The Travelpro Maxlite collection has been around for a while since the early 2000s. The difference in width is noticeable when you compare the wheels up close. During testing, every hard-sided piece of luggage weve used has picked up more scuffs and marks in a few trips than some of our soft-sided suitcases have accumulated in years of long-term testing. Four wheels or spinners are easier to maneuver down tight airplane aisles, but two wheel bags will always be more durable. Its a simple, spacious, and very durable suitcase offered at affordable prices. How user-repairable was the bag? Another thing thats included is a TSA-approved toiletry pouch, which means that you wont need to find a new Ziploc before every flight. ", Best Underseater: Travelpro Maxlite Rolling UnderSeat Carry-on at Amazon, "Plenty of pockets and compartments inside and out keep everything in its place. Additionally, it has a DuraGuard coating that makes it abrasion-free. You can stash a USB battery pack inside a side compartment on the Elite, plugging it into a USB pass-through. There are some exceptionsfor example, the Briggs & Riley Torq collection features an accessible outer panel that can carry a laptop, a tablet, and a few other gadgets for easy access. But some people may prefer having the extra flexibility. We noticed, however, that even with this feature the handle sometimes requires gentle guiding to retract all the way. 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. Thule Subterra 22: Unlike most of the other bags in our test, this opens like a clam, with the zipper cutting along the middle of the side walls. How usable are the external pockets? Buy Travelpro Crew Versapack Softside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage, Jet Black, Carry-On 21-Inch and other Packing Organizers at Amazon.com. However, that added toughness comes at a cost: extra weight and the loss of a few features we like on the Platinum Elite. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Away makes a similar model of suitcase with an expandable zipper, The Carry-On Flex. However, they offer a cheaper model called Maxlite 5, and it's a bit less expensive than most similar alternatives from Samsonite. . But would I swap my bag for the luggage the flight crews use? Then it was time to see how each bag worked. The exterior is also quite thin, which leaves your crease-free suit vulnerable to sharp objects. US$314.69. 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. Conversations with these experts helped us understand things such as the function behind nylon and polyester, the difference in wheel-bearing designs, why alloys in telescoping handles matter, and more. The Aways polycarbonate feels similar to that used on more high-end (and significantly pricier) suitcases such as the Rimowa Essential Cabin, which is more than three times as expensive as the Away. TSA-approved just means that the TSA agents are able to unlock it with special keys in case they need to perform additional inspections while its checked in. The wheels are protected by crash-guard housings and rolled easily over gravel, hardwood, and cement. We think its worthwhile to invest a little more into your luggagethe bag you choose will last longer and work better. Size: 27 x 18.5 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 7.3 pounds | Expandable: Yes. A wide, wrinkle-free tie-down system completes the package. Which Way is Luxury Hotel Pricing Going in 2023? Was there an easy way to keep smaller items (such as socks and underwear) organized? However, the dimensions of the Platinum Elite bag are 18 x 14 x 7 inches. Its not a full locking position. Or you can drop off the bag at one of the many repair centers. But after six years of testing multiple models, our testers have found that the Away is capable of enduring most of the trials of travel with fewer scratches than the other polycarbonate models weve tested. One long mesh pocket sits on one of the bags sides, and a smaller removable transparent plastic bag sits on the other side for easy TSA inspection of toiletries. Their softside cases are made out of high-density nylon or polyester, thats usually finished with a water-repellent finish, known as DuraGuard. From the exterior, its fitted with two large pockets in the front to organize all of your smaller items. Full review: Travelpro Platinum Elite 25-Inch Checked Suitcase Review. Weve added our findings about Aways Flex version of our hard-sided luggage pick. After five years of testing carry-on luggage, weve learned what makes a good suitcase, which parts break first, and what you should look for when buying a bag. It covers basic manufacturing defects in handles, zippers, and wheels. ", Best Set: Platinum Elite Carry-on / Medium Check-in Hardside Luggage Set at Travelpro, "This set has taken everything a traveler needs into consideration.". Expanded, it can stow 2,110 cubic inchesor nearly 77 percent of its conceivable available space. Weighing 9.5 pounds by our measure, the Crew Expert is nearly 2 pounds heavier than a similar-size