14 Best 18x14x8 Bags You Can Carry On Most Airlines As Personal Item | Travelccessories (2024)

• Wole Femi Asaolu
• Updated: July 12, 2023
• 6 Comments

If you’re tired of dealing with checked baggage fees or having to surrender your precious stuff at the gate, stick around!

I’ve got a special treat for you: a thoughtfully selected list of airline approved 18x14x8 bags that will fit your travel essentials, earn a nod of approval from the airline staff, and most importantly, fit like a dream in the overhead bin and under the seat in front of you.

Dive in…

Here are the fourteen 18×14 x8 bags I would recommend in 2023!

18x14x8 (Backpacks)

1. AmazonBasics Slim Overnight backpack
2. HFSX Laptop travel backpack
3. Lewis N. Clark Underseat backpack
4. Monos Metro backpack
5. North Face Jester backpack

18x14x8 bags (underseaters)

6. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Rolling Underseat Carry-On Luggage
7. American Tourister 4 Kix Softside Suitcase
8. Olympia Deluxe Rolling Carry-on Luggage (Overnighter)
9. Lucas Wheeled 15-inch Underseat cabin bag

10. Narwey Foldable Duffel Bag
11. Calpak Luka Duffel bag
12. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Underseat Carry on Luggage Tote
13. Troubadour Featherweight Tote
14. Longchamp Le Pliage Original Travel Bag

The AmazonBasics Overnight pack is easily one of the best 18 x 14 x 8 bags, especially if you’re looking for an affordable option that gets the job done.

It’s designed to be used as a daypack or a one-bag travel backpack, measuring 18 x 12.5 x 7.8 inches and weighing just 3 pounds. This means you can use it as your everyday backpack and also travel with it, without any worries about extra bag fees, as it fits easily under the seat on most airlines!

Reviewers love the bag’s “functional storage pockets and pouches” that make organizing easy. It has a spacious carrying capacity, including a separate compartment for a 17-inch laptop, a fleece-lined pocket for a tablet, a front organizer pocket with 7 separate pockets for small accessories, a water bottle pocket, and even a pocket for your phone or sunglasses. I’m sure you’ll agree that the bag’s storage and organization features are really impressive.

What we also like

What we don’t like

Just a reminder, this bag is affordable for a reason. It may not be very durable, especially if you use it often. It might only last a few years.

The HFSX backpack makes the list of 18 x 14 x 8 bags because it addresses the concerns of nervous travelers who don’t wanna exceed most airline limits. It features a smaller and safer dimension at 17 x 13.5 x 7 inches, just shy of the dimensions of 18 x 14 x 8 bags.

This is thus a perfect carry for shorter trips that also works as a daily carry. And you don’t have to ask. You get to throw under your seat on an airplane and avoid paying luggage fees.

The bag also wows with its organization. It has a dedicated 15.6-inch laptop sleeve, a roomy main compartment, an interior pocket, two front pockets, and two side pockets for smaller items you need to keep at a moment’s notice. There is also a hidden antitheft back pocket for valuable items like your passport or phone.

What we also like

This HFSX backpack is perhaps the most affordable option on the list of 18 x 14 x 8 bags, priced at less than $30! Another cool feature is that it has a headphone jack and a built-in USB charging port, so you can easily stay powered up while you’re on the go. And it is sufficiently padded at the right places to make carrying it comfortable.

What we don’t like

The HFSX backpack is lightweight and made of water-resistant polyester fabric, which means it should work well for everyday use. However, it’s worth noting that some reviews have raised concerns about its durability when used heavily or frequently.

Some people have reported issues like broken zippers, damaged straps, and problems with stitching due to wear and tear. Moreover, many reviewers have mentioned a strong chemical smell that comes with the backpack, which may be unpleasant for some.

If you want a sturdy bag you can easily fit under airline seats and in overhead compartments, this little beauty is another consideration for the best 18 x 14 x 8 bags.

The Lewis Underseat pack is made of tough 840D ballistic nylon, which means it can handle being stuffed under an airline seat and withstand other demanding travel situations. One reviewer even mentioned that despite overfilling the interior compartments until it was difficult to zip them closed, there were no rips or tears. Bonus: The pack is water-resistant.

