Packing light is the ultimate travel hack, especially when you’re jet-setting on ultra-low-cost airlines. You know, the ones where every extra inch of luggage can cost as much as your plane ticket! Luckily, we’ve got the scoop on the best 18x14x8 personal item bags that’ll make your wallet and arms happy. Each of these lightweight backpacks is roomy enough to hold your essentials while being small enough to easily fit under the seat in front of you.
Say goodbye to the dreaded checked baggage fees and hello to freedom and extra spending money. Whether you’re zipping off for a weekend getaway or tackling a family vacay, these compact champs are designed to maximize space without cramping your style. Let’s dive into the top contenders with our list of the best 18x14x8 backpacks for your next flight on Frontier, Spirit, or Allegiant Airlines, so you can get on your way!
Disclaimer: Some items may contain affiliate links, that earn me a small commission but come at no cost to you. Thank you for helping support my small business!
Personal Item Bag vs. Carry-on Bag
A personal item bag and a carry-on bag are both essential travel companions, but they serve different purposes and come with their own set of rules depending on the airline you’re flying with. A personal item bag is smaller and is considered under-seat luggage. If you’re flying on Allegiant, Frontier, or Spirit Airlines, your personal item bag should measure no larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches. I have seen Frontier gate agents checking bag size, so this can be a strict size limit, depending upon who is working that day.
On the other hand, carry-on luggage is larger than a personal item and is designed to be stored in the overhead compartment. The size and weight limits for carry-on bags can vary by airline but are typically around 22 x 14 x 9 inches. The main advantage of a carry-on bag is that it allows travelers to bring more items on board without checking a bag, thus avoiding waiting at baggage claim.
If you are going on a longer trip and can’t fit everything you need in just a personal item-size bag, try for a carry-on to avoid checking luggage and having to wait at baggage claim or potentially having delayed or lost luggage. But if your goal is to avoid expensive baggage fees, fitting everything in one personal item bag is the way to go!
Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier Baggage Fees
Ultra-low-cost carriers are known for their baggage fees. While it might seem outrageous, it’s actually part of how they’re able to offer the tickets at such a low cost. These extra fees are part of their “a la carte” pricing model. You only pay for what you need. So for travelers who only need a small travel bag, you can really score on some cheap plane tickets!
Each airline has its own pricing structure for bag fees. But one thing they all have in common is that the cheapest time to add a bag is during booking. You’ll pay a premium price at the gate, so make sure that your personal item bag isn’t oversized or you’ll be unexpectedly forking out some cash.
My Picks for the Best 18x14x8 Backpacks
There are tons of travel backpacks on the market, but these picks are top rated, affordable, and functional. I hope this list will help you find the one that will best suit your budget travel needs!
Coofay Travel Backpack (Large)
This luggage-style backpack is an amazing choice. This bag opens like a suitcase with a large main compartment that can hold a few days’ worth of clothing. It also has 6 other pockets, including a wet pocket for toiletries, a USB charging pocket, a laptop sleeve, a shoe pocket, and more. And with the huge selection of colors, there is something for everyone.
If you’re looking for one bag to get you through the trip, this might be the bag for you. Just be sure you choose the LARGE size. There are multiple options and the LARGE (18.1 x 13 x 6.7″) will give you the most space while also keeping you out of trouble for carrying something too large.
Rinlist Travel Backpack
I’m obsessed with the Peacock Green version of this backpack. With the gold metal accents, this is the cutest bag! The material is easy to wipe down and waterproof, making it a winner. And it’s super spacious inside, with its suitcase-style large compartment for all your apparel. It also includes a front pocket 2 inner pockets for accessories, 2 zippered side pockets for electronics and small items, a hidden pocket for security, and a laptop pocket in the back. If style and function are what you’re going for, this bag fits the bill!
WONHOX Travel Backpack
This modern yet simple-styled backpack is great for any traveler. You won’t find any shiny gold accents on this bag. But you will find lots of options when it comes to colors and prints! This bag reminds me a lot of the Coofay Travel Backpack in its functionality and design. It has a large suitcase-style opening, making it easy to pack clothing. It has a hidden shoe pocket, which I love! You’ll also find multiple interior pockets for accessories, a wet pocket for toiletries, a padded laptop sleeve, an anti-theft hidden pocket, and a USB port and cable for hands-free, easy charging.
