Best Laptop Bag for Air Travel – Reviews and Buying Guide

Last Updated: November 18, 2021

We are sure you would not like being that person barely lugging multiple bags as their luggage, emerging amidst the crowd running to catch their next flight.

This is where laptop bags come into use. The perfect laptop bag for travel will be convenient to carry, compact enough to slide under the plane’s seat, spacious enough to fit in all your electronic gadgets and laptop, of course securely.

All of our daily activities and tasks are incomplete without our laptops, so much so we need them even when we travel. For the safekeeping of such a valuable item, it is necessary to choose a bag that fulfills its job to the fullest.

Best Laptop Bags for Airline Travel – Top 10 Picks

With the increased demand for laptop bags and airplanes being the most opted way to commute, innumerable products are being manufactured every day, but not all meet the standards you require. We have compiled the top ten laptop bags that are convenient to carry on airplanes.

1. KROSER 18″ Laptop Bag

KROSER has been manufacturing laptop bags for over a decade and has never failed to provide durable products that look decent and are of utmost comfort. Likewise, this premium travel laptop bag is designed as a messenger for all the professionals that carry laptops on the go.

Constructed out of environmentally-safe polyester canvas, this bag is long-lasting and water-proof. It will accompany you for many foreseen journeys and protect the contents inside from moisture or unexpected water spills. This commodious messenger bag measures 18″ x 12.8″ x 7.5,” and it doesn’t stop here; on trips where you need to carry more than your electronic equipment, it can expand to accommodate all the extras. The extension zippers can expand the main compartment up to two inches, making space for extra shirts that you may want to fit in.

Most traveling laptop bags do provide space, but no one designs organized compartments as KROSER does. All the compartments, zippers, and sectionals have been meticulously planned to fit in the maximum amount of things tidily so that your bag does not end up looking like a chaotic mess. The spacious, central compartment has a soft padded sleeve that acts as a cushion against bumps or jolts, and a Velcro belt attachment makes sure your laptop stays secure and doesn’t slide around. Two extra small pockets are also provided so that you can keep all your laptop accessories in one place.

Furthermore, the rear section has enough space to hold a few books and files with an additional divider that creates a private pocket, making that section less accessible to theft. Adding to the security features, it comes with pockets integrated with RIFD blocking feature; this feature protects your personal information and allows you to keep your credit cards, IDs, passports, etc., in the cardholder section fearlessly.

This utilitarian bag has a maze of pockets for utmost organization and certain sections for your safe travels. At such an affordable price, you will not find a better quality laptop bag that is this sturdy and convenient.

2. Solo New York Briefcase

Solo New York’s hybrid briefcase is an ultimate fusion of a backpack and messenger bag, with both features and silhouette. You can easily convert this bag according to your traveling needs; the slim design and fairly light-weight body allow you to carry it anywhere, and also, it easily fits under the plane’s seat.

It conveniently changes into your desired design merely by adjusting the transformable straps. The back-straps from the concealed pockets need to be taken out and fastened to the hooks at the bottom to convert it into a backpack, the handles at the side allow you to carry it vertically or horizontally as a briefcase, and you can stow the shoulder straps diagonally along your chest or lug it on your shoulder like a messenger bag.

If you carry a lot of equipment on your business trips or to your classes, this laptop has got you covered. The main, spacious compartment is entirely padded and allows you to fit in a laptop of 15.6 inches and your tablet in its separate padded compartment, both secured by a Velcro strap. There will still be ample space left for you to fit in your essentials. Two front-accessible pockets can accommodate your chargers and earphones and other knick-knacks you need while you travel.

This unisex bag is designed to bring you years of absolute comfort, constructed out of durable, defect-free polyester, and designed by a craftsman with years of expertise.

Inspired by the urbanites of the busy city of New York, this versatile briefcase is a perfect fit for those who are always on the go.

3. Osprey Packs Porter 30 Travel Backpack

If you cannot decide whether to take a duffel bag or a backpack to your next short trip, then Osprey Packs Porter is your answer. This is an upgrade to your mundane duffels, with extra features from a backpack.

Since the airlines have started charging for luggage, many people opt for spacious bags that can fit under their seats. This bag from the Porter line is the perfect compact piece for that purpose. For convenience getting through the airport security station, it comes with straps, and hip belts can be easily tucked in the back-panel when the bags get checked at the airport’s security. Moreover, it comes with a padded tablet and a laptop sleeve that can be locked and is easily accessible at security.

