It combines excellent quality and durability with an affordable price tag, and (like all of the Maxlite collection suitcases) it is incredibly light. The rest of the categories were calculated by ourselves and are a bit more subjective, based on various other factors. We reached out to Travelpro, and a representative told us that a production error expanded the capacity of the front pocket of the Platinum Elite; this allowed travelers to overpack the pocket, which put excessive strain on the zipper. Most of the bags we tested unzip so that only the top opens, allowing you the full depth of the bag to stack your belongings inside along the walls. It weighs 7.8 pounds empty, which is an average-to-light weight among carry-ons, but a half pound lighter than the previous model, the Platinum Magna 2. However, the Baseline series handle has held up well over nine years now with no jams. Thats because theyve used good-quality bearings inside. Weighing 9.5 pounds by our measure, the Crew Expert is nearly 2 pounds heavier than a similar-size Platinum Elite. Best Overall: Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-Inch Expandable Spinner at Amazon, "Combines excellent quality and durability with an affordable price tag. ", Best Underseater: Travelpro Maxlite Rolling UnderSeat Carry-on at Amazon, "Plenty of pockets and compartments inside and out keep everything in its place. 2023 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Was there an easy way to keep smaller items (such as socks and underwear) organized? While most of Travelpros affordable luggage doesnt have USB ports, its more premium models, like the Travelpro Platinum Elitehave USB ports and enough space for laptops or tablets. Unlike other expansion systems, which are either open or closed, this one locks into incremental positions. Instead it feels more like a nudge or subtle push, but thats enough for this bag to stand out from the competition as a top-rated carry-on bag. It weighs so much because it comes with a lot of features, and its built from durable materials. We asked all of that and more. The interior is pretty spacious, but it also has an expandable zipper, which means that after unzipping it, it becomes even more spacious. As opposed to the fabric Maxlite 5, the hardside option comes with a TSA-approved combination lock, which is nice. Travelpro platinum elite hardside large check-in expandable spinner This luggage has a high return rate due to the extra large size. Its a bag that you can rely on for life, even if its damaged by airlinesa rarity at any price. The lightweight and maneuverable Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner comes in first. Travelpro Crew VersaPack All-In-One Organizer (Max Size Compatible) $45.00 $33.99 Sold Out Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Rolling Garment Bag $550.00 $499.99 Sold Out Travelpro Crew VersaPack Laundry Organizer (Global Size Compatible) $40.00 $29.99 Sale Travelpro Crew VersaPack Laundry Organizer (Max Size Compatible) $40.00 $29.99 It always fits.. Made from ballistic nylon and treated with DuraGuard coating, the Travelpro Crew 11 22-Inch Expandable Spinner Suitcase is designed to withstand staining and abrasions. Looking them over, I found the two bags to be almost identical except for some minor variations in the pocket layout and some additions to the interior of the limited-edition bag that lend it some amenities most regular travelers will appreciate, such as a built-in garment bag and a clear toiletries bag. From all 31 luggage brands that we collected data on, Travelpro scored #8, which is a really good result considering that their luggage is also durable. Sometimes I carry it. Travelpro Crew Versapack,407186301 , MAX SIZE American Airlines Adds Family Seating Policy Ahead of DOT Dashboard, Lufthansa Allegris: A First-Class Suite Coming in 2024, World of Hyatt Announces the Return of Bonus Journeys, New Tool Aims to Help Travelers Get Most from Hotel Points, Frontier, United Put Family Seating in Focus, Lufthansa Grounds Flights After IT Outage, Delta Rewards American Express Cardholders with TakeOff 15, Turn Quick Points into Free Nights Faster with Hilton Hotels Limited Offer, Marriott Bonvoys "No Limits" Promotion Earns More in Less Time. Although Briggs & Riley handles warranty-covered repairs at no extra cost, it does require you to pay to ship the bag to the company to carry out any repairs; it will ship your bag back to you for free. The Away has a modern and minimalist look and also comes in more colors than our soft-sided picks, but the sleek style comes at a cost: Its polycarbonate shell is ultimately more likely to break than the nylon fabric of our other picks. The Elite only improves on past iterations in the Platinum line by reducing the size of the stowed handle (which used to jut out about an inch) and adding a second zippered, exterior pocket for easy access on the go and a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone. Measuring 23 by 13.5 by 9 inches, the Elite carry-on bag (in either wheel configuration) hits the upper margins of actual carry-on size limits and could get you gate-checked by an overzealous agent. The most ingenious part of the Baseline Domestic bag is its CX expansion and compression system. How usable are the external pockets? The only downside is that its about one pound heavier than its fabric alternative. