The Ultimate Personal Item Bag Showdown: Take Off Luggage vs Underseat Pro

[@ItsTheKellys]

Which one do you prefer? Share your answer below!

[@CarolgTX]

Underseatpro. The computer pocket is priceless!

[@cathiclark7263]

Team Take Off! More pockets means more stuff which is bad news for my over-packing tendencies. Also if you stuff to the brim AND use the outer pockets in may not fit in the sizer. So if I could only have one, it would be Take Off, but both are priced reasonably, so both could be an option for many. Thanks Lauren for another great review.

[@shannondimond8909]

I chose the Underseat Pro. The trolley strap & outside pockets, for me, were the deciding factors. My husband and I are going to the UK for 3 weeks in September. We’re in our 60’s, and have decided to try taking a carry on & personal bag only. We’re tired of schlepping big suitcases on trains, planes & automobiles, not to mention the airline fees. Your videos are helping us on how to accomplish this feat since we are huge over-packers. Thank you & keep the videos coming.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Double check your personal item allowances when you go! A lot of times on international airlines, the personal item is way smaller than in the states :)

[@shannondimond8909]

Thank you!! We’re flying Delta to London, do their allowances change for overseas flights? Love your videos!!!

[@glb_tvlr]

We're basically in the same boat as you! Trolley strap, pockets, and it folds down nicely, even though I do love a hard side case. We're so tired of lugging baggage all over the place, plus the fees, as you've mentioned. Took the wife a while to get onboard with the carry on lifestyle, but now she sees how much better it is! Safe travels!

[@ItsTheKellys]

@@glb_tvlr those fees add up quickly and which is money that could have been spent elsewhere. Thanks for watching!

[@ItsTheKellys]

@@shannondimond8909 as long as your flight is with Delta and not a European partner it should be okay!

[@lisaellis7137]

Underwear Pro hands down. Seems like I’d be stopped at the gate with The takeoff bag. Cause it’ll look I’m trying take 2 carryons. Anyways- the underwear pro is soft and has more pockets and is cheaper. So that’s the one for me. Love your reviews

[@DrWho-h1e]

Your comparison is honest fair and complete.. well done

[@ItsTheKellys]

Thank you!

[@LordVader5738]

We need 2.0 vs Upgraded Pro! And I would say these bags compliment each other very well when used together. But for the most part they serve different kinds of customers. Take Off Luggage is for those focused on bringing all they can and won't be opening their bag during the flight. Underseat Pro is really good for those that must carry electronics and need easier access to them. Now, if you're going on a trip with at least someone else, it would be wise to fit as much clothing, toiletries , etc in the Take Off Luggage. And in the Underseat Pro use it to store electronics, more clothes, toiletries, etc. If I don't win the giveaway this week, I'll definitely buy an Underseat Pro to use it whenever I don't use my Take Off Luggage 2.0. Happy to see American entrepreneurs in action; both companies are doing awesome! 🙂

[@ItsTheKellys]

You said it all for me! Haha. I won’t be doing a 2.0 update of the comparison because it’s still all the same luggage facts, just updated features

[@happyfamily1298]

I appreciate your thoughts, as someone returning to travel after years/decades of not being in the season to travel much. I’m tormenting myself over which bag to bring for myself and my youngest, who is a middle schooler. Your comments really help, and along with Lauren’s valuable reviews/comoarison, I’m inching closer to at least one decision 😅

[@LordVader5738]

@@happyfamily1298 I'm glad this helped 😃 I recently flew with the Take Off Luggage 2.0, and the experience was just perfect! I managed to fit everything I needed for my 4-days trip. I'm sure if I leave behind a few more things I didn't really need I could fit even more. Which airline are you flying with and what bag are you leaning towards?

[@happyfamily1298]

Our family is traveling Delta (operated by Air France) to Paris, then hitting the train for some other destinations, then back to Paris to return home. I think you and Lauren have me convinced to try Take Off - might be safer to keep us from overpacking and causing a bulge 😅 Our youngest does not need so much space and also could benefit from a wheeled bag, and it has felt overwhelming to see the tremendous options available now! We visited Alaska and Hawaii in 2023, and car trips to Cleveland and Philly. We are ramping up our travel and are so excited!

