The Travel Runner

Find the best Frontier personal item backpacks in 2023. From underseat backpacks to shoulder bags, find the perfect personal item bag for you.

---

Frontier is one of the toughest airlines when it comes to carry-ons and personal items.

I’ve seen them forcing every passenger to put their backpack into their small box (currently 14″ x 18″ x 8″) to see if it fits. If not, you’re forking out $100!

You’ve already booked a cheap flight, and that’s not a good way to start your trip. So, finding a way to minimize your backpack space while maximizing your storage space is crucial. And I’ve narrowed down the five best personal item bags that will meet Frontier’s strict requirements.

So, let’s get to the list.

Note: There are affiliate links in this post. I am not paid to promote products or experiences, but I receive a small commission if you buy. All money goes into making the website better. So, if you support The Travel Runner, thank you.❤️.

Best personal item backpacks for Frontier Airlines

1. KT20 Under Seat Maximum Carry on Backpack

The KT20 Under Seat Backpack is one of the best parts of an open market.

Budget airlines continue to make air travel harder for backpack travelers, so a company makes a bag for that necessity. And the KT20 has everything you need if you want to skirt under baggage fees like a game of Limbo.

With a 30L capacity, the pack has a spacious main compartment to fit a set of shirts and pants to get you through a week-long or weekend trip. Plus, it’s lightweight, so it won’t feel like you’re carrying a small child around as you explore a city. And its 2-in-1 design allows you to carry it as a backpack or duffel bag by using the over-shoulder strap. This way, you can choose the method that is most comfortable for you.

If you need a bit of organization, the KT20 has that, too. There’s a front and middle pocket, which are great for storing essentials, like passports, cash, and any other important documents for your trip.

However, I’d be lying if I didn’t point out some of the flaws of the KT20 — starting with the laptop compartment.

It’s not the largest, so if you have a larger laptop (think 17″), you may run into some trouble fitting it in the sleeve. Also, the build quality could be a bit more durable as the zippers and straps begin to wear down quickly.

But if you want the perfect bag for meeting those pesky personal item requirements, it’s the best Frontier personal item bag.

👉 Want to get HUGE deals on Airbnb?: How to Get a Discount on Airbnb: 10 Tips to Save You Money

2. Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack

The Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack may not look like much, but it was designed with travelers in mind.

It’s small enough that it’ll easily meet the Frontier personal item size, but it also has a great design to maximize its small space, especially if you’re more of the weekend warrior type.

And it also has a few great bonus features, like an internal hydration sleeve to keep you hydrated on the go. But it can also double as a small tablet sleeve during transit.

But, as with everything, there are some drawbacks.

The backpack isn’t the biggest at only 20L, so some travelers may find it limiting for longer trips. Plus, it doesn’t have the most pockets for storage, so you may get frustrated by having nowhere to put your documents.

But it is a great packable bag to take with you to use on short day trips if need be!

Despite these cons, the Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack’s positives far outweigh the negatives, making it the ideal travel bag for your Frontier Airlines adventure.

👉 Traveling to Europe soon?: What Size Backpack for Europe? A Guide to Your Perfect Pack

3. Volher Laptop Backpack

The Volher Laptop Backpack just slides under the baggage requirements for Frontier.

And with a laptop compartment that’s big enough for laptops up to 15.6″ and a few great storage compartments, you get plenty of space to use. So business travelers, weekend warriors, and everyday users will love using this bag!

This pack has a soft, breathable back, so it’s comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Plus, the adjustable shoulder straps help you change it so it sits comfortably.

It also has a nice pass-through luggage strap so you can attach it to a suitcase or rolling luggage. And there’s a hidden pocket for any valuables like your passport or money. Plus, the top handle makes it easy to carry the bag, like a duffle bag or tote.

Last, the built-in charger port makes it easy for you to charge on the go. This is great for extended trips where you won’t have reliable access to a power source.

Overall, it’s a practical and stylish backpack that will be great for any Frontier Airlines traveler.

4. The North Face Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack

You know you’re getting quality when you purchase North Face gear.