Platinum Elite. Sometimes I carry it. If she's not working or on the road, you can find her paying yet another visit to one of Berlin's incredible museums, hitting the dance floor, or exploring the city's wonderfully dynamic restaurant scene. While we would love to provide you with one, there is unfortunately no standard for what that means. Plus, its really light, weighing a bit more than 5 pounds. For checked bags, there's an even bigger spread: Samsonite's cheapest starts at $120, while its. One thing that makes Travelpro a great choice is that their luggage is really lightweight. Whether its finding great products or discovering helpful advice, well help you get it right (the first time). Although I enjoyed testing the Crew Expert and the FlightCrew 5, and indulging in their absurdly excessive strength, I dont think Id personally like to travel with one. Personalize the way you pack with the Crew VersaPack - the road warrior's favorite travel companion, giving you total packing versatility with a variety of optional Travelpro exclusive Zip-in organizers (sold separately). Travelpro Platinum Elite is our most loyal travel companion. Its external pockets, as with all the bags we tested, are nothing to write home about, but they do strike a nice balance between protecting and compressing small items (a shaving/sewing kit, say) without showing much extra bulk. For every half-pound increase in weight we estimated 288 cubic inches of packable space. For example, did this bag appear bulkier and more likely to get a person gate-checked? The spinner model of the Platinum Elite has a unique magnetic locking system, which helps align the wheels along parallel axes. The retractable handles are one of the first things that usually break on luggage, so its nice that theyre using high-quality ones. Alexios is an avid traveler and a freelance writer. The case's external features are equally high quality, from the twin in-line skate wheels, which "rolled like butter" according to our tester, to the two-stage, aircraft-grade aluminum handle. Down below, you can see how we calculated the 75 points for Travelpro. Packing cubes help, but after years of packing and unpacking soft-sided luggage with a single lid, I definitely find a clamshell design to be more finicky. We also noticed a robust feel to the zippers, which are a self-repairing type made by YKK. The beautifully designed suitcases in this set have taken everything a traveler needs into consideration: Theres a medium-sized checked bag and a carry-on, so you have your bases covered when it comes to trip length. By comparison, the two-wheeled version holds 2,293 cubic inches or 80 percent of its total conceivable volume. How to Earn Airline Miles While Sheltering in Place, We Called and Asked: These European & Middle East Airlines Are Retaining Status, By logging into your account, you agree to our. The main potential for failure is the zipper, which binds the two halves of hard-shell luggage together. In this week's newsletter: Its almost officially summer, which for a lot of people means the beginning of battles with entomological enemies. I'm looking to buy a new 22" rollaboard carryon bag, and was looking at Travelpro based on price and recommendations. Its retractable and fixes in three various heights. Programs: AC E75, SPG Plat, HH peon-by-choice (ex Gold). 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. Thats because Travelpros carry-ons and large checked bags are usually 1-3 inches over the size limits, which means that people cant fit them in the measuring bins at airports and sometimes even have to pay oversized baggage fees. Replacing the Crew Experts wheels does assume, however, that youre traveling with spare wheels on hand (some crew members do) and that you have access to the tools necessary. Heres how to choose the right one for your travel needs. The textured finish hides most of the smaller scratches that come naturally with years of use. Travelpro's under-seat carry-on is excellent for people who tend to pack light. Maxlite 5s, like other Travelpro product families, is boosted by the brands Trusted Companion Promise, which for the first year of limited warranty covers the shipping cost to repair facilities and the cost of repair for damage caused by airlines or other common carriers. All three bags are usually under $150, and they all come in a variety of colors. Even the cheapest option that I own (Maxlite 5) comes with two exterior pockets, two zippered mesh pockets inside, and compression straps to keep your belongings in place. This is really useful for return flights when youve bought too many souvenirs and snacks to return home. ", Best Carry-on: Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Expandable Carry-on Rollaboard at Amazon, "The suitcase is part of Travelpro's lightest collection. warranty for return, repair, and replacement, Briggs & Riley Baseline Global 21-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner, Travelpro Platinum Elite International Carry-On Expandable Spinner, eBags Mother Lode Carry-On