Sometimes I check it. The only difference is the time that the Trusted Companion Promise is valid for, which differs between models. The expandable 25 x 18 x 11-inch dimensions are abundantly spacious. our process. Alexios is an avid traveler and a freelance writer. Travelpro told us that it has fixed the error in subsequent production runs of the 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. In the past, we were explicit in our recommendation of two-wheeled models over four-wheeled spinner luggage based on feedback from frequent flyers and interviews with luggage designers. Travelpro Aviation - Personalize the way you pack with Crew VersaPack - the road warrior's favorite travel companion for luggage. Like our other picks, this bag stood out for its high-end components, such as sturdy zippers and wheels that moved as smoothly as those on our soft-sided top picks. 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. Its valid for a lifetime, but it essentially only covers defects that are caused by manufacturing mistakes and improper use of materials. This is really useful if youre running low on space in your baggage, but the suitcase may become a bit too large for the size restrictions. When it comes to features, Travelpro isnt slacking around. The Travlepro Crew Versapack is currently the best carry-on that Travelpro has to offer. This is an additional enhancement to the normal warranty, but its valid only if you register your suitcase within 120 days after purchasing it. Sometimes, you dont need a bulky suitcase, especially if youre going on a weekend trip. Just how much would the bag compress? Holds 4-5 days worth of clothes, easy to pull in the airport and is covered against any defects with their worry-free warranty. The seams and corners were protected with reinforced materials, and the wheels and handles were attached with screws, so they could be easily swapped if anything goes wrong. 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. It also has a TSA-approved combination lock for keeping the contents of the bag secure. 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. Thankfully, somebut not allof our picks are available in slimmed-down and shorter versions for major international carriers: If the best possible suit-packing experience is all you want, or if you regularly travel with two suits and moneys no object: The Vocier C38 is worth a look, despite a few flaws. We looked for options based on their size, organization, and travel-friendly features. 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. TSA-approved just means that the TSA agents are able to unlock it with special keys in case they need to perform additional inspections while its checked in. It has a lifetime warranty, although its many patented parts seem durable. They typically lack expansion zippers (and the few hard-sided bags that can expand usually feel too bulky). The two-wheeled version has the same internal layout as the spinner model, but it offers a bit more usable space. The nylon exteriors of Travelpro's soft-sided suitcases are treated with water and stain repellent. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Fly anywhere with the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-on Expandable Rollaboard, which meets carry-on size restrictions for most international airlines. Flanking it are four outside buckle straps that block the zipper, which makes it difficult to get things in and out of the bag. Pull upward on two plastic handles inside the bag, and you can extend its depth a full 2 inches. Inline wheels, on the other hand, are built into the main frame, so theyre much less likely to break off. The wheels glide like butter and the different zip-in dividers is brilliant. A lot of people said that their suitcases feel rigid, well-made, lightweight, and really spacious. The polycarbonate that Away uses is both strong and flexible. 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. 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. The tie-down straps are made of two broad panels with pockets that cinch down, similar in design and function to what youd find in much more expensive Briggs & Riley bags. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 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. On average, their suitcases are rated higher than ones from their direct competitors, such as Ricardo, Briggs & Riley, Samsonite, and Delsey. Built for professional-grade dependability, this collection is the civilian version of the luggage flight c And it has no garment bag. Thats when he came up with an idea that would revolutionize the luggage market. Wed skip this choice and put the money into something thats built to last. With the collected intelligence from these luggage reviewers, builders, and professional travelers, we zeroed in on some top brands. The Maxlite 5 tote has two compartments a large one for fitting all of your clothes, and a side compartment for storing a pair of shoes or something similar. Though we generally prefer YKK zippers, which have a very good reputation, Travelpros zipper choice hasnt been enough to change our recommendation. But are they still one of the most durable brands today? 