What we also like

It offers ample storage to keep your belongings safe during your travels. It features a spacious main compartment, a 15-inch padded laptop sleeve, a removable pocket, an RFID pocket for added security, and a bunch of pockets to help you stay organized. And the three-digit combination lock will likely deter pickpocketing, especially when traveling on public transit.

What we don’t like

The bag’s classic aesthetic, which combines elements of urban and outdoor styles, may not be considered stylish by everyone. Another concern raised by customers is related to the fit of the sternum strap.

It seems that the strap is not adequately adjustable to comfortably accommodate shorter individuals (and possibly taller individuals as well). Therefore, for people who fall outside the average height range, this bag may not be the most suitable option in terms of fit.

The Monos Metro backpack is perfect as a carry-on bag or as a personal item bag, especially on strict airlines like Spirit or Frontier. It’s smaller than the standard 18 x 14 x 8 bags for personal items, measuring 15.9″ x 11.4″ x 6.6“. You’ll have no trouble fitting it under the seat of any airplane.

This backpack isn’t just great for air travel; it’s also perfect for work and weekend getaways, especially if you prefer traveling light. In a review by Kayla Kuefler, she mentioned how versatile the bag is. She said, “The backpack has been my carry-on bag, grocery store companion, and a daily accessory when I trek to my office — all without any indication of wear and tear.”

What we also like

This 18-liter pack is designed with a convenient clamshell opening and has all the pockets you need. It also has a special padded compartment to securely hold a 15-inch laptop, and there’s even a hidden back pocket to keep your valuable items like your phone, passport, and wallet.

Inside the pack, you’ll find a stretchable, waterproof compartment. Monos claims that it’s perfect for separating your gym clothes, shoes, or wet bathing suits from the rest of your items.

Kristin Scharkey from SFGATE decided to test this waterproof feature and found that it passed with flying colors. In her words: “I intentionally spilled water from the inside and found absolutely no leaks; this is a great spot for a water bottle or the aforementioned dirty clothes.”

Another feature I love is the detachable QuickSnap Metro Kit system, which provides extra organization for smaller items such as your phone and chargers. Scharkey even mentioned that it can also double as a small cosmetics bag and easily fit right into the backpack.

What we don’t like

One thing to keep in mind is that the Monos Metro backpack is on the pricier side. And, in my opinion, the backpack doesn’t look very appealing without the front pouch, even though the pouch itself is nice.

Furthermore, some people have mentioned that the bag is quite heavy, especially if you opt for the vegan leather version. So, if you want to avoid carrying extra weight, I suggest you buy the nylon version because it’s lighter.

If you’re looking for a versatile backpack that can handle everything from quick weekend trips to daily commutes for work or school, I highly recommend the North Face Jester backpack.

And yes, it fits under the seat of an airplane, with no need for extra bag fees! It has dimensions of 11 x 7.88 x 16.5 inches and weighs a mere 1.6 lbs.

This bag is incredibly well organized. With a spacious 27-liter capacity, it features multiple compartments and pockets to keep your stuff organized. There are two stretchy water bottle pockets, a padded 15-inch laptop compartment, and fleece-lined pockets for storing sunglasses or electronics. These features make it very convenient for travel and keep your valuables safe.

What we also like

The Jester pack is comfortable to wear! The suspension system includes a well-padded back panel and mesh shoulder straps for extra comfort and ventilation. The addition of a sternum strap means carrying it for long hours should be easy.

What we don’t like

Customers have raised a complaint about the Jester bag, stating that it cannot stand on its own. When trying to load or unload the bag, it tends to fall over, which is not convenient. As one user mentioned, “No matter if it’s empty or full, the whole thing falls over and is extremely inconvenient to set up.”

Additionally, some buyers have noticed that the updated version of the Jester bag is smaller and not as spacious as previous versions. They also found that some of the pockets, especially the front organizer pockets are a tight fit.