Rolling Duffel, Wirecutters 100 Most Popular Picks in September 2022, Elaine Tannous, flight attendant at the time for Virgin America, Mark Davis, then product design manager at Eagle Creek, Georgene Rada, vice president of product design at Briggs & Riley, Sean Harris, former flight attendant at Virgin America, and at that time in Virgins corporate communications department, Kate Siber, writer and reviewer for Outside, Stephanie Pearson, writer for Outside and National Geographic, Jason Gifford, then design manager for eBags, Joseph Guerrieri, suit enthusiast and sales manager for Klein Epstein & Parker, Juan Phillips, vice president, product design & innovation for Travelpro, Cristian Arenas, then the quality control director for Travelpro. Both the Crew Expert and the Platinum Elite have plenty of external expansion and travel pockets, and the two models larger (21-inch) sizes come with identical suiters. So, the Platinum Elite looks down-to-earth on the outside. Best Overall: Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-Inch Expandable Spinner, Best Carry-on: Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Expandable Carry-on Rollaboard, Best Checked: Travelpro Crew 11 22-Inch Expandable Spinner Suiter Suitcase, Best for Durability: Bold By Travelpro 25-Inch Expandable Rollaboard, Best Splurge: Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Expandable Carry-on Spinner, Best Hard-Sided: Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-on Expandable Hardside Spinner, Best Underseater: Travelpro Maxlite Rolling UnderSeat Carry-on, Best Set: Platinum Elite Carry-on / Medium Check-in Hardside Luggage Set, What to Look for in Travelpro Luggage Items. If you fly more than 25,000 miles per year, its worthwhile to invest in luggage that goes beyond merely being sturdy and will actually improve your overall travel experience. The main compartment also has two compression straps inside and an expandable zipper for increasing the total capacity by an additional 15-25%. The interior is pretty spacious, but it also has an expandable zipper, which means that after unzipping it, it becomes even more spacious. Their more premium models are much more durable, but also weigh more. The seams, corners, and other places on the bags that are put under high stress are usually reinforced with plastic corners, seam guards, skid plates, and other protective elements, which improves the lifespan of their bags. And it extends to three heights (38 inches, 40 inches, and 42 inches) to accommodate a variety of body types. These 100 useful things were the most-purchased Wirecutter picks in September 2022. And although the wheels dont snap into alignment, they are exceptionally smooth rolling and easy to maneuver. But, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 comes with great warranty terms and superb quality. 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. We also participate in other affiliate programs. On the outside, these two bags look very similar. Then you push down on the bag, which compresses it as a clip mechanism secures it in place. Its the airlines responsibility to cover the fees for the damage that theyve caused! The side handle of the Platinum Elite moves with the help of two plastic hinges. Top 5 Best travelpro luggage reviews Travelpro lightweight luggage: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage Travelpro spinner luggage : Travelpro Unisex Adults Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Spinner Travelpro luggage carry-on: Travelpro Unisex Adults Crew Versapack Softside Expandable Spinner Travelpro luggage hardside: Away Expandable Bigger Carry-On: Aways soft-sided luggage entry was sturdy and good looking. However, I constantly see the Platinum Elites recommended more than anything else (among several sources, not just TravelPro's website). Also, usually, their wheels are rubber-coated, which makes them roll smoother and quieter. Travelpro is a great choice for someone who is looking for luggage that will last whether youre looking for something to accompany you on frequent business trips or youre traveling really often. Once I opened up the two bagsremoving the interior linings and taking apart their basesthe reason for the extra weight became clear. We independently review everything we recommend. Available colors include black, blue, and indigo. Were the straps thick enough to avoid adding creases to the clothes? The Maxlite 5 is Travelpros newest model, and while the main difference from Maxlite 4 might be its weight, the Maxlite 5 carry-on is one of the best softside carry-ons you can get. $319.99 $399.99. Nowadays, Travelpro is widely used by airline staff members of over ninety airlines. In fact, the Travelpro is less prone to tipping over than many other bags weve tested. But now that companies have started building injection-molded pans for their wheel mounts, thickened the overall supports, and increased the diameter of the wheel spindles, the failure rate has reduced considerably. . Most lightweight brands usually struggle with durability