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-Inch Expandable Spinner is one of Travelpros most popular checked casesand for good reason. This top-of-the-line Travelpro suitcase series is ultra-chic and feature-packedthink external ports for USB A and C charging and FAA-compliant storage for your battery pack in an external-access compartment. *At the time of publishing, the price was $315. Put enough pressure on that zipper, and it could fail, possibly catastrophically. Make sure to look up the warranty thats right for your suitcase family. The C38 takes a unique, fold-free approach to packing clothes. We think its worthwhile to invest a little more into your luggagethe bag you choose will last longer and work better. You should be aware, if youre flying with European or Asian carriers, that the biggest restriction is weight, which can be as low as 11 pounds on certain carriersand makes this kind of luggage impractical. Its valid for a lifetime, but it essentially only covers defects that are caused by manufacturing mistakes and improper use of materials. We still think its a great option if you can find it. Its a buy-it-for life suitcase. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Size: 26 x 16.5 x 10.5 inches | Weight: 8.2 pounds | Expandable: Yes, Once expanded, dimensions can size it out of airline restrictions. Below, we've rounded up our favorites, from checkpoint-friendly backpacks to lightweight spinner suitcases. The seams and corners were protected with reinforced materials, and the wheels and handles were attached with screws, so they could be easily swapped if anything goes wrong. If youre willing to give up maneuverability for more space and bigger wheels, this is also a great option. The expandable 25 x 18 x 11-inch dimensions are abundantly spacious. Rather than folding garments in on themselves to fit in the bag, it bends the suit around the outside of the luggage frame in a U shape. Originally, spinner models tended to use weaker wheels that were mounted to a basic inner and outer housing at the base of the bag, said Jason Gifford, who was the design manager for eBags when I spoke to him in 2018. The 21 x 14 x 9-inch Travelpro carry-on is also supported by the brand's PrecisionGlide system and a pull handle for smooth mobility. The bag itself feels good in the hands, and the wheels are noticeably better than those on any of the hard-sided competitors we tried. Borrowing some features from the brand's carry-ons, this spinner takes it up a notch with a tip-resistant expansion system that offers up to 2 more inches of packing space; a tie-down system; accessory pockets; and a removable, TSA-approved bag for toiletries. Size: 222 x 18 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 8.58 pounds | Expandable: Yes, No middle divider in the main compartment. The Elite also has a variety of convenient exterior pockets: two in the front, suited for small miscellaneous items like a sleep mask and boarding passes; and one on the side for a battery, but it can fit a bit more if necessary. In luggage reviews, the most common complaint about Briggs & Riley suitcases is that the handle seems loose, but this is by design. The polycarbonate that Away uses is both strong and flexible. Arent Samsonite, Delsey, or Briggs & Riley better choices? Check us out! Platinum Elite Platinum Elite Hardside; Maxlite Crew Versapack Bold by Travelpro . Full review: Travelpro Crew VersaPack 29-Inch Luggage Review. Better yet, its tapered shape prevents the case from tipping if you lose your ultimate carry-on checklist and pack too much. This is further boosted by the uniquely effective ratcheting CX compression system that allows travelers to fit an entire extra outfit into the same external dimensions as most other carry-ons. Whats the best carry-on luggage Ive found? No. If it came with a fabric storage bag, be sure to use it for maximum protection against dings and scratches. The Crew and Plat are virtually the same bag. . The Travelpro Crew VersaPack Weekender Carry-on Duffel Bag with Suiter is a must-have for travelers embarking on a weekend getaway. If you prefer extra space or wheel durability over maneuverability, then two-wheeled bags are perfect for you. He knew that suitcases could be improved, especially when it came to carrying them around. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 gets top marks for maneuverability, lightweight size (just over 7 pounds), and an affordable price tag that doesn't compromise style or durability. And as it turns out, luggage manufacturers do make lines of luggage especially for flight crews, pieces that they usually sell via to-the-industry retailers. The only difference is the time that the Trusted Companion Promise is valid for, which differs between models. www.cleverjourney.