Lightweight and compact enough to fit under airplane seats or in overhead compartments if needed, this rolling luggage is an excellent choice. The bag itself measures 17.5 x 14.5 x 8.5 inches and weighs only 5.5 lbs when empty.

What I also like about this bag is its construction. It is made from durable and lightweight polyester fabric with a DuraGuard coating, which protects it from water and stains. Although it’s not a spinner luggage, customers appreciate the large in-line skate-type wheels, as they roll smoothly. Moreover, you can easily slide it over the handle of your other checked luggage, making it easier to transport multiple luggage.

What we also like

Whether you’re going on short trips, weekend getaways, or overnight stays, this 26-liter bag offers plenty of storage space to keep your belongings organized. It has multiple compartments and pockets, including padded pockets for your 14” laptop and tablet, as well as a water-resistant toiletry organizer, so packing your cosmetics or toiletries is one thing you won’t have to stress about.

What we don’t like

Despite being one of the best 18 x 14 x 8 bags, some customers have raised concerns. They mentioned that when traveling short distances, the handle doesn’t lock unless fully extended, which can be bothersome if you prefer not to fully extend the handle.

Another issue mentioned by customers is the quality of the zippers, which has received complaints. Overall, while the bag is priced on the higher side, it remains popular due to its versatile and functional design, and many customers find it to be a valuable purchase.

Many reviewers, including Liam Tormey from Clever Journey, have praised how easily this bag fits under various airline seats, including those of budget airlines like Frontier, Allegiant, and even Spirit Airlines. With this bag, you can avoid paying luggage fees at the airport.

Despite its small size, it can hold enough trip essentials for two days or more. A particular Amazon customer even mentioned that it’s perfect for 4-5 day summer trips, though during winter, it might only fit three outfits due to bulkier clothing.

For easy organization, the bag has a roomy interior with bright colors for better visibility. Inside, there’s a mesh pocket and compression straps to keep your clothes in place and wrinkle-free. It also has a large front panel pocket where you can store items you need quick access to while you’re on the move.

What we also like

I appreciate the convenience and comfort of carrying this bag. It provides multiple options for easy transportation- by rolling it alongside you or by attaching it to a bigger rolling suitcase for hands-free transport.

Moreover, the in-line skate wheels can easily navigate uneven surfaces like cobblestone streets, bumpy concrete, carpeted hallways, and even rough terrain.

What we don’t like

Some customers have warned that you need to be careful not to pack this bag too full. If it’s overpacked, it might not fit under the seat in front of you and could be considered too big by some airlines.

Moreover, not everyone likes the in-line skate wheels, and since this bag doesn’t have spinner wheels, it might be a bit difficult to move around in airports, especially in tight corners.

Olympia Deluxe Fashion Rolling Overnighter

Travelers love the Olympia Overnighter because it offers lots of space and multiple pockets for organizing bulky items. You can conveniently fit a 15.6-inch laptop, work folders, a lunchbox, and other essentials.

Moreover, there’s a front zippered pocket where you can keep items like a pencil bag, headphones, charger, small lotion, notepad, keys, and other small items. The bag also has side pockets on both sides with Velcro closures, which are spacious enough to hold your water bottle, glasses case, small umbrella, and more.

What we also like

I recommend this bag as one of the best 18 x 14 x 8 bags as it measures 17 x 14 x 8.25 inches. It’s sized just right as a personal item bag that fits under the seat, so no need for baggage fees, and weekend getaways, and people have also used it as a work bag that can handle curbs, stairs, and various terrains with ease. What’s even better is that it comes in a variety of patterns and colors suitable for both men and women.

What we don’t like

According to reviews, some people have had problems with the handle of this bag. It can easily get stuck and be hard to pull up. When you want to put the handle back down, it requires a lot of force to make it retract.

The Lucas Underseat bag is pretty versatile. It can be used as an under seat bag, measuring 15 x 8 x 13.5 inches, or as carry-on luggage when expanded to 15 x 8 x 22 inches. I included it in my list of the best 18 x 14 x 8 bags because it’s a dream bag for people who like to stay organized. When you expand it, the bag’s storage capacity literally doubles.