This commodious bag offers 30 liters of volume in the main compartment, with sturdy side-walls and u-zip that creates an accessible luggage-like opening, allowing you to unload and load your packing cubes easily. There is a frontal pocket with a vertical zipper for further organized storage, a front organization panel that has multiple sleeves and zippered pockets to store away your valuables, and a mini top pocket to slide in a pair of sandals or toiletry cube.

Osprey pack will be your perfect sidekick on your little adventures; it is light and compact and loads tonnes of big small pieces without slowing you down.

4. eBags Pro Slim Laptop Backpack

If you prefer to travel with many tech gadgets and equipment, this bag fits the bill. Despite the streamlined structure, it offers ample space to store your fragile electronics safely on the ego.

On the front façade is a vertical pocket with a zipper that gives you quick access to your passports, tickets, or boarding passes. To add to the accessibility, the diagonal pocket in the middle compartment makes it easy to view all your items, and you can grab them on the go without wasting any time. Moreover, the laptop compartment is can snuggly hold a laptop of 17 inches and is secured by fleece padding on the inside and water-proof exterior.

The company takes great pride in its one-of-a-kind organization compartment; it fully folds open through a u-zip, allowing everything in full view; the compartment is further divided into transparent mesh zippered sleeves, zippered pockets, a pocket, and pen holders. The adroitly stored things will save you from the hassle of rummaging through the thing on the go.

The eBags Pro is a streamlined backpack loved by all the tech-geeks who hoard all their gadgets in a bag and keep them safe tidily on the move.

5. Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Slim Backpack

Samsonite has perfected the third model of their Xenon line; this product is a modern, professional take on your casual backpacks with numerous features that allow organized storage of your gadgets in transit.

The manufacturers are not kidding when they claim the bag is constructed out of a sturdy material; the remarkable 1680 Denier Ballistic Polyester is a heavy-duty woven fabric abrasion-resistant and durable.

The rear compartment is mainly dedicated to laptops; this compartment is padded to keep your laptop secure from accidental collisions or whacks and keeps the other goods from scratching the laptop. There is a ‘Quick Stash Pocket,’ which comes in handy to accommodate more items when you quickly need to grab an item. The main compartment has mesh storage pockets to further stow in your electronic accessories and a front section with organizing chambers that can safely hold your cards, pens, earphones, and other knick-knacks.

To ensure maximum convenience while you travel, the bag comes with handles on top that neoprene grip for maximum comfort and stronghold. It also comes with one of the most important features required when traveling with multiple bags; the ‘Smart Sleeve’ lets you slip it through the handles of your luggage, keeping your hands-free while you run to catch your next flight.

This upgraded model of Samsonite Xenon is packed in with all the features ideally needed in a backpack for safe travels.

6. Wenger The Legacy Notebook Carrying Backpack

This Legacy from Wenger is a compact yet stylish backpack; with a grey and black body and red accents, this bag surely stands out from mediocre backpacks.

Despite being light, it is extremely sturdy and holds a sixteen-inch laptop snuggly. It has three layers of padded foam for maximum protection of your laptop. It has various other compartments for different functions; the organizers’ compartment includes private zippered pouches, pen holders, phone holders, cardholders, and key hanger. The quick pocket allows you to access essentials quickly without fussing around. On either side there are additional mesh pockets to store your water bottles.

This TSA-approved laptop bag is designed to minimize discomfort without compromising on style.

7. TIMBUK2 Authority Laptop Backpack

This sleek backpack offers multiple ways to keep your stuff tidy and organized. The laptop compartment can stow laptops of sizes from 15 to 17 inches and is accessible from the top, making it easier to pull out; the larger basic compartment can hold bigger items such as your shirt or thick books. Simultaneously, the internal section has tiny organizers to keep things like cards, pens, notepads, earphones, etc., neatly at their places.

All the compartments are shaped like an accordion; this feature helps you to unzip the compartments and almost lay the panels flat; this way, you can view all the contents inside clearly and access them with ease.

For added comfort, the backpack has an adequate amount of padding on the rear side that keeps your back pain away while carrying it for long hours.

