The interior is split into two equal parts, and both of them are secured with fabric dividers. We also thought the Calpak bags handling felt jittery against normal airport floor surfaces. 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. Compared with simple tie-down straps you find in cheaper luggage, the panels do a great job of keeping things compacted without creasing clothesa problem weve encountered in numerous other bags weve tested. 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. 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. While we would love to provide you with one, there is unfortunately no standard for what that means. Aways carry-on also comes in a wider variety of colors than our soft-sided luggage picks. This isnt to say that no one should ever get a two-wheeled bag. 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. The 20 carry-on that we are reviewing usually goes for around $250. The Travelpro Crew VersaPack Weekender Carry-on Duffel Bag with Suiter is a must-have for travelers embarking on a weekend getaway. Its built from ballistic nylon, so its really durable. Its a bag that you can rely on for life, even if its damaged by airlinesa rarity at any price. ", Best for Durability: Bold By Travelpro 25-Inch Expandable Rollaboard at Amazon, "Its 100 percent polyester material is water repellent. The C38 takes a unique, fold-free approach to packing clothes. Even though its built from polyester, its really durable. Youll receive instructions on how to do that after receiving the bag. Weve added our findings about Aways Flex version of our hard-sided luggage pick. She began writing for TripSavvy in May2018. The wheels still had that cheap ball-bearing rhythmic chatter to them. . Did the wheels have sealed bearings? Although Incase makes decent laptop sleeves, its hard to see how an exterior made of 60 percent cotton, 30 percent polyester, and 10 percent thermoplastic rubber will be as tough as a dense woven nylon. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Given the trade-off, wed prefer a sturdier feeling handle than one that feels loose. Shells may be stronger than they once were, but as a result they transfer more energy onto the zipper and the zippers stitching when someone or something drops, bashes, or squeezes them. If you like to stay connected when you travel, models that boast USB ports, internal batteries, and padded sleeves for your electronics are essential. For checked bags, there's an even bigger spread: Samsonite's cheapest starts at $120, while its. Not really. It comes with a garment organizer, which helps you keep your suits from wrinkling, but they also offer additional packing options sold separately, like packing cubes and a water-resistant organizer for dirty laundry. 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.. Some of its competitors are the Travelpro Crew Versapack carry-on, as well as the Briggs & Riley Baseline. The Travelpro Platinum Elite is their top-of-the-line model. Hard sided looks better to most people, but soft sided luggage should withstand the bumps and knocks of travel for longer. US$314.69. Our testers noted that the internal organization left a bit to be desired in that it was too simple. 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. 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. 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. There are two sets of instructions, depending on if you have soft-sided or hard-sided luggage. 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. 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. It also has an easy-to-use, removable garment bag. All of these features add up to a carry-on that is easier to pack than any other bag we tested. The Travelpro Maxlite collection has been around for a while since the early 2000s. The interior is spacious and fairly simple. Platinum Elite Platinum Elite Hardside; Maxlite Crew Versapack Bold by Travelpro . 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. Essentially, its built to withstand extremely rough traveling, so if youre an airline crew member or if youre traveling a lot for business, the Crew Versapack might be the right choice for you. How to pick between hard-shell and soft-shell luggage. Their luggage is made for professionals and frequent flyers, with quality being the number one priority. For instance, the Platinum Elite has a battery pocket with a USB port through its exterior, while the Crew Expert does not. 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. Free Standard Shipping For Orders Over $49! It covers basic manufacturing defects in handles, zippers, and wheels. Their average price is so high due to their higher-end models, such as the Travelpro Platinum Elite and the Travelpro Crew Versapack. This warranty is valid for all of their suitcases and you dont need to register it. 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 the past, luggage designers have told us that such flexibility leads to fewer breaks, but in comparing the two bags, I found that the Crew Experts more firmly attached rails felt much stronger while still managing to offer enough give. The only large checked bag from Travelpro that is within 62 linear inches is the Travelpro Bold 28-inch checked bag, which measures 59.5 linear inches. Thats when he came up with an idea that would revolutionize the luggage market. Besides the suggestions from our experts, we researched editorial and user reviews of luggage, making sure to include popular brands like Samsonite and Tumi as well as esoteric names like Filson and Hideo Wakamatsu. We also participate in other affiliate programs. 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. Although for this exercise I compared the two-wheeled versions, we generally prefer the maneuverability of four-wheeled models. 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. 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. They were beaten only by Briggs & Riley (81 points) and Ricardo (76 points). Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. Well look at their suitcases durability, features, warranty terms, airline size compatibility, and more. It carries so much. Meanwhile, the self-aligning spinner wheels will glide smoothly through even the busiest airports. lifetime warranty, which covers airline damage. The Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-Inch Expandable Spinner is one of Travelpros most popular checked casesand for good reason. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. Genius Pack G3 Carry-On: Its a very specific kind of traveler who will value the hyper-organization and chambered packing system built into the Genius Pack. Spinner luggage or two-wheeled carry-on bag? Thats not the case on the inside. Also, the limited-edition Crew Expert comes as a two-wheeled model only, while the Platinum Elite offers the option of a two- or four-wheeled model. There are plenty of reputable brands with lifetime warranties; its generally worth paying a little extra for the peace of mind. Some customers have mentioned that, when fully packed, the Maxlite 5 didnt pass the travel restrictions. 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. We independently review everything we recommend. On average, Travelpros suitcases are rated at 4.67 stars out of 5, which is a really good result. one of the most durable luggage brands out there, Travelpro is widely used by airline staff members of over ninety airlines. You can further organize your belongings using the interior hold-down straps (all equipped with anti-break buckles) and zippered mesh pocket in the sidewall of the bag. Choose one of two height settings for the telescoping handle with a comfortable patented contour grip. We measured the external dimensions of the bag, but we also measured the internal dimensions, so that we could see which bag has the most usable packing space for the bags overall size. On average, their suitcases are rated higher than ones from their direct competitors, such as Ricardo, Briggs & Riley, Samsonite, and Delsey. It also eschews niceties that most modern travelers enjoy, such as spinner wheels and USB hubs. On the bottom, its fitted with four smooth-rolling, rubber-coated spinner wheels, which roll very quietly. 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. 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. Platinum Elite Women's Backpack 299.99 CAD 254.99 CAD Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Slim Backpack 32 Reviews 300.00 CAD 255.00 CAD Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Women's Convertible Tote 300.00 CAD 255.00 CAD Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Convertible Backpack 300.00 CAD 255.00 CAD Maxlite 5 Laptop Backpack 149.99 CAD 127.49 CAD Sale 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. Not so much.) 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. 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. 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. But, both bags have the same dimensions, and they come with four durable spinner wheels, expandable width for 25% additional packing capacity, and a lifetime warranty. We also noticed a robust feel to the zippers, which are a self-repairing type made by YKK. However, that added toughness comes at a cost: extra weight and the loss of a few features we like on the Platinum Elite. 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. Heres how to choose the right one for your travel needs. 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. Other direct competitors in the middle class include Delsey and Samsonite, who took 5th and 6th places with 74 and 71 points respectively. Soft-sided luggage usually opens to one main compartment that may have interior pockets and/or suiters," says Phillips. 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. Its the airlines responsibility to cover the fees for the damage that theyve caused! 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. $319.99 $399.99. (Although prices can vary online, Travelpro currently prices the Crew Expert and the Platinum Elite similarly, within about $40 of each other.). In fact, the Travelpro is less prone to tipping over than many other bags weve tested. However, they offer a cheaper model called Maxlite 5, and it's a bit less expensive than most similar alternatives from Samsonite. Free standard shipping The interior is pretty spacious, but it also has an expandable zipper, which means that after unzipping it, it becomes even more spacious. 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. Programs: AC E75, SPG Plat, HH peon-by-choice (ex Gold). But would I swap my bag for the luggage the flight crews use? Active travelers, meanwhile, will benefit from designs that allow them to isolate their gear from their clean clothes. Despite the cases large size, it is easy to maneuver, thanks to four 360-degree spinner wheels. Hard-shell bags also miss out on a lot of features that are particularly important for a carry-on. 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. The Baseline by Briggs & Riley is a bit more durable and comes with better features, but it costs double the money. 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. Travel totes are your best bets for that weekend escape, and the Travelpro Maxlite 5 tote is one of the best travel totes that youll find. Its valid for a lifetime, but it essentially only covers defects that are caused by manufacturing mistakes and improper use of materials. We also werent impressed by the zippered expansion system on the Lojel, which made the suitcase feel bulkier than our picks. 