10 Flight Attendant-approved Personal Items to Help You Travel Like a Pro — From $14 at Amazon

If you’re ever looking for packing tips, look no further than your friendly flight attendant, who seamlessly wheels their sleek spinner bag, effortlessly walks with their tote slung over their shoulder (seemingly not weighing them down), and uses the side pockets of their favorite bags like a true pro — stashing electronics in them in between flights to dodge any holdup at security.

Now you can travel just as effortlessly with these 10 flight attendant-approved personal item bags and underseat carry-ons, which include backpacks, totes, briefcases, crossbody bags, and purses.

Travelpro Crew Versapack Deluxe Tote

This high-density ballistic nylon fabric bag is “the perfect size to fit under the seat in front of you,” according to flight attendant Amanda Jones, who loves the convenient pockets and compartments. “I especially enjoy the pocket on the side, which fits my phone and passport perfectly. I have tried a few different bags to set right on top of my roller board, and this one takes the cake.”

Iioscore Small Sling Bag

When it comes to a personal item, Jones appreciates the new trend of the nylon crossbody bag. “I don’t often bring purses with me on my travels because of the amount of room they take up in my suitcase; however, this bag can fit all I need while walking around, and can be rolled up tightly into my luggage when not in use,” she shared. “I also prefer crossbody/belt bags in terms of security; it’s a comfort against any chance of pickpocketing.”

Baggallini Weekender Travel Tote Bag

This carryall weekender tote is beloved by flight attendant Jasmine Khadija for its multiple pockets, carry-on strap, and size versatility. Khadija notes that certain sizes can fit a MacBook Pro and it's incredibly durable. It also comes in a number of colors and patterns, is lightweight, and has durable straps that are comfortable to carry over the shoulder or by hand.

Lolë Unisex Nylon Belt Bag

This polyester, black belt bag is a great “Lululemon dupe,” Khadija said. “It doubles as a wallet, crossbody, is very secure, and travels perfectly.” The main compartment features a two-way zipper with mesh interior compartments to keep personal items organized. There’s also a secret back pouch that keeps your most sensitive documents (like cash or a passport) extra safe.

Samsonite Classic Briefcase

Terran Simmons-Talbot, senior cabin crew member for BermudAir, says this style of bag is what crew call a “topper bag.” “It’s great because there are many different compartments to keep all of your belongings organized and easily accessible,” noted Simmons-Talbot. “It’s not necessarily the most glamorous bag, but it fits neatly on top of your carry-on suitcase — hence the nickname.”

Tumi Voyageur Montana Backpack

American Airlines flight attendant Desiree’s go-to personal item is a nylon Tumi backpack. “I love the two large compartments, sleek look, and how well it has held up,” she said, sharing that it’s held up so well that after seven years “it still looks and feels brand new.” On that note, Tumi has stopped making the exact style Desiree uses, but this Voyageur version offers a similar feel, complete with a double-zip entry to the main compartment, zip-around expansion for 2.25 inches of extra space when you need it, and a separate zip entry for the laptop compartment. 

Aloha Collection Tote Bag

Whether you’re seeking a tropical pattern or a clean stripe aesthetic, Aloha Collection’s durable tote bags are ideal for “work and play,” according to flight attendant Sydnee Ann Yamauchi. “They're splash-proof and come in different styles and sizes. I have various sizes for my vitamins, makeup, wet swimsuits on layovers, [and] charging cords,” she shared. “I use them for everything!” 

Travelpro Maxlite Tote

When it comes to traveling for fun, the Travelpro Maxlite Tote is Yamauchi’s favorite. “It fits all my essentials, fits nicely under any airline's seat, and fits my laptop and a lot more,” she said. The tote’s sleek style is deceiving as it’s equipped with a ton of handy features, like the padded laptop sleeve, organizational pockets for cords, and a rear strap that fits over a spinner bag handle.

Sycnb Travel Duffel

For an underseat carry-on, try this weekender bag. “This one has a pouch on the bottom that you can put your shoes in, and on the inside, there is a waterproof pocket that I can throw in a wet swimsuit if I have one,” said Lilia, a U.S.-based flight attendant. “It also doesn’t have a hard wire in the zipper like the Béis bag does, so it fits easier under the seat.”

Yikoee Crescent Sling Crossbody Bag

When Lilia traveled to Vietnam with her husband, she absolutely loved using a sling crossbody purse. “This bag is so unassuming, but you’d be amazed at the amount of stuff you can fit in here — and it’s also water-resistant,” she said. While her favorite is from Uniqlo, this dupe from Amazon is almost identical. Just be sure to apply the on-site coupon to get the deal.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.