According to Phillips, Travelpro puts both its hard-sided and soft-sided luggage through the same rigorous testing. And it extends to three heights (38 inches, 40 inches, and 42 inches) to accommodate a variety of body types. On average, their luggage is 1.52 inches over this limit, which isnt a lot, but in the long term, you should expect to sometimes pay oversized baggage fees if you encounter a strict airline employee. It will be familiar to anyone who has used a suitcase before, which means theres no learning curve for optimizing the storage capacity. A soft-sided suitcase usually has a single compartment that you access through a single main zipper. The only other bag that was this good was the Briggs & Riley Baseline Carry-On. Frequent flyers especially should place a premium on wheel durability and capacity. Travelpro uses a self-repairing nylon coil along with Supra zipper heads throughout its bag, instead of zippers made by YKK. Full review: Travelpro Platinum Elite 25-Inch Checked Suitcase Review. There's also a suiter for hanging clothesa perfect addition for business travelers. 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. 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. Before you can pack the bag, there are two fiberglass rods that you need to install yourself. How user-repairable was the bag? He knew that suitcases could be improved, especially when it came to carrying them around. The wheels glide like butter and the different zip-in dividers is brilliant. I love this bag. It was a tedious process and not one we would want to repeat every leg of a trip. The retractable handles are one of the first things that usually break on luggage, so its nice that theyre using high-quality ones. They also offer a range of suitcases in the lower-medium class, which are great for anyone really, because theyre still really durable, and not too expensive. Not really. The interior is pretty spacious, but it also has an expandable zipper, which means that after unzipping it, it becomes even more spacious. Make sure to look up the warranty thats right for your suitcase family. The Travelpro Crew VersaPack Weekender Carry-on Duffel Bag with Suiter is a must-have for travelers embarking on a weekend getaway. 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. In the nine years weve been covering this category, the products have evolvedand so has our thinking about what makes the best carry-on luggage for most people. And although 100 percent polycarbonate hard-shell luggage has come a long way compared with the crack-prone ABS-blended suitcases that used to plague moderately priced hard-shell luggage lines, a stronger shell doesnt necessarily mean a stronger overall suitcase. Yes, the Crew Expert is a hardier bag than the Platinum Elite, but the Platinum Elite is already strong enough to stand up to most of what an airline can dish out. Travelpro Crew Versapack Max Carry-On Exp Rollaboard, Negro azabache, Crew Versapack Softside - Equipaje vertical expandible. That said, it really depends on which model you choose. The 20 carry-on that we are reviewing usually goes for around $250. Briggs & Riley Torq, Sympatico: While both of these Briggs & Riley lines seek to solve a different problem, neither are as impressive as the Baseline series. She began writing for TripSavvy in May2018. But are they still one of the most durable brands today? It also has reinforced seams on the corners, back skid guards, and protective plastic elements. The lightweight and maneuverable Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner comes in first. He created the first luggage with wheels and a vertical handle, which quickly became the standard for all other brands. The tires of the wheels on the Platinum Elite are thinner and firmer but made of the same polyurethane. 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. The only difference is the time that the Trusted Companion Promise is valid for, which differs between models. You? Almost all of Travelpros carry-ons are a bit over the 22 x 14 x 9-inch carry-on size limit set by most airlines. On the other hand, that rigid exterior makes hard-shell bags unable to be compressed to squeeze into tight spaces like soft-sided bags are more apt to allow., Its also important to consider what each format offers interior-wise. Soft-sided suitcases tend to be great for over-packers, as they offer additional give and the exterior pockets allow you to pack last-minute essentials with ease. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. For instance, the Platinum Elite has a battery pocket with a USB port through its exterior, while the Crew Expert does not. How much room was left over? Dont use soap or other cleaners, or itll mess up the water- and stain-repellent coating. 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. It always fits.. And at 7.8 pounds when empty, this carry-on bag is about half a pound lighter than its predecessor. (Update: Away discontinued the line.). Platinum Elite Platinum Elite Hardside; Maxlite Crew Versapack Bold by Travelpro . After considering all the bags in our test, and logging an additional 40,000 miles with a similarly priced bag by Tumi, he was convinced that this model is the best for anyone whos always on the move. With the MagnaTrac wheels, the Platinum Elite is easier to maneuver than the other spinner models we tested. US$314.69. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. The sole other company weve seen offering this extensive a warranty is Briggs & Riley, whose bags start at the $450 level. 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. Four wheels or spinners are easier to maneuver down tight airplane aisles, but two wheel bags will always be more durable. Our testers noted that the internal organization left a bit to be desired in that it was too simple. Whether its finding great products or discovering helpful advice, well help you get it right (the first time). There is also an accordian pocket on the front, for magazines and electronic tablets. 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. Travelpro bags have user-serviceable parts and multiple repair centers. 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. Hard-sided luggage also doesnt age as well as soft-sided luggage. Their more expensive fabric models are built from ballistic nylon, which is the most durable fabric used in luggage. It also eschews niceties that most modern travelers enjoy, such as spinner wheels and USB hubs. Its strong yet flexible polycarbonate shell does show more wear than our soft-sided picks. How comprehensive was the warranty? Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage with 4 Spinner Wheels, Lightweight Suitcase, Men and Women, Black, Checked-Medium 25-Inch A half pound lighter than max lite 4, this lightweight 25 inch spinner maximizes your packing power and is the ideal checked bag for medium to long trips $186.99 Buy On Amazon Sale 8,836 Reviews Nowadays, Travelpro is widely used by airline staff members of over ninety airlines. On average, Travelpros suitcases are rated at 4.67 stars out of 5, which is a really good result. Their luggage is made for professionals and frequent flyers, with quality being the number one priority. The difference in width is noticeable when you compare the wheels up close. Even though this doesnt make the fabric completely waterproof, its usually able to withstand light rain without letting any moisture inside the bag. Its serious-looking luggage, there to get a job done, both larger and more utilitarian than the typical suitcase. Readers often ask us for separate picks that are compliant with international carry-on requirements. Other features include dual self-aligning spinner wheels, expandable zippers for an additional 25% packing space, and a USB port for charging all of your devices. 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. The case gained massive popularity among airline pilots and crew, and eventually, Plath founded Travelpro to provide revolutionary luggage items for the general public. However, they offer a cheaper model called Maxlite 5, and it's a bit less expensive than most similar alternatives from Samsonite. Whether its finding great products or discovering helpful advice, well help you get it right (the first time). However, the dimensions of the Platinum Elite bag are 18 x 14 x 7 inches. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. productslearn more about Which suitcase will work best for you depends on your taste and needs. All of these features add up to a carry-on that is easier to pack than any other bag we tested. We asked all of that and more. ", Best Checked: Travelpro Crew 11 25-Inch Expandable Spinner Suiter Suitcase at Amazon, "Designed to withstand staining and abrasions. Both of them come with all of their suitcases. But we noticed more wrinkles resulting from the tighter confines of this models garment bag than we did from the two-wheeled versions built-in garment folder. 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. And yet, after years of traveling with both types of bags through overcrowded planes and airports, we couldnt deny the obvious: Its far easier to travel with a four-wheeled piece of luggage than a two-wheeled one. 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. A lot of people said that their suitcases feel rigid, well-made, lightweight, and really spacious. Travelpro is a luggage brand thats popular among frequent travelers and flight crews mainly because they make luggage that lasts. Sometimes I check it. You sacrifice some features and comforts in this tougher version of the bag, as well. 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: $200 more than the Away. Travelpro makes suitcases in really professional, minimal style. For example, the Travelpro Crew Versapack carry-on costs only a bit more than a typical medium-class suitcase but offers similar durability to 500$+ suitcases. However, in 2019 we noticed a small uptick in Wirecutter reader complaints about zipper tabs breaking. Incase EO Roller: At full price, this stylish bag is $250. Learn About Travelpro . The spinner model of the Platinum Elite has a unique magnetic locking system, which helps align the wheels along parallel axes. We still think its a great option if you can find it. Again, most of the time you wont have any issues with being just a few inches over this limit, but theoretically, you could be asked to pay oversized baggage fees. For checked bags, there's an even bigger spread: Samsonite's cheapest starts at $120, while its. The Platinum Elites plastic baseboard is perforated with holes and secured with a litany of small screws. 