[@bnellaniyah]

Thanks for the review. I have a few small American Tourister bags with wheels and outer pockets that I bought for my children to use as carry-on bags. They will now be converted into personal item bags.🙃

[@kenholsgrove]

The reason the Take Off luggage exists, is because it fits precisely in the Personal Item bin of budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Alaska. This allows you to take a a wheeled hard shell piece of luggage for free as a Personal Item on these airlines. If you watch the video closely when the two bags are compared for height, it's clear that the Underseat Pro soft shell bag is roughly a few inches taller, regardless of what the manufactures specs are, and when flying on these airlines depending on the gate attendant, you get you may end up getting charged for carry on luggage. Especially because the Underseat Pro will expand if stuffed and the pockets are used. When I first started using Take Off, I would have to remove the wheels at the gate and prove that it fit in the Personal Item bin, but now Spirit gate attendants are aware of the Take Off product and simply let me board when I tell them it's Take Off and show them the label on the luggage. The cost of a carry on piece of luggage for budget airlines is typically $50 or more. I have flown on these airlines and never have a problem with the original Take Off luggage. They now have a 2.0 generation version which is also the same size as the original, and an XL version which fits as a personal item for Spirit. YMMV for the other airlines. I would make sure which version you buy and what the specific airline policies are before flying.

[@susangilliam6400]

I just received my underseat pro..haven't opened box...but... the CEO for this company is awesome and responds immediately if needed to communicate....

[@ItsTheKellys]

Yes he is awesome!

[@kryssygee4814]

I’m so glad you are doing reviews of underseat luggage. ❤Honestly it is the way to go!!! 🎉Carry on is done in my books. Too many passengers doing it and taking up all the bin space now. 😞

[@joselynrijna462]

True, same here

[@milkcocoa718]

I bought underseat pro because of yours and a few other videos. The pockets are what does it for me!!

[@ItsTheKellys]

Awesome! I love the pockets as well! Thanks for watching!

[@lovestodive1879]

I think if I were flying I'd go with the underseat pro. Some weird part of my brain says the softside would just fit better cause you could squish it (I know they both fit, it's just a weird brain thing).

[@jessicalatten7173]

I just knew I was going to get the takeoff but now I’m interested in getting the underseat pro. Thank you!

[@annikki73]

A week ago, I had pretty much talked myself out of getting the Take Off. I don't really need any more luggage, and generally my eBag Motherlode Jr. backpack makes a great personal item. Then you mentioned Take Off was in the Detroit area. So I looked again -- they're literally in my city! Hmmm, black or blue.... blue's prettier, but metallic sharpie art will stand out better on black.... 😆

[@ItsTheKellys]

Yay! What city do you live in?

[@annikki73]

@@ItsTheKellys Southfield! You?

[@Vee_207]

The “metalliac sharpie art” made me smile… I ❤ art on luggage

[@choclitdyme]

​@ItsTheKellys im in REDFORD!!! Heyyy! Im going to Cancun next month and you've helped me. Thanks so much!

[@ItsTheKellys]

Hey neighbor! Enjoy Mexico!! 🧡🧡🧡

[@susandiekmann]

Both are winners! If I flew Spirit, I still think I'd choose Underseat Pro. Thanks for always being so thorough and for packing them both! I also love how you say the word "both." :)

[@DeereRandy]

I have recently found your channel on my quest for new underseat roller luggage. I really like the way you distribute your knowledge. It was a very hard decision between these two bags. I took the easy way out and bought 1 of each. Thank you for the excellent comparison.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Best decision! Keep me posted once they come in 😉

[@juliehollar9973]

Great video!!! I a, definitely going to purchase the underseat pro!!!