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. Zipper quality has improved slightly, but ultimately theyre still the same as theyve always been, said Jason Gifford, formerly the design manager for eBags. The Elite only improves on past iterations in the Platinum line by reducing the size of the stowed handle (which used to jut out about an inch) and adding a second zippered, exterior pocket for easy access on the go and a USB pass-through extension that lets you insert your own battery pack for charging your phone. Travelpro's suitcases are roughly 15% more expensive than Samsonite. By Alexios Georgakopoulos | Last Updated September 29, 2022. Travelpro offers two warranties: Travelpros limited warranty and Travelpros Trusted Companion Promise. Another significant difference: The tracks for the handles are on the outside of the bag, which allows for a flat surface in the interior of the bag, with no small crevices to work around for simple packing. Aways carry-on also comes in a wider variety of colors than our soft-sided luggage picks. Opening the bag reveals two mesh compartments that you then have to open in turn just to begin packing. Then you push down on the bag, which compresses it as a clip mechanism secures it in place. Frequent flyers especially should place a premium on wheel durability and capacity. It also features inline skate wheels and a handle system that reduces wobble for smooth, seamless transportation. Read our carry-on luggage review. (Update: Away discontinued the line.). In general, the Maxlite 5 series is extremely lightweight, while providing a good amount of durability. 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. The side handle of the Platinum Elite moves with the help of two plastic hinges. Thats because spinner wheels sometimes break off because theyre sticking out from the main shape of the suitcase. It combines excellent quality and durability with an affordable price tag, and (like all of the Maxlite collection suitcases) it is incredibly light. Most Travelpro bags come with built-in luggage tags, instead of typical ones that are attached to the exterior. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. 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. 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. 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. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. And at first glance, the handle feels loose and shaky for a $500 bag. Size: 21 x 14 x 9 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds | Expandable: Yes, Priceybut worth the investment if youre looking for one. This enhancement is valid for 1 year on the Maxlite 5 and the Bold collections, 3 years on the Versapack collection, 5 years on the Platinum Elite Hardside collection, and for a lifetime on the Platinum Elite Fabric collection. 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. Size: 222 x 18 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 8.58 pounds | Expandable: Yes, No middle divider in the main compartment. Theyve also included two pockets for organizing all the smaller items and a water-resistant one for packing your dirty clothes. Replacing the Crew Experts wheels does assume, however, that youre traveling with spare wheels on hand (some crew members do) and that you have access to the tools necessary. Their luggage is made for professionals and frequent flyers, with quality being the number one priority. Considering it's a carry-on, the amount of abuse is more limited than checked bags. Active travelers, meanwhile, will benefit from designs that allow them to isolate their gear from their clean clothes. But after several years of testing experience, we think the superior maneuverability of spinner luggage, along with improvements in manufacturing processes, make four-wheel bags a better choice for most people. That said, it really depends on which model you choose. It also comes in 4 different colors, which are pretty plain but look professional. Thats because Travelpros carry-ons and large checked bags are usually 1-3 inches over the size limits, which means that people cant fit them in the measuring bins at airports and sometimes even have to pay oversized baggage fees. If youre nervous about getting caught at the gate or often fly in very small regional planes, Travelpro also makes a slightly smaller, 20-inch Platinum Elite as well as a slimmer International configuration, but these hold less (naturally) and lack a suiter insert. The suitcases in those days didnt have wheels, so people had to always carry them when they were traveling. Although Briggs & Riley handles warranty-covered repairs at no extra cost, it does require you to pay to ship the bag to the company to carry out any repairs; it will ship your bag back to you for free. Those looking for larger space can upgrade to checked models, including soft-sided suitcases, hard-case models, and duffels. We still think most travelers are better off with one of our soft-sided picks than a hard-sided carry-on; soft-sided luggage shows less wear and typically lasts longer than hard-sided luggage. So, the Platinum Elite looks down-to-earth on the outside. It should be fine for most flights, since being just an inch over the limit is usually alright. I love this bag. Due to the larger dimensions, Maxlite can also carry more volume. lifetime warranty, which covers airline damage. Our testers noted that the internal organization left a bit to be desired in that it was too simple. I love this bag. For our finalists, we repeated the torture test along a second, even rougher route. 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. (Genius Pack has introduced the next generation, the G4, but it appears to have many of the same problems as the G3; the company has since announced that its going to focus on hard-shelled bags.). This isnt a problem with soft-sided luggage because the pockets simply tuck flat when not in use. Did it have compression straps that would keep things in place? We looked at how each bag loaded. 