Does a laptop bag count as a carry-on or personal item?

Each airline has slightly different size requirements for what qualifies as a carry-on or a personal item. In most cases, if your bag fits under the seat in front of you on the airplane, it can be a personal item. A typical laptop bag that you carry on your shoulder or back should usually pass this way, but larger options like duffle bags or wheeled laptop bags may need to be stored in the overhead bin as a carry-on.

How do I measure my computer for a laptop bag?

Most bags with designated tech pockets list the maximum laptop size that fits on their site, including all of our picks. If you’re not sure about the size of your laptop, you can either manually measure your screen size from the bottom left diagonally to the top right, or search the model number of your laptop online. For those with Apple laptops, you can also find the size of your screen by clicking the Apple logo in the top left corner of your desktop, and then choosing “About This Mac” and toggling over to the “Displays” tab.

Is it safe to carry a laptop in a backpack?

It's completely safe to carry a laptop in a backpack as long as it is in some sort of protective area. Whether your laptop itself has a case or the backpack has a padded laptop pocket, you should make sure that your computer is well-guarded against possible falls.

The 12 Best Laptop Bags for Business Travel of 2023

Not only is a laptop an essential item for any business traveler, keeping it safe is of utmost importance. While it may be easy to shove a device in a random tote or briefcase where it doesn’t quite fit, that’s not a good choice for the long haul. After all, there are now tons of sleek, stylish computer bags that keep your most precious tech snug inside padded pockets, specifically designed for laptop safety.

Our top pick is Herschel Supply’s Tech Gibson Travel Messenger, which is affordable, durable, and compact. But if you have something else in mind, we’ve gathered picks for every type of business traveler including leather cases and backpacks, too.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Herschel Supply Travel Messenger at Bloomingdales

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Best Tote:

Dagne Dover Daily Tote at Dagnedover.com

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Best Briefcase:

Bostanten Leather Briefcase at Amazon

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Best Style:

Kate Spade Laptop Bag at Katespade.com

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Best Duffel:

Tumi Duffel at Tumi.com

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Best Backpack:

Aer Travel Pack 3 at Aersf.com

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Best Wheeled:

Away Carry-on with Pocket at Awaytravel.com

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Best Sustainable:

Troubadour Orbis Laptop Tote at Troubadourgoods.com

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Best Leather:

Leatherology Harwood Duffle at Leatherology.com

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Best Convertible:

Cole Haan Convertible Luxe Backpack at Colehaan.com

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Herschel

View On Bloomingdales View On Herschel.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Why We Love It

Minimalist, practical, and affordable, this laptop bag by Herschel is ideal for short trips or daily commutes.

What to Consider

Its compact style makes it difficult to fit bulkier items, like a water bottle or a sweatshirt.

We love how this laptop bag by Herschel could work for anyone’s style, thanks to a minimalist design and several color options, from classic black to ashy rose. A padded and fleece-lined sleeve fits any laptop (up to 16 inches), and other handy compartments keep all your items safe and in their designated place, including a special key clip. On the back of the bag, find a zippered luggage trolley sleeve, making it easy to wheel this bag through the airport atop your carry-on, or use the adjustable padded shoulder strap or sturdy top handles to tote it solo instead.

Price at time of publish: $90

The Details: Polyester | 11 x 15.5 x 5.5 inches | 1.6 pounds | Fits up to 16-inch laptops

Dagne Dover

View On Dagnedover.com

Why We Love It

This multi-functional bag is stylish and comes in two shades of vegan leather for a polished look.

What to Consider

It can get pretty heavy when it's full.

Many laptop bags can look clunky and, let’s face it, not extremely fashionable. This vegan leather one by Dagne Dover is neither of those things — its sleek appearance works just as well for daily commuting as it does for pulling up to a conference on your next business trip. It comes in two sizes, each with a padded laptop sleeve with magnetic closures. Other highlights include a neoprene water bottle holder, plenty of pockets, and a lining made from recycled plastic.

Price at time of publish: $275 for medium, $295 for large

The Details: Vegan leather, recycled Repreve lining | 15 x 12.25 x 5.5 inches (medium) or 15.75 x 12.5 x 6 inches (large) | 2.67 pounds (medium) or 2.78 pounds (large) | Fits up to 13-inch laptops (medium) or up to 16-inch laptops (large)

bostanten-mizuki-modern-style-leather-briefcase

Amazon

View On Amazon

Why We Love It

It’s a high-quality leather briefcase that’s made even more unique by subtle pops of color.

What to Consider

It’s on the heavier side and doesn’t have a trolley strap to attach it to a wheeled suitcase.

Keep your tech secure with this leather laptop bag, which looks smart for important meetings and business trips alike. The briefcase comes in six different colorways, including several with contrasting front pockets and one in a solid black crocodile texture. A designated padded laptop pocket snaps closed at the top, and card slots and several slip and zippered pouches provide ample storage on the go.

