Hi Reader,

Let’s talk luggage—because having the right bag makes travel so much smoother. Whether you're hopping on a budget flight or packing for two weeks abroad, the right piece of luggage keeps you organized, saves space, and helps avoid baggage drama.

I’m sharing what I personally use, plus tips on when to carry on, when to check a bag, and my favorite underseat bags for budget airlines and regional jets.

🧳 My Favorite Travel Bags (Yes, I own all of these)

🧠 Underseat Carry-On Picks

These are perfect for budget airlines, quick trips, or when you want to skip the overhead bin:

• ​TPRC Smart Under Seat Carry-On with USB Port (15") – Navy Blue​
  Compact, smart, and convenient—this one fits snugly under most airline seats and has a built-in USB port for on-the-go charging.
• ​Biaggi Runway Hybrid Expandable Underseat Bag – Pink​
  I recently got this one for my birthday, and I’ve already taken it on three overnight trips using smaller regional jets from my small home airport. No problem fitting this bag—or the TPRC—under the seat on those tiny planes.
  These bags also easily fit in the smaller overhead bins, so they’re great not just for budget airlines but for small aircraft too.
  I can easily fit 3–4 outfits, so they’re ideal for overnight or long weekend getaways.

🎒 My Travel Backpacks

• ​Coofay Airline-Approved Travel Backpack​
  I love this one for longer trips because it has more space and tons of compartments to keep things organized. It fits well under the seat and works great as a personal item alongside a rolling carry-on.
• ​Portland Gear Standard Backpack​
  This is my go-to business travel bag. Mine is a light, bluish green, not pink, and it looks a little more polished for meetings and airport lounges.
  The wide top opening makes it easy to grab items quickly, and it slides perfectly over the handles of my carry-on. I use it for most 2–3 day work trips when I need something sleek, functional, and low-profile.

🧳 Carry-On & Checked Suitcases I Use and Recommend

• ​Away: The Bigger Carry-On & The Medium Checked Bag​
  I’ve had the Bigger Carry-On since 2022, and it’s already traveled to four continents and flown on 10+ different airlines—always accepted as a carry-on without issue. It’s sleek, spacious, and has a built-in compression system that makes packing easy.
  The Medium Checked is just as reliable for longer trips when I need the extra space.
• ​Travelpro Tourlite 22" Softside Upright​
  I’ve used this bag for years and have completely worn out two of them, each lasting between 5 to 8 years. These are tough, reliable bags with great organization, and they’ve seen a lot of miles. Still one of my favorite softside carry-ons.
• ​Samsonite Solyte DLX Medium Spinner – Mediterranean Blue​
  We have a 2-wheeled Samsonite bag similar to this one (they don’t seem to make our exact model anymore). It’s been with us for over 10 years and has traveled all over the world. Durable, well-built, and still going strong.

🧳 4 Wheels vs. 2 Wheels: Which is Better?

• 4-Wheel Spinner Luggage (like Away & Samsonite):​
  ✔️ Rolls in any direction—great for smooth airport floors
  ✔️ Less arm strain when standing in lines or maneuvering in tight spaces
  ❌ Can roll away on hills or uneven surfaces
• 2-Wheel Upright Luggage (like Travelpro Tourlite):​
  ✔️ Better on curbs, cobblestones, and rough terrain
  ✔️ Tends to offer a little more internal space
  ❌ Must be tilted to roll, which can be tiring if you're walking long distances

I use both styles depending on where I’m headed and how much walking I’ll be doing.

🧳 Carry-On vs. Checked: What’s Best?

Choose carry-on if you want to:

• Skip baggage claim
• Avoid lost luggage
• Pack light and move fast

Go checked if you need to:

• Pack bulkier clothes, gear, or gifts
• Travel with full-size toiletries
• Bring extras for longer trips

👉 Pro tip: I always pack a change of clothes and essentials in my carry-on—just in case my checked bag is delayed. And if it hasn't happened to you, it will. Happens 1 a year or every other year to one of us.

🧳 Flying Budget or Small Planes? Go Underseat Only

On airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Ryanair, avoiding bag fees means sticking to underseat-only luggage. But these bags also work great for small regional jets where overhead space is tight.

I’ve flown with both the Biaggi and TPRC bags on tiny planes, and they fit with no problem.
They also slide easily into smaller overhead bins, making them super versatile.
And yes, you can still fit 3–4 outfits, so they're not just compact—they're practical.

💡 Travel Tip:

Use compression packing cubes to maximize space and keep your outfits organized by day or activity. It makes unpacking a breeze.

🌍 My Recommendation:

If you're only upgrading one piece of luggage this year, I’d go with the Away Bigger Carry-On. I’ve used it since 2022, and it’s held up beautifully—four continents, 10+ airlines, zero issues. It’s lightweight, durable, and stylish enough for any trip.

Want more of my favorite travel gear? Follow me on Benable for complete packing lists, flight essentials, and more:
👉 Follow Travel Must Do’s on Benable​

Until next time,
​Melodie​
​Travel Must Do’s​

P.S. Join the Travel Must Do’s Facebook group to share what luggage you use or get advice before your next trip.

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