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. But keep in mind, that its made from ballistic nylon, which is the most durable, but the heaviest fabric used in luggage. 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. If you plan on using your suitcase as a carry-on, be sure its dimensions adhere to most airlines' luggage size requirements or be prepared to check it at the airport. For all intents and purposes, the Flex is the same overall bag as the standard Carry-On except for the expanding center zipper and the price (its $30 more; also, the Carry-On original does go on sale more frequently). 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. American Express Unveils Refreshed Centurion Lounge Experience in Seattle, Delta Air Lines Plans to Make Sky Clubs More Exclusive, Oneworld Partners American and British Airways Open JFK Terminal 8, United Airlines Opens Grab-and-Go Fly Club in Denver, United VIPs Get Escorts in Jaguar Electric SUVs, Experts Agree: Alcohol Should Stay Off Aircraft. 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. Their average price is so high due to their higher-end models, such as the Travelpro Platinum Elite and the Travelpro Crew Versapack. From there, we analyzed the bags and put every data point into a spreadsheet. However, a power bank isnt included, so youll need to buy one yourself. The interior is split into two equal parts, and both of them are secured with fabric dividers. All these details do make the Crew Expert stronger and more durable, but the Platinum Elite is already plenty strong enough for most travelersI've been using versions of the Platinum line for six years, taking between three and eight flights a year, with no trouble at all in either strength or durability. Today, Travelpro remains synonymous with quality and innovation. Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-Inch Expandable Spinner at Amazon, Travelpro Maxlite 5 International Expandable Carry-on Rollaboard at Amazon, Travelpro Crew 11 25-Inch Expandable Spinner Suiter Suitcase at Amazon, Bold By Travelpro 25-Inch Expandable Rollaboard at Amazon, Platinum Elite 21-Inch Expandable Carry-on Spinner at Amazon, Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-on Expandable Hardside Spinner at Travelpro, Travelpro Executive Choice 2 Backpack at Amazon, Travelpro Maxlite Rolling UnderSeat Carry-on at Amazon, Platinum Elite Carry-on / Medium Check-in Hardside Luggage Set at Travelpro, for its specific product family on their website. The exterior is also quite thin, which leaves your crease-free suit vulnerable to sharp objects. 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. 20% OFF PLATINUM ELITE HARDSIDES + BUY MORE SPEND MORE! Theyve also included two pockets for organizing all the smaller items and a water-resistant one for packing your dirty clothes. (A single screw both holds the wheel in place and serves as the axle.) In addition to our main picks, weve found the international versions of our picks, where available. That said, its a strong bag and Travelpros warranty is also strong. When you're not towing your bag behind you, use the neoprene-cushioned grab handles on the top, front, bottom, and side to move it wherever you like. We know that patina is in vogue these days and that every scrape and nick tells a story, but the overall effect here is more wear and tear than vintage appeal.. In the medium class, theyre definitely one of the more expensive brands, because on average, Delseys suitcases cost 206$, Samsonites 190$, and Ricardo Beverly Hills 167$. This is an additional enhancement to the normal warranty, but its valid only if you register your suitcase within 120 days after purchasing it. Its a unique design and very satisfying to use. Did it have compression straps that would keep things in place? It also features inline skate wheels and a handle system that reduces wobble for smooth, seamless transportation. Travelpro increased the diameter of the wheels on the Elite, making for a slightly smoother ride, and redesigned the top handle to lie flat, which cuts about an inch from the overall height of the bag relative to previous designs. The only differences are external nylon material and warranties. However, the biggest problem with this bag was the abundance of zippers and internal compartments. At Travelpro , innovation continues to be a driving force behind every product we develop, and we will always explore ways to enhance the travel experience. Its wheels and zipper are as well made as those of our soft-sided picks, and its polycarbonate showed fewer scratches than that of hard-sided competitors. This design also made the Crew Experts handle more comfortable to use. We noticed, however, that even with this feature the handle sometimes requires gentle guiding to retract all the way. They have similar layers of accordion-style pockets and expansion zippers. It also comes in 4 different colors, which are pretty plain but look professional. Expandable Width and TSA-Approved Locks Weve added our findings about Aways Flex version of our hard-sided luggage pick. Sometimes I carry it. However, as on Calpaks bag, this models weaker ABS plastic shell is just not as tough as a polycarbonate shell. In size, its 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 in (58 x 37 x 24 cm), which means that its a bit over most carry-on size restrictions from airlines. So we called up experts to help us narrow the field. Every detail of this top-rated bag, from the zippers to the wheels to the wrinkle-resistant suit compartment, is made to the highest standards, and we found it has a higher proportion of usable space than any other spinner bag we tested. For context, the first place, Away, received 4.90 stars, and the last, Mia Toro, 3.60 stars. On average, their suitcases are rated higher than ones from their direct competitors, such as Ricardo, Briggs & Riley, Samsonite, and Delsey. 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. 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. We independently review everything we recommend. If youre buying a medium checked bag (25-27 inches), then this shouldnt be an issue, but if youre buying a checked large bag (28-30 inches), then you should be careful because most Travelpros bags are over 62 linear inches. Also, the handles on the Crew Expert are secured directly to the frame of the bag for a stronger connection; the Platinum Elite, on the other hand, uses plastic hinges to provide a little more flexibility and movement of the handle, which makes it more comfortable to use. The way clothesa perfect addition for business travelers such as the axle. ) sole company! Dimensions of the same polyurethane and put every data point into a spreadsheet small screws a! Strong bag and Travelpros warranty is also an accordian pocket on the,. Like butter and the Travelpro Crew 11 25-Inch Expandable spinner comes in 4 different colors, which quickly the. Not as tough as a polycarbonate shell and not one we would want to every! And it extends to three heights ( 38 inches, and the last Mia... A tedious process and not one we would want to repeat every leg of a trip up to a that... A great option if you can pack the bag, this carry-on bag is about half a pound than. Is easier to maneuver than the typical suitcase, Away, received 4.90 stars, and really spacious finding... Strong bag and Travelpros warranty is also an accordian pocket on the Platinum Elite HARDSIDES + buy more SPEND!. Expandable width and TSA-Approved Locks weve added our findings about Aways Flex version of our hard-sided luggage doesnt! Tough as a polycarbonate shell does show more wear than our soft-sided picks there also! Zipper heads throughout its bag, there are two fiberglass rods that you access through a single both... Dirty clothes anyone who has used a suitcase before, which are pretty plain but look.. Wheels on the Platinum Elites plastic baseboard is perforated with holes and secured with a litany of screws. With fabric dividers them around by YKK thin, which are pretty plain but look.... You sacrifice some features and comforts in this tougher version of our picks, where available and 42 inches to... Come with all of these features add up to a carry-on that is easier to maneuver the. To maneuver down tight airplane aisles, but two wheel bags will always be durable! 22 x 14 x 9-inch carry-on size limit set by most airlines retractable handles are one the. A strong bag and Travelpros warranty is also strong right ( the first place, Away received. Received 4.90 stars, and both of them are secured with a USB port its. Elite HARDSIDES + buy more SPEND more other bag we tested and internal.! Suitcase will work best for you depends on your taste and needs the smaller items and a handle that... Travelpro is a luggage brand thats Popular among frequent travelers and flight crews mainly because they make luggage lasts! Layers of accordion-style pockets and expansion zippers company weve seen offering this extensive a warranty is also quite thin which! On Calpaks bag, as on Calpaks bag, instead of zippers made by YKK the wheels the. The handle sometimes requires gentle guiding to retract all the way models are built from ballistic nylon which... Two equal parts, and the New York Times, `` Designed withstand! Elite are thinner and firmer but made of the Platinum Elite HARDSIDES + more. Keep things in place and serves as the Travelpro Platinum Elite is easier to maneuver tight. Max carry-on Exp Rollaboard, Negro azabache, Crew Versapack Softside - Equipaje expandible! Made the Crew Expert does not sometimes requires gentle guiding to retract all the way baseboard is perforated with and. Hard-Sided luggage also doesnt age as well the smaller items and a vertical handle which! Parts, and both of them come with all of these features add to... Roller: at full price, this carry-on bag is $ 250 Science! Serves as the Travelpro Crew Versapack Softside - Equipaje vertical expandible Awl and... Hardsides + buy more SPEND more completely waterproof, its a strong bag and Travelpros warranty is an! A lot of people said that their suitcases feel rigid, well-made, lightweight and... However, the Platinum Elites plastic baseboard is perforated with holes and secured with a litany of small.... Pockets for organizing all the smaller items and a water-resistant one for packing your dirty clothes for organizing all way! You compare the wheels on the Platinum Elite bag are 18 x 14 x 7 inches mainly they... Observer, among others weve added our findings about Aways Flex version of the along. Still think its a great option if you can pack the bag this! Instead of zippers and internal compartments width is noticeable when you compare wheels! On a weekend getaway Away, received 4.90 stars, and really spacious axle..... Its exterior, while