Price at time of publish: $170

The Details: Cow leather | 16.75 x 5.3 x 11.75 inches | 4.32 pounds | Fits up to 15.6-inch laptops

Kate Spade

View On Katespade.com

Why We Love It

This handsome leather laptop bag is a minimalist’s dream as it can double as a purse.

What to Consider

Despite being able to fit laptops up to 15 inches, this bag runs shorter than others on this list.

A major consideration for your business travel bag is not just practicality for your tech needs, but also the ability to stylishly go anywhere you do. This pick by Kate Spade is a good-looking purse that will also keep your laptop safe, and it comes in four neutral shades from black to blush. It doesn’t have as many small pockets as others on this list, but still has plenty of organizational space for your phone, keys, wallet, and more.

Price at time of publish: $348

The Details: Pebbled leather, jacquard lining | 10.7 x 14.8 x 2.7 inches | Fits up to 15-inch laptops

Tumi

View On Tumi.com

Why We Love It

The convenient storage capabilities of a classic duffel meet safe laptop storage with this pick.

What to Consider

The look of this bag is definitely more utilitarian, and it only comes in black.

If you’re planning a short business trip and only want to bring a carry-on and one personal item, this compact duffel is a great option. Recycled ballistic nylon material, ample storage space, and multiple strap options make it both resilient and practical, with a minimalist look that matches everything. Inside you’ll find sections for a laptop and a tablet, along with several other pockets including spots for pens and cards.

Price at time of publish: $495

The Details: Ballistic nylon | 11.3 x 18.5 x 7.3 inches | 3 pounds | Fits up to 15-inch laptops

4.4

Nordstrom

View On Aersf.com

Why We Love It

The lay-flat main compartment is spacious and easy to pack and unpack.

What to Consider

It’s on the larger side with a more casual appearance.

This laptop bag may encourage you not to bring a larger suitcase or checked bag to the airport as it features a lay-flat main compartment with spacious storage that can fit a change of clothes (and more). A large padded laptop sleeve is just one of many features that makes traveling with this bag a breeze, as there are also easy-access top and side pockets, lockable main zippers, and compression straps. We especially love that there are handles on all sides and that, if you do plan to bring wheeled luggage, it can slot onto the handle horizontally to give your back a break.

Price at time of publish: $249

The Details: Ballistic nylon | 21.5 x 13 x 9 inches | 4.12 pounds | Fits up to 16-inch laptops

Away

View On Awaytravel.com

Why We Love It

Why lug your laptop on your back or shoulder when you can wheel it around with ease?

What to Consider

It’s essentially a mini suitcase, which may not appeal to commuters.

While most laptop bags are made to go on your shoulders or in your hands, this one by Away is built more like a micro suitcase, making it perfect for a quick trip. It has two designated laptop sleeves: a roomier option inside the suitcase, and one that is easily accessible from an exterior pocket. We love the little details that make this bag practical for short-term travel, like a hidden laundry bag for your dirty clothes, and a TSA-approved combination lock.

Price at time of publish: $245

The Details: Polycarbonate, water-resistant nylon | 16.5 x 17 x 9 inches | 8.1 pounds | Fits up to 15-inch laptops

Troubadour

View On Troubadourgoods.com

Why We Love It

It has plenty of pockets, plus a luggage sleeve, to make your business trip easier.

What to Consider

It's quite a deep bag so can be difficult to find smaller items not put in pockets.

This practical and stylish bag is made of fully recycled materials and is fully recyclable when you're done with it. The abundance of pockets keep things extremely organized — perfect for when you need to work in transit. One external pocket has a bottom that unzips to transform into a luggage sleeve so you can place this tote on your rolling bag. While this bag is mainly a tote, it also comes with a longer (and padded) strap so you can carry it comfortably throughout your trip that way as well.

Price at time of publish: $195

The Details: Recycled polyester | 12.6 x 15.4 x 4.3 inches | 2.4 pounds | Fits up to 16-inch laptops

Leatherology

View On Leatherology.com

Why We Love It

This stylish weekender has a silhouette that’s more like a briefcase than a duffle, making it perfect for business travel.

What to Consider

Despite its roominess, this bag isn’t equipped with as many pockets and pouches as some of the others on our list.

Besides the office-friendly look and shape of this bag by Leatherology, we’re obsessed with how customizable it is. It comes in six colors and features debossing, hand painting, and even trapunto (the Italian art of embossing) for names or initials. An exterior zippered compartment makes it easy to reach your laptop, even if the rest of your bag is stuffed with clothing, toiletries, and documents. There’s also a removable, adjustable shoulder strap and a trolley pass-through for rollerboards.

