Last Updated: February 17, 2022
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If you have ever traveled with Spirit Air, you know how tight they can be with carry-on luggage size. Their current limit is 16x14x12 inches, and they are serious about it.
If you have anything larger than the sizes they say, you have to pay. And if you wait until you get to the gate, it can be as expensive as $100. (They keep changing the rules and moving the goals, so check before you buy/checking)
You just need to understand their limitations and learn to work within them.
So, one of your biggest challenges, if you want to fly with them often is to find a 16x14x12 inch bag for carry-on.
Here are some of the best 16 x 14 x 12 inch bags and other options so you can make a choice.
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Top Products
Eagle Creek EC Adventure Wheeled Tote
Eagle Creek is known for its quality products and this EC Adventureis no exception.
This bag is in the same class as the Delsey, from which I own a few suitcases. That means, better materials, lining, zippers, wheels, etc.
It has very similar features with the front pockets and the telescopic rolling handle.
What else is in the bag:
- A lined colorful interior
- Front padded pocket for small laptop or tablet, mobile phone, and accessories
- Only one internal pocket, which means more room for your stuff.
- Adjustable and serious strap for attaching to other rolling luggage handles (one of the best I have seen)
- Stow-away telescopic handle for rolling
- High-quality wheels that more look at home on a small scooter than the usual junk you get on these bags
The Eagle Creek to me is really worth the money. The only downside is of course that it is a little heavy (due to the rolling elements and the pockets). It is of course also a little pricey, but you get quality for nothing. If you want cheaper, scroll down the page a bit.
Pros
- High-quality wheels
- Front padded pockets for tablet or small laptop
Cons
- A little heavy
Product Information
- 7 x 13 x 14 inches
- 5.4 pounds
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Delsey Quilted Rolling UnderSeat Tote
The Delseyis a great little bag that easily fits under the seat in front of you and satisfies the Spirit Airlines tough size rules.
It’s also a rolling bag, so allows you to give your shoulders a well-earned break.
Lots of features in this bag including:
- A lined colorful interior
- Front padded pocket for small laptop or tablet, mobile phone, and accessories
- Lots of internal pockets (see image) for things like jewelry, toiletries, cables
- Side external pocket for umbrella or water
- Stow-away telescopic handle for rolling
Although this bag does not have a huge amount of room inside it (maybe a few clothes, shoes, etc) it comes with lots of features that help stow those things we all travel with – toiletries, water, phone, tablet, etc.
And it comes with the rolling feature, to save us lugging things around the airport for hours!
Pros
- Lots of internal pockets
- With side external pocket for water bottle or umbrella
Cons
- Quite heavy at nearly 6lbs
Product Information
- 15 x 14 x 9 inches
- 5 pounds 9 oz
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Boarding Blue - Spirit Airlines Personal Item
A handy carry-on bag that also covers the dimension limits of Spirit Airlines.
They have also added some nice features to make it more than just a zippered bag that you can fit your main luggage in.
It comes with:
- A padded laptop sleeve inside the bag
- A small cable holder at the top
- A water bottle holder
- A side strap to attach it to the top of other rolling luggage
- A shoulder strap
It might not be the Samsonite of luggage, but it has enough room and features to make a great carry-on for your next trip.
Pros
- Has a water bottle holder
- Has a padded laptop sleeve inside the bag
Cons
- No handle
Product Information
- 16 x 12 x 2 inches
- 1.6 pounds
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Boarding Blue - Rolling Spirit Airlines Personal Item
A handy carry-on bag is similar to the one above, but this baby rolls as well.
The features are more or less the same too, although the place where you find them might vary a little to accommodate the handle.
It comes with:
- A padded laptop sleeve inside the bag
- A small cable holder at the top
- A water bottle holder
- A side strap to attach it to the top of other rolling luggage
- A shoulder strap
This is a few bucks more, but for those not wanting to have to carry, or shoulder their luggage around the airport, it might be a better option!
Pros
- With handle
- With padded laptop sleeve inside the bag
Cons
- A bit more expensive
Product Information
- 16 x 12 x 2 inches
- 1.6 pounds
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Ricardo Beverly Hills Luggage 16 Inch Boarding Bag
A more stylish-looking carry-on that satisfies most airline carry-on limits.
Quite a simple bag, but comfortable enough to carry and with a reasonable amount of interior room for a short trip.
Bag features include:
- A zippered side pocket big enough for a tablet
- Roomy inside, but with no pockets
- A side strap to attach it to your main wheeled luggage handle
- A nice padded shoulder strap, as well as button, carry handles
Again, this one has no wheels, so you will have to carry it. But, it is a little nicer looking than the Boarding Blue models. It does have fewer features though, so if you need a laptop space or water bottle carrier, it might not be for you.
Pros
- Roomy inside
- With zippered side pocket
Cons
- No wheels
Product Information
- 16 x 7 x 11 inches
- 2.2 pounds
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World Traveler Duffle Bag Zebra Print Collection - 16"
If you are into a more patterned unique kinda tote for carry on, this guy is definitely going to stand out.
With a roomy interior that has a couple of mesh side pockets, you can fit quite a lot in this bag. It also has two exterior pockets for all the little things you might want to carry.
Other than that, it is pretty simple. It has carry handles and a shoulder strap.
And, it is one (if not THE) cheapest bag in this selection!
Again, this one has no wheels, so you will have to carry it. But, it is a little nicer looking than the Boarding Blue models. It does have a fewer features though, so if you need a laptop space or water bottle carrier, it might not be for you.
Pros
- Roomy Interior
- Cheap
Cons
- No wheels
Product Information
- 16 x 9 x 11 inches
- 1.5 pounds
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Choosing The Right Bag For You
There are a range of bags in this selection, which I chose to give you a choice depending on what is most important to you.
They range from relatively cheap (about $20) to a lot more expensive (about $200). The quality also varies accordingly, so keep that in mind.
Rolling Vs Carry
Of course, you can carry any of these. But you might not want to lug your luggage around the airport. I don’t!
The rolling ones are more expensive. And a lot heavier overall (2lb vs 5lb as an approximate weight). They usually cost more too.
So, if you decide you want rolling, be prepared for the added weight and complexity of the bag (the telescopic handle takes space and might break. The wheels too (the Eagle Creek wheels are awesome).
Lots Of Internal Space Vs Lots Of Pockets
This is another trade off. THe simpler bags just have a few pockets and a lot more room inside.
That means you have to organise your stuff yourself (using packing cubes, and other bags to sort your stuff out).
But, if you like a bag to help you get organised, then check out the Delsey or Eagle Creek. They have lots of pockets for almost everything (water, umbrella, cables, laptop/tablet, toiletries). The Delsey had the most I have seen.
Quality Vs Price
This goes without saying, but I thought I would mention it anyway.
You can pay very little for one of these bags ($20) but just bear in mind it won’t last as long or come with almost any features.
It is always a trade off – features and material vs money.
Having said that, check out all the bags below and see which one you like the look off – then press the orange button at the bottom of the section which jumps you over to Amazon to check out prices, availability etc.