due to lighter, less-rigid hardware and materials. For the most recent round of testing, once wed narrowed our search down to 10 bags, we called each in from the manufacturer (or, in some cases, purchased them from retail stores). The Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-Inch Expandable Spinner is one of Travelpros most popular checked casesand for good reason. Sometimes, you dont need a bulky suitcase, especially if youre going on a weekend trip. Also, the Crew Experts baseboardthe broad piece of plastic between the wheelsis a solid piece, whereas the baseboard on the Platinum Elite is drilled through with inch-wide weight-saving holes and secured by a multitude of small screws. Registering is an easy process: Take a picture of the registration code thats shipped with the luggage, text the photo to a phone number thats provided, and fill out the form in the response link. A lot of their models also come with TSA-approved combination locks, which you can unlock with a 3-digit code that you set after receiving the bag. It also lacks certain amenities, such as external pockets and a suiter, that our top picks have. How much room was left over? The Travelpro Crew VersaPack Weekender Carry-on Duffel Bag with Suiter is a must-have for travelers embarking on a weekend getaway. Best Overall: Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-Inch Expandable Spinner at Amazon, "Combines excellent quality and durability with an affordable price tag. Its strong yet flexible polycarbonate shell does show more wear than our soft-sided picks. One last long-term testing note for this luggage review: Over a five-year period before the pandemic, Wirecutter founder Brian Lam carried a two-wheeled Baseline while traveling 150,000 miles and farther. (It has also, apparently, been discontinued.). Sometimes I check it. Besides, if a wheel breaks, its replaceable. It also has two smaller pockets on the front for organizing your documents, electronics, and other smaller items. The clamshell design, in contrast, makes this bag difficult to close if youre trying to use it to its full capacityit just isnt as easy to use as the basic opening style of our picks. Usually, brands only reimburse for return shipping costs, and airline damage isnt covered, which is what makes Travelpros warranty better than what youd get from other brands. In weight, its 8.0 lbs (3.6 kg), which means that its somewhat heavy. Weve tested 47 bags over the past nine years and are convinced that the Travelpro Platinum Elite is the best carry-on luggage for most travelers. Costco Kirkland Signature Softside 22 2 Wheel Carry-On: Travelpro Platinum Elite 21 Expandable Spinner, Travelpro Platinum Elite 22 Expandable Carry-On Rollaboard, A bit more capacity and extra wheel durability, Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On Expandable Spinner, Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On Expandable Upright, More room, bigger wheels, less maneuverability, Our pick for the best carry-on luggage: Travelpro Platinum Elite, Upgrade pick for the best carry-on luggage: Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic, Also-great pick for the best hard-sided carry-on luggage: Away The Carry-On, Our carry-on luggage picks for international travel. Looking to buy a new 22 '' rollaboard carryon bag, and other Packing Organizers at Amazon.com it a... Weigh more 11.5 inches | weight: 7.3 pounds | Expandable: Yes suiter, that even this... Travel needs over gravel, hardwood, and indigo wheel luggage, Jet Black, blue, and 42 )... Would I swap my bag for the extra flexibility programs: AC E75 SPG. Suitcase offered at affordable prices the interior linings and taking apart their basesthe reason for the luggage flight! And other smaller items lbs ( 3.6 kg ), which helps align the wheels along parallel.! Wheel luggage, Jet Black, Carry-On 21-Inch and other Packing Organizers at Amazon.com suitcase especially! Is widely used by airline staff members of over ninety airlines based on and! Wheels up close a variety of colors colors include Black, Carry-On 21-Inch and other Packing Organizers at Amazon.com similar... Model of suitcase with an Expandable zipper, which helps align the wheels are protected by crash-guard and... These two bags look very similar a simple, spacious, and very durable offered... Rubber-Coated, which helps travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite the wheels are protected by crash-guard housings and rolled easily over gravel,,..., electronics, and very durable suitcase offered at affordable prices Maxlite 5 comes great. Was there an easy way to keep smaller items each bag worked help you get it (! Retract all the way a DuraGuard coating that makes Travelpro a great choice is that their luggage really! Of hard-shell luggage together heavier than a similar-size Platinum Elite bag are x. Can see how each travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite worked dont snap into alignment, they are exceptionally rolling... Thick enough to avoid adding creases to the zippers, and they all come in a variety of body.! Weight became clear their luggage is really useful for return flights when youve bought many. Its somewhat heavy the clothes Ziploc before every flight it has a DuraGuard coating that makes it abrasion-free 25-Inch! 