Underseat suitcases

Designed with certain low-cost airlines in mind, these compact, lightweight suitcases slip easily under the seat, saving you additional fees when booking your trip. Ideal for weekends away or business trips, they allow you to keep your essentials close at hand. Combining practicality and style, they make travelling easier and stress-free.

Underseat suitcases: travel fee‑free with Ireland’s main airlines — Ryanair, Aer Lingus, easyJet, Wizz Air & Jet2

With low‑cost airlines tightening their baggage rules and removing free overhead cabin bags from standard fares, the underseat suitcase has become the smart traveller’s best ally. Compact, lightweight and designed to meet the “personal item” dimensions included free of charge in almost every ticket, it can save you up to €60 per flight depending on the airline.

Lipault’s underseat suitcases comply with easyJet’s 45 × 36 × 20 cm allowance and the universal 40 × 30 × 20 cm format used by Ryanair, Wizz Air, Vueling and most European budget airlines.

Our Foldable Plume collection stands out for its exceptional lightness — from just 1.6 kg — and its foldable system that stores neatly in its protective cover at home.

Also explore our 55 cm cabin suitcases, our travel backpacks, and our full luggage range to complete your travel kit.

FAQ

What is an underseat suitcase?

An underseat suitcase is an ultra-compact cabin bag designed to slide under the seat in front of you on the plane. It matches the "personal item" format included free in most airline fares, including budget basic tickets.

The benefit: you travel light, without paying extra fees, and keep your essentials within arm's reach throughout the flight.

What are the underseat dimensions allowed by airline in 2026?

Free personal item dimensions vary by airline:

  • easyJet: 45 x 36 x 20 cm / Weight: 15kg
  • Ryanair: 40 x 30 x 20 cm / Weight: No limit
  • Wizz Air: 40 x 30 x 20 cm / Weight: 10kg
  • Vueling: 40 x 30 x 20 cm / Weight: No limit
  • British Airways: 40 x 30 x 15 cm / Weight: 23kg
  • Jet2: 40 x 30 x 15 cm / Weight: 10kg

Data verified June 2026. Policies may change — always check directly with your airline before travelling.

How much money can I save with an underseat suitcase?

Overhead cabin and hold luggage fees can quickly add up on low-cost flights:

  • easyJet: large cabin bag €7–€40 online, up to €55 at the airport
  • Ryanair: Priority & 2 Cabin Bags €6–€20
  • Wizz Air: WIZZ Priority €8–€30
  • Vueling: cabin bag €24–€59 on Basic fares

With a Lipault underseat suitcase, you travel free of charge and can save up to €120 per round trip depending on the airline.

Which Lipault suitcases fit under the seat?

Several Lipault models are specifically designed for the underseat format:

  • Foldable Plume Mini Cabin 45 cm: perfect for easyJet, foldable into its protective cover. From just 1.6 kg.
  • Underseat backpacks: 40 cm format compatible with Ryanair, Wizz Air, Vueling. → View all backpacks
  • Soft underseat travel bags: ideal for the strictest airlines thanks to their flexible structure.

What kind of trips is an underseat suitcase best for?

  • Weekend breaks and city escapes: 1 to 3 nights with just the essentials
  • Short business trips: laptop, documents and a change of clothes
  • Low-cost flights: easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Jet2, Vueling
  • Complement to checked luggage: for valuables kept close (medication, documents, electronics)
  • Spontaneous travel: skip check-in and save time at the airport

What can you fit in an underseat suitcase?

Despite its compact format, an underseat suitcase can hold all the essentials for a short trip:

  • 2 to 3 full outfits (using the rolling technique)
  • A travel-size toiletry bag (liquids under 100 ml)
  • A laptop or tablet
  • An extra pair of shoes
  • Your travel documents, chargers and accessories

To maximise space, we recommend our luggage organisers and our toiletry bags.

What's the difference between underseat and cabin luggage?

  • Underseat suitcase (45 cm or 40 cm): fits under the seat in front, included in the basic fare with most airlines. Capacity: around 30 to 35 L.
  • Cabin suitcase (55 cm): stored in the overhead locker. Often charged as an extra on budget airlines. Capacity: 35 to 45 L. → View cabin suitcases

On standard easyJet fares with no add-ons, only the underseat bag is free.

Wheeled underseat suitcase or backpack?

  • Wheeled underseat suitcase: structured organisation, full opening, smooth rolling through the airport. Ideal if you carry weight.
  • Underseat backpack: maximum mobility, hands free, perfect for fast connections and city exploration. → View backpacks
  • Underseat travel bag: soft and modular, it adapts to the strictest airlines thanks to its flexibility.

Are Lipault foldable suitcases really practical?

Yes, the Foldable Plume collection is one of Lipault's flagship innovations. Its benefits:

  • Space-saving: folds into its included protective cover — perfect for small flats.
  • Ultra-lightweight: from just 1.6 kg, one of the lightest cabin bags on the market.
  • Proven durability: water-resistant twill nylon, tested in real-life conditions.
  • Colourful design: wide colour palette for easy identification.

Discover the Foldable Plume collection

How do I check that my suitcase fits under the seat?

To avoid any unpleasant surprises at the airport:

  1. Measure your suitcase with handles and wheels included (airlines always measure total dimensions).
  2. Check the weight if your airline enforces a limit (easyJet: 15 kg, Wizz Air: 10 kg).
  3. Consult your airline's official website 24 hours before departure — policies can evolve.
  4. Weigh your packed suitcase at home with a luggage scale.

Every Lipault product page shows exact dimensions (including wheels and handles) and empty weight.

What accessories pair best with my underseat suitcase?

To maximise space and travel organised: