Packing for a trip with nothing more than a personal item — a small bag that must fit entirely underneath the seat in front of you — may sound impossible, especially if you’re used to flying with a carry-on or checked bag. But there’s one major advantage to doing so: saving money. Frequent travelers know that one of the easiest ways to avoid extra airline baggage fees and skip the hassle of waiting at baggage claim is to travel light. The challenge, of course, is fitting everything you need into a single personal item. Here’s how to do it for short trips.

Check the Dimensions

Gone are the days when most airlines included a free checked bag with every ticket. Now, some budget carriers (like Frontier and Europe-based Ryanair) — and even the basic-economy fares of other airlines (like Air Canada and United) — permit passengers to bring only a personal item and not even a full-sized carry-on bag. 

A personal item is typically a small backpack, purse, tote, fanny bag, diaper bag, or laptop bag that fits under the seat in front of you. Anything larger, from a carry-on to a checked suitcase, can come with an additional fee.

The under-seat space varies across airlines, so make sure you check the dimensions for your specific carrier. Below is a chart of under-seat dimensions for personal items on a few popular airlines:

Choose the Right Bag

Fitting all you need for a short trip (e.g., three or four days) into a personal item starts with picking the right bag. A soft bag is your best bet, because it’ll allow you to utilize every corner and crevasse and provide some give when you push it under the seat. 

One popular option for personal-item-only travel is the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC, a soft-sided 22-liter bag measuring 18 by 12 by 7.5 inches. Its convertible design allows you to carry it as either a duffel or a backpack. Plus, the flexible material makes it easier to meet airline size restrictions, while also providing ample space and pockets to keep your items organized. 

The Blast Bag Travel Backpack is another option at a more affordable price point. It has a 28-liter capacity and measures 12.2 by 16.5 by 8.1 inches. This backpack offers an impressive amount of packing space, featuring a clamshell-style opening for easy packing, multiple internal compartments for organization, and a zipped shoe pocket that keeps footwear separate from clothing. Its lightweight, soft-sided build makes it easy to fit under most airplane seats. And details like a laptop sleeve and compression straps make it a practical choice for short trips.

For those who prefer a tote-style personal item, Away’s The Everywhere Bag is a practical option. This stylish travel tote meets most airline under-seat size requirements at 16.3 by 10.2 by 7.3 inches. Made from water-repellent nylon with leather trim, it has a spacious main compartment, a padded laptop pocket, and several interior pockets. Additional features include a trolley sleeve that slides over a suitcase handle and a detachable shoulder strap.

What To Pack

If you’re packing for a long weekend trip, the following essentials should fit into any of the bags described above:

Clothing

• 2-3 tops
• 1-2 pairs of pants, shorts, or skirts
• 1 lightweight sweater, cardigan, or layer
• 1 outfit suitable for dinner or a special activity
• 1 swimsuit (if required)
• Underwear and socks for each day, plus one extra set for backup
• Sleepwear

To save space, wear your bulkiest items, such as sneakers, boots, or a jacket, on the plane.

Essential Toiletries

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Any prescription medications
• Shampoo and conditioner bar (break off a piece and put it in a Ziploc to save space)
• Moisturizer-sunscreen combo
• Mini hair brush

Other Necessities

• Phone
• Phone charger and charging cable
• Wallet, ID, and passport (if required)
• Headphones or earbuds
• Sunglasses

You can also carry some or all of these items with you in your pockets to save space. As you can see, packing everything into a personal item takes a bit of strategy, but it can also save you money and make travel much simpler. Once you get used to traveling light, you may find you don’t miss that extra suitcase at all.