When you plan travel in 2026, it can feel like there’s an abundance of airline baggage rules to make sense of. Things can become particularly complicated when you’re travelling with a budget airline who charges a range of pricey baggage fees. If you are travelling with one of the cheaper airlines but don’t want to be stung by hefty fees, a great way to do this is to get hold of an underseat bag that will comply perfectly with the airline size limits. At Cabin Max we specialise in designing and supplying airline-compliant bags that help you save money when you travel.
Why Underseat Bags Still Matter
Air travel has changed a lot over the years, and some of the deals you see online can seem extremely generous indeed. However, one of the ways low-cost airlines like Ryanair and easyJet make a big profit is by charging extra for luggage that exceeds the free carry on luggage allowance. When you travel with a low-cost airline, you’re normally only allowed one underseat bag without having to pay extra fees.
Even if your bag is just a little oversized when the staff check it at the gate, you may be given extra charges before you board, and these are not cheap. These charges can easily offset the savings that you make by flying with a budget airline. This is why so many of today’s travellers are looking for bags that have been specifically designed to fit under the seat in front of them.
It’s really important to understand the difference between underseat and overhead cabin luggage. Underseat bags are placed in the footwell areas and are normally much smaller than overhead cabin bags. Airlines have maximum dimensions for underseat bags and closely inspect them when you board. If your bag comfortably fits within the stated dimensions you can travel without the stress of extra charges. Many people are feeling squeezed due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, so if you do have a trip coming up it’s important to do all you can to make your budget go as far as possible.
You can fit more than you might think into an underseat bag if you pack carefully. Many people use these bags to store tech equipment, business documents, overnight essentials and small personal items.
When you choose a bag which matches the limits laid out by the airlines, you don’t have to guess or panic when you reach the gate. A compliant bag means not only avoiding financial penalties but also general hassle from airline staff, which helps you get your trip off to a great start.
Best Cabin Bags Under £50 for 2026
At Cabin Max, we are proud to offer a wide range of budget airline-compliant bags to meet a host of needs. These bags have been designed to help you avoid fines and benefit from a generous amount of internal space and organisational features.
Paxos Range: Anti-Bulge Bags for Precise Compliance
The Paxos range consists of some of our most popular bags. These bags use anti-bulge technology that makes sure your bag stays within the allowed dimensions no matter how much you put into it.
The Paxos 20L Under-Seat Bag (40 × 20 × 25 cm) is one of the biggest sellers from this range. It’s ideal for budget airlines with rather strict underseat allowances.
One thing that sets Paxos backpacks apart from much of the competition is that it has a rigid external structure that’s made from EVA material. This means the bag won’t bulge out beyond the permitted dimensions even when it’s full. Airline staff regularly reject bags when they’re bulging at the seams, but the ShapeSafe design will let you avoid this risk.
There’s a clamshell opening inside that allows you to pack it like a suitcase. It’s also got zipped interior dividers that make organisation easy and padded laptop storage for devices up to 13 inches. It weighs less than 1kg despite the rigid materials it’s made from. This is the ideal bag for minimalists and travellers who want easy access to their essentials without having to pay hefty overhead bag charges.
The Paxos 24L Under-Seat Bag (40 × 30 × 20 cm) will give you a bit more capacity without breaking budget airline rules. It uses ShapeSafe™ rigid shell technology so it holds its dimensions even when it’s fully packed, which will help you pass airline staff checks for bulges on the luggage gauge and gives you a lot of flexibility. If you want to store clothes, tech gear, toiletries, travel essentials and a laptop, this could be the perfect option. The clamshell opening means you can see all the contents at once, and it also comes with internal zipped dividers.
The Anode 30L TwinWheel Wheeled Under-Seat Case for easyJet travellers comes with suitcase-style convenience. It’s sized at 45 × 36 × 20 cm and has been designed to fit precisely under the seat of airlines who’ll let you carry something a little bigger without charging you overhead fees.
The case has a tough ABS shell which offers you the protection of a suitcase whilst keeping everything light. Inside the case, you’ll see packing straps, a zipped divider and pockets for smaller travel accessories such as chargers and documents.
Features that have got a lot of customers talking are the 360-degree spinner wheels and telescopic handle, which extends to keep rolling comfortable when you’re travelling through airports. If you find backpacks uncomfortable to carry, the wheeled design could make things much easier for you. The bag is big enough to store weekend essentials but still keeps everything within easyJet’s underseat limits.
Equator X Series – Versatile Pack-Style Performance
The Equator X range is home to bags that are designed to pack like suitcases without breaking airline rules. Let’s look at two of the biggest sellers from the range.
The Equator X 24L (40 × 30 × 20 cm) has a soft, packable design and opens up like a suitcase to make clothes and accessories organisation simple. There’s also a padded space for your laptop and several internal compartments. If you want to keep everything organised efficiently but don’t need a rigid shell, this bag could be the investment you’ve been looking for. It’s very popular amongst those who travel with airlines like Wizz Air and Ryanair and makes it easy for you to see and access what you’ve packed.
The Equator X 30L (45 × 36 × 20 cm) is a great option when you’re travelling with an airline that gives you more underseat allowance. It opens like a suitcase and comes with padded laptop storage, organised compartments and a front organiser pocket for your essentials. The 30L size makes it great for longer trips and people who need to transport tech, clothes and accessories without paying big penalties at the gate. Equator X bags are made from durable recycled materials and come with strong zips as well as luggage straps so you can attach them to larger bags and suitcases for longer journeys.
Packing Tips for UnderSeat Success
Packing smart is almost as important as choosing the right bag to avoid tough penalties from airline carriers. Here are some things to bear in mind if you want to pack your Cabin Max bag successfully.
Measure everything precisely and check the external dimensions of your bag as well as the airline’s rules before you travel. Packing cubes can be very helpful as they make small bags feel more organised and create more usable space. Place heavy items low down in the bag especially if you’re using a backpack. This will boost comfort and balance. You can also make sure everything is compliant before you leave home by using an airline luggage gauge if you have access to one.
Travel Smarter with Precision Under-Seat Bags
Underseat bags are more than simple accessories as they help you avoid harsh baggage fees and let you travel peacefully. Whether you’re interested in bags from the Paxos range to prevent bulging, the wheeled Anode 30L for meeting easyJet rules or the Equator X series for versatile packing, we’re confident you’ll be completely satisfied with the option that you choose.
Speak to Cabin Max today
You’re more than welcome to get in touch with the Cabin Max team at any point if you do have any queries about the bags and cases in our range. We can listen closely to what you have to say to help you find the ideal product for your 2026 packing needs. We have many years of experience behind us and are passionate about matching you up with the ideal solution that will serve you well for many years to come.
To speak to us today, simply use the live chat feature on our website or send an email to info@cabinmax.com. We will respond as quickly as we can so you can quickly order the right bag or case for you.