This sturdy backpack is water-resistant and the perfect partner for everyday adventures.

8. Kensington SecureTrek 17″ Lockable Anti-Theft Backpack

Kensington provides better amount of security than any other laptop bag. When traveling, protect the things inside by clicking the zipper pulls into the Security Trek Lock Base. For additional safety, you can adjoin the lock to adhere the laptop bag to a steady object. Your laptop and tablets are fully protected with padded sections and durable Twill material, further secured by their industrial-grade zippers that cannot be punctured.

The bag allows expansive space to stow in your electronic gadgets and a few necessities for a night’s trip. Moreover, the sturdy zippers not only protect the bag but are also compliant with the TSA rules and lays flat open to pass through the x-ray belt. For a smoother experience at the airport, it has a luggage sleeve that allows the laptop bag to slide over your luggage handles, making sure it does not fall.

True to its claim of offering the best security system, this backpack has the most features that help deter theft on your journeys.

9. Timbuk2 Uptown Laptop Travel-Friendly Backpack

Timbuk2 is well known for its designs made to cater to the urbanites who love to travel. Similarly, this backpack comes with all the features that check those boxes.

It has a zipped front pocket that folds down and stores small bits and pieces safely to their respective sections. A large primary compartment to fit in the bigger item, a stretchy mesh pocket on the side to fit in a water bottle, and a floating pocket lined with Tri-coat that keeps your sunglasses and other fragile items safe inside

This travel backpack is perfect for those looking for a modern, hassle-free laptop backpack that does its job without all the bells and whistles.

10. Mobile Edge Alienware Orion Laptop Backpack

Made out of sturdy nylon fibers, this rugged backpack has fully padded panels to keep your gadgets secure from accidental drops and jolts. There is ample space for you to store everything tidily; the spacious main compartment can hold a laptop as large as 17 inches, the second compartment provides space to fit in your bulkier things, like books, folders, shirts, etc. In contrast, the last compartment is subdivided into up to ten mini compartments to place all your little things in their respective places neatly.

To help you pass the security checkpoint smoothly, this backpack comes with a TSA-compliant laptop storage panel and U-shaped zippers, making it accessible to the security checkpoints.

This minimalistic backpack is quintessential for travelers who fly quite frequently with loads of electronic gears.

Factors to Consider in Laptop Bags for Air Travel

It can get quite intimidating to rely on a backpack when you are out in a new city. To guarantee your adventures are safe and comfortable, you may need to consider some factors before deciding upon a product.

Dimensions

You need to first measure the laptop you are using with the dimensions of the bag‘s laptop compartment. Once they match, you need to move on to evaluate the volume of the bag with the number of things you plan to carry; if you are a light packer, then a volume of 30L is adequate. Next, if you are planning to travel with the backpack as main luggage or bring it to the plane, then make sure the exterior dimensions are compliant with the allowed size.

TSA Approved

For smooth and quick pass-through at airport checkpoints, make sure your backpack has a specific laptop compartment that can completely open up and is laid flat on the X-ray to get checked. Any hindrances like zippers or snaps on top or under the laptop compartment are not allowed.

Portability

No one wants to carry bulky bags to airports that do not fit anywhere. Look out for compact and streamlined backpacks that are easily convertible according to your needs. It might seem like a subtle detail, but luggage sleeves are very handy when traveling with multiple bags. These straps allow you to slide down your backpack on your luggage handles and carry multiple bags at a time.

Storage

Setting aside separate compartments for the laptop, extra organized storage is equally essential. Opt for products with different zippered compartments to stow away your contents neatly.

Security

It’s crucial to take care of your valuables, especially when traveling where your bag is exposed to wear and tear, and thefts. Look closely for bags with sturdy and durable zippers and hardware that do not slide open. Also, bags constructed out of heavy-duty fabric that is also anti-cut and water-resistant are favorable on such trips.

Conclusion

An ideal laptop bag should protect your laptop and other electronic gear from accidental bumps, should be easy to carry, be checkpoint friendly and should not break your back or bank. For these reasons we highly recommend the KROSER laptop bag as the best one for air travel.

However, all the bags listed above are ergonomically comfortable, and guarantee safe travels. Assuming you have opted for your favorite one, now is the time to say au revoir and hop on to your next hassle-free flight.