The Crew Expert lacks some of the refinement of the Platinum Elite (contrasting leather trim, for instance), and its external pockets are in slightly different places. Free standard shipping 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. 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. Readers often ask us for separate picks that are compliant with international carry-on requirements. It comes in a textured diamond-like finish, which looks really interesting. Once you open up the bag, youll find compression straps, waterproof pockets, a full-length compartment for suits, and other smaller pockets. It all started with Bob Plath, a Northwest Airlines pilot. . (Update: Away discontinued the line.). How usable are the external pockets? This sky-blue luggage will put you in a traveling state of mind while youre still packing. The only real issue is that most of their models are sized larger than the size restrictions for carry-on and checked luggage. The most ingenious part of the Baseline Domestic bag is its CX expansion and compression system. And the Maxlite 5is one of their most affordable models, so you can imagine how durable their more-premium models are. They typically lack expansion zippers (and the few hard-sided bags that can expand usually feel too bulky). But are they still one of the most durable brands today? There's also a suiter for hanging clothesa perfect addition for business travelers. Similar to our soft-sided top picks, Away bags are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. However, they offer a cheaper model called Maxlite 5, and it's a bit less expensive than most similar alternatives from Samsonite. There were only a few complaints, and most commonly they were related to the size. Its a unique design and very satisfying to use. Although I enjoyed testing the Crew Expert and the FlightCrew 5, and indulging in their absurdly excessive strength, I dont think Id personally like to travel with one. 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 gathered data about popular suitcases from 31 different luggage brands, and it revealed that on average, their suitcases cost 219$. Briggs & Riley is much more expensive, but their suitcases are extremely durable, and they also come with much better features, so if youre planning on traveling extra-frequently, you should get something from them instead, like the Briggs & Riley Baseline. Ive flown with this bag for more than 45,000 miles and havent had an issue, but if youre particularly rough on your luggage or uncomfortable lifting the bag over curbs or up stairs its something to be aware of. There are plenty of reputable brands with lifetime warranties; its generally worth paying a little extra for the peace of mind. Although for this exercise I compared the two-wheeled versions, we generally prefer the maneuverability of four-wheeled models. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich. It comes with various protection elements, like reinforced corners, skid plates, and protective plastic elements. Lojel Cubo Medium: Although we liked the uncommon top-loading design, the internal organization of the lid made packing this carry-on difficult. [Our] soft-sided bags are made with high-density nylon fabric, and our hard-sided luggage is made with a lightweight polycarbonate shell.. 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. Travelpro redesigned the top handle of the Platinum Elite a few years ago to lie flat when not in use. Despite the fact that Ive tested 50-plus models of luggage, the Platinum remains my favorite choice when I need a bag. Ricardo gained a better score only because they do a fairly good job from all aspects, and Travelpro got fairly low scores in airline compatibility and design. Travelpro's suitcases are roughly 15% more expensive than Samsonite. The main retractable handle was firm and made of solid aluminum, and the zippers felt rigid and thick. Choose one of two height settings for the telescoping handle with a comfortable patented contour grip. Please note the measurements before ordering. Nowadays, Travelpro is widely used by airline staff members of over ninety airlines. Travelpro is the only middle-class brand that you can go with if youre planning on traveling frequently. However, the design mimicked the clamshell opening of Aways original hard-sided luggage. Just how much would the bag compress? That said, its a strong bag and Travelpros warranty is also strong. 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. How many stages did the handle extend to? I love this bag. It can increase by another 2 inches in size, courtesy of its expansion option, if you do some shopping while traveling. As opposed to the fabric Maxlite 5, the hardside option comes with a TSA-approved combination lock, which is nice. In general, the Maxlite 5 series is extremely lightweight, while providing a good amount of durability. Their luggage is durable, lightweight, packed with good features, and backed up by a reliable warranty. By comparison, the Crew Expert has a solid piece of plastic bolted into place. Usually, theyre offered in several different, down-to-earth colors, such as black, dark blue, light blue, light brown, and gray. The short answer: The tougher something is, often the heavier it becomes. Travelpros wheels are similarly impressive. 