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The Smarter Way to Travel Light
An underseat suitcase changes the way you travel. No more checking in, no more waiting at baggage reclaim, no more unexpected fees at the gate. Just pack, go, and keep everything you need within easy reach throughout the flight. At Lipault, our underseat carry-on luggage is built around the compact dimensions budget airlines accept free of charge, combined with the lightweight design and Parisian flair that make every journey feel a little more effortless.
The Right Dimensions for Every Airline
Getting the dimensions right is the key to travelling fee-free, and it's worth knowing that not all budget airlines use the same allowance. Some carriers offer a more generous free personal item allowance of 45 x 36 x 20cm, which our largest underseat formats are sized to sit comfortably within. Others apply the stricter 40 x 30 x 20cm standard, and for those airlines our soft travel bags and underseat backpacks are designed to meet the smaller allowance. Every product page lists exact dimensions with wheels and handles included, so you can match the format to the airline you fly most. As airline policies can vary and change, we always recommend checking directly with your airline before you travel.
Lightweight Enough to Make a Real Difference
Every gram counts when you are travelling carry-on only. Our underseat cases weigh under 2kg, making them some of the lightest underseat luggage options of their size on the market. Crafted from soft, flexible twill nylon, they roll smoothly on two robust wheels and fit neatly under the seat without any awkward rearranging. Light to lift, easy to store and built to keep up with the pace of modern city travel.
A Format for Every Way You Travel
Our underseat range brings together several carefully chosen formats, each designed for a different travel style. Our foldable suitcases are the popular choice for low-cost airline travel, lightweight twill nylon cases that fold flat into their own protective cover when not in use, ideal if storage space at home is limited. For those who prefer to carry their luggage on their back, our underseat backpacks offer an equally smart option, combining hands-free ease with a format sized to sit beneath the seat in front of you. And for business travellers, our business trolleys bring a sleek, structured look with roller wheels, keeping documents and a laptop neatly organised and close at hand throughout the journey.
The Smart Alternative to Checked Luggage
Travelling with underseat luggage with wheels means skipping the check-in queue entirely. No waiting, no handling fees and no risk of your bag being delayed or mishandled in the hold. For short trips of one to three nights, a well-packed underseat suitcase holds everything you need, from a change of clothes to a travel-size toiletry bag and your essential tech. To make every centimetre count, our suitcase organisers are the perfect companion, keeping clothes, accessories and cables neatly compartmentalised inside.
Foldable, Storable and Ready When You Are
One of the greatest advantages of our Foldable Plume range is how little space it takes up between trips. Once unpacked, it folds flat and tucks away in its own protective cover, ready to slip into a wardrobe or under a bed until your next adventure calls. If you would like to explore the full range of space-saving options, our foldable suitcases page has everything you need.
Explore Related Luggage
Travelling longer or looking for more space? Discover our large suitcases for extended trips, our toiletry bags designed around airport liquid rules, and our passport covers to keep your travel documents safe and close at hand.
FAQ
What is an underseat suitcase?
An underseat suitcase is an ultra-compact cabin bag designed to slide under the seat in front of you on the plane. It matches the personal item format included free of charge in most airline fares, including budget basic tickets. The benefit is simple: you travel light, without paying extra fees, and keep your essentials within easy reach throughout the flight. It is one of the smartest ways to make every journey a little more effortless.
What are the underseat dimensions allowed by airline?
Free personal item dimensions vary by airline. Here is an overview of the most common allowances for UK travellers, though policies can change so we always recommend checking directly with your airline before you travel:
- easyJet: 45 x 36 x 20cm / Weight: 15kg
- Ryanair: 40 x 30 x 20cm / Weight: No limit
- Wizz Air: 40 x 30 x 20cm / Weight: 10kg
- Vueling: 40 x 30 x 20cm / Weight: No limit
- British Airways: 40 x 30 x 15cm / Weight: 23kg
- Jet2: 40 x 30 x 15cm / Weight: 10kg
How much money can I save with an underseat suitcase?
