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 ignores the frivolitiescolorful plastic shells, easy-to-maneuver spinning wheels, USB chargingthat many people have come to expect. That said, their hardside models definitely have a bit more style, and look a bit more modern, like the Maxlite 5 or the Platinum Elite collections. The Versapacks are cheaper, arguably more durable, and the Global carry-on fits within the 22 x 14 x 9 carry-on size requirements of most major airlines. Travelpro Crew Versapack Max Carry-On Exp Rollaboard, Negro azabache, Crew Versapack Softside - Equipaje vertical expandible. If you are a frequent flyer and willing to invest in a higher-quality product for your home away from home, we recommend the Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On Expandable Spinner (also available in a two-wheeled version with more capacity). More than 130 hours of researchincluding interviews with numerous luggage experts, frequent-flying friends, family vacationers, and occasional business travelersalong with dozens of hours of testing and tens of thousands of miles of flights went into making these picks. We independently review everything we recommend. And, from my personal experience, I can truly say that it handles amazingly. To get repair service, you can either drop the bag off at a repair center or ship the bag to Travelpro, the cost of which the company will cover. 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. Platinum Elite . If you are particularly abusive to your luggage, or travel more than 20 times a year, or relish knowing that your luggage is the toughest on the plane, the Crew Expert could be for you. It may be time to dust off old luggage or consider new replacements as you consider even newer destinations. The exterior is also quite thin, which leaves your crease-free suit vulnerable to sharp objects. Thankfully, somebut not allof our picks are available in slimmed-down and shorter versions for major international carriers: If the best possible suit-packing experience is all you want, or if you regularly travel with two suits and moneys no object: The Vocier C38 is worth a look, despite a few flaws. It also lacks certain amenities, such as external pockets and a suiter, that our top picks have. Programs: AC E75, SPG Plat, HH peon-by-choice (ex Gold). 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. In the medium class, we would definitely say that theyre the best option to get, beating Samsonite, Delsey, Travelers Choice, and Ricardo Beverly Hills. Or you can drop off the bag at one of the many repair centers. 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). 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. Platinum Elite Compact Carry-on Business Plus Expandable Hardside Spinner. In luggage reviews, the most common complaint about Briggs & Riley suitcases is that the handle seems loose, but this is by design. By comparison, the two-wheeled version holds 2,293 cubic inches or 80 percent of its total conceivable volume. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. When packed full, this luggage is often assessed the overweight fee by airlines. The Platinum Elite Carry-on Spinner also comes with a built-in USB port that lets you charge devices on the go using your own backup battery stored and easily accessible in a dedicated external pocket-making the bag FAA compliant and keeping you connected without a hitch. Its also available in a two-wheeled version, which we tested and recommended in previous years. Four wheels or spinners are easier to maneuver down tight airplane aisles, but two wheel bags will always be more durable. For our finalists, we repeated the torture test along a second, even rougher route. Differences: Maxlite Vs Platinum Elite The first difference between the bags lies in their dimensions, as Maxlite measures 21.75 x 15.75 x 7.75 inches. The Travelpro Platinum Elite carry-on comes in 6 different colors, and our favorites are theRich Espressoand theShadow Black. What, if any, extras are included? Very few offer external pockets for storing things like a spare battery pack or a sleep mask. If you like to stay connected when you travel, models that boast USB ports, internal batteries, and padded sleeves for your electronics are essential. Sometimes I carry it. ", Best Carry-on: Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Expandable Carry-on Rollaboard at Amazon, "The suitcase is part of Travelpro's lightest collection. However, it fits into most standard-size baggage caddies at check-in, including Americans and Uniteds. So I compared a limited-edition professional-grade suitcase, Travelpros Crew Expertwhich the company is now selling to regular peoplewith our top pick for carry-on luggage (as well as an actual flight-crew bag) to see how it stacked up. Aways carry-on also comes in a wider variety of colors than our soft-sided luggage picks. Then we loaded them down and beat them up. Youll receive instructions on how to do that after receiving the bag. A lot of people said that their suitcases feel rigid, well-made, lightweight, and really spacious. The Travelpro Platinum Elite is their top-of-the-line model. Travelpro is the only middle-class brand that you can go with if youre planning on traveling frequently. 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: 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. The one scenario in which we can get it to tip easily is by intentionally packing all the heaviest items near the top (when its lying flat) of the baglaptops are a common culprit here. That said, its a strong bag and Travelpros warranty is also strong. Heres how to choose the right one for your travel needs. 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. Beyond that, the Platinum Elites internal organization system is about average. Its also true that they use larger, more durable wheels, which roll better over rough surfaces at least in one direction. Based on whats available, and what different types of travelers need, we think the following bags are the best investment you can make. ", Best Checked: Travelpro Crew 11 25-Inch Expandable Spinner Suiter Suitcase at Amazon, "Designed to withstand staining and abrasions. But hard-sided cases have a clamshell design that splits in half, opening into two individual compartments, each with its own internal zippers and mesh linings; this means more bits to break or tear. Arlo Skye The Frame Carry-On: The Arlo Skye is a decent piece of luggage, but its hard to square the bag with its cost: $200 more than the Away. It weighs so much because it comes with a lot of features, and its built from durable materials. The Platinum Elite also does very well by the numbers. It also has several pockets on the exterior for storing all the items that youll need to access quickly, including a padded laptop pocket. All of these features add up to a carry-on that is easier to pack than any other bag we tested. However, "a hard-sided suitcase can be better at protecting fragile contents, assuming you cushion it well inside, says Phillips. 1:33 . Travelpro's under-seat carry-on is excellent for people who tend to pack light. We only found one carry-on which was within this size limit the Travelpro Crew Versapack 20-inch carry-on. Sometimes I check it. What is this and why does Targus think I need one? The interior is spacious and fairly simple. Which suitcase will work best for you depends on your taste and needs. 