Instead of designing a soft-sided suitcase with one large compartment to pack, Away splits the Expandable Carry-On into two smaller, difficult-to-pack halves. On the outside, these two bags look very similar. Of all medium-class brands, Travelpro definitely has the best warranty. However, you need to register the luggage within 120 days of purchase to activate the coverage. You? This carry-on bag offers superlative build quality, plenty of expandable room, and a uniquely effective compression system. Nowadays, Travelpro is widely used by airline staff members of over ninety airlines. But I havent experienced the issue with any of the later models of this suitcase. Travelpro Aviation - Personalize the way you pack with Crew VersaPack. productslearn more about 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. Clever Journey gets you prepared for your next vacation with independent travel product reviews, packing tips, and travel advice. The retractable handles on Travelpros suitcases are made from airline-grade aluminum, and when extended, they dont wobble. Unlike other expansion systems, which are either open or closed, this one locks into incremental positions. Size: 21 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds | Expandable: Yes, Priceybut worth the investment if youre looking for one. Among them were: We asked them what they use when traveling, what features they find vital, and what separates the junk from the quality bags theyve used. 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. 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 side handle of the Platinum Elite moves with the help of two plastic hinges. 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. Travelpros wheels are similarly impressive. And, from my personal experience, I can truly say that it handles amazingly. For example, the Crew Versapack weighs 8.0 lbs, which seems somewhat heavy, but for a ballistic nylon suitcase, thats actually pretty lightweight. Their luggage is durable, lightweight, packed with good features, and backed up by a reliable warranty. We also noticed a robust feel to the zippers, which are a self-repairing type made by YKK. However, the design mimicked the clamshell opening of Aways original hard-sided luggage. A lot of people said that their suitcases feel rigid, well-made, lightweight, and really spacious. For checked bags, there's an even bigger spread: Samsonite's cheapest starts at $120, while its. Of course, it still isnt as good as Briggs & Rileys unlimited lifetime warranty and Aways warranty terms, but Travelpros luggage costs much less. Their luggage is made for professionals and frequent flyers, with quality being the number one priority. US$314.69. With the MagnaTrac wheels, the Platinum Elite is easier to maneuver than the other spinner models we tested. And at first glance, the handle feels loose and shaky for a $500 bag. Follow Clever Journey on social media for travel tips, packing hacks, and latest updates! I love this bag. Their cheaper fabric suitcases are made from polyester, which isnt a particularly durable fabric, but its weaved from thicker yarns, and they come with various protection features, such as corner guards, skid plates, and reinforced seams, so they still end up fairly durable. 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. Thats because their luggage is comparable in quality with premium-class brands, like Tumi, Briggs & Riley, and Away. After handling countless bags over the years, we have found that the tolerances of the Travelpro telescoping handle feel the most comfortable: It's not so loose that it feels flimsy, but not so stiff that it feels stubborn. If you register this Platinum Elite Collection product with Travelpro within 120 days of purchase (or original date of gift receipt), we will enhance the duration of your Limited Warranty coverage by: Covering shipping cost for any product that needs to be shipped to one of our repair facilities for warranty repair or replacement in the . I'm just trying to decide which model would be the best choice. 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. It covers basic manufacturing defects in handles, zippers, and wheels. Size: 20 x 15 x 7.7 inches | Weight: 5.4 pounds | Expandable: Yes, Not as great for fragile items but thats true of all soft-sided bags. We independently review everything we recommend. [Our] soft-sided bags are made with high-density nylon fabric, and our hard-sided luggage is made with a lightweight polycarbonate shell.. When comparing the Maxlite 5 to other similarly-priced bags, like the Ricardo Beverly Hills Malibu Bay 3.0 Carry-On and the Samsonite Solyte DLX, the Maxlite 5 is a better choice if youre looking for longevity. The lightweight and maneuverable Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner comes in first. Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. 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 inside of the top lid includes a zippered mesh pocket and a large zippered wet pocketexcellent for keeping your toiletries or dirty laundry separate. Learn more. 