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. If the floor is not properly leveled, the suitcase will start to roll by itself. It also comes in 4 different colors, which are pretty plain but look professional. The Platinum Elites plastic baseboard is perforated with holes and secured with a litany of small screws. The inside of the top lid includes a zippered mesh pocket and a large zippered wet pocketexcellent for keeping your toiletries or dirty laundry separate. From the exterior, its fitted with hand-carry handles on top, side, bottom, and front, so its really easy to lift up to overhead compartments or carry like a duffel. They probably would have scored in 2nd place, but what kept them back is a low score in airline compatibility, which essentially means that their luggage is a bit over most common carry-on and checked luggage size limits. In order to find the nearest repair facility to you, please visit www.travelpro.com/repair-center or contact Customer Service at (866) 325-0660 (option #3). If youre often flying with fragile items, like small musical instruments, glassware, or wine bottles, it might be a better idea to get the Maxlite 5 hardside, as your items will be much better protected. The textured finish hides most of the smaller scratches that come naturally with years of use. And if you put your bags through the wringer, a lifetime warranty, and reinforced corners should indicate that the suitcase will live a long life. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. Free Standard Shipping For Orders Over $49! They were beaten only by Briggs & Riley (81 points) and Ricardo (76 points). The hardside version costs 100$ more, but it offers better features and more protection for fragile items. Travelpro's under-seat carry-on is excellent for people who tend to pack light. Today, Travelpro remains synonymous with quality and innovation. You can push a spinner bag ahead of you, run it along your side, or drag it behind you like a two-wheeled bag if you prefer; the point being, you get to choose what works best in a given situation, and this is often the difference between a stress-free day of travel and a stressed-out day of agitation, caught corners, and annoyed strangers. So in the long run, it might be a wiser choice to go with Travelpro instead, because their luggage will last almost as long as one that costs heaps more. Their more expensive fabric models are built from ballistic nylon, which is the most durable fabric used in luggage. For hard-sided luggage care, Phillips suggests rubbing a solution of mild or gentle soap and water on the affected area with a soft cloth. After comparing the Crew Expert with our top carry-on pick, the Travelpro Platinum Elite, I can say that the Crew Expert is the stronger of the two bags. Travelpros luggage prices vary quite a bit, between 120$-400$, depending on which model you choose. It hides scuffs and scratches, and is much more versatile than hard-shellstyled bags. It also features inline skate wheels and a handle system that reduces wobble for smooth, seamless transportation. That said, it really depends on which model you choose. A soft-sided suitcase usually has a single compartment that you access through a single main zipper. We extended and retracted the handles on each one many times over the course of many days and felt for sticking points. The spinner model of the Platinum Elite has a unique magnetic locking system, which helps align the wheels along parallel axes. While a tighter fit feels more reassuring, it takes just a couple of trips to get used to the handle. The biggest differences between the Crew Expert and the line sold to flight crews appear in the bags interior, where Travelpro adds some conveniences most travelers have come to expect, such as transparent toiletry bags. The retractable handles on Travelpros suitcases are made from airline-grade aluminum, and when extended, they dont wobble. Was the garment bag big enough, or would it crumple finery? The 100 percent polyester material is water repellent (standing up to a spilled-water test), while the zippered main compartment is expandable by up to 2 inches. Even more, a built-in USB port makes sure your devices are always powered. And when we compare it to its competitors it might not be the cheapest, but its the best value for money luggage you can get. They both offer better warranties, which pretty much cover any defect for a lifetime. Theres more to a great in-flight personal item than being small enough to stuff under a plane seat. The Maxlite 5, for example, is under a Limited Lifetime Warranty that covers repairs and replacements for defects in materials and workmanship. It will be familiar to anyone who has used a suitcase before, which means theres no learning curve for optimizing the storage capacity. The short answer: The tougher something is, often the heavier it becomes. It weighs a pound less than the Platinum Elite, and it has a similar amount of packing space. However, "a hard-sided suitcase can be better at protecting fragile contents, assuming you cushion it well inside, says Phillips. Were calculated by ourselves and are a bit, between 120 $ -400 $ depending... Of use under-seat carry-on is also supported by the brand 's PrecisionGlide system and a handle system that reduces for. Think its a bag that you access through a single compartment that you can rely on for life, if... 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