Finding the right underseat luggage can be tricky with so many options to choose from. If you’re looking for something compact, convenient, and travel-friendly, two solid contenders are the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Underseat Bag and the Hanke 16″ Underseat Luggage. Both are designed to fit neatly under most airline seats, but they bring different features to the table. In this review, we’ll compare their design, storage, ease of use, and overall value to help you decide which one fits your travel needs best.
Compact Travel
The Travelpro Luggage Maxlite 5 is a lightweight, compact rolling underseat carry-on designed for both men and women, offering durability with its stain-resistant and water-repellant fabric. Its organizational features and easy mobility make it a convenient travel companion for your journeys.
Hassle-Free Travel
The Hanke 16 Inch Underseat Carry On Luggage is a lightweight, durable suitcase designed to fit both overhead bins and under seats on most airlines, measuring 13.8 x 8.7 x 17.9 inches. Weighing just 6.5 pounds and offering a 29-liter capacity, it’s perfect for hassle-free travel.
Design and Build Quality
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 is a compact wheeled bag designed for easy organization and smooth mobility. Made from polyester fabric with a stain-resistant and water-repellent DuraGuard® coating, it is built to last. The bag includes several useful pockets, including a padded sleeve for a laptop or tablet, a removable plastic compartment for cosmetics or accessories, quick-access exterior pockets, and a roomy main compartment with a large zippered opening.
The Hanke 16″ Underseat Carry-On features a durable hard-shell exterior that protects your belongings during travel. Its sleek black design gives it a stylish look suitable for any trip. The bag has spinner wheels with precision shaft centers and thickened TPE wheel skins, making them durable, quiet, and able to handle different surfaces, including cobblestone and carpet. The 360° spinner wheels ensure smooth and effortless movement in any direction.
Here’s a quick breakdown of their standout features:
✅ Travelpro Maxlite 5
- Material: Soft polyester with DuraGuard® coating for stain and water resistance
- Design: Lightweight, compact, and includes multiple storage pockets
- Mobility: Inline skate wheels and a sturdy PowerScope Lite handle
✅ Hanke 16″ Underseat Carry-On
- Mobility: 360° spinner wheels for smooth movement on various surfaces
- Material: Hard-shell exterior for extra durability and protection
- Design: Sleek black finish with a modern appearance
Storage & Organization
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 is designed for travelers who love to stay organized. It features multiple compartments, making it easy to keep essentials neatly stored. The front-access pockets are perfect for grabbing important items like travel documents, chargers, or snacks without having to open the main compartment. Inside, there’s a padded sleeve that fits a laptop or tablet, a removable plastic compartment for toiletries, and a spacious main section for clothing and larger items.
The Hanke 16″ Underseat Carry-On prioritizes structured storage with a spacious main compartment. It includes divider sections that help keep items in place during travel, reducing the chances of things shifting around. The independent laptop compartment securely holds devices up to 14 inches, while two ID pockets and a breathable mesh zip section add extra organization.
If you like having designated spots for everything, the Travelpro wins. If you prefer fewer compartments with more flexibility, the Hanke might be the better fit.
Ease of Use & Mobility
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 is built for effortless travel, with a lightweight design that makes lifting and maneuvering easy. It features high-performance inline skate wheels, which provide a smooth and stable roll, especially on flat surfaces like airport floors. The PowerScope Lite handle is sturdy yet lightweight, reducing wobble and making it comfortable to pull along. Additionally, the bag includes a rear stacking strap, allowing travelers to secure it on top of larger luggage for hands-free transport.
The Hanke 16″ stands out with 360° spinner wheels, offering superior mobility in all directions. Whether navigating tight airplane aisles or crowded terminals, these wheels make movement effortless. The sturdy telescopic handle provides a solid grip and extends smoothly, ensuring travelers can push, pull, or glide the bag with ease. Its hard-shell design adds structure, preventing the bag from sagging or tipping over when fully packed.
Airline Compatibility
Both the Travelpro Maxlite 5 and Hanke 16″ Underseat Carry-On are designed to fit under most airline seats, but their compatibility varies by airline.
- Travelpro Maxlite 5 (16 x 14 x 8 inches): Fits comfortably under most domestic airline seats, including major U.S. carriers like Delta, American, and Southwest. Its soft-sided design allows slight flexibility for tighter spaces.
- Hanke 16″ (16 x 12 x 8 inches): Meets most underseat size restrictions and works well for airlines with stricter space limitations. However, its hard-shell structure is less adaptable if space is tight.
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 offers more flexibility for underseat storage due to its soft-sided design, making it the safer choice for various airline configurations. The Hanke 16″ fits well under most airline seats but may be slightly restrictive on airlines with less underseat space due to its rigid build.
Comparison table
Final Verdict
Both the Travelpro Maxlite 5 and Hanke 16″ Underseat Carry-On serve different travel needs. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 is best for those who want lightweight, flexible storage with multiple compartments for easy organization. Its soft-sided design fits under most airline seats, and its smooth-rolling wheels make it easy to maneuver.
The Hanke 16″ Underseat Carry-On is ideal for travelers who prioritize durability, protection, and mobility. Its hard-shell exterior offers better security for valuables, while 360° spinner wheels provide effortless movement. However, its rigid design may limit underseat compatibility on some airlines.
For lightweight travel and organization, go with the Travelpro Maxlite 5. If you need sturdier protection and smooth mobility, the Hanke 16″ is the better choice.
The Hanke 16 looks super stylish, but I’m all about functionality. Tough choice!
This was a great comparison! I’ve been eyeing both for my upcoming trip.
Thanks for breaking it down! I appreciate the pros and cons for each option.
I love how lightweight the Travelpro Maxlite 5 is—definitely sold on that one!