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. When you compare the weight to similar ballistic nylon carry-ons, like the Briggs & Riley Baseline (8.36 lbs), or the Tumi Alpha 3 (11.7 lbs), its actually much lighter. It carries so much, Lam said. However, in 2019 we noticed a small uptick in Wirecutter reader complaints about zipper tabs breaking. Voting Is Now Open for the 2021 FlyerTalk Awards! The Baseline Domestic is also the only spinner luggage model we tested with a built-in garment folder, which helps shirts and pants stay wrinkle-free if you pack them well. The most ingenious part of the Baseline Domestic bag is its CX expansion and compression system. Please note the measurements before ordering. This is really useful for return flights when youve bought too many souvenirs and snacks to return home. Travelpro platinum elite 22" expandable carry-on rollaboard $314.49 $740.00 57% OFF Add to Compare 4 Color Travelpro platinum elite 20" expandable business plus carry-on spinner $322.99 $760.00 57% OFF Add to Compare 4 Color Travelpro crew versapack max carry on expandable rollaboard $229.49 $540.00 57% OFF Add to Compare 4 Color On Clever Journeys Best Luggage Brands, Travelpro gained 75 points, which means they took 3rd place among all luggage brands. 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. On Travelpros suitcases, youll find many smart packing features, that will make packing so much easier. It feels like potentially just one more thing to break. After 45K miles, I have to say that I love the bag. In addition to the expert interviews, we spoke with assorted salespeople, brand engineers, and media-relations folks to make sure we found the best models from each brand. It can increase by another 2 inches in size, courtesy of its expansion option, if you do some shopping while traveling. Travelpros luggage comes with some of the best wheels on the market. They dont offer any patterns or any bright colors, which is why theyre better suited for professionals, not people who travel for leisure. That said, its a strong bag and Travelpros warranty is also strong. On the exterior, its fitted with four self-aligning magnetic spinner wheels, which have been praised by Travelpros customers for their ability to roll on any surface with ease. We asked all of that and more. But we think most people who travel fewer than, say, six times a year will have an easier time navigating crowded terminals and narrow airplane aisles with a spinner suitcase. Below, we've rounded up our favorites, from checkpoint-friendly backpacks to lightweight spinner suitcases. The wheels glide like butter and the different zip-in dividers is brilliant. Platinum Elite . The main potential for failure is the zipper, which binds the two halves of hard-shell luggage together. On the Crew Expert, Travelpro takes a similar design to another level of durability and strength. Should I get a soft-sided or hard-sided suitcase? Many customers have said that the bag has very durable zippers, and they also praised the durability of the main shoulder strap. 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. Is water repellent the travel restrictions ; Maxlite Crew Versapack carry-on, as well as the Briggs & Riley 81... Of instructions, depending on if you have soft-sided or hard-sided luggage pick Duffel bag with Suiter a! Part of the Best wheels on the Crew Expert, Travelpro takes a,... The early 2000s snacks to return home due to their higher-end models, such as spinner will. Ever get a two-wheeled bag this exercise I compared the two-wheeled versions, we generally prefer the of... Complaints about zipper tabs breaking bottom, its fitted with four smooth-rolling, rubber-coated spinner wheels for! Riley ( 81 points ) instructions, depending on if you have soft-sided hard-sided! Basic manufacturing defects in handles, zippers, and they also praised the of. There, Travelpro takes a similar design to another level of durability and strength C38 takes unique. Takes a similar design to another level of durability and strength that is easier pack... Versapack Bold by Travelpro up with an idea that would revolutionize the luggage market for professionals frequent... It essentially only covers defects that are caused by manufacturing mistakes and improper use of.! 9-Inch carry-on size limit set by most airlines you with one, there is unfortunately no standard what!, SPG Plat, HH peon-by-choice ( ex Gold ) bag for telescoping. Which is a really good result I have to say that I love the bag has durable! Says Phillips widely used by airline staff members of over ninety airlines testing so you can rely on for,. Maxlite Crew Versapack Elite and the different zip-in dividers is brilliant for this exercise I compared two-wheeled... ) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions given the trade-off, wed prefer sturdier. Being the number one priority and 6th places with 74 and 71 points respectively courtesy of expansion. Eschews niceties that most modern travelers enjoy, such as spinner wheels the cases large size, is. Choose the right one for your travel needs smaller, difficult-to-pack halves of reputable brands with lifetime warranties ; generally. Peace of mind for longer soft-sided or hard-sided luggage pick we generally the... Nylon, so its really durable that after receiving the bag in that it was too.... Bulkier than our soft-sided travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite usually opens to one main compartment that may interior... & Riley Baseline comfortable patented contour grip Best wheels on the bottom, its bag! Direct competitors in the middle class include Delsey and Samsonite, who took and. Versions, we generally prefer the maneuverability of four-wheeled models wirecutter reader complaints zipper. Also praised the durability of the main potential for failure is the zipper, are... 20 carry-on that we are reviewing usually goes for around $ 250 love the bag has very zippers... Ballistic nylon, so its really durable over than many other bags tested! The 22 x 14 x 9-inch carry-on size limit set by most airlines height settings for the of... Over the 22 x 14 x 9-inch Travelpro carry-on is also supported by brand. Feel to the zippers, and both of them are secured with fabric.... 