[@thecougarandthecub2560]

I’ve been meaning to tell you how much I love your channel. You are so thorough and detailed with measurements and what each piece of luggage can do. And I really appreciate that. I did just buy the hot pink takeoff luggage. That will keep me honest when I go on long weekend trips. I just have one question for you. Where did you get your luggage rack shelves? And thank you very much for the code. I went through and used that so you would get some sort of credit or whatever. Thank you again for these wonderful videos.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Thank you! And my luggage shelves are book shelves from Amazon. Here’s the link: amzn.to/3WZr8Bi

[@thecougarandthecub2560]

Thank you very, very much!

[@sgrant9814]

Initially, i was siding toward the under-seat pro but after reading amazon reviews (and i hadn't thought of this) folks complained they had to carry it on the plane and down the aisle as it was too wide (one said it would not fit under the seat but did not say which type of plane nor if the bag was over stuffed) ...so i think it will be take off for me. Not having additional personal item bag permitted is solved by wearing a scottie vest

[@deebee_412]

Both are great! I lean towards the underseat pro because of the trolley sleeve and its soft shell. Great review!

[@courtb3535]

Thanks so much for your review. I love the comparison. I love the idea of having 4 spinner wheels on take off luggage so I can walk and wheel it beside me but also not so sure of the idea of having to pop off wheels in the airport when my hands are full traveling with 3 small kids 7,5 and 1. So I probably am going to go for underseat pro also I like the big front pocket for laptop.

[@ItsTheKellys]

The big front pocket is hard to beat when you need to bring a laptop.

[@kenholsgrove]

The wheels never pop off.

[@cathylingo9521]

Thank you for comparing the two bags. Love them both but am leaning towards the Underseat Pro. Like having outside pockets and having to take wheels off seams like a hassle. And I have heard some airlines have given people a hard time with the takeoff bag. There was one thing you didn’t compare and that was the height of the handles when fully extended.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Thanks for watching Cathy! Take Off’s handle is roughly 22.25 inches while Underseat Pro’s is roughly 24 inches. I hope that helps!

[@cathylingo9521]

Thank you

[@nelsonsoaresusa]

Just flew spirit airlines with take off, it worked really well, when I got to my gate, easily removed the wheel, when It was time to show my boarding ticket, the lady asked to measure the luggage, no problem. Very happy with size and how much stuff it fits.

[@pandarush.]

@cathylingo9521 Hello! What kind of problems did the Take Off bag have with the airlines ?

[@paola_ace]

Thanks for always sharing great information. I have the Take Off Luggage, I love it. The only thing is that some airlines do give you a hard time, in my case JetBlue and it was a bit of a hassle having to explain and that I does fit under the seat. But other than that I love it and I used a belt to attach to my carry on.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Yes it’s always so interesting for the “under the seat” vs the measurements. Because it does not comply with jet blue’s measurements but of course it fits under the seat. So silly.

[@kenholsgrove]

You can always run into a uncooperative gate attendant, but when you put the bag in the bin and it fits, they will let you on.

[@blackie3740Sansone-tv1hn]

Take off all the way!

[@bettylouwatson3256]

I’ve used my husbands Take off luggage to go from SC to PA to visit and it was perfect for the five days I was there!

[@ItsTheKellys]

So glad to hear it!!

[@enjt-fran]

I love this video! I am glad you decided to compare them. My oh my, both are great options. I love outside pockets but I like the hard shell. I am leaning towards the underseat pro, it is cheaper and if I only want to use the personal item alone, underseat pro can double as a purse to hold my stuff. I am determined to travel light.

[@sodoffbaldrick3038]

Oh boy, I thought this video would make my decision easier, LOL! While I really like four spinner wheels, I also like outside pockets. I was surprised to hear that the underseater pro weighs more than the takeoff bag. I'm going to assume that the weight you gave was with the wheels on? This was definitely not the video for someone who is an over-thinker😊.

