Celebrating a decade of streamlined travel, WaterField Designs has officially unveiled the refreshed Air Porter Carry-On. This update to the company’s flagship underseat bag is the direct result of an intensive “Community Design” process, integrating feedback from frequent flyers and longtime users to meet the shifting demands of modern air travel.
The redesigned Air Porter maintains its signature legroom-first philosophy while introducing sophisticated security upgrades, sustainable material options, and expanded storage capacity. By prioritizing the space beneath the seat, WaterField ensures that travelers can keep their essentials within arm’s reach without sacrificing personal comfort during long-haul flights.
A Decade of User-Centric Evolution
The original Air Porter was born from a collaborative effort between the manufacturer and its customer base. To mark the bag’s 10th anniversary, founder Gary Waterfield returned to those roots, inviting the community to suggest refinements for a new era of travel.
“The Air Porter has been one of our most trusted bags for ten years, so the goal wasn’t to change what already worked but rather to ask customers what we could do to make it even better,” said Gary Waterfield, founder of WaterField Designs. “We kept participants involved from ideas through prototypes, gathering feedback along the way. The result is an even more capable, intuitive travel bag that reflects how people actually move through airports today.”
Modern Upgrades and Sustainability
One of the most significant additions is the introduction of ECOPAK sailcloth as a primary material option. This 100% recycled, PFC-free textile offers a waterproof backing and cross-ply reinforcement. Choosing ECOPAK significantly reduces the bag’s weight—shaving off nearly a pound compared to waxed canvas—while lowering the environmental impact by over a pound of CO2 emissions per yard of fabric.
Security has also been fortified. The refreshed model features a Faraday-lined RFID-blocking front pocket to shield passports and credit cards from electronic skimming. Additionally, a discreet internal pocket has been integrated specifically for an AirTag, allowing travelers to track their luggage via smartphone.
Enhanced Organization for Multi-Device Users
Recognizing that many professionals now travel with both a laptop and a tablet, the interior has been reconfigured. A new padded sleeve accommodates up to a 13-inch iPad Pro with a Magic Keyboard, sitting adjacent to the dedicated 16-inch laptop compartment. To improve visibility, internal open pockets have been replaced with Monolite translucent mesh, secured by zippers to prevent small items from shifting during turbulence.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Compact Model | Full-Size Model |
| Dimensions | 16 x 10.25 x 5.5 inches | 16 x 10.25 x 7.5 inches |
| Weight (ECOPAK™) | 2.0 lbs | 2.4 lbs |
| Weight (Ballistic) | 2.4 lbs | 2.8 lbs |
| Laptop Capacity | Up to 16-inch MacBook Pro | Up to 16-inch MacBook Pro |
| Tablet Capacity | Up to 13-inch iPad w/ Keyboard | Up to 13-inch iPad w/ Keyboard |
| Pricing | $429 | $449 |
Availability and Craftsmanship
The Air Porter continues to be handcrafted in small batches at WaterField’s San Francisco workshop. It is available in several premium finishes, including Navy or Black ECOPAK with black full-grain leather, Tan Waxed Canvas with chocolate leather, and Black Ballistic Nylon with chocolate leather.
The bag remains compatible with the optional Air Caddy, a removable insert designed to fit into airline seatback pockets, ensuring that the transition from the terminal to the cabin remains seamless.
