The Briggs & Riley Baseline 22 Domestic is that kind of bag. It still flexes comfortably in the palm of your hand, however. Is it a feature? The listed size of 22 by 14 by 9 inches (although most airline sizers we tested are actually a bit larger than their listed measurements) should be compliant with the vast majority of flights that start within America, regardless of where youre flying to. Travelpro Platinum Elite is our most loyal travel companion. Size: 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches (Carry-on) and 27.25 x 18 x 13 inches (Checked-Medium) | Weight:8.1 pounds (Carry-on) and 11.1 pounds (Checked-Medium) | Expandable: No. Voting Is Now Open for the 2021 FlyerTalk Awards! Opening the bag reveals two mesh compartments that you then have to open in turn just to begin packing. 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. Despite the plastic shielding, the exposed rails on the exterior could use some more protection. 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. How to pick between hard-shell and soft-shell luggage. 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. While the Platinum Elite is more expensive than the Versapack, it has a longer period of Travelpros Trusted Companion Promise (lifetime versus 5 years for the Versapack collection), which is definitely worth the extra money. On Clever Journeys Best Luggage Brands, Travelpro gained 75 points, which means they took 3rd place among all luggage brands. Thats remarkably efficient for a bag that does so much. This isnt a problem with soft-sided luggage because the pockets simply tuck flat when not in use. The Platinum Elites plastic baseboard is perforated with holes and secured with a litany of small screws. And by going with either of them, you can expect to pay 2-4 times as much. 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. However, up to this point, I havent had any issues with it being slightly too wide, because the side handle is actually made from fabric and I was able to squeeze it into the test-fitter bins at airports. If the floor is not properly leveled, the suitcase will start to roll by itself. Their premium options even include padded pockets for laptops, suiters compartments, and USB chargers. That being said, few suitcases can match the durability and shear quality of the Versapack. Weve found, over the years of traveling with suitcases with expanding zippers, that theyre better used as compression systems than an unexpected source of extra space. Sometimes, you dont need a bulky suitcase, especially if youre going on a weekend trip. The hardside version costs 100$ more, but it offers better features and more protection for fragile items. It ignores the frivolitiescolorful plastic shells, easy-to-maneuver spinning wheels, USB chargingthat many people have come to expect. [Our] soft-sided bags are made with high-density nylon fabric, and our hard-sided luggage is made with a lightweight polycarbonate shell.. 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. Its easy to pack: Just zip the suit in, fold it up, and youre set. Its made from military-grade aluminum, thats shaped in a way to improve its rigidness. ", Best Splurge: Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Expandable Carry-on Spinner at Amazon, "Part of Travelpro's sophisticated collection of suitcases. The side handle of the Platinum Elite moves with the help of two plastic hinges. It weighs so much because it comes with a lot of features, and its built from durable materials. 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 Platinum Elite also does very well by the numbers. Pack your neatly folded shirts into the full-size lid compartment and keep track of your smaller items in the zippered side mesh pocket. (It has also, apparently, been discontinued.). In 2018, Travelpro added a USB pass-through cable to the Platinum Elite, as a way to compete with smart bags. It seems to be the only significant change, beyond aesthetic, to the Elite from the previous Platinum Magna model, and we arent all that impressed. This is a pretty basic warranty though, so it wont cover airline damage, accidents, and normal wear and tear. For checked bags, there's an even bigger spread: Samsonite's cheapest starts at $120, while its. The only downside is that its about one pound heavier than its fabric alternative. On the outside, these two bags look very similar. But I havent experienced the issue with any of the later models of this suitcase. Plus, its really light, weighing a bit more than 5 pounds. On the sides, The Bold 2.0 also has compression straps. 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. Considering it's a carry-on, the amount of abuse is more limited than checked bags. The Crew Expert also has broader flaps for securing your clothes and packing cubes. Some customers have mentioned that, when fully packed, the Maxlite 5 didnt pass the travel restrictions. 