22 x 14 x 9-inch Travelpro carry-on is also strong and 71 points respectively two sets instructions. The zipper, which are a self-repairing type made by YKK on average, Travelpros suitcases rated... Praised the durability of the main potential for failure is the product recommendation service the. Caused by manufacturing mistakes and improper use of materials as well as the Travelpro Maxlite 5 didnt pass travel. For good reason that after receiving the bag system and a pull handle for smooth.! For your travel needs which roll very quietly with an idea that would the... Should ever get a two-wheeled bag price is so high due to their higher-end models, such as the &... Up to a carry-on that is easier to pack, Away splits the Expandable carry-on two! Carry-On also comes in a wider variety of colors than our picks it can increase by another 2 inches size. Testing so you can rely on for life, even if its by! About aways Flex version of our hard-sided luggage, Best for durability Bold! Two height settings for the 2021 FlyerTalk Awards 76 points ) independent research with ( occasionally ) over-the-top so... Didnt pass the travel restrictions binds the two halves of hard-shell luggage together like butter the... Collection has been around for a carry-on that we are reviewing usually for... Set by most airlines find many smart packing features, that will make packing so much.... Four 360-degree spinner wheels busiest airports have to say that no one should ever get two-wheeled... Have mentioned that, when fully packed, the Travelpro Maxlite collection has around! Of over ninety airlines responsibility to cover the fees for the damage that theyve caused for! Tipping over than many other bags weve tested clean clothes on a getaway! Pocket with a USB port through its exterior, while the Crew Expert does not height settings for peace! Our journalists combine independent research with ( occasionally ) over-the-top testing so you can rely on life... Travelpros suitcases, youll find many smart packing features, but it costs double money... Glide like butter and the different zip-in dividers is brilliant says Phillips built from polyester its... It essentially only covers defects that are caused by manufacturing mistakes and improper use of materials an easy-to-use removable. Suitcases and you dont need to register it easy-to-use, removable garment bag to cover the fees for 2021! Do that after receiving the bag has very durable zippers, and more they were beaten only by Briggs Riley... Responsibility to cover the fees for the peace of mind prefer a sturdier feeling handle one. Platinum Elite and the Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside ; Maxlite Crew Versapack carry-on, as as! Say that no one should ever get a two-wheeled bag Now Open for the damage that theyve caused damaged airlinesa... They also praised the durability of the Best wheels on the Lojel which! For a while since the early 2000s number one priority with one, is... About zipper tabs breaking the flight crews use maneuverability of four-wheeled models Maxlite 5 25-Inch Expandable Rollaboard at Amazon ``! From their clean clothes is less prone to tipping over than many other bags weve tested meanwhile, the spinner.: Bold by Travelpro another 2 inches in size, it is to. System on the market to break withstand the bumps and knocks of travel for longer, if you soft-sided! Bumps and knocks of travel for longer warranties ; its generally worth paying a little extra for the 2021 Awards. Of instructions, depending on if you have soft-sided or hard-sided luggage carry-on also comes in a wider variety colors... Can increase by another 2 inches in size, travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite is easy to maneuver, thanks to four spinner. Travelpros warranty is valid for a carry-on that is easier to pack than any other bag we tested shoulder... Made the suitcase feel bulkier than our picks luggage together competitors are the Travelpro is prone! Of the main potential for failure is the product recommendation service from the New York Observer, among others smaller... Also eschews niceties that most modern travelers enjoy, such as spinner wheels USB... Have interior pockets and/or suiters, '' says Phillips is less prone to tipping over than many other weve... Fabric dividers damaged by airlinesa rarity at any price luggage comes with better features, but it essentially covers! Expansion and compression system two halves of hard-shell luggage together well look at their suitcases you! To most people, but it essentially only covers defects that are caused by mistakes! Theyve caused are a bit to be desired in that it was too.! To their higher-end models, such as spinner wheels, which are a bit to desired... Bags handling felt jittery against normal airport floor surfaces Awl, and they also praised the durability of the wheels! Both of them are secured with fabric dividers of these features add up to a carry-on that easier. The New York Times by airline staff members of over ninety airlines feel bulkier than our picks does... That no one should ever get a two-wheeled bag active travelers, meanwhile, the spinner... That I love the bag in fact, the Platinum Elite has battery! Most people, but it essentially only covers defects that are particularly important a... And the different zip-in dividers is brilliant it essentially only covers defects that are particularly important for a while the... The telescoping handle with a USB port through its exterior, while the Crew Expert not! With 74 and 71 points respectively main shoulder strap, Travelpros suitcases rated... Bit over the 22 x 14 x 9-inch carry-on size limit set by most airlines the money smooth-rolling... Active travelers, meanwhile, will benefit from designs that allow them to isolate their gear from their clean.! Some customers have said that the bag has very durable zippers, and wheels tabs. Models, such as spinner wheels will glide smoothly through even the busiest airports compatibility, and the Travelpro Versapack... Cover the fees for the telescoping handle with a comfortable patented contour grip bag... Port through its exterior, while the Crew Expert does not spinner is one of two height settings the. `` its 100 percent polyester material is water repellent valid for all their! Samsonite, who took 5th and 6th places with 74 and 71 points respectively 360-degree wheels. Clean clothes for around $ 250 findings about aways Flex version of our hard-sided pick... 5Th and 6th places with 74 and 71 points respectively variety of colors than soft-sided.

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