Our Four Favorite Personal Carry On Bags

We’ve heard from many readers who are headed out on spring break or a quick sun-filled vacation and are looking for a new personal carry-on bag.

And this makes me EXCITED because I LOVE packing.

That sounds weird, I’m sure, but there is something about the process of organizing and packing things neatly that brings me joy.

It’s like doing a puzzle.

A personal carry-on bag plays a big role in being able to pack as much as you need without checking a bag.

I refuse to check a bag these days because nothing will ruin your hard-earned vacation more than lost luggage.

So today, we’re sharing four of my favorite personal carry-on bags, starting at only $30, and offering some tips to help you pack.

These all offer something different and are all sized to fit neatly under the seat in front of you on an airplane.

Why You Need a Personal Carry-On Bag

If you don’t want to check a bag when flying, you need to optimize everything you’re allowed to bring on your flight: your carry-on suitcase, which goes overhead, and your one (1) personal item, or your carry-on bag, which has to slide under the seat in front of you.

Most people do not take advantage of what you can use as a personal item.

A personal carry-on bag cannot exceed 18 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 8 inches high.

And there is no weight limit.

What are you supposed to do with your handbag? 

If you’re on vacation, you can leave it at home.

I’ll pack my Lo & Sons Pearl Crossbody because it goes with everything and packs nicely.

At the airport, I keep my phone, wallet, and other small essentials in a Lululemon Everywhere Bag and wear it until it’s time to board, then throw it in my bag (below).

What can you keep in your personal carry-on bag?

I prioritize the items I’ll need on the flight, such as my laptop, Kindle, and travel toiletries. I’ll also keep my travel jewelry case in there.

But you can and should use it for overflow or bulky items, like shoes or a curling iron. And I always packing any clothing in these compression packing cubes.

Our Four Favorite Personal Carry On Bags

Regarding your personal carry-on bag, you don’t need anything fancy.

Focus, instead, on quality, durability, and space.

If you are a frequent traveler, spend more on something like this because you know it will take a beating.

However, our picks range from $30 – $200, so there are options for all budgets.

My last tip is to buy something other than a rigid, hard-case bag. You don’t get as much room and can’t manipulate them.

Instead, look for a soft bag to stuff under your seat with no issue.

Amazon

For $30, this Kat Myhr Weekender is an incredible find.

You have tons of storage and organization, like a pocket for your laptop and a separate compartment at the bottom to hold shoes and other bulky items.

It slides over the handlebars of your roller bag, and it is made of a coated canvas so you can wipe away stains and scuffs.

It is available in cream (below) and black, which is not my favorite because of the contrasting gold zippers.

Dagne Dover

I scooped this Dagne Dover bag up a few years ago at Nordstrom, and not only have I used it, but it’s a go-to when my girls have sleepovers and overnight trips.

It’s an excellent little personal carry-on that, while it looks small, fits a surprising amount of things, like a laptop, kindle, and personal care items; I’ve even shuffled a packing cube and hairdryer.

I like the fact that it’s lightweight and soft.

It sits on your roller bag and has a crossbody strap when packed.

Available in several colors, pay attention to the size options. If you want to use this as a personal carry-on bag, you want the large. 

Lo & Sons

Sometimes, I feel like I recommend the same thing over and over, but when it comes to Lo & Sons, you really don’t need anything else.

And if I had to pick my favorite on our list, this is it.

Their bags wear like iron.

I love that they are reasonably priced and focus on utility, but they are still super chic.

Pre-COVID, I flew around the country like crazy, and my Lo & Sons bags never let me down.

For a personal carry-on bag, you specifically want their Catalina Deluxe Tote.

It fits the size requirements and has everything you need.

It has the bottom pocket we love for shoes, but if you don’t need it, you can unzip the panel that divides the bottom compartment from the main compartment and get even more room—genius.

Go with the Recycled Poly instead of the canvas for extra durability, in a range of primary colors, on sale for $168.00

The Everywhere Bag

Finally, The Everywhere Bag by Away is another excellent choice.

I have Away Luggage and am delighted with its quality and functionality.

Their Everywhere Bag is excellent for a few reasons.

First, it’s gender-neutral, so my husband can use this as quickly as I can.

This would make a lovely Father’s Day or birthday gift for any man in your life.

Second, I love how it opens up.

It falls to the side, allowing for a large opening and making it nice and roomy.

You can fit a 15″ laptop and a small water bottle inside.

Available in black and navy (above) for $195.

When I Use a Backpack

Travel backpacks are wonderful options to stay handsfree.

In the past, when I traveled for work, I used this style from Tumi, and I have friends who like the Rowledge from Lo & Sons. I find backpacks are better for when you are either checking a larger bag or are not bringing much.

Both of these options fit the same amount of things you would carry in a tote, they won’t fit additional bulky items like packing cubes or extra layers.