Overhead cabin and hold luggage fees can add up quickly on low-cost flights. Here is what you might be paying without an underseat suitcase:
- easyJet: a fee for a large cabin bag, charged more at the airport than online
- Ryanair: a fee for Priority and 2 Cabin Bags
- Wizz Air: a fee for WIZZ Priority
- Vueling: a cabin bag fee on Basic fares
With a Lipault underseat suitcase, your bag travels free of charge, which can add up to a meaningful saving across a return trip. Fees vary by airline, route and booking date, so always check with your airline for the latest charges.
Which Lipault bags fit under the seat?
Several Lipault formats are specifically designed for underseat travel. Our foldable cases fold into their own protective cover, weigh under 2kg and suit the more generous personal item allowances. Our underseat backpacks are sized for the stricter 40 x 30 x 20cm standard used by most European budget carriers, and our soft underseat travel bags adapt to the tightest allowances thanks to their flexible structure. Every product page lists exact dimensions, so you can find the right format for how you like to carry and the airline you fly most.
What kind of trips is an underseat suitcase best for?
An underseat suitcase is ideal for a wide range of travel situations. It is a brilliant choice for short city breaks of one to three nights when you want to travel light, for short business trips where you need a laptop, documents and a change of clothes close at hand, and for low-cost flights with easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air or Vueling where keeping your bag free of charge makes a real difference. It also works beautifully as a second bag alongside checked luggage, keeping your valuables, medication and electronics within easy reach throughout the journey.
What can you fit in an underseat suitcase?
Enough for a night or two away. Despite its compact format, an underseat suitcase can comfortably hold a change of clothes and fresh underwear (rolling rather than folding saves a surprising amount of space), a travel-size toiletry bag with liquids under 100ml, a laptop or tablet, and your travel documents, chargers and accessories. To make the most of every centimetre, our suitcase organisers and toiletry bags are the perfect packing companions.
What's the difference between an underseat suitcase and a cabin suitcase?
The key difference comes down to where the bag is stored on the plane and whether it travels free of charge. An underseat suitcase (45cm or 40cm) fits under the seat in front of you and is included in the basic fare with most airlines, with a capacity of around 30 to 35 litres. A cabin suitcase (55cm) is stored in the overhead locker, often charged as an extra on budget airlines, and offers a larger capacity of 35 to 45 litres. On standard easyJet fares with no add-ons, only the underseat bag travels free. If you are looking for more space, our cabin suitcases are a great next step.
Should I choose a wheeled underseat suitcase or an underseat backpack?
It really depends on how you like to move through the world. A wheeled underseat suitcase gives you structured organisation, a full opening for easy packing, and smooth rolling through airports and train stations. An underseat backpack gives you maximum mobility and hands-free freedom, perfect for fast connections, city exploration or days when your hands are full. And a soft underseat travel bag sits somewhere in between, flexible enough to adapt to the strictest airline allowances. You can explore our full selection of underseat backpacks if you prefer the hands-free approach.
Are Lipault foldable suitcases really practical?
Yes, and genuinely so. The Foldable Plume collection is one of Lipault's most loved innovations for good reason. It folds flat into its own included protective cover, making it ideal for smaller homes or anyone who travels occasionally and wants their luggage out of the way between trips. It weighs under 2kg, making it one of the lightest cabin bags on the market, and it is crafted from water-resistant twill nylon that stands up well to real travel conditions. You can discover the full range on our foldable suitcases page.
How do I check that my suitcase fits under the seat?
A little preparation before you travel makes all the difference. Start by measuring your suitcase with handles and wheels included, since airlines always measure total dimensions. Check the weight limit if your airline enforces one. Consult your airline's official website 24 hours before departure, as policies can change. And weigh your packed suitcase at home before you leave. Every Lipault product page shows exact dimensions including wheels and handles, as well as the empty weight, so you always know exactly what you are travelling with.
What accessories pair best with my underseat suitcase?
A few well-chosen extras help you make the most of every centimetre. Our suitcase organisers help you compartmentalise clothes, shoes and accessories so everything has its place. A transparent toiletry bag keeps your liquids airport-compliant and easy to pull out at security. And a passport cover with card slots keeps your boarding card, passport and travel documents safe and within easy reach at every step of the journey.