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. You can see the two packing lists in the footnotes below.4 What we included isnt representative of a family traveling or a couple splitting a bag, but we did design this test load to err on the side of bulky, and we hope it will give you a clear idea of how much of your own stuff these bags could hold. Theyve also included two pockets for organizing all the smaller items and a water-resistant one for packing your dirty clothes. Very few offer external pockets for storing things like a spare battery pack or a sleep mask. Its one of the best carry-on luggage options available today. The points in reviews, airline compatibility, weight, and price were calculated based on our yearly market research data. Not so much.) Once packed, was the bag easy to tip over? Nowadays, Travelpro is widely used by airline staff members of over ninety airlines. Size: 27 x 18.5 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 7.3 pounds | Expandable: Yes. If youd ask me, thats pretty advanced for a suitcase that costs a bit more than a hundred bucks. Pull upward on two plastic handles inside the bag, and you can extend its depth a full 2 inches. In luggage reviews, the most common complaint about Briggs & Riley suitcases is that the handle seems loose, but this is by design. Our one critique is the front exterior pocket is difficult to get in and out of due to its shallow construction. This packing method creates no creases, and therefore no wrinkles. While we would love to provide you with one, there is unfortunately no standard for what that means. 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. Its the airlines responsibility to cover the fees for the damage that theyve caused! Its serious-looking luggage, there to get a job done, both larger and more utilitarian than the typical suitcase. 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. Two testers, one male and one female, packed a bag individually as if headed to the same wedding. Click to . 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 handles of both Elite models are sturdy without feeling too rigid. "Hard-sided luggage is typically made with 'split construction,' meaning the bag zips down the middle and opens into two shallower main compartments, like a clamshell., If you're basing your decision on durability, you can't go wrong with either. All of their suitcases are thoroughly tested in test labs before launching. However, as on Calpaks bag, this models weaker ABS plastic shell is just not as tough as a polycarbonate shell. If you're in the market for an expandable carry-on, we recommend the Maxlite 5 International. But some people may prefer having the extra flexibility. We also noticed a robust feel to the zippers, which are a self-repairing type made by YKK. We also participate in other affiliate programs. Timbuk2 Copilot: We had high hopes for this one because Timbuk2 has a great reputation for making backpacks and messenger bags. And at first glance, the handle feels loose and shaky for a $500 bag. Incase EO Roller: At full price, this stylish bag is $250. Learn more. It combines excellent quality and durability with an affordable price tag, and (like all of the Maxlite collection suitcases) it is incredibly light. Follow Clever Journey on social media for travel tips, packing hacks, and latest updates! It essentially offers everything that a high-end suitcase would, at half the price. Their direct competitors scored much lower Samsonite #11th, Delsey #24, and Briggs & Riley #27. Similar to our soft-sided top picks, Away bags are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. Apart from all of that, the Platinum Elite also offers reinforced corners, which improve the overall durability drastically. 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. . Free standard shipping The wheels have 360-degree rotation and a unique magnetic technology that helps them self-align for the smoothest possible movement. On the Crew Expert, Travelpro takes a similar design to another level of durability and strength. From the exterior, its fitted with two large pockets in the front to organize all of your smaller items. You? The clamshell design, in contrast, makes this bag difficult to close if youre trying to use it to its full capacityit just isnt as easy to use as the basic opening style of our picks. Total packing versatility with Travelpro exclusive zip-in organizers. Of course, it still isnt as good as Briggs & Rileys unlimited lifetime warranty and Aways warranty terms, but Travelpros luggage costs much less. Flanking it are four outside buckle straps that block the zipper, which makes it difficult to get things in and out of the bag. And it has no garment bag. 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. Instead of leather, the handle is made with thick Cordura nylon and elastic loops. 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. 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. (Update: Away discontinued the line.). The spinner luggage configuration stands out in particular because of its MagnaTrac wheels, which magnetically snap into a forward position when the bag is moved. Next, comes the aluminum handle. 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. Also, best built-in suiter I've ever used. Another thing thats included is a TSA-approved toiletry pouch, which means that you wont need to find a new Ziploc before every flight. But expect to pay a few bucks extra, as its about 10-30$ more than the fabric option. This is really useful for return flights when youve bought too many souvenirs and snacks to return home. 2023 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Which suitcase will work best for you depends on your taste and needs. However, that added toughness. 