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 always fits. Brian Lam, Wirecutter founder. Ive used it occasionally for over 3 years now, and it still performs just as well as when I first received it I havent experienced any problems in regards to quality. We measured these components and subtracted each from the total volume as well as we could. One thing that makes Travelpro a great choice is that their luggage is really lightweight. Which Way is Luxury Hotel Pricing Going in 2023? 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. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Sometimes I check it. Videos for related products. Travelpro makes suitcases in really professional, minimal style. It provides ample space at 22 x 18 x 11.5 incheswith an additional 2 inches if you use the main compartment's expansion feature. Available colors include black, blue, and indigo. 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. Read our carry-on luggage review. For ultimate packing flexibility, Crew VersaPack lets you customize the interior of your bag with a variety of Zip-in Organizers, like a Garment Organizer (included), moisture-resistant Organizer, Packing Cubes Organizer, Suiter Organizer and an All-In-One organizer that has both wet and dry storage compartments. Size: 27 x 18.5 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 7.3 pounds | Expandable: Yes. Though hard-sided luggage continues to grow in popularity, we still suggest that most travelers opt for a soft-sided design over a hard-sided case. Zipper quality has improved slightly, but ultimately theyre still the same as theyve always been, said Jason Gifford, formerly the design manager for eBags. Sometimes I carry it. Check us out! All to find out whether theyre the right choice for frequent travelers. It was a tedious process and not one we would want to repeat every leg of a trip. But this comes at the cost of a large amount of packing space for a small amount of convenience. Theyve also included two pockets for organizing all the smaller items and a water-resistant one for packing your dirty clothes. Travelpros Platinum Elite has dominated the market ever since its release, so at that price point, its one of the best options that you can buy. Its a buy-it-for life suitcase. For checked luggage, the main size restriction you should worry about is 62 linear inches, which is the sum of the width, depth, and height of the bag, including wheels and handles. 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. But if you prefer the look of hard-sided luggage or the security of knowing that you cant overpack your suitcase, the Away Carry-On is the carry-on we recommend. Its a fairly expensive suitcase, but you can often buy it on sale for under $300. Is it a feature? Built for professional-grade dependability, this collection is the civilian version of the luggage flight c Very few offer external pockets for storing things like a spare battery pack or a sleep mask. We extended and retracted the handles on each one many times over the course of many days and felt for sticking points. The hardside version costs 100$ more, but it offers better features and more protection for fragile items. It also improves the fabrics abrasion resistance, which in turn improves its lifespan and ability to repel water. And after many weeks of testing all three bags, I think most travelers are better off sticking with our pick, the light but still tough Travelpro Platinum Elite. Travelpro Crew Versapack 20-inch carry-on, Travelpro Crew VersaPack 29-Inch Luggage Review, Ricardo Beverly Hills Malibu Bay 3.0 Carry-On, Travelpro Platinum Elite 25-Inch Checked Suitcase Review, Kenneth Cole Luggage: 2022 Brand Review and Rating, Rockland London 3-Piece Luggage Set Review, Olympia Fashion Rolling Shopper Tote Review, Rockland Journey 4-Piece Upright Luggage Set Review, Rockland Fashion 2-Piece Upright Luggage Set Review, Kenneth Cole Reaction Out of Bounds 28-Inch Checked Luggage Review, Zippered pockets for organizing all the smaller items, Compression straps for keeping your clothing in place, Mesh dividers for organizing your belongings, Waterproof pockets for storing wet and dirty laundry. This packing method creates no creases, and therefore no wrinkles. Travelpro's under-seat carry-on is excellent for people who tend to pack light. We also dragged them up and down two flights of concrete stairs, noting how easy this task was and how much damage the bags sustained. How many pockets did the bag have? Some of its competitors are the Travelpro Crew Versapack carry-on, as well as the Briggs & Riley Baseline. A slightly smaller option is the Bold By Travelpro 25-Inch Expandable Rollaboard, which comes in black with stylish navy blue or purple accents. Weve tested the Away Carry-On for six years, traveling with it ourselves across the country and lending several units to testers and frequent travelers to see how they enjoyed using the bag. Essentially, this warranty also covers damage from common carriers (air travel, trains, buses, cruises), and it covers the shipping costs for sending the luggage to repairs. Once I opened up the two bagsremoving the interior linings and taking apart their basesthe reason for the extra weight became clear. The only real issue is that most of their models are sized larger than the size restrictions for carry-on and checked luggage. 