WITH airline fees rocketing higher than ever, savvy travellers are finding the best way to save money is by packing smart.
One of the easiest hacks? Bringing an underseat cabin bag that fits within strict airline personal item size limits so you don’t have to pay for an overhead locker.
BECKY PEMBERTONFabulous tried some underseat cabin bags to see which ones held the most outfits and had the best features[/caption] BECKY PEMBERTONI managed to get 11 dresses in Amazon’s offering (pictured) – but one other brand beat it…[/caption]Of course, you’ll have to maybe ditch bringing four outfit changes per activity – but underseat bags keep your cash where it belongs – in your wallet.
But which bag is currently the best on the market and how many outfits can it fit in?
Ahead of the looming school holidays, Fabulous put some underseat bags to the test…
Amazon
Xkdoai Travel Backpack – £17.99
BECKY PEMBERTONAmazon’s Xkdoia bag is sleek and comes with numerous pockets and features[/caption] BECKY PEMBERTONThe £17.99 bag was one of the best options from the bunch, in terms of size and savvy storage[/caption] AMAZONIt has a 20L capacity and also included a handy liquids bag[/caption] BUY FROM AMAZONWith Ryanair’s ruthless 40x20x25cm underseat baggage dimensions, it is no wonder that some brands are making bags tailored specially for this restriction.
And this is true for Xkdoai Travel Backpack, which fits both this and EasyJet‘s 45x36x20cm measurements.
It holds 20 litres of baggage, and opens 180 degrees like a suitcase – although there are numerous handy pockets for devices and toiletries.
In order to be more secure, it has a hidden security zipped pocket at the back of the backpack for your mobile phone, passport, wallet and other valuables.
Our verdict – 10/10
Award: Best value
Outfits fitted – 11 dresses + passport + toiletries
There is no wonder travellers are rushing out to snap up this small, compact, yet totally helpful bag, which is currently 44 per cent off down from the original £30.99 price.
I love how it opens like a suitcase, but you don’t have the faff of wheeling it through a city if you are on a weekend break.
I loved exploring the handy pockets and thinking about where I’d stack my make-up, shoes and tablet for my next trip.
Personally I think you can’t go wrong with a stylish black bag, but I loved the fact there were six colours online to choose from, including purple and grey.
It was hard to beat this bag among the selection – and my partner said he’d be tempted to use it too.
Morrisons
BECKY PEMBERTONMorrisons’ Lugg bag has wheels that can be detached to fit Ryanair’s dimensions[/caption]As part of Morrisons‘ WIGIG (when it’s gone, it’s gone) range, is this silver underseat cabin bag by the brand Lugg.
It’s made from a strong ABS material which helps protect it against shocks and scratches on your travels.
It also has 360 degree wheels – which can be removed so the bag is compliment with the Ryanair dimensions, and has a three-step telescopic handle for easy grip.
Our verdict – 7.5/10
Outfits fitted – 9 dresses + passport + toiletries
Morrisons’ underseat bags have been all the rage lately, so I was excited to try out their latest offering.
I loved the stylish grey colour, and the height of the removable wheels made it feel almost the same size as a cabin bag, but without having to pay the extra flying fees.
The wheels were extremely easy to detach and reattach if you were in a hurry at the airline desk and running late like I always am.
It was quite hard squeezing my clothes in, however, and it didn’t come with any internal dividers to organise my belongings – but if you are looking for a classic case that fits the brief, this could certainly do the trick.
It’s only available in stores, but if you see it, I’d definitely recommend grabbing one for you or a family member.
Primark
Trolley Cabin Bag – £25
BECKY PEMBERTONPrimark’s Trolley Cabin Bag has wheels and a handle if you want to drag it around[/caption] PRIMARKThe bag is 1cm too big for Ryanair but it complies with Easyjet’s underseat dimensions[/caption]Primark‘s Trolley Cabin Bag works well in three ways – either as a pull-along bag on wheels, as a handbag with the two top straps, or it can be put on of a suitcase over the handles with the flap.
Sadly at 26x40x20cm, it is just 1cm too large for Ryanair, but it would work with EasyJet and a large number of other airlines for their underseat requirements.
It has a large main zipped compartment, as well as an external zipped pocket to the front for extra organisation.
Our verdict – 8.5/10
Outfits fitted – 12 dresses + passport + toiletries
Many people head to Primark to find an affordable travel bag – and this one comes in three colours depending on how jazzy you are feeling – black, zebra or leopard print.
I was pleasantly surprised how much I could easily roll-pack inside.
It was also a huge perk to have the squishy bag having wheels, so I could have the option of wheeling it if I fancied.
I would have ranked it higher if I could have used it for Ryanair as well as EasyJet.
Cabin Max
Travel Hack 20L Hand Luggage Bag – £30
BECKY PEMBERTONThis stylish Cabin Max bag proved to be a hit due to its 20L capacity and design[/caption] CABIN MAXThe lightweight bag weighs just 0.6kg[/caption] CABIN MAXIt opens like a suitcase for easy packing[/caption] BUY FROM CABIN MAXThis compact ladies travel backpack by Cabin Max is compatible for laptop devices up to 13 inches – with 20L of space in total.
It has an an easy access top pocket for purses, phones and travel documents, and its lightweight design weighs just 0.6kg.
