one of this design's strongest characteristics. Made out of recycled material and reflective webbing, this bag can take anything you throw at it from getting caught in the rain or being shoved under a tight seat. It might not be the typical carry-on but it has the potential to become your favorite travel companion.