And the Borealis is no different, which makes it the perfect backpack for your Frontier trip. It’s incredibly lightweight and small but has enough space for a weekend bag or take-everywhere bag.

The backpack makes it easy to organize your items with a padded tablet sleeve, zippered pockets, and two water bottle pockets for any liquids you have. These are great for grabbing any items you need while traveling quickly and allow you to stash away your less-used items.

And the bag is made from recycled and eco-friendly materials, so you can get your travel on while also helping the world a bit!

The main downside to the pack is that the sleeve doesn’t support larger laptops, so you may want to look elsewhere if you have a big computer when it’s in clamshell.

Also, the front compartment runs a bit small, so it’s easy for items to fall out if the zip isn’t fully closed. So keep that in mind.

Otherwise, the North Face Borealis is a solid Frontier personal item backpack and will hold up well the next time you’re flying!

5. Matein Lightweight Backpack for Travel

I love Matein products.

My Matein Elite Travel Pack has been amazing as carry-on luggage, but it’s a bit too big to be a personal item bag. And that’s where the Matein Lightweight pack comes in.

Even though it’s smaller, it still has plenty of storage options, which makes it the right size to organize your belongings in your bag. You have a few separate compartments for a 15.6-inch sized laptop, a main compartment for clothes and other essentials, as well as pockets for all your odds and ends.

Plus, the anti-theft pocket and luggage strap are great additions to help make it the perfect travel buddy. And, like a few of the other packs on this list, it comes with a USB charging port so you can keep your devices charged on the go.

While it might not offer some of the features of the other bags, it’s still a solid pack for the price.

👉 Headed to Asia to backpack?: The Best Backpacks For Traveling Asia [Make Your Trip Easy!]

Buying Guide for your travel backpack

Size and Compatibility

Ladies don’t like to admit it, but Frontier will: size matters.

And since Frontier is extra strict with their personal item bags, you want to ensure you find something that meets their requirements. Since it’s only 14″ x 18″ x 8″ and must fit under your seat, your options are slimmed down.

But start here when choosing a bag.

Material and Durability

Look, you don’t want to buy a new backpack every few months.

Take it from someone who’s bought more travel backpacks than he cares to admit. So it’s important to pay for high-quality materials.

Check if the pack is water, tear, and abrasion-resistant. Plus, make sure the zippers are heavy-duty, along with the straps and buckles.

It seems silly, but you’ll understand when you’re mid-trip and a zipper breaks.

Comfort and Adjustability

If you’re traveling for extended periods, then you want a bag that’s designed to fit your body.

You’ll carry this pack around more than parents carry children, so it better be comfortable.

Look for packs that have adjustable shoulder straps (preferably padded). Also, it should have a ventilated back panel to help prevent any sweat. And if it has a hip belt, even better.

Feature	Description
Shoulder Straps	Should be padded and ergonomic.
Back Panel	Look for a ventilated and cushioned design.
Adjustability	Backpacks should have adjustable straps for a custom fit.

Organization and Storage

Consider your backpack as your home for the time you’re traveling.

It’s got all your travel necessities, care products, and more in it. So, having a few pockets and compartments to organize everything comes in handy.

Security Features

If you’ve been in the travel community for a while, you sometimes forget how risky it can be at times.

Not necessarily any physical danger, but your identity and finances can easily be taken away. So it’s important to keep them safe in your bag while you’re going from place to place.

Lockable zippers, hidden compartments, RFID-blocking pockets — these all help you stay safe.

So check your bag and maximize the security benefits you can get.

Which underseat carry-on will you choose?

I hope this list of the best backpacks for Frontier helped you!

Whether it’s a backpack or tote, there are all types of packs that can help you condense from many bags to mini carry-on. And this tried and tested list had some of the best ones.

These aren’t the only ones, though. There are tons of bags you can choose from as long as they fit underneath your seat. If you have any recommendations, be sure to let me know so I can check them out and add them to the list!

And, if you’re looking for the best way to find cheap flights, be sure to check out the Hopper app to find some great deals.

Last, follow me on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok to keep up with everything I put out!