Best for…

This diminutive version of our favorite carry-on luggage rolls along on wheels, has a long extending handle, and fits under an airline seat.

The Travelpro Crew Classic Rolling UnderSeat Carry-On is our choice for a personal item that you can roll on to the plane.

This diminutive luggage is easy to move around. This compact tote is large enough to carry everything you need for an overnight trip, but it still falls within the average US airline underseat dimensions. It sits on two wheels, so it’s a remarkably maneuverable case for anyone who doesn’t prefer (or is unable) to carry their personal item on their shoulder or back.

Simple organization with good capacity. This tote has one main compartment, a front pocket for small papers and tickets, and two expanding side pockets. The bag’s main compartment is built and organized like a small piece of carry-on luggage—with rolling wheels and internal, zippered organizational compartments, combined with some aspects useful in a personal item, such as a padded sleeve (it holds up to a 14-inch laptop). It also has a pass-through sleeve for the handle of a carry-on luggage.

It comes with a reputation for durability. We’ve recommended Travelpro luggage for years in our carry-on and checked suitcases guides, due to its durability, dependability, and lifetime warranty (that also protects against airline damage for the first three years). Like those other Travelpro picks, the Crew Classic meets the same standards in materials, build quality, and guarantee. The internal frame, wrapped in nylon fabric similar to soft-sided carry-on luggage, should endure plenty of accidental kicks and scuffs. That reinforcement is particularly useful if you’re packing delicate items, such as cameras, extra computer equipment, or fragile gifts.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It’s not compressible. If you catch a seat with an underseat power bank or any other kind of obstruction, you won’t be able to wedge this case into place like you might be able to do with a soft bag or backpack. The tote’s rigid shape means there’s very little wiggle room if, for whatever reason, it doesn’t fit under the seat in front of you.

The wheels take up some space. As with any rolling luggage, with the Travelpro Crew, you lose a little packing space to the handle and wheel carriage.

The accessory pocket can’t fit much. Despite the inclusion of a small, exterior, flexible pocket—nominally for an umbrella or water bottle—we found that it was too small to be of much use for anything except a very narrow plastic water bottle.

Dimensions: 17 by 14 by 8.75 inches
Weight: 5.8 pounds
Capacity: 24.5 liters