This bag comes in two different sizes: L and XL. The large measures 11.8L x 7.9 W x 16.9H, making it a bit smaller than the other backpacks. The XL is a bit larger than the airlines’ personal item required dimensions: 12.2 L x 8.66W x 18.8H. The XL is just a tad too large, so just know that if you have a stickler for the rules, you might run into trouble.
Beraliy Travel Backpack
This is a favorite backpack of many spirit and frontier travelers. It checks the box for size at 16.9 x 11.8 x 7.9 inches. It offers a large compartment for clothing and lots of extra storage pockets, like a laptop sleeve, a wet pocket, a hole and pocket designed for a charging cable and phone (accessories not included), and pockets for accessories. It’s available in 7 different colors. Along with the backpack straps, it also has top and side handles for easy carrying and stowing. And as a bonus, it includes a separate toiletry/makeup bag.
LOVEVOOK Travel Backpack
You’ll have no problem stowing this stylish travel backpack underneath your seat. It’s an ideal size at 13.4″ L * 7.5″ W * 17.4 ” H. This cute zippered bag opens at the top like a doctor-style bag and is spacious inside with plenty of storage pockets for all your travel gear. The nylon is easy to keep clean and will keep your things dry, while still looking high quality. The USB port and cable are convenient for charging electronics while stowing your charger inside your bag. I love the versatility of this bag, as you could easily use it for travel, as well as a backpack for around town, school, business, etc.
Canvas Vintage Travel Backpack
So, I’ve actually had this backpack for years. I used it as my school backpack when I was teaching. It is now my go-to, bag for practically every trip. I’ve stowed it under many an airplane seat. It is durable, roomy, and stylish (and my husband will willingly carry this one around!)
It measures 18.1 x 12.6 x 7.8 inches, which is technically over the size limit, but if not bulging with hard items, it can be squished into the bag checker. It has a laptop sleeve and can hold a 17″ laptop. It has a secret anti-theft pocket, plus two side pockets and a front pocket. The inside of the bag is super spacious and has two smaller compartments, as well.
I can stuff it full and easily fit a pair of shoes, a laptop, my makeup, a flat iron, plus a couple of outfits in it. It’s also great for when you get to a destination, and need a casual backpack to carry items for you or the family. It’s an awesome bag for travel, and my favorite backpack ever.
WANDF Travel Backpack
This is the backpack my husband prefers. It’s not exactly my favorite style, but I can’t deny its functionality and durability. It is a near-perfect size at 18×13.5×8 inches so that you can make the most out of your personal item bag.
It opens up like a suitcase, making it easy to pack. It includes a wet pocket to stow your liquids or wet items, a laptop pocket that can fit a 17″ laptop, an anti-theft pocket, plus several other outer and interior pockets. The handles and padded shoulder straps make it a breeze to carry around. If you don’t get one for yourself, it’s a great gift for the frequent traveler in your life.
How to Pack in Only an 18x14x8 Backpack
If you’re looking at these bags and wondering, “How on earth am I going to fit everything?!” you’re not alone. I wondered the same thing the first time I attempted this! I was notorious for over-packing and lugging around giant suitcases with me everywhere.
Then, I learned how to pack for 10 days in Europe in only a carry-on when I had no other option. After that, I realized what I can get by without and how to streamline my packing list. And now I can easily pack for 3-5 days in a personal item bag. I’ll be putting it to the test this summer when we head to North Carolina for a 7 night trip with only our 18x14x8 backpacks!
Here are a few of my top tips:
- Wear layers on the plane so you have less to pack
- Get inexpensive toiletries at your destination and leave them there (this doesn’t apply to prescriptions or expensive cosmetics)
- Wear your bulkiest items when traveling
- Don’t bring extra shoes
- Rewear your clothes or wash them there
Just following these tips will save you lots of space! Now, of course, there are exceptions, like if you’re packing for a ski trip or somewhere incredibly cold and snowy. Winter clothes are bulkier, but if you’re taking a summer trip, your clothes shouldn’t take up too much space.
If you want more info about how to pack in only a personal-item bag, you can check out this article where I’ve explained it all!
Wrapping Up: Best 18x14x8 Backpacks
If you’re on the hunt for the best small bag that you can fit under the airplane seat in front of you, these 18x14x8 backpack options stand out for their function, convenience, and style. With one of these hands-free bags, you’ll save big $$ on baggage fees and enjoy a more hassle-free travel experience.
Pack smart, travel light, and focus on enjoying your trip. And save some of that money for some drinks at the pool. ???? Cheers and bon voyage!