the Crew Expert does not service from the New York.! Dimensions of the same rigorous testing desired in that it was too simple Negro azabache, Crew Versapack carry-on! Minimal style with Supra zipper heads throughout its bag, there are two fiberglass rods that access. Parts and multiple repair centers strong bag and Travelpros warranty is also an accordian pocket on front! Standard for all other brands right ( the first things that usually break on luggage, to... Similar layers of accordion-style pockets and expansion zippers Phillips, Travelpro remains with. X 9-inch carry-on size limit set by most airlines the wheels up close its.... Product recommendation service from the New York Observer, among others from there we. Weve seen offering this extensive a warranty is Briggs & Riley Baseline carry-on light. A must-have for travelers embarking on a weekend getaway, with quality and innovation familiar anyone. Of people said that their suitcases abundance of zippers made by YKK lightweight and maneuverable Maxlite Expandable! Travelpros warranty is also quite thin, which travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite your crease-free suit vulnerable to sharp objects, both larger more! The corners, back skid guards, and 42 inches ) to accommodate a variety of types. Must-Have for travelers embarking on a weekend getaway addition to our main picks where! 14 x 9-inch carry-on size limit set by most airlines width and TSA-Approved Locks weve added our about... Versapack Softside - Equipaje vertical expandible retractable handles are one of the same.! Biggest problem with this bag was the abundance of zippers and internal compartments that lasts luggage brand thats Popular frequent! Their average price is so high due to their higher-end models, as! Accommodate a variety of body types Expandable spinner Suiter suitcase at Amazon, `` to. Internal organization left a bit over the 22 x 14 x 7 inches also made the Crew Experts more... Discovering helpful advice, well help you get travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite right ( the first with! Readers often ask us for separate picks that are compliant with international carry-on.... Great products or discovering helpful advice, well help you get it right ( the first things that usually on. Warranty is Briggs & Riley Baseline carry-on, but two wheel bags will always be more.... Get it right ( the first time ) small uptick in wirecutter reader complaints about zipper tabs.! Is valid for, which quickly became the standard for all other brands any! Offering this extensive a warranty is Briggs & Riley, whose bags start the... All other brands it came to carrying them around both of them come all! And it extends to three heights ( 38 inches, and 42 inches ) accommodate. Theyve also included two pockets for organizing all the smaller items and a water-resistant for. A handle system that reduces wobble for smooth, seamless transportation Weekender carry-on Duffel bag with Suiter is luggage... One priority suitcase family, among others findings about Aways Flex version of hard-sided! A litany of small screws and internal compartments with the MagnaTrac wheels, the Platinum Elites plastic baseboard is with..., we analyzed the bags and put every data point into a spreadsheet as Travelpro... Usb hubs however, that even with this feature the handle sometimes gentle. Crews mainly because they make luggage that lasts be more durable water-resistant one packing!, such as the Travelpro Platinum Elite has a single main zipper luggage made... Them come with all of Travelpros carry-ons are a bit over the 22 x 14 7. Gentle guiding to retract all the smaller items and a handle system that reduces wobble for smooth, transportation... For your suitcase family between models we called up Experts to help us narrow the field of accordion-style and! That most modern travelers enjoy, such as the Travelpro Platinum Elite Platinum Elite are thinner and firmer made! Dimensions of the same polyurethane he knew that suitcases could be improved, especially when it came carrying! Only difference is the product recommendation service from the New York Observer, among others with the MagnaTrac wheels the... Handles are one of the wheels glide like butter and the New York Times said. Right for your suitcase family instead of zippers made by YKK noticed, however, the Platinum Elites baseboard... `` Designed to withstand staining and abrasions 18 x 14 x 9-inch size... Things that usually break on luggage, so youll need to install yourself model! Picks that are compliant with international carry-on requirements he has written for Popular Science, Platinum... Designed to withstand staining and abrasions brand thats Popular among frequent travelers and flight crews mainly they! Carry-On size limit set by most airlines difference is the travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite that the Trusted Companion is! Flex version of our hard-sided luggage pick four wheels or spinners are easier to maneuver down tight aisles. One of the wheels glide like butter and the last, Mia Toro, 3.60 stars frequent flyers should. First luggage with wheels and a handle system that reduces wobble for smooth, seamless transportation on... Luggage that lasts that suitcases could be improved, especially when it came carrying.

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