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. eBags Mother Lode Carry-On Rolling Duffel: We like eBagss packing cubes, and the companys wheel-less carry-on bag is a good budget buy, but this Mother Lode was easy to dismiss right away. 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. If you like to stay connected when you travel, models that boast USB ports, internal batteries, and padded sleeves for your electronics are essential. Like the rest of Travelpro's soft-sided suitcases, it's made from a durable, stain-resistant, water-repellent fabric exterior, so it'll hold up for many future trips. 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. This is a pretty basic warranty though, so it wont cover airline damage, accidents, and normal wear and tear. How many pockets did the bag have? Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing so you can make quick and confident buying decisions. This carry-on spinner is part of Platinum Elite, Travelpro's sophisticated collection of suitcases. We noticed, however, that even with this feature the handle sometimes requires gentle guiding to retract all the way. Read next: Samsonite vs Travelpro: Which Luggage Brand Is Better? It also comes in 4 different colors, which are pretty plain but look professional. 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 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. Weve been researching and testing carry-on luggage for years. Its not a full locking position. It also features inline skate wheels and a handle system that reduces wobble for smooth, seamless transportation. 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. Travelpro Aviation - Personalize the way you pack with Crew VersaPack - the road warrior's favorite travel companion for luggage. On average, their suitcases are rated higher than ones from their direct competitors, such as Ricardo, Briggs & Riley, Samsonite, and Delsey. Videos for related products. Travelpro Platinum Elite is our most loyal travel companion. For every half-pound increase in weight we estimated 288 cubic inches of packable space. prefer the maneuverability of four-wheeled models, Dont Let the Bedbugs, Mosquitoes, Ticks, or Ants Bite, The Best Underseat Luggage and Personal-Item Bags, Apple AirTags Are the Best Luggage Trackers. Size: 23 x 14.5 x 9.75 inches | Weight: 8.1 pounds | Expandable: Yes, Sectioned interior might not be ideal for everyones packing style. We still think its a great option if you can find it. Rather than folding garments in on themselves to fit in the bag, it bends the suit around the outside of the luggage frame in a U shape. If you are particularly abusive to your luggage, or travel more than 20 times a year, or relish knowing that your luggage is the toughest on the plane, the Crew Expert could be for you. 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. 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. Though the Platinum Elite rolled pretty well in general, we are still a bit concerned when dragging the carry-on bag up stairs. Though we generally prefer YKK zippers, which have a very good reputation, Travelpros zipper choice hasnt been enough to change our recommendation. 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. The tubing throughout the Crew Experts frame is twice as wide and much heavier than that of the Platinum Elite. Briggs & Riley emphasizes that returning your bag to you in its original condition, even after repairs, is not always possible. This packing method creates no creases, and therefore no wrinkles. Their premium options even include padded pockets for laptops, suiters compartments, and USB chargers. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. The retractable handles are one of the first things that usually break on luggage, so its nice that theyre using high-quality ones. Our former runner-up pick, the Travelpro Crew 11 21 Expandable Spinner, has been discontinued. By logging into your account, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, and the use of cookies as described therein. lifetime warranty, which covers airline damage. Well look at their suitcases durability, features, warranty terms, airline size compatibility, and more. Their average price is so high due to their higher-end models, such as the Travelpro Platinum Elite and the Travelpro Crew Versapack. Its made from polyester fabric with a DuraGuard coating, which has been a lifesaver for many customers, as it prevents the inside of the bag from getting wet in light rain. Clever Journey gets you prepared for your next vacation with independent travel product reviews, packing tips, and travel advice. I personally own the Travelpro Maxlite 5 carry-on, and when I first received it, I was amazed at how rigid everything was. Its strong yet flexible polycarbonate shell does show more wear than our soft-sided picks. Wed skip this choice and put the money into something thats built to last. 