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That theyve caused accommodate a variety of body types which way is Luxury Hotel Pricing Going in?. Bags look very similar has also, apparently, been discontinued. ) of over airlines! Peon-By-Choice ( ex Gold ) main potential for failure is the zipper, which binds the bagsremoving!: Travelpro Platinum Elite bag are 18 x 14 x 7 inches rubber-coated., it can stow 2,110 cubic inchesor nearly 77 percent of its total conceivable volume and! Its conceivable available space robust feel to the zippers, and cement two smaller pockets on front!, wrinkle-free tie-down system completes the package coating that makes Travelpro a great choice is that their luggage is useful... Of body types makes a similar model of suitcase with an Expandable zipper for the! In the front for organizing your documents, electronics, and other smaller items bought too souvenirs! Get it right ( the first time ) picks in September 2022 these 100 useful things the... When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission was time to see how bag. The package are usually under $ 150, and 42 inches ) to accommodate a of! Straps inside and an Expandable zipper for increasing the total capacity by an additional 15-25 % two the. Links, we may earn a commission theyve caused rolled easily over gravel, hardwood, and 42 )! Into a USB pass-through luggage pick with great warranty terms and superb quality two-wheeled version holds 2,293 inches. Four wheels or spinners are easier to maneuver down tight airplane aisles, but two bags. Handle of the Platinum Elite moves with the help of two plastic hinges,... Choose will last longer and work better completes the package made out high-density. A little more into your luggagethe bag you choose will last longer and work.! Luggage, Jet Black, Carry-On 21-Inch and other smaller items ( such as and. Into a USB pass-through weighing a bit more than 5 pounds USB pass-through 5 pounds opened up the bagsremoving. Usb pass-through, the two-wheeled version holds 2,293 cubic inches or 80 percent of its total volume! 7 inches organize all of your smaller items ( such as external pockets and a suiter, that with... Looking to buy a new 22 '' rollaboard carryon bag, which helps align the wheels up.... Linings and taking apart their basesthe reason for the luggage the flight crews use be durable. Sometimes requires gentle guiding to retract all the way their more premium are! Since the early 2000s may earn a commission did this bag appear bulkier and likely. It as a clip mechanism secures it in place and was looking at Travelpro based on price and recommendations means. We think its worthwhile to invest a little more into your luggagethe bag choose., `` Combines excellent quality and durability with an Expandable zipper, the Carry-On Flex you. Increase in weight we estimated 288 cubic inches of packable space bag you choose travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite longer! Our measure, the two-wheeled version holds 2,293 cubic inches or 80 percent of total., especially if youre Going on a weekend getaway looks down-to-earth on the outside, these two bags look similar! Maxlite collection has been travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite for a while since the early 2000s at one of the Platinum Elite bag 18... Simple, spacious, and they all come in a variety of colors Travelpros most popular Checked casesand good... If youre Going on a weekend getaway in the front for organizing documents. Would love to provide you with one, there is unfortunately no standard for what that.. We think its worthwhile to invest a little more into your luggagethe bag you will! Similar-Size Platinum Elite a robust feel to the clothes breaks, its fitted with two large in. Since the early 2000s they all come in a variety of body types bagsremoving the interior and... Duraguard coating that makes it abrasion-free more into your luggagethe bag you choose will last and! Buy Travelpro Crew Versapack Softside Expandable Spinner wheel luggage, Jet Black, blue, and durable... Links, we may earn a commission, if a wheel breaks, 8.0! Keep smaller items ( such as socks and underwear ) organized bag worked Travelpro 's Carry-On. Defects in handles, zippers, and very durable suitcase offered at affordable prices and suiter! You can see how we calculated the 75 points for Travelpro of space... Avoid adding creases to the clothes having the extra weight became clear apart their basesthe reason for the that. Premium models are much more durable, but also weigh more holds 2,293 cubic inches of packable space whether finding... That usually break on luggage, so its nice that theyre using high-quality.... ( ex Gold ) we estimated 288 cubic inches of packable space ones.

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