There’s no way that most planners would ever check their meeting bag — the one with all that important stuff in it. They want it right on the plane, under their seat.
But when it comes to under-the-seat luggage, not all carry-on rollerbags are created equal. So Skift Meetings decided to go directly to the source and ask planners to share their recommended bags.
Here are 10 that rose to the top:
1. Hanke
Hanke luggage is made from 100% PVC hard-shell material with a 3-layer textured surface, making it both durable and scratch-resistant. Thoughtful features include a top lid opening, and multiple waterproof compartments and dividers for storage. The 16-inch carry-on fits neatly under the seat. Available through Amazon at $169.99.
2. Biaggi
Biaggi co-founder Stephen Hersh saved his ailing company by appearing on Shark Tank in December 2014, where he convinced shark Lori Greiner to invest $500,000 for a 33% stake. The company is known for its foldable luggage and packing cubes, but planners recommend its Zipsak Boost! Underseater, which expands to a carry-on. $229
3. Paravel
Paravel bills itself as the world’s first carbon-neutral carry-on, crafted from sustainably sourced materials including recycled polycarbonate, recycled aluminum and recycled vegan leather. There are two sizes of its Aviator Carry-On, the ‘Less’ at 13.7″ x 21.7″ x 9″ ($445) and the ‘More’ 14.7″ x 22.7″ x 9.6″ ($495).
4. Crumpler
With Australian travelers only allowed a 7-kg carry-on, rollerbags are out of the question. The basic Crumpler duffle bag, the Scruffle, is a practical alternative and comes with a lifetime warranty. And it’s sustainable: The exterior is made from pre-consumer nylon waste and the interior from 100% recycled PET bottles. Made in Australia. $175 plus shipping.
5. Mokobara
Bangalore, India–based Mokabara is known for its colorful designs and smooth-as-butter roll. The popular Transit Pro ($75 plus shipping, U.S.) can fit a 15.6-inch laptop.This innovative company offers an unusual feature: If you buy one of its pieces and decide it’s not for you, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund.
6. CALPAK
For those who prefer soft-sided luggage, CALPAK’s Luka mini rolling carry-on comes in creative colors such as rose quartz, sage, peony and rouge, and features a soft, puffy interior with multiple pockets and a laptop compartment. $165
7. Travelpro
Travelpro is marketed as the luggage brand preferred by aviation professionals. In the U.S., great bargains can be had at the company’s outlet stores, located around the country. Travelpro’s carry-ons are designed with airline size restrictions in mind and have features such as USB A & C ports and laptop storage. The most compact roller, the Maxlit UnderSeat Carry-On, costs $149.99.
8. Away
The Away carry-on was named Wirecutter’s ‘Best Carry On’ in 2024. The New York Times editors chose it for its “high-end components, such as sturdy zippers, and the best-rolling wheels of any bag” $275
9. Samsonite
For many frequent flyers, there’s nothing like a piece of classic Samsonite luggage. Brands come and go, but Samsonite was founded by Jesse Shwayder in 1910 in Denver, CO, and began business as a trunk manufacturing company. Its Spinner Underseater comes with a USB port and a price tag of just $149.
10. Delsey
The Delsey Paris Chatelet Air 2.0 Underseater has a sense of style that makes it a standout, and can be paired with matching suitcases and accessories for an elegant entrance. Features include 20 liters of capacity, a padded front pocket for laptops and interior snaps that allow you to partially open the suitcase. Sold on Amazon for $289.
Bonus Pick: CabinZero
Many planners we spoke with prefer backpacks to rollers, period. In this category, the overall pick to stow under the seat is CabinZero. The bags, which come in a rainbow of colors, have been approved by dozens of airlines, including Delta and Spirit. Most are priced between $65-100.
