The Best United Airlines Personal Item Size Bags

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. Whether you’re flying in Economy or 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.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read the full privacy policy here.

6 United Airlines Personal Item Size Bags That Are 17 x 10 x 9 or Less

An image of Nomad Lane's Bento Bag, which fits United Airlines personal item size dimensions.
Image via Nomad Lane

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.) 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
An image of the Calpak Hue Duffle
Image via Calpak

Calpak Hue Duffel

If minimalist is more your style, check out the sleek Calpak Hue Duffel. The 17 in x 10 in x 8.75 in dimensions put it under the United personal item size, but offers plenty of room. You can also use this personal item chameleon as a gym bag or weekend bag.

Other noteworthy features:

  • Padded laptop compartment to accommodate laptops up to 15 inches
  • A luggage trolley sleeve
  • Inner pockets to keep your items organized
  • A secret phone pocket
  • A removable zippered pouch

Save $25 when you spend $150 or more on your next Calpak purchase.

An image of the Beis Sport Duffle
Image via Beis

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

Save $20 when you spend $100 or more on your first Beis purchase.

An image of the Dagne Dover Landon Carryall
Image via Dagne Dover

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

Save $20 when you spend $100 or more on your first Dagne Dover purchase.

An image of TravelPro's VersaPack UnderSeat Tote
Image via TravelPro

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.

An image of the Ecohub Backpack, a budget option for Untied Airlines personal item.
Image via Amazon

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.

Which bag do you use as a United Airlines personal item? Let me know in the comments!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply