Travel & Everyday / Buying guide
Quick answer. Measure the bag packed and check the current allowance for the airline operating your flight.
Check the airline and fare
Look up the personal-item rules for each operating airline on your itinerary. Check what your fare includes and whether the item must fit under the seat. If several sets of rules apply, use the strictest when deciding which bag to pack. Recheck the official page before travel.
Measure a realistic load
Put your laptop, clothes and other usual items in the bag. Use a wall and a pair of books to mark the widest points. Measure height, width and depth, including pockets, protruding handles and rigid parts. A soft bag can expand as you fill it.
Check access from your seat
Put your headphones, documents and other in-flight essentials where you can reach them without unpacking. Leave room for something you might add at the airport. Use the retailer’s measurements to shortlist a bag, then compare them against your own packed dimensions.