The Best Personal Item Bags for United Airlines
Need a bag that meets the United Airlines personal item size? You’ve come to the right place! The 17 in x 10 in x 9 in dimensions make United’s personal item size smaller than the other airlines. It also makes finding a bag that meets those dimensions even harder. And considering how strict United is when it comes to carry-on bags, having the correct personal item size is essential to avoid unwanted fees.
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6 United Airlines Personal Item Size Bags That Are 17 x 10 x 9 or Less
Whether you’re flying in United Economy or United Basic Economy (which only allows a personal item as carry-on) here are the best bags that won’t get you stopped at the gate.
TravelPro VersaPack®+ UnderSeat Tote
The TravelPro VersaPack®+ UnderSeat Tote is specifically designed to fit in compact places, making it an obvious contender for a United Airlines personal item size bag. One feature this 16.25 in x 10 in x 9 in tote has that the others don’t? The exterior is stain-resistant and the interior is water resistant, making it built to last. The TravelPro VersaPack®+ also comes with standard features, like a removable shoulder strap, accessory pockets and a luggage sleeve.
Nomad Lane Bento Bag
The Nomad Lane Bento Bag is a social media influencer favorite. (And it’s also mine since I was influenced to buy one and took it on my Viking River Cruise.) Measuring 17 in x 10 in x 8 in, this passes the United Airlines personal item size test with flying colors – and you have one inch to spare.
What makes this personal item bag unique is how it opens like a suitcase. That means you don’t have to activate the “Search Claw” to find what you need.
Available in six colors, the Nomad Land Bento Bag also includes:
- Padded laptop compartment to accommodate laptops up to 16 inches
- A trolley sleeve that turns into a pocket
- External water bottle pocket
- A shoulder strap, tech organizer and toiletry pouch
- Key leash
CALPAK Luka Mini Duffel
If you love the CALPAK Luka Duffel, you’re going to love its mini me. Measuring 14.5 in x 10 in x 6.75, the CALPAK Luka Mini Duffel is under the United personal item size limit, while still offering plenty of room. You can also use this personal item as a work bag or weekend bag. And did I mention it’s less than $100?
Other noteworthy features:
- A luggage trolley sleeve
- Multiple interior and exterior pockets to keep your items organized
- A hidden zip pocket
- Large side pockets for water bottles
Beis Sport Duffle
The Beis Sport Duffel is technically a gym bag. But it’s versatile and compact enough (it’s only 17 in x 10 in x 8.5 in) to use as a United Airlines personal item. You can carry this bag in three different ways: by the handles, with a cross-body strap or stow-away padded backpack straps.
Additional highlights of the Beis Sport Duffle:
- A luggage trolley sleeve
- Water bottle pocket
- Zippered pockets for organization
- Key leash
- A “dirt bag” for dirty clothing and shoes
Dagne Dover Medium Landon Carryall
The Dagne Dover Medium Landon Carryall may be tiny, but its features are mighty. The 14.5 in x 9 in x 7.5 in duffle is made from recycled bottles, making it eco-friendly and 100% vegan. It also comes with plenty of organizational features and enough space for a weekend’s worth of clothes. This carryall would make a great work to gym option when you aren’t using it for travel.
Check out all the features on this 14.5 in bag:
- 13” padded laptop sleeve
- Exterior phone pocket
- Luggage handle sleeve
- Protective water bottle pocket
- Shoe bag included
- Detachable and adjustable crossbody strap
- Detachable key leash
ECOHUB 17” Travel Backpack
If you’re on a budget (and who isn’t these days?), the ECOHUB 17” Travel Backpack is for you. This backpack opens like a suitcase and measures 16.7 in x 10 in x 7.9 in. It’s loaded with plenty of features, like a USB port for easy charging, an internal pocket for a power bank, anti-theft pocket and more. It’s also made from 50% recycled materials.
A Final Note on United Airlines Personal Items
While you can use the personal items mentioned above on United Airlines, you can also use them as a personal item on all other major airlines, including American, Delta, Spirit and Allegiant. And they aren’t just for flying! You can bring these bags on weekend trips, road trips or to commute to work. For more United personal item options, check out my post on travel backpacks that double as personal items.