Our verdict – 10/10
Award: Most stylish
Outfits fitted – 10 dresses + passport + toiletries
If you are looking for a travel backpack but don’t want to compromise on style – this is the beautiful bag is for you.
I absolutely loved the chic cream design and the inside was like a Tardis, fitting in 10 day dresses, plus my travel essentials.
I love how it opened like a suitcase, but had a privacy pocket at the back for my tablet and passport – and loved the flat at the back so you could hook it over suitcase handles if you wished.
Will definitely use this for my next girls’ trip away.
Cabin Max
Metz 20L 40x20x25cm Underseat Cabin Bag – £30
BECKY PEMBERTONThis mint green bag managed to fit a whopping 11 dresses – which is incredible for a weekend away[/caption] CABIN MAXIt also includes a number of helpful pockets, including some at the front[/caption] CABIN MAXThe Cabin Max bag comes in nine fun colours to choose from[/caption] BUY FROM CABIN MAXComing in nine fun colours is Cabin Max’s Metz 20L 40x20x25cm Underseat Cabin Bag, which weighs just 500g.
It also boasts 20L in storage and includes a front organiser pocket with sections for an iPad or travel documents.
Not only does it have a padded top carry handle, but there is also a side bottle holder and rear trolley strap too.
Our verdict – 9.5/10
Outfits fitted – 11 dresses + passport + toiletries
Backpacks are great for weekends away as you don’t have to lug them around on your arm – and this one proved to be such a hit.
I managed to roll 11 dresses inside, and I loved how there was two sections inside so I could keep items organised.
I loved the mint green colour and how comfy the padded straps were – and would definitely reach for it if I had a trip coming up.
Cabin Max
Gozo Cabin Bag Expandable Holdall – £35
BECKY PEMBERTONThe pink travel bag can be expanded for extra capacity if you aren’t travelling on Ryanair[/caption] CABIN MAXIt has a shoulder strap and a band so it can attach to your suitcase handles[/caption] CABIN MAXIt has a padded laptop compartment for devices up to 13.3 inch[/caption] BUY FROM CABIN MAXThe beauty of Cabin Max’s Gozo Cabin Bag Expandable Holdall is that its size can be adjusted down to suit Ryanair’s dimensions – or it can be expanded if you can have a little more space.
It’s 40x20x25cm dimensions are perfect for the Ryanair free bag allowance, but it’s expandable 40x30x20cm size fits the free bag rules of airlines like Wizz, Volotea or Vueling.
This means it has 20L internal capacity, which rises to 24L when expanded – and it has a separate padded laptop compartment for devices up to 13.3 inch.
It also has a helpful storage design with three internal zipped pockets and two open pockets – and can be carried with the handles, a shoulder strap or over a suitcase with a handle sleeve.
Our verdict – 9.5/10
Outfits fitted – 12 dresses + passport + toiletries
I was hugely impressed by this pink bag, which fitted in a whopping 12 dresses.
This is more than enough for a weekend break away and, if you are like me, and want multiple outfit changes.
I loved how it could be expanded when you aren’t confined by Ryanair rules – meaning it is great value for money.
It also comes in a navy blue colour if the marshmallow pink one is too bold for you.
Tripp
Shell Print Vanity Case
BECKY PEMBERTONThis gorgeous shell print vanity case from Tripp would be look great on a holiday[/caption] TRIPPThe 1.4kg case has a 14.6L capacity[/caption] TRIPPThe vanity case had one divider inside, which could separate a pair of shoes[/caption] BUY FROM TRIPPTripp specialises in suitcases and luggage, and so it’s no surprise they have created a chic offering for the underseat restrictions.
Their 25x37x17cm vanity case allows you to take 14.6 litres when you fly and it weighs just 1.2kg.
It also comes in a range of colours, including this shell design – and there is also a chic dark green one too.
Our verdict – 7/10
Outfits fitted – 9 dresses + passport + toiletries
If you have ever wanted to feel like a stylish celebrity, you should consider travelling with a vanity case instead of a lumpy backpack.
While it may not have had all the bells and whistles of some travel bags – and just had one divider zipped flap inside – it looked smart and was protective with its hard exterior.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could fit inside, but they are a tad awkward to carry by themselves if they aren’t resting on a large suitcase – despite it coming with an adjustable shoulder strap.
Holiday packing tips
Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday.
1. Write a list
Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase.
Or for complete ease, try Google’s AI app – Gemini – which will create a list for you and help you not over pack.
2. Involve your kids
Jemma said: “My girls are getting older, they’re 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say ‘this is what you need’ and they follow the list.
“And then I give them a rucksack each – and say to them ‘you can have whatever you want in there as long as it’s not liquid’, and they can take that on the plane. And that’s their ‘home away from home’ items.”
3. Try a hack or two
She said: “I think they all work, but for different reasons – and you’ve just got to pick the right one for your trip.
“Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you’re trying to get a lot of items into your case, it’s a space saver.
“Packing cubes are great – for example, I’m going on holiday with my three kids and we’re all using the same suitcase for our clothes.
“These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked.
“I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we’ve arrived.”
4. Decant beauty products
Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets – which are much lighter and smaller.
Or, if you’ll be popping to the shops when you’re abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive.
5. Get organised before you come home
Jemma said: “When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes.
“Also pack it in some form of order – so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person.
“Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don’t leave it.”
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