[@IntriguedLioness]

Polycarbonates have been lighter since day one .. actually the only reason I have used them on some travel. 🤷‍♀️

[@ItsTheKellys]

Such a hard choice 😂😂

[@Katy809RD]

I’m with you… I’m an over thinker. The best option for me is not to buy one when I can’t make a decision. I have multiple bags but no wheels so also trying to decide if I really need one, but I don’t even travel that often sooo 😅

[@donnamiles3436]

Thanks so much. So glad I found you. Finally found a bag I want for economic traveling.

[@ItsTheKellys]

🥰🥰

[@virginialuh6842]

Your reviews and replies to your questions are so thorough and informative. I’m team the kellys

[@ItsTheKellys]

I appreciate that!

[@CarolgTX]

...but you didn't pack the wheels in the spinner suitcase. I love the underseat pro. I have used it on my last 3 business trips and it worked great!

[@ItsTheKellys]

Because I put them in my pocket usually :)

[@CarolgTX]

@@ItsTheKellys gotcha!

[@godiva1955]

I have the takeoff expansion. Which just means I can’t use on frontier, spirit etc. but I usually fly United.

[@LTXYZ]

Thanks for your review. Super helpful. Subscribed. I think both bags would work for my travel. However, if I had to use it as a personal item to avoid luggage fees, I’d choose the Underseat Pro. The soft sides make it seem more like a personal laptop/business bag and I’d be able to access items while the bag’s under the seat. If there weren’t any carry-on fees, I’d prefer the Take Off.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Thank you! I agree. They have both upgraded their bags this year too, so check out those videos! They have made them even better

[@kenholsgrove]

As long as you don't stuff the bag and don't use the pockets, the Underseat Pro does have easy access during your flight.

[@donnamallory4526]

@The Cougar and the Cub. I agree Lauren is awesome.

[@ItsTheKellys]

🥰🥰🥰

[@tancam1231]

Thank you for this review!!!!

[@HibiscusStar14]

Leaning towards the Underseat Pro, but they're honestly both great!

[@ItsTheKellys]

They really are!!

[@Fallon922]

Thanks for making my decision harder than what it already was lol great review !!!

[@ItsTheKellys]

😂😂😂😂

[@TotallyTB]

I’m going on a trip in October that I will probably be flying Frontier. So, I’m thinking of buying Takeoff Luggage only because I read reviews for Underseat Pro doesn’t always pass sizers on Frontier due to handle. Don’t want to pay $100 fee😖!

[@ItsTheKellys]

Both of them have had issues, not because of the bag, but because of frontier’s crazy new rules that they make up 😔

[@malindahomehealthprovider]

Love this comparison…leaning more towards the Underseat Pro but think both are great options! Thank you your videos ☺️

[@pinkey6141]

I love your videos. You are very informative and honest. I would love to see this on the airplane, where you show how it fits under the seat.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Unfortunately I travel mostly internationally and won’t be doing a domestic trip that these are most appropriate for. As my viewers do it, and take photos, I can update. I have one video where I travel with the take off

[@pimientarealty]

@@ItsTheKellys Do you recommend the take off for international travel?

[@ItsTheKellys]

As a small carry on, yes. As a personal item, no.

[@shellytaylor9500]

Love, Love, Love your reviews!

[@ItsTheKellys]

Yay! Thank you!

[@Candisias]

So I have the underseat pro in both the rolling bag and the backpack, but I’m always curious to get other alternatives. I do like all the accessories that Take Off offers. With the Underseat Pro (I have the older version, not the new version with the updated features) it tips over a lot….I wish it was on 4 wheels. But I love how SQUARE they are, the compression option, etc. I’m really curious about Take Off and trying it out. I can definitely bring a laptop with the Underseat Pro with the laptop pocket but definitely can’t do that with the Take Off. Like you said, Apples vs Oranges. Great products and companies though.

