Buying guide for best Travelpro carry-on luggage
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Travelpro started in 1987 when a 747 pilot for Northwest Airlines named Bob Plath created the world’s first upright rolling luggage for flight crews. This two-wheeled suitcase, the Rollaboard, became a hit and set the standards of durability and professional features that set Travelpro apart.
Travelpro today makes some 26 carry-on bags in six product series, from the no-fuss Maxlite 5 to the modern VersaPack+ to its famed flagship Platinum Elite line. The company is so confident in the durability of its suitcases that it offers a generous limited lifetime warranty on many of its different styles.
Based on our research and experiences with Travelpro luggage in the BestReviews Testing Lab, we think the softside Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Carry-On Spinner is the best Travelpro carry-on you can buy — and one of the best carry-on suitcases, period.
Editors’ picks for 2025
Editors’ Favorite
Dimensions: 23.5” W x 14.5” D x 9” H | Weight: 7.8 lb | Capacity: 46 L | TSA lock: Yes/No | Expandability: Yes (2”)
Travelpro’s soft-sided Platinum Elite line is its flagship series and has accrued accolades and devotees since its introduction in 1989. We scored the large check-in model perfectly in our recent luggage tests, and the latest revision of the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Carry-On Spinner is our pick as the best Travelpro carry-on you can buy.
The Platinum Elite 21-inch Carry-On Spinner has a soft shell made of durable nylon coated to resist water and stains. It’s sized to fit onboard most domestic airlines and has 46 liters of capacity. For extra space, you can expand it by 2 inches in a bottom-heavy design that’s meant to keep the bag’s center of gravity low. Inside you’ll find Travelpro’s tie-down system of compression panels that include mesh pockets, as well as a removable toiletry bag. Most impressively, a complete drop-in suiter is built into the lid.
The Platinum Elite spinner rolls on Travelpro’s MagnaGlide double-spinner wheels that align themselves magnetically to each other for easier maneuvering. Its PrecisionGlide system also includes a stable aluminum multistop trolley handle with a contoured, padded grip. External USB-A and C ports complete the 21-inch Platinum Elite spinner’s travel-ready features.
Great Value
Dimensions: 23” W x 14.5” D x 9” H | Weight: 5.4 lb | Capacity: 46 L | TSA lock: Yes | Expandability: Yes (2”)
The Maxlite series is intended to be lighter in weight than the other lines Travelpro produces. For the softside Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-Inch Carry-On Spinner, updated in 2018, this mostly means a shell made out of durable polyester rather than nylon.
The Maxlite 5 21-Inch Carry-On weighs only 5.4 pounds compared to the 7.8 pounds of the Platinum Elite model. Like that model, the Maxlite 5 carry-on spinner is sized for most domestic airlines and has 46 liters of capacity. It also offers anti-tip bottom expansion of around 2 inches. To further save weight, it only has a single large front pocket, and it forgoes tie-down panels inside in favor of more basic elastic straps and zip mesh pockets.
Outside, the Maxlite 5 rolls on single-spinner wheels instead of double-spinners, and these wheels don’t align magnetically. But it does offer a contoured grip on its trolley handle. Fabric top and side grab handles also help reduce weight. It’s available not just in the typical Travelpro black and blue, but also in shades of pink and green.
Best International Carry-On Luggage
Dimensions: 22” W x 14” D x 9” H | Weight: 7.4 lb | Capacity: 38 L | TSA lock: Yes | Expandability: Yes (2”)
The 2024 Travelpro VersaPack+ Compact Carry-On Spinner is one of the newest Travelpro models, taking advantage of innovations in interior organization and exterior design in a format that fits the guidelines of most domestic and international airlines.
The VersaPack+ Compact Carry-On has a softside shell made of hard-wearing ballistic nylon. As a newer Travelpro product, it’s available in colors other than the brand’s typical black and blue. It offers 38 liters of space that’s bigger than it looks, organized with a compression panel that integrates two packing cubes, a removable laundry bag and two individual shoe bags. Semi-hidden pockets on the exterior of the lid keep small items handy, and there’s the Travelpro 2-inch bottom expansion for extra room when needed.
The VersaPack+ has color-matched double-spinner wheels with MagnaTrac alignment and includes a four-stop PrecisionGlide trolley handle with padded contour grip. It also boasts brand-name YKK zippers to appeal to luggage and travel enthusiasts.
Best Hardside Carry-On Luggage
Dimensions: 23” L x 14.5” W x 9.5” H | Weight: 9 lb | Capacity: 48 L | TSA lock: Yes | Expandability: Yes (2”)
In 2021 Travelpro expanded its Platinum Elite line to include hard-sided models. The Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Business Plus Hardside Spinner is our top pick among Travelpro’s hard-sided offerings thanks to its impressive build quality, internal organization and convenient front laptop pocket.