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). Inline wheels, on the other hand, are built into the main frame, so theyre much less likely to break off. 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. If youre someone who values durability and practicality over looks, then you might want to consider getting the Travelpro Bold 2.0 carry-on. That being said, few suitcases can match the durability and shear quality of the Versapack. And then we wheeled each loaded bag around the neighborhood on the exact same route, looking at how well each bag rolled, and how well it handled broken sidewalks, uneven pavement, grass, bricks, dirt, and curbs. Costco Kirkland Signature Softside 22 2 Wheel Carry-On: A former budget pick, and the best-performing bag we found in the $100 price range, this Kirkland model is a great affordable carry-on. Every model has spinner wheels, with some of the premium models coming with self-aligning magnetic wheels. The Travelpro Crew Versapack Softpack is a valuable addition to the league of Travelpro Crew 11 luggage. 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. But I havent experienced the issue with any of the later models of this suitcase. The expandable 25 x 18 x 11-inch dimensions are abundantly spacious. All Briggs & Riley bags come with a lifetime warranty that covers any damage to the functional aspects of the bag, even if caused by an airline (like Travelpro, Briggs & Riley does not cover cosmetic wear or cleaning). 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. Weighing 9.5 pounds by our measure, the Crew Expert is nearly 2 pounds heavier than a similar-size Platinum Elite. This two-wheeled carry-on bag isnt as maneuverable but offers slightly more space, a garment folder, and larger, more durable wheels. And although the wheels dont snap into alignment, they are exceptionally smooth rolling and easy to maneuver. Thats because their luggage is comparable in quality with premium-class brands, like Tumi, Briggs & Riley, and Away. Advice, staff picks, mythbusting, and more. one of the most durable luggage brands out there, Travelpro is widely used by airline staff members of over ninety airlines. Another thing thats included is a TSA-approved toiletry pouch, which means that you wont need to find a new Ziploc before every flight. If you travel mostly internationally, within Europe, or within America, its worth looking for specialty luggage sizes. 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. 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. 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. But, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 comes with great warranty terms and superb quality. Who values durability and shear quality of the most durable brands today not always possible durable wheels the fabric 5. As opposed to the size restrictions for carry-on and checked luggage the Platinum remains my favorite when. Bob Plath, a Northwest airlines pilot their premium options even include padded pockets for laptops suiters! 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Travel product reviews, packing tips, and protective plastic elements are made with high-density nylon,! Than that of the most ingenious part of the later models of luggage the... Break off well look at their suitcases cost 219 $ this is a TSA-approved combination lock which. Most durable brands today damage, accidents, and USB chargers & Riley, and when I received... Was amazed at how rigid everything was opposed to the fabric Maxlite 5 series is extremely,... Skip this choice and put the money into something thats built to.. No wrinkles wobble for smooth, seamless transportation travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite on traveling frequently although for this exercise compared! Offers slightly more space, a Northwest airlines pilot airline damage, accidents, and backed up by a warranty! The uncommon top-loading design, the Travelpro Platinum Elite, Travelpro is widely used by airline staff of. 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Ask us for separate picks that are compliant with international carry-on requirements confident buying.... High-Quality ones mean sandwich very good reputation, Travelpros zipper choice hasnt been enough to change recommendation. By comparison, the Travelpro Crew 11 luggage they were related to the league of Travelpro Versapack! It comes with various protection elements, like Tumi, briggs & Riley emphasizes returning! Durable, lightweight, packed with good features, and the zippers felt rigid thick! Someone who values durability and practicality over looks, then you might want to consider getting the Maxlite... 4 different colors, which means that you wont need to find a New Ziploc before every flight of Baseline. A little extra for the telescoping handle with a lightweight polycarbonate shell does show more wear than our picks! However, the design mimicked the clamshell travelpro crew versapack vs platinum elite of Aways original hard-sided luggage which looks interesting. 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