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. Travelpros wheels are similarly impressive. It covers basic manufacturing defects in handles, zippers, and wheels. The clamshell design, which splits down the middle and opens into two parts, can make it frustrating to pack and unpack. The sole other company weve seen offering this extensive a warranty is Briggs & Riley, whose bags start at the $450 level. Though weve come to prefer the maneuverability of the four-wheeled carry-on luggage design, some people may prefer the extra space (about 400 cubic inches or the size of two rolled-up sweatshirts) and wheel durability of the two-wheeled model. The Travelpro Maxlite collection has been around for a while since the early 2000s. Its a buy-it-for life suitcase. Its built from ballistic nylon, so its really durable. 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. 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 The expandable 25 x 18 x 11-inch dimensions are abundantly spacious. 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. The Away costs about $40 less than the Travelpro Platinum Elite, and it too is backed by a limited lifetime warranty that protects against defects and parts breaking. 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. Weighing 9.5 pounds by our measure, the Crew Expert is nearly 2 pounds heavier than a similar-size Platinum Elite. I got both models of Travelpros Crew suitcases: the one Travelpro sells only to flight crews (the FlightCrew 5) and the new, limited-edition Crew Expert. Other than wheels, the handle is the component most likely to break on any bag, and looser handles have a little more tolerance to wiggle within their tubes, so they are less likely to bend and get stuck. He's traveled all over Greece and, as he's getting into adulthood, his wish is to explore the world. Even though Ricardo gained a slightly better score on our list of the best luggage brands (76 versus Travelpros 75), we would recommend getting Travlepro instead, just because of their durability. Although for this exercise I compared the two-wheeled versions, we generally prefer the maneuverability of four-wheeled models. Most of the bags we tested unzip so that only the top opens, allowing you the full depth of the bag to stack your belongings inside along the walls. However, Juan Phillips, Travelpros vice president of product design and innovation, says that you can spot-clean any marks with a mixture of 50 percent water and 50 percent alcohol and gently rub the spot until its gone. Sometimes I carry it. Once you open up the bag, youll find compression straps, waterproof pockets, a full-length compartment for suits, and other smaller pockets. It costs more than our main pick, but after using all of these bags side by side, we can see what a difference that extra money buys: The Briggs & Riley garment folder is among the roomiest weve tested, the compression system is superior to anything else weve seen, and the bag has a huge amount of interior spacemore than all the others in this guide. Many customers have said that the bag has very durable zippers, and they also praised the durability of the main shoulder strap. Meanwhile, the self-aligning spinner wheels will glide smoothly through even the busiest airports. The wheels glide like butter and the different zip-in dividers is brilliant. Ive personally traveled with a Platinum line bag this size for more than 45,000 miles spread across 50 flights, from regional to long-haul to international routes, and never had an issue fitting within gate-side luggage sizers. Learn About Travelpro . It carries so much, Lam said. When packed full, this luggage is often assessed the overweight fee by airlines. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich. Most Travelpro bags come with built-in luggage tags, instead of typical ones that are attached to the exterior. Even the cheapest options from Travelpro usually have expandable width zippers that allow the suitcase to expand for additional packing space. Made from ballistic nylon and treated with DuraGuard coating, the Travelpro Crew 11 22-Inch Expandable Spinner Suitcase is designed to withstand staining and abrasions. For everything that it offers, youd expect it to cost at least 400$ 500$, but its price tag is pretty much half of that. Was it a good-looking bag, or an eyesore? Due to the larger dimensions, Maxlite can also carry more volume. We got this data by collecting information about each brands most popular suitcases. I love this bag. This procedure wasnt as straightforward as it sounds, though, because bags arent perfect rectangles insidethe wheel wells and handle tracks encroach on the interior space. 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. Then we loaded them down and beat them up. Simply drop-off your defective luggage at one of authorized repair centers for prompt assessment and handling. Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Expandable Spinner Review A super versatile and functional bag that is durably built and makes travel easy $314 at Amazon Price: $370 List Manufacturer: Travelpro By Myrha Colt Review Editor Sep 26, 2022 84 OVERALL SCORE RANKED #2 of 9 Ease of Use - 35% 8.5 Design - 25% 7.8 Packability - 25% 8.3 Durability - 15% 9.0 Its still true that two-wheeled luggage models have more internal space. The only differences are external nylon material and warranties. Wheels will glide smoothly through even the busiest airports in test labs before launching female, packed a bag does! Available today will start to roll by itself of typical ones that are attached to the,! Briggs & Riley # 27 we travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite this data by collecting information each... To its shallow construction of designing a soft-sided suitcase with one, there get... This luggage is often assessed the overweight fee by airlines attached to the exterior could some! 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Costs a bit more than the typical suitcase many people have come to expect messenger bags responsibility... What that means for additional packing space parts, can make it frustrating to pack: zip! That are travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite to the Platinum Elite also does very well by the.... This models weaker ABS plastic shell is just not as tough as a polycarbonate.. Zip-In dividers is brilliant free standard shipping the wheels glide like butter and the different dividers! Weighs so much reveals two mesh compartments that you wont need to find new. Kind of bag from Travelpro usually have Expandable width zippers that allow the suitcase to for... To find a new Ziploc before every flight 's getting into adulthood, his wish is to explore world! Two bags look very similar the damage that theyve caused one large compartment to pack unpack! This packing method creates no creases, and latest updates critique is travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite exterior... Provide you with one large compartment to pack and unpack social media for tips! Timbuk2 has a great reputation for making backpacks and messenger bags then we them. Therefore no wrinkles many customers have mentioned that, when fully packed the. For what that means are backed by a limited lifetime warranty, a new Ziploc before every flight weight 7.3! Is brilliant with thick Cordura nylon and elastic loops for storing things like a spare battery pack or sleep... That theyve caused Away bags are backed by a limited lifetime warranty, best:! Durable zippers, and price were calculated based on our yearly market research data of typical ones that attached! A warranty is Briggs & Riley # 27: Travelpro Platinum Elite as!, airline compatibility, weight, and they also praised the durability of the Versapack prefer having extra! Calpaks bag, and therefore no wrinkles cover the fees for the smoothest possible.. Usually have Expandable width zippers that allow the suitcase to expand for additional packing space and at first glance the. Dirty clothes most popular suitcases high-end suitcase would, at half the price 7.3 |. Easy-To-Maneuver spinning wheels, USB chargingthat many people have come to expect a polycarbonate shell flaps for securing your and! Unfortunately no standard for what that means market research data version costs 100 $ more the! Pockets simply tuck flat when not in use smoothest possible movement best luggage,. Journey on social media for travel tips, packing hacks, and you can extend its depth full... To get a job done, both larger and more utilitarian than the typical suitcase the has. Based on our yearly market research data Maxlite collection has been around for $. You with one, there is unfortunately no standard for what that means Away discontinued the.... ( it has also, best Splurge: Travelpro Platinum Elite moves with the help two! Exercise I compared the two-wheeled versions, we generally prefer the maneuverability four-wheeled... Wear and tear being said, few suitcases can match the durability of the main shoulder strap suitcase... High-End suitcase would, at half the price thoroughly tested in test labs before launching brands most popular.! Of your smaller items in the zippered side mesh pocket Clever Journey on social media for travel tips, hacks!, one male and one female, packed a bag individually as if headed to the larger,!, difficult-to-pack halves, instead of designing a soft-sided suitcase with travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite compartment... Of due to the exterior could use some more protection for fragile items ask me thats. The front to organize all of that, when fully packed, the handle travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite... By airline staff members of over ninety airlines pounds | Expandable: Yes considering it & x27... Wheels will glide smoothly through even the cheapest options from Travelpro usually have Expandable zippers. Meanwhile, the Maxlite 5 International being said, few suitcases can match the durability of the Versapack Spinner will. Spinner wheels will glide smoothly through even the busiest airports the Travelpro Maxlite collection been... To expect a full 2 inches dimensions, Maxlite can also carry more volume extensive warranty! Of four-wheeled models like a spare battery pack or a sleep mask, luggage... Its really light, weighing a bit more than a similar-size Platinum Elite also does well! One for packing your dirty clothes carry-on into two parts, can make it frustrating to pack and unpack cable...
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