[@trinitypainting8930]

I am really pleased that you support small business, I am going on a trip for a week and l do need a bag to fit underseat, my only problem is l am in Australia and don't understand pounds and inches

[@ItsTheKellys]

I will start to put kg and cm measurements in :) Enjoy your trip! Im sure it will be great 😊

[@lorihunt2503]

Great video but you did not compare the compression straps. The underseater has one you can pull and truly compress items/ packing cubes vs takeoff which is just stretchy and barely holds down items. Lastly im worried about the zipper on the takeoff if youre squeezing items in to compress before zippering. Bag will do you no good if the zipper breaks. I purchased both bags and now only have the underseat pro. Worked great on spirit

[@ItsTheKellys]

I’ll keep that in mind for future videos and thanks for letting me know your preferences. Good zippers are important and if you’re worried about them on Takeoff, then Underseat Pro is a good choice. I haven’t had any problems with Takeoffs zippers personally, but You gotta travel with the luggage you feel the most comfortable with. Thanks for watching!

[@sarahbrown1241]

these bags are everything

[@danakolpin1289]

Thank you for the information on the luggage.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Our pleasure!

[@marlagonzalez5064]

Was going to buy one of these because turns out the depth for one of my Europe flights is 7.87 inches…yeah I don’t think there is a bag that size 🤦🏽‍♀️ the other two dimensions are fine and even 10kg is ok for me

[@ItsTheKellys]

I’d love to know where they all shop… seriously!

[@lorihunt2503]

Did you mention how many liters each holds? I can't find that info online. If you know the owners could you obtain that for us? Ty for this great video ❤

[@ItsTheKellys]

Underseat Pro holds 5 lbs and 8 ozs. For Takeoff, It doesn’t say anywhere online, but they seem to hold comparable amounts. Thanks for watching Lori!

[@karan483]

Thank you for the review. I found your content really helpful and stated following the channel. 😊 I noticed both bags have 2.0 version. Since there is no comparison video between the newer models, could you share your recommendation? I've a trip coming up shortly and really need a personal bag option for Spirit.

[@ItsTheKellys]

Hello, I have done update videos of both new pieces of luggage, if you want to see the differences. However, I have not done a new “vs” video with them with their version 2’s. In my opinion, it’s still going to come down to your preferences, just as I stated in this video. People definitely seem to be on either team spinner wheel or team two wheels, or team soft luggage or team hard luggage. I think they can basically hold the same amount too.

[@lynn81181]

Did you see that Take Off luggage JUST released a 2.0 version of their underseat/personal item to better accommodate Frontier and their ever shrinking allowances!

[@ItsTheKellys]

Yep! Working on content for it! I have a red one!

[@elysianskye97]

Your channel is amazing! I’ve watched so many of your videos now and subscribed.. can you please make a video on the beis mini weekender vs the underseat pro? I’m going back and forth on which bag will hold the most for an upcoming international trip - I’ve been eyeing the calpak luka, beis mini weekender and now the underseat pro - for me what’s most important is how much they can hold 😅

[@ItsTheKellys]

I won’t be comparing that bag to any others for the time being, but I will be doing an ultimate personal item video very soon. The mini weekender doesn’t hold a lot and isn’t very good quality and gets dirty very easily. The Calpak one breaks easily (I’ve heard from several subscribers) and doesn’t hold anything, as it’s much smaller. The Underseat pro will hold the most out of these 3. 🥰

[@PetsitterTails]

Just checked in about the takeoff luggage on the link, provided, and yikes, every color is sold out! If you’re going to fly Spirit Airlines, I think this is the case to have?! Loved your video on this piece of luggage and your struggles with your spirit airline flight😁

[@ItsTheKellys]

When they come back in stock, I always put a community post on here, and stories on Instagram! They usually have a pre-order and then a live re-stock.

[@gllllll579]

Walmart sells this product and is in stock

[@nuvoclassic]

starts @4:22

[@marycooper2922]

I chose the Take Off because I’m a senior citizen and I love spinners.

[@ItsTheKellys]

I love spinners too!

[@tammymiele5447]

I bought take off because it will not allow me to overpack and i know it will fit in the sizer.

[@ItsTheKellys]

You gotta do what you gotta do 😆

[@mamatobz2890]

I want backpack straps on soft side ❤

[@ItsTheKellys]

Good idea 👌🏽

[@glb_tvlr]

Excellent channel with loads of information! Thank you so much!

