Why Under-Seat Luggage Is Changing

The Space Under Your Seat: Why Under-Seat Luggage Is Changing 

A few words from Clara Wooller, CMO at Travel Sentry

One emerging trend we observed at the last Canton Fair in November was luggage manufacturers significantly increasing their assortment of under seat cabin baggage on offer, in response to airlines enforcing cabin baggage rules more stringently and, in some cases, only allowing travelers an under-seat item, without paying to upgrade their basic fare. What we saw at the Fair was quite basic, entry level priced and with a lack of features – almost certainly aligned to frequent travelers taking advantage of low-cost fares. 

What’s interesting to observe from a market sweep just a few months later is how many under seat bags or cases now on sale feature Travel Sentry TSA locks as standard, clearly showing retail assortments quickly responding to behavioral shifts in traveler needs.  

Let’s explore what’s driving the shift in traveller needs and how this might evolve. 

Travel Sentry’s consumer research conducted in 2025 showed that the items travelers locked most often were electronics like phones, laptops and cameras, as well as travel documents, jewelry and medication. The most logical place for these to go, if not in an overhead compartment, is on their person or if too big, under the seat in front, raising demand for locks. 

Originally, TSA locks were marketed for checked luggage. Their increased presence on under-seat bags shows travelers expect secure storage at all times, including in the cabin, as they become more aware of theft risks posed on airplanes – whether that’s because they’re traveling solo or just seated apart from friends and family. It is human, after all, to need to visit the bathroom occasionally on a flight! 

These lockable under-seat bags recognize a need for security features without sacrificing ease of access, useful during the flight as well as the onward journey.

We also know that travelers are continuing to fly frequently, despite straitened circumstances. That suggests they are looking for ways to economize: flying low-cost carriers, avoiding checked baggage fees, and consolidating belongings into micro carry-ons such as under-seat pieces.

And both luggage brands and retailers see that there’s value in offering premium safety features on lower price products. Retailers updating assortments to include TSA locks on under-seat luggage is likely a response to competitive pressure and consumer expectations. This allows them to compete on features, which in turn, allows them to increase perceived product value, justify price tiers and basket spend. TSA locks are now table stakes, even in very economically priced luggage.

Alright, but if the core function of a TSA lock is to allow security staff to perform damage free inspection, why are we starting to see it on carry on and under seat luggage, which goes through a different set of security procedures? 

Glad you asked… 

It seems that travelers don’t see a huge distinction between check in and carry-on luggage BUT, they recognize that a Travel Sentry TSA lock is an approved, safe and airport compatible lock. It feels like the right sort of lock for travel and that red diamond is a symbol of brand reassurance. 

TLDR: TSA locks function as a quality and trust marker, even when inspection access isn’t required.

For luggage manufacturers, there’s a benefit in using the same lock system across product lines which reduces complexity through standardization, which can be leveraged all the way from sourcing through to end consumer marketing (“all our luggage includes TSA locks”). 

Finally, everyone has experienced the anxiety of what I’m going to call a real-world separation scenario; whether that’s through gate checking or no overhead bin space (although you’d be hard pressed to find a scenario where the space under the seat in front is not available). In these cases, a carry-on becomes checked baggage and better for it to be locked than not, just in case, right? 

Because when space is shrinking, expectations aren’t. Security and peace of mind now fit neatly under the seat in front of you.