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. Heres how we put each new bag through its paces. If youre planning on traveling with a suitcase and the Maxlite 5 tote, then youll be happy to know that it has a rear strap, which secures it on top of your suitcase by wrapping around the retractable handle. The Vocier can carry a couple of suits, and its more refined styling should appeal to the luxury crowd. I love this bag. It will be familiar to anyone who has used a suitcase before, which means theres no learning curve for optimizing the storage capacity. A wide, wrinkle-free tie-down system completes the package. Their softside cases are made out of high-density nylon or polyester, thats usually finished with a water-repellent finish, known as DuraGuard. Though we generally prefer YKK zippers, which have a very good reputation, Travelpros zipper choice hasnt been enough to change our recommendation. The Travelpro Platinum Elite is their top-of-the-line model. In luggage reviews, the most common complaint about Briggs & Riley suitcases is that the handle seems loose, but this is by design. The handles of both Elite models are sturdy without feeling too rigid. 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. The Platinum Elite also does very well by the numbers. Two testers, one male and one female, packed a bag individually as if headed to the same wedding. 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. AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner: This AmazonBasics bag is a surprisingly good carry-on for costing just over $100. 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. Its outer fabric is made of a nylon material that seems to be of a tighter weave than that used on the other bags weve tested. 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. Despite the cases large size, it is easy to maneuver, thanks to four 360-degree spinner wheels. The Crew Versapack and Platinum Elite also have built-in suiter compartments, which keep the suits wrinkle-free. It is sturdy and unassuming, and does what it is meant to do without complaint. So we called up experts to help us narrow the field. Weve been researching and testing carry-on luggage for years. How many stages did the handle extend to? Other direct competitors in the middle class include Delsey and Samsonite, who took 5th and 6th places with 74 and 71 points respectively. We looked for options based on their size, organization, and travel-friendly features. The Crew Expert has extra-thick polyurethane wheels. This great-looking and relatively resilient piece of hard-sided luggage has top-of-the-line componentsincluding wheels as smooth-rolling as any weve tested. If youre willing to give up maneuverability for more space and bigger wheels, this is also a great option. The rest of the categories were calculated by ourselves and are a bit more subjective, based on various other factors. Samsonite's carry-on bags range in price from $80 to $550; Travelpro's carry-ons cost $90 to $320. For example, did this bag appear bulkier and more likely to get a person gate-checked? Travelpro Aviation - Personalize the way you pack with Crew VersaPack - the road warrior's favorite travel companion for luggage. 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 Its almost the same bag. Its wheels chattered over every surface except deep carpet. 1:33 . If things go awry, user-replaceable parts and a network of repair centers located around the world make quick fixes easy, and the reliable lifetime warranty covers repairs for airline damage. Briggs & Riley bags are easy to service and repair, so you can also order the parts you need and replace them yourself at home. 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. The sole other company weve seen offering this extensive a warranty is Briggs & Riley, whose bags start at the $450 level. $375.99 $940.00 60% OFF Add to Compare 6 Color On the bottom, its fitted with four smooth-rolling, rubber-coated spinner wheels, which roll very quietly. Meanwhile, the only maneuverability benefits of two-wheeled luggage are better ground clearance over rough terrain, such as cobblestones, and easier rolling over carpets. , known as DuraGuard Expandable carry-on into two smaller, difficult-to-pack halves durable, lightweight, and updates. Incremental positions wrinkle-free tie-down system completes the package but you can often it... Expandable: Yes also a great option like Tumi, Briggs & Riley Baseline the number priority! 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