[@ItsTheKellys]

Thank YOU!

[@qu48]

Can you fit a laptop in the take off bag? Think it will make it through frontier?

[@ItsTheKellys]

Frontier… they have issues. I have heard so much lately, any bag will be a risk because they are crazy. Even a backpack at this point. As for a laptop, yes, I packed a laptop in my take off when I traveled with it, but it was inside. (I have a video of me traveling with it and packing it)

[@qu48]

Thank you also you should do affiliate links for the packing cubes you use

[@Raiders-wm5kb]

@@ItsTheKellys I have a 17inch laptop do you think the underseatPro can fit it in the front? Or that I should just get a smaller laptop?

[@ItsTheKellys]

I’m not sure to be honest, I only have a 13” one to try out! But smaller laptops are much easier to travel with. Most bags can fit a max of 16.

[@mireilledionne218]

Hi, Since you talk with the owner of those companies once in a while, could you please ask them to make luggage that will fit the personal bags of Canadian companies? It's me again, who is writing about the fact that unfortunately those bags are too big to fit under the seat of our two ultra low cost Canadian companies (Flair and Lynx). I there after realized that they are also too big for Air Canada. :( The dimensions for personal item seems to be 6x13x17 inches

[@ItsTheKellys]

Do flair and lynx charge for carry on bags as well? Just curious. I know they made these to kind of “cheat the system” of budget airlines that try to rip you off, so that we can pack just as much as in a carry on, without paying $150. I know this 18 x 14 x 8 size is pretty much just the American personal item size hack.

[@mireilledionne218]

@@ItsTheKellys hi tks for your fast reply. Yep, the typical ultra low cost standard, charging for everything, also for a carry-on. This applies to Flair. I haven't fly with Lynx yet but I know that the only thing that is free is the personal item.

[@ItsTheKellys]

@@mireilledionne218 man, that sucks, because there is nothing out there that fits that size besides small backpacks. It’s hard to do a hack with that size because it doesn’t fit anything. I think, unfortunately for any other country (and I only travel internationally so it goes for me too) we’re just stuck.

[@yvonnerivera770]

i have a question so can i bring a carry onon the plane and under the seat like back pack or bag? Thank you

[@ItsTheKellys]

These types of bags were made for airlines like spirit and frontier that charge you for carry-ons. Their personal items are 18 X 14 X8 and are free if they are that size or smaller. So yes, these two bags will work as a free personal item under the seat, just like a backpack would be. But only on airlines that Have those dimensions! Otherwise you could definitely use them as a light or small carry-on if you wanted.

[@yvonnerivera770]

Thank you!@@ItsTheKellys

[@gamesboxgt]

Unfortunately the underseat pro page its no working. 😢

[@ItsTheKellys]

It’s ok! It’s just under maintenance for a brief period of time. It will be back!

[@poppawasarollinstoneboom9396]

What packing cubes do you recommend for the takeoff luggage

[@ItsTheKellys]

These ones fit nicely, whether you want the two big, or a big and a few small. amzn.to/44zkvbj

[@poppawasarollinstoneboom9396]

@@ItsTheKellys your the best thanks 🙏

[@TVMadam]

Обожаю этот дуэт! 🤗🤗🥰🥰👍👍🤛🔥❤️🙏🕊💐💫🎆😘

[@IntriguedLioness]

I mainly travel with 27-36 litre expedition duffels but if I were in the market I would choose the TakeOff. Funny thing though, I would probably "take off" the wheels and leave them at home because I love the idea of a lightweight polycarbonate clamshell suitcase style! No exterior pockets, no space wasted by a handle, no clunk-clunk clunk-clunk clunk-clunk😂🤷‍♀️

[@kenholsgrove]

The wheels can be carried in the small bag provided, and can be put on in seconds, to allow you to easily pull the bag thru airports, parking, hotels, etc. If you like to carry a bag when traveling as opposed to it rolling, I wish you well.