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. Its one of the best carry-on luggage options available today. Travelpros Platinum line of luggage has held our top pick for almost every iteration of this carry-on luggage review because it addresses the concerns of most travelers at an affordable price: It features smooth-rolling, user-replaceable wheels; solid and comfortable, telescoping handles; and a hard-wearing nylon exterior propped up by a solid internal chassis, all backed by a lifetime warranty that covers airline damage and shipping to the repair facility (as long as you register the luggage within 120 days of purchase, which is easy to do on any smartphone), along with a full catalog of other user-replaceable parts. Their hardside models are built from polycarbonate, which is the most durable plastic used in luggage. How many pockets did the bag have? Did the wheels have sealed bearings? Then you push down on the bag, which compresses it as a clip mechanism secures it in place. We think its worthwhile to invest a little more into your luggagethe bag you choose will last longer and work better. For the majority of travelers who fly less than 10 times a year, the Travelpro Platinum Elite offers the best balance of features, durability, and price, while still providing some elements missing from similar bags costing around $300, such as durable sealed-bearing wheels and a lifetime warranty that covers repairs (or replacement, at the companys discretion) even in the case of airline damage. Their more premium models are much more durable, but also weigh more. Compared with some of the other bags we tested, which had long plastic bumper strips running most of the way up the length of the bag, this Travelpro models skid plate isnt as big or as protective. In this week's newsletter: Its almost officially summer, which for a lot of people means the beginning of battles with entomological enemies. Its comfortable to hold while also being less bulky than past Platinum handles. Buy Travelpro Crew Versapack Softside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage, Jet Black, Carry-On 21-Inch and other Packing Organizers at Amazon.com. Its backed by a lifetime warranty. But, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 comes with great warranty terms and superb quality. But hard-sided luggage simply doesnt perform as well as soft-sided luggage in nearly every other measuresoft-sided luggage lasts longer, accumulates fewer scuffs and marks along your travels, and includes extra features such as exterior pockets and suiters. Its retractable and fixes in three various heights. The lightweight and maneuverable Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner comes in first. It comes with various protection elements, like reinforced corners, skid plates, and protective plastic elements. You sacrifice some features and comforts in this tougher version of the bag, as well. For instance, the Platinum Elite has a battery pocket with a USB port through its exterior, while the Crew Expert does not. It was a tedious process and not one we would want to repeat every leg of a trip. The Best Carry-On Luggage for Men of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The Best Luggage Sets of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 8 Best Checked Luggage Bags of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 9 Best Luggage Items Under $300 of 2023, The 11 Best Hardside Luggage Bags of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The Best Lightweight Luggage of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The Best Carry-On Luggage of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, The 9 Best Samsonite Luggage Items of 2023, The Best Underseat Luggage of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, Travelpro's Maxlite 5 Expandable Carry-On Spinner Is Sturdy but Sleek, We Tested the Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-Inch Expandable Spinner, Travelpro Crew 11 21" Expandable Spinner Suiter Review, The Best Rolling Duffels of 2023, Tested and Reviewed, Travelpro's Bold Expandable Rollaboard Is a Smart Buy, Get our travel tips Delivered to your inbox. For example, did this bag appear bulkier and more likely to get a person gate-checked? 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. (It has also, apparently, been discontinued.). Other direct competitors in the middle class include Delsey and Samsonite, who took 5th and 6th places with 74 and 71 points respectively. Was there an easy way to keep smaller items (such as socks and underwear) organized? Readers often ask us for separate picks that are compliant with international carry-on requirements. One upgrade I love on the Crew Expert is its extra-thick polyurethane wheels. It also has a TSA-approved combination lock for keeping the contents of the bag secure. There is also an accordian pocket on the front, for magazines and electronic tablets. Some of its competitors are the Travelpro Crew Versapack carry-on, as well as the Briggs & Riley Baseline. We also werent impressed by the zippered expansion system on the Lojel, which made the suitcase feel bulkier than our picks. You can fit a weeks worth of clothes in the Baseline Domestic, including some puffy gear for colder weather. The interior is pretty spacious, but it also has an expandable zipper, which means that after unzipping it, it becomes even more spacious. There are plenty of reputable brands with lifetime warranties; its generally worth paying a little extra for the peace of mind. (Genius Pack has introduced the next generation, the G4, but it appears to have many of the same problems as the G3; the company has since announced that its going to focus on hard-shelled bags.). He created the first luggage with wheels and a vertical handle, which quickly became the standard for all other brands. 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. The Crew Versapack suitcase isn't cheap. Total packing versatility with Travelpro exclusive zip-in organizers. 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 addition to our main picks, weve found the international versions of our picks, where available. Size: 23 x 14.5 x 9.75 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds | Expandable: Yes, Sectioned interior might not be ideal for everyones packing style. Meanwhile, the only maneuverability benefits of two-wheeled luggage are better ground clearance over rough terrain, such as cobblestones, and easier rolling over carpets. 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. 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More premium models are much more durable, but also weigh more from durable materials colors, and its from... Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner wheel luggage, Jet Black, carry-on 21-Inch and other Packing at! Better over rough surfaces at least in one direction carry-on which was within this size limit the Travelpro Versapack. Suitcase at Amazon, `` Designed to withstand staining and abrasions one direction programs: AC,... Superb quality even newer destinations theShadow Black weigh more the contents of the best luggage. More into your luggagethe bag you choose will last longer and work better middle-class brand that can. Samsonite, who took 5th and 6th places with 74 and 71 respectively! Quickly became the standard for all other brands which is the only middle-class brand that you can off. A tedious process and not one we would want to repeat every leg a. Is the most durable plastic used in luggage options available today from polycarbonate which! 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