Price at time of publish: $375

The Details: Full grain leather | 11.9 x 16.65 x 8.25 inches | Fits up to 16-inch laptops

Cole Haan

View On Colehaan.com

Why We Love It

This convertible bag can be the best of both worlds, offering the comfort of a backpack and the style of a tote as desired.

What to Consider

If you’re planning on switching your bag from a backpack into a tote, be mindful of that weight on one shoulder.

A convertible bag is the perfect option for business travel, easily taking you from the plane to the office with one strap switch. We love that this one comes in a pebbled vanilla leather that goes with everything, and includes a padded laptop compartment to keep your precious tech safe. Other large objects like a refillable water bottle fit easily inside, and smaller interior compartments keep your cards and passport organized and within reach.

Price at time of publish: $350

The Details: Leather, nylon | 13 x 5 x 14 inches | 3 pounds | Fits up to 15-inch laptops

Rains

View On Rains.com

Why We Love It

If rain is in the forecast for your next trip, make sure to safeguard your laptop with this sleek, padded bag by Rains.

What to Consider

This bag is mainly intended to hold your laptop, along with other flat objects such as folders, cards, and documents.

Keep your laptop close, accessible, and, perhaps most importantly, dry thanks to this weather-proof shoulder bag. It’s a great option if you plan on toting a larger bag or suitcase for most of your items on a work trip, but want a designated carrier for your tech in a rainy, or potentially wet, climate. It offers a divided main compartment and one zippered exterior pocket on the back.

Price at time of publish: $95

The Details: Polyester, polyurethane coating | 11 x 15.4 x 1.6 inches | 1.26 pounds | Fits up to 15-inch laptops

Neiman Marcus

View On Senreve.com

Why We Love It

This stunning investment bag can last for many years thanks to high-quality materials and a timeless design.

What to Consider

It’s a tight squeeze for larger computers in the padded sleeve so those may need to rest in the main compartment.

Aside from its aesthetics, we love that this laptop bag is truly convertible, giving it more bang for its buck. Easily changed strap placements will take it from a backpack to a tote or a satchel depending on your preference, all the while keeping your smaller laptop safe within a padded section. There are several pouches inside but we especially like the small card sleeve on the back, perfect to grab a credit or transit card on the go.

Price at time of publish: $1,045

The Details: Italian leather | 16 x 10.25 x 6.75 inches | 3.28 pounds | Fits up to 15-inch laptops in the main compartment and up to 13-inch laptops in the padded sleeve

Tips for Buying the Perfect Laptop Bag for Business Travel

Choose the right laptop bag for your intended use

Before purchasing a laptop bag, take stock of your other go-to travel bags. Decide if you need to supplement your existing business-travel luggage with a small case that just keeps your tech safe and accessible, or if you need a more spacious, multipurpose option that can also fit clothing and toiletries for an overnight trip.

Pick out your desired materials

If your business travel frequently leads you directly from the plane to a meeting, conference, or office, consider a laptop bag that has equal style as it does form and function, including sleek, durable materials such as leather or vegan leather.

Anyone who travels with a larger number of gadgets would do well with a laptop bag with ample pockets and padding. This could be made of a sturdy material like ballistic nylon that can keep things safe and separate in case of a fall, and that would hold up well over time.

Consider organization features

Whether you need easy-to-reach pockets for a passport or wallet, room for your trusty water bottle, or lay-flat capabilities to also transport business attire, prioritize your top organizational needs. Try writing down (or gathering) each of the items you always pack for a work trip and consider their size (along with the size of your laptop) to pick out a bag that will best suit your needs and provide a seamless travel experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a laptop bag count as a carry-on or personal item?

Each airline has slightly different size requirements for what qualifies as a carry-on or a personal item. In most cases, if your bag fits under the seat in front of you on the airplane, it can be a personal item.

A typical laptop bag that you carry on your shoulder or back should usually pass this way, but larger options like duffle bags or wheeled laptop bags may need to be stored in the overhead bin as a carry-on.
How do I measure my computer for a laptop bag?

Most bags with designated tech pockets list the maximum laptop size that fits on their site, including all of our picks. If you’re not sure about the size of your laptop, you can either manually measure your screen size from the bottom left diagonally to the top right, or search the model number of your laptop online.

For those with Apple laptops, you can also find the size of your screen by clicking the Apple logo in the top left corner of your desktop, and then choosing “About This Mac” and toggling over to the “Displays” tab.
Is it safe to carry a laptop in a backpack?

It's completely safe to carry a laptop in a backpack as long as it is in some sort of protective area. Whether your laptop itself has a case or the backpack has a padded laptop pocket, you should make sure that your computer is well-guarded against possible falls.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, T+L contributor Austa Somvichian-Clausen used research and her own personal experience as a travel and lifestyle writer to round up the best laptop bags for business travelers.

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