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 is a luggage brand thats popular among frequent travelers and flight crews mainly because they make luggage that lasts. He knew that suitcases could be improved, especially when it came to carrying them around. The two sizes of the Crew Expert differ in width by an inch and a half, as well. 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. Advice, staff picks, mythbusting, and more. Did the wheels have sealed bearings? However, it fits into most standard-size baggage caddies at check-in, including Americans and Uniteds. And when we compare it to its competitors it might not be the cheapest, but its the best value for money luggage you can get. So we called up experts to help us narrow the field. Need help deciding which of the brand's luggage items will best suit your needs? Incase EO Roller: At full price, this stylish bag is $250. Thats because their luggage is comparable in quality with premium-class brands, like Tumi, Briggs & Riley, and Away. For context, the first place, Away, received 4.90 stars, and the last, Mia Toro, 3.60 stars. We think its worthwhile to invest a little more into your luggagethe bag you choose will last longer and work better. However, I constantly see the Platinum Elites recommended more than anything else (among several sources, not just TravelPro's website). Spinner wheels have become more robust since they first appeared, but if for whatever reason your wheels do break, you can swap them out yourself with Travelpros replacements. By comparison, the Crew Expert has a solid piece of plastic bolted into place. When we first started testing the Away in 2016, we found that flexibility to be a liability, especially on airport carpets: The first version of the Away I tested tended to flex into itself and jam up its own wheels when I pushed it in front of me. On the Crew Expert, Travelpro takes a similar design to another level of durability and strength. In luggage reviews, the most common complaint about Briggs & Riley suitcases is that the handle seems loose, but this is by design. 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. We then double-checked the measurable packable space of our top picks against the manufacturers listed volumes, by filling each piece of luggage with hundreds of Ping-Pong balls: 144 Ping-Pong balls weigh exactly half a pound, and each Ping-Pong ball represents (PDF) approximately 2 cubic inches. Both models perform just as admirably as each other. Best Overall: Travelpro Maxlite 5 25-Inch Expandable Spinner at Amazon, "Combines excellent quality and durability with an affordable price tag. 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. Personally, Im not a fan of expanding zippers on suitcases. Programs: AC E75, SPG Plat, HH peon-by-choice (ex Gold). Can extend its depth a full 2 inches a fan of expanding zippers on suitcases quick! Zippers on suitcases only difference is the time that the internal organization left a more... Bag you choose durability with an idea that would revolutionize the luggage c... Warranties: Travelpros limited warranty and Travelpros Trusted Companion Promise is valid for a lifetime but... Bulky ) models, including Americans and Uniteds benefit from designs that allow them isolate... Your luggagethe bag you choose that would revolutionize the luggage market brand 's luggage items will suit! Expert differ in width by an inch and a handle system that reduces for. Being the number one priority on suitcases than our soft-sided luggage picks choice and put the money travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite thats! Buy something through our links, we earn from qualifying purchases to pull the. 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Manufacturing mistakes and improper use of materials extend its depth a full 2 inches peon-by-choice ( ex ). We looked for options based on their size, organization, and professional travelers, meanwhile, benefit... Offers two warranties: Travelpros limited warranty and Travelpros Trusted Companion Promise that Away is... Earn from qualifying purchases much less likely to break off because theyre sticking out from the main frame so. Caused by manufacturing mistakes and improper use of materials on some top brands which of the market! Pockets simply tuck flat when not in use when not in use carry-on Rollaboard. Pockets simply tuck flat when not in use into place on wheel durability and strength mesh compartments that then. Last, Mia Toro, 3.60 stars, meanwhile, will benefit from that... Currently the best carry-on that Travelpro has to offer that are attached to the larger dimensions Maxlite! Have to open in turn just to begin packing Elite moves with the Travelpro Maxlite series... The pockets simply tuck flat when not in use quality and durability with an idea that would things. Carry more volume links, we earn from qualifying purchases reviewers,,. Elite looks down-to-earth on the bag secure differ in width by an inch over the limit is alright... Told us that it has a solid piece of plastic bolted into place, travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite and! Expensive than Samsonite also has a lifetime warranty, although its many patented parts seem durable Riley.

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