Plus, it has lots of interior and exterior pockets, making it super easy to store your things neatly and access them whenever you need. No more rummaging around! And since it’s a soft-sided bag, you can squeeze in a few more items without any hassle.

What we also like

When you put the bag under the seat on your flight, you don’t need to worry about it getting scratched or damaged because it has a strong nylon exterior that can handle rough impacts.

And this bag has some other great features that make it even more appealing. For example, it has smooth wheels that roll easily, and the long handle can be adjusted to three different heights. This means both tall and short folks can use it comfortably.

What we don’t like

Even though many customers like this under seat bag, it’s not perfect for everyone. A few people have mentioned that the zippers and handles of the bag are not of the highest quality. They have observed that these parts can break easily if the bag is used roughly or not handled with care.

The Narwey Foldable Duffel Bag is super affordable and has received high ratings from many Amazon shoppers. It costs only $9, which is amazing!

A lot of people who bought this bag on Amazon gave it five stars. They say it fits the size requirements for a personal item bag on most airlines, like Spirit and Frontier Airlines. That means you can put it under your seat and avoid paying for an extra bag.

A feature that I particularly like is its ability to fold up into a very compact size when not in use. This makes it easy to pack it inside a bigger suitcase or store it away until your next trip.

What we also like

How much can it hold? Well, it has a capacity of 25L and comes with internal pockets and an external storage pocket. This gives you plenty of space to pack your travel essentials, such as clothing, cosmetics, shoes, and smaller items like your phone or a portable charger. And with over 20 color options to choose from, you’ll have a hard time deciding which one you like the most.

What we don’t like

The Luca Duffel is one of Calpak’s most versatile travel bags that you can carry almost about anywhere. I’ve seen people using this bag for all sorts of occasions, from gym trips and overnight stays to romantic weekends by the lake.

Even better, this carry-on bag is a go-to for so many travelers because it’s small enough to effortlessly slide under the seat and weighs a mere 1.95 lbs. And with a measurement of 16” x 12″ x 7″, it’s a safe bet for 18 x 14 x 8 bags. One frequent flyer gushed, “I fly a lot, and this bag keeps me ridiculously organized while keeping all my essentials easily accessible. It even fits perfectly under the seat!”

On top of that, it has a removable and comfortable shoulder strap and padded handles for easy hand-carrying. And if you want to pair it with a trolley, simply use the sleeve to attach it to your suitcase. Easy peasy!

What we also like

Don’t be fooled by its sleek look, the Luka Duffel is a real space-saver. It features nine pockets and has a roomy 22-liter capacity inside. You can easily pack 2-4 days’ worth of clothes, cosmetics, and even a water bottle.

What’s more, it features a separate zippered pocket on the outside specifically designed for storing your sneakers or shoes. This keeps them separate from your other gear while saving space.

What we don’t like

While the Calpak Luca Duffel is undeniably awesome, I do have one gripe—it lacks an electronics compartment for your precious laptop or tablet. And let’s be real, it’s not the cheapest bag out there, so the price is something to think about.

Whether you’re a jet-setting business traveler or simply someone who loves to travel light, I’ve got the perfect solution for you: the stylish and practical Maxlite Rolling bag from TravelPro. It’s compact enough to fit snugly under most airplane seats as a personal item bag during your flights.

And with a generous 26-liter interior, you’ll have plenty of space to pack all your essentials. Plus, it features a padded pocket specifically designed to safeguard your 14″ laptop, a handy water-resistant toiletry organizer, and additional pockets to keep your smaller items neatly organized.

Need proof of its awesomeness? Just ask Mary Chong from Calculated Traveller, who raved about this bag’s performance on various trips. They said, “I’ve used this bag on three trips with stellar results: A 3-day weekend escape to the Thousand Islands, a 3-day girls getaway to Upstate New York, a 4-day business conference in Upstate New York”. Clearly, this bag is ideal for business trips and other light travels.

What we also like

This bag has it all for effortless transport. You can use the padded shoulder strap to carry it on your shoulder or grab it by the top handle. Better yet, it can also be attached to your suitcase for hands-free movement. And here’s the best part: its inline skate wheels are durable, and glide like a dream on any surface.

