Carry-On Luggage That Fits Under Any Airline Seat Tested Across 10 Airlines

In 2025, air travel has evolved—and so have the rules around luggage. With more basic economy fares, stricter overhead bin policies, and new aircraft designs, travellers are now looking for something specific: carry-on luggage that fits under the seat in front of you.

Gone are the days when one "cabin bag" worked for every flight. Today, if you want to avoid gate-checking, boarding stress, or surprise fees, having a personal item-sized carry-on that slides neatly under any seat is the smartest move you can make.

At Koora, we put our latest underseat-compatible carry-on design to the test—across 10 international airlines—to answer the question: Can one bag fit everywhere? Spoiler: yes, if it’s designed with intention.

Here’s everything we learnt, and why underseat luggage is the travel essential of 2025.

Why Underseat Carry-Ons Are a Must in 2025

With low-cost and international carriers tightening policies, the concept of “1 personal item only” is becoming more common. That means your luggage:

• Can’t go in the overhead
  

• Must fit entirely under the seat in front of you
  

• Should not exceed specific size and weight limits
  

Choosing the right underseat carry-on lets you:

• Skipboarding zone chaos
  

• Avoid gate-check fees
  

• Keep essentials close (laptop, meds, chargers, documents)
  

• Breeze through short flights and weekend trips
  

It’s lightweight travel with zero compromises—if your bag is built right.

The Universal Underseat Size: 40 x 30 x 20 cm

While not officially standardised, we found that 40 cm (L) x 30 cm (H) x 20 cm (D)—or 15.7” x 11.8” x 7.8”—fits under the seat on almost every international airline.

We designed Koora’s Carry-On to meet this benchmark. It’s structured yet soft-edged, so it slides under tighter seats without crushing your gear. The bag holds around 22 to 28 litres, enough for a weekend away, a work trip, or a minimalist getaway.

The Airlines We Tested

The luggage passes the test for all 10 major airlines, including

• Emirates
  

• Singapore Airlines
  

• Lufthansa
  

• British Airways
  

• Turkish Airlines
  

• Qatar Airways
  

• Ryanair
  

• Vistara
  

• Air France
  

• AirAsia
  

The team flew in economy, premium economy, and low-cost classes to evaluate fit, accessibility, and comfort. The test was done on Airbus A320s, A350s, Boeing 777s, and 737s—the most common global aircraft.

What We Tested For

To qualify as "underseat-approved," we looked at five core criteria:

1. Does it slide under the seat without forcing or tipping?
   

2. Can it remain under the seat during takeoff and landing?
   

3. Can you access essentials while seated?
   

4. Does it avoid overhead bin space entirely?
   

5. Is it accepted as a personal item without extra charge?
   

We also factored in legroom interference, ease of stowing/removing mid-flight, and feedback from flight attendants.

Results: The Carry-On Passed All 10 Airlines

Across every airline we tested, the bag fit securely under the seat in front—no pushing, no sideways stacking, no gate-checking.

Here’s how it performed:

✔ Emirates & Qatar Airways

Spacious legroom and underseat storage. The bag fit with room to spare and allowed easy access to tech and snacks.

✔ Singapore Airlines & Turkish Airlines

Slimmer seats but good design. The bag fit perfectly in both aisle and window seats.

✔ Lufthansa & Air France

Seats are slightly narrower, but Koora’s soft corners helped it squeeze in without needing to reduce the load.

✔ British Airways & Vistara

Domestic and short-haul flights had tighter spaces, especially window seats, but the carry-on fit as long as it wasn’t overstuffed.

✔ Ryanair & AirAsia

Known for strict personal item policies, these airlines measure bags at the gate. Koora’s carry-on passed both checks and fit fully under the low front seat.

What Makes It Fit: Koora’s Design Philosophy

Designing a bag that works globally requires more than just measuring dimensions. At Koora, we built the Carry-On with these essentials:

Recessed Handles & Slim Silhouette

We avoided protruding handles and excessive padding. Everything stays clean and sleek for easy stowage.

Smart Internal Layout

The interior holds up to 3 days of outfits, a 13" laptop, cables, toiletries, and documents—all packed with compression straps and mesh dividers.

Lightweight and Balanced

Weighing under 1.8 kg (4 lbs), it feels light even fully packed. The shape balances well under rolling seats and in tight cabins.

Key Learnings From Testing

• Airline policies change often. Some low-cost carriers now charge for overhead bags on base fares. An underseat carry-on avoids this entirely.
  

• Seat width varies more than you'd think. Aisle seats often have more underseat space than window seats.
  

• Bulky bags fail under pressure. Many travelers had to check or rearrange larger “underseat” backpacks when overheads were full.
  

• Soft edges are key. Even 1–2 cm can make or break a fit under tighter seats.

Who This Carry-On Is Perfect For

• Frequent flyers who want speed, flexibility, and zero wait time at baggage claim
  

• Weekend travelers who know how to pack light but want something sleeker than a backpack
  

• Remote workers who need laptop protection, chargers, and documents at their feet
  

• Minimalist explorers who believe in traveling lighter, cleaner, and smarter
  

Whether you’re hopping across continents or commuting between cities, this is the carry-on that doesn’t get in your way.

The Future Is Under the Seat

As airlines move toward smaller cabins, stricter eco policies, and more efficiency-focused travel, underseat luggage will become the new default, not a backup plan.

Koora’s Carry-On is designed for that future. Not just for compliance, but for convenience. For conscious travel. For moving through the world with ease, not excess.