What we don’t like

The trolley sleeve on the Maxlite 5 travel bag ain’t exactly rock-solid, folks. Some users have complained that it’s a bit on the flimsy side and can tear way too easily. So, if you’re planning to hitch this bag onto your suitcase, you might want to proceed with caution.

The Featherweight Tote is as practical as they come. It’s perfect for your everyday commute and is also stylish enough to make you feel like a fashion boss at the office. Plus, it’s spacious enough to hold your essentials for those day trips.

Inside its 26L main compartment, you’ll find elasticated pockets that can accommodate a few clothes, a pair of shoes, documents, a phone, and more. There’s even a padded 15.4″ laptop pocket—keeping your precious tech safe and sound.

Moreover, you can expand the bag to fit more items if needed, or you can keep it slim by using side snaps.

What we also like

The Troubadour Tote screams quality and class. I’m talking Italian leather handles, durable fabric, and a waterproof exterior that’ll keep your stuff bone dry.It’s a really sleek bag that I think you can use for a long time. Plus, it’s minimalist and looks professional, so you can take it anywhere and wear it with any outfit.

What we don’t like

It would be great if the bag had longer straps so that you could easily carry it on your shoulders. Alex Birch, a reviewer from The Gadgeteer, also mentioned this problem with the short shoulder straps. He said, “The biggest trouble of the Troubadour Goods Featherweight Tote bag is the 6.5″ handle length. It’s fine for carrying with your hand, but it makes carrying over the shoulder a very tight affair.”

Ladies, I saved the best for last. If you want a bag that’s as adaptable as you are, look no further than the Longchamp Le Pliage Travel bag. No kidding, this bag is a true chameleon. It can be folded up into a compact purse for everyday carry or expanded into a spacious travel carry-on bag that accommodates all your essentials.

Many women have found this bag to be perfect for various occasions. For instance, Eva Phan of Eva Darling has used it for long flights, weekend trips to European cities, and even as her go-to bag for work or school.

According to Eva, “In addition to using this bag as my travel carry-on, I’ve also constantly used it as my work bag (I carry my laptop, charger, lunch, etc in it EVERY DAY for 3 years) and college bag (I carried folders, textbooks and notebooks A LOT).”

What we also like

While the Longchamp Le Pliage Travel Bag may come with a higher price tag, I personally believe it is a worthwhile investment. The bag’s excellent craftsmanship and high-quality materials ensure its durability, making it a reliable companion for your numerous journeys. Victoria from The French, who has experience with this bag, even claims that it “could last for up to 10 years.”

What we don’t like

If there’s one gripe I have about this bag, it’s the lack of compartments and pockets, which can be a pain when you’re trying to stay organized on those never-ending trips. But hey, on the flip side, you’re getting a sleek, stylish bag that’s guaranteed to turn heads wherever you go. It’s all about choices, my friend.

This wraps up my review of the best 18 x 14 x 8 bags! Rolling carry-ons, backpacks, duffels, and totes, whatever your preference, these bags would give you peace of mind for even the strictest airlines.

However, this list is by no means conclusive, so I’m open to hearing your recommendations, questions, or experiences with any of these bags or others of your own.

Let’s chat in the comments!

If you’re looking for trustworthy guidance on travel accessories, you can count on Travelccessories. Femi, an expert in travel gear, and our team have put together a comprehensive review that draws on our hands-on testing, extensive research on reputable brands, careful examination of product manuals and customer feedback, and evaluation of numerous luggage models.

We specifically looked for bags with robust construction, exceptional features, and high ratings from real users. And most importantly, our team consists of experts who do not accept payment for reviews and are committed to providing honest and thorough information to help you make informed decisions when choosing the right luggage.

Also, this article is not sponsored in any way by any company. These products have been independently selected by myself and my team. And the only thing I receive is a small commission from our affiliate program if you buy any of them through the links and buttons on this page. It doesn’t cost you a penny. But it really helps me out as this money goes to paying for maintaining the website, editing software, my time, team and everything else that goes into preparing this post.