The 48-liter Carry-On Business Plus Hardside Spinner features a polycarbonate shell that’s textured to reduce the appearance of wear. The four top corners are reinforced with aluminum guards for added strength. Inside are two compartments, each with their own full-closure zipped dividers, allowing you to open the spinner vertically without spilling any contents.
Rarely seen on a hard-sided suitcase is a flip-down door and compartment in its front panel, which can accommodate up to a 15.6-inch laptop. This is perfect for when you want to quickly stash your laptop without opening up the entire bag. It has MagnaTrac wheels, PrecisionGlide handle and grip, and both USB-A and USB-C pass-through charging ports.
Best Budget Hardside Carry-On Luggage
Dimensions: 23” L x 14.5” W x 9.5” H | Weight: 6.7 lb | Capacity: 46 L | TSA lock: Yes | Expandability: Yes (2”)
Travelpro introduced the hard-sided Maxlite Air V2 Carry-On Hardside Spinner series in 2022 as its latest entry into the colorful hardside luggage market. The Maxlite Air V2 Carry-On is our pick for a budget Hardside Travelpro model, with a selection of high-end specifications at an affordable price.
Like the pricier Platinum Elite Hardside, the Maxlite Air V2 Carry-On uses a light, rigid polycarbonate shell with texture and contouring to minimize scratches and impacts. Its 46 liters of capacity is split into two equal compartments that, like the Platinum Elite Hardside spinner, close completely behind full-length dividers with built in zip pockets. Interior plastic corner guards add even more rigidity to the shell.
Despite being a lower-priced Travelpro, the Maxlite Air V2 spinner uses double spinner wheels and a contoured handle grip like more expensive models, albeit with just two stops on its trolley handle. To compete with fashionable online brands, the Maxlite Air series offers a selection of muted hues, including light blue, pink, green and teal.
How we analyzed
For this article, we surveyed the Travelpro lineup of carry-on luggage and zeroed in on models that offered the most choices for the most people. We used our experience testing luggage, including several Travelpro models, to inform our selection process, looking at durability, features, packing ease, mobility and value for money. We also studied Travelpro’s company history, achievements, milestones and production process, and scrutinized its warranty and return policies. Finally, we took into account customer feedback published on Travelpro.com, Amazon and other travel/feedback sites for real-world experiences with Travelpro luggage and customer service.
Benefits and drawbacks of Travelpro luggage
Why choose Travelpro luggage?
- Durability: Travelpro made its brand reputation on durability. It’s common to read testimonials from customers who have had the same Travelpro bag for decades, with parts changed and repaired by the company as needed.
- Preferred by flight crew: Travelpro is the preferred luggage of the flight crews of some 90 airlines. Pilots, flight attendants and other crew often cite Travelpro’s practicality, durability and dependability for their choice versus other brands.
- Warranty: Travelpro offers various limited warranties for its product lines. However, for what it calls its Core lines, including Platinum Elite, VersaPack, Maxlite 5 and Maxlite Air, Travelpro covers wheels, handles and zippers, which many other luggage brands don’t. In addition, if you register covered luggage within 120 days, the warranty coverage expands to cover accidental damage by an airline as well as shipping costs for repair or replacement within the original country of purchase.
Why avoid Travelpro luggage?
- Price: Travelpro luggage is pricey. A single Travelpro carry-on can cost from $200 to $400. Travelpro is not by any means the most expensive luggage on the market, but they are investments and may not be affordable for many people.
- Style: Travelpro luggage can be described as professional-looking. They come in subdued and basic colors like black, blue, brown and gray. Travelpro has introduced products that expand its color palette and design language a bit, but they’re still relatively on the stodgy side.
- Complicated customer service: While Travelpro has impressive warranties, navigating its customer service options and filing a warranty claim has been reported to be cumbersome.
Key features to consider
Hard-sided vs. soft-sided
Soft-sided
Travelpro made its name on durable and long-lasting soft-sided luggage. Soft-sided Travelpro products are made of hard-wearing nylon or polyester fabric that are treated with what the company calls its DuraGuard coating. This coating is intended to make the fabric water-repellent and stain resistant. Travelpro states that its soft-sided bags are subjected to seam-strength and surface abrasion tests to stand up to harsh handling. Soft-sided luggage offers flex and give and won’t show scuffs or scratches the way hard-sided luggage does.
Hard-sided
Travelpro responded to market demands for hard-sided luggage by introducing hardside versions of its Platinum Elite and Maxlite series in the 2020s. Travelpro uses polycarbonate plastic for its hardside suitcases, offering rigidity and strength while still flexing on impact. Hard-sided luggage has a sleeker appearance than softside but can’t expand as much and shows wear more easily. Surprisingly, some Travelpro hardside models are lighter than comparable softside models, mostly as a result of the lighter plastic shell compared to a tough fabric shell and frame.
Our top picks: Hard-sided vs. soft-sided
- Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Carry-On Spinner: This is made of soft-sided nylon that’s light and strong.
- Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-Inch Carry-On Spinner: Its polyester material is not quite as light or strong as nylon, but it’s durable and affordable.
- Travelpro VersaPack+ Compact Carry-On Spinner: The ballistic nylon on this bag is some of the toughest fabric available.
- Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Business Plus Hardside Spinner: The textured polycarbonate is both strong and light, especially with aluminum corner guards.
- Travelpro Maxlite Air V2 Carry-On Hardside Spinner: The polycarbonate has a ripple contour that helps add impact resistance and is noticeably light.
Storage and organization
Compartments
Travelpro carry-ons offer one or two compartments, depending on whether they’re soft-sided (one large compartment and lid) or hard-sided (two equally sized compartments). Capacities vary according to size but generally settle at 46 liters for domestic carry-ons and less for compact and international versions.
Interior organization
Internal organization varies among Travelpro carry-ons. Tie-down or elastic straps and one or two zip pockets are a basic option available on lower-cost models, but Travelpro goes beyond the basics on many of its offerings. These include full-length zippered panels on hardside cases, compression panels and tie-down straps on softside bags, waterproof dry bags and even suiters and shoe bags on some models.
Exterior pockets
Travelpro softside luggage comes with at least one and usually two exterior pockets on the lid. These pockets are useful for reading material, travel papers and convenience items. Hard-sided carry-ons generally don’t have exterior pockets, but there are exceptions that offer a laptop pocket in front.
Expansion
Travelpro carry-ons offer expansion across a wide range of models, both softside and hardside. Softside Travelpro carry-ons expand up to 2 inches near the base, but not the top, to help discourage tipping over. Hardside Travelpro carry-ons with expansion have a gusset that unzips along the entire volume. Remember that using the expansion features of your Travelpro carry-on may mean gate-checking it if the gate or cabin crew think it’s too big.
Our top picks: Storage and organization
- Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Carry-On Spinner: A pocketed tie-down panel and straps help add a touch of compression to its big main compartment, while a suiter fits into its lid.
- Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-Inch Carry-On Spinner: This model features basic straps and pockets and just a single large exterior pocket.
- Travelpro VersaPack+ Compact Carry-On Spinner: It offers up-to-date internal organization options like packing cubes, shoe bags and a laundry bag, plus expansion and discreet exterior pockets.
- Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Business Plus Hardside Spinner: This is one of the few hardside models with an exterior laptop pocket; its two compartments have full-sized dividers that zip closed completely.
- Travelpro Maxlite Air V2 Carry-On Hardside Spinner: There are no exterior pockets on this bag, but it has full-zip dividers inside just like more expensive models.
Maneuverability
Wheels
Travelpro’s first famous product was 1987’s Rollaboard, with two large single-axle wheels on the back. Travelpro still proudly makes two-wheeled luggage, but also makes spinner models, with four to eight wheels on four struts at the corners of the suitcase. Spinners can move in any direction, which can lead to them turning independently of each other. Travelpro’s MagnaTrac wheels align themselves to each other magnetically so they’re all going in the same direction.
Wheels can be made of polyurethane or TPU with plastic or metal struts and are some of the most vulnerable parts of modern luggage. Unlike some brands, Travelpro covers wheel damage, but only under certain circumstances.
Handles
Travelpro carry-ons have at least three handles: two grab handles at the top and side, and a telescoping trolley handle that slides out the top. Travelpro’s PowerScope trolley handles are made of aluminum with two to four stop heights and a textured, padded Contour Grip. The PowerScope handle, Contour Grip and MagnaTrac wheels together comprise what Travelpro calls its PrecisionGlide system, which essentially means being able to smoothly maneuver your bag wherever you need it to go.
Our top picks: Maneuverability
- Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Carry-On Spinner: During testing, we loved the smoothness of the MagnaTrac wheels on the Platinum Elite spinner and the comfort of the Contour Grip. The top and side handles stick out slightly.
- Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-Inch Carry-On Spinner: No MagnaTrac wheels, just single spinner wheels, but it does have a contour grip and PowerScope Lite trolley handle. The grab handles are fabric, not hardware.
- Travelpro VersaPack+ Compact Carry-On Spinner: Fully deploys the whole PrecisionGlide wheel-handle-grip system.
- Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Business Plus Hardside Spinner: The top and side handles conserve space by collapsing against the case. It features a PrecisionGlide system.
- Travelpro Maxlite Air V2 Carry-On Hardside Spinner: Low-profile grab handles help keep dimensions from exceeding limits. The wheels are double-spinners, but not magnetic.
Features
TSA lock
All Travelpro carry-ons come with TSA-compliant combination locks. These locks are designed to be opened by an agent of the TSA or similar international organization for inspection, without knowing the combination. The TSA lock on Travelpro carry-ons is typically located on the upper side rather than the top, which helps if you need to pick it up and carry it sideways.
USB charging port
External USB charging ports can be found on carry-ons from Travelpro’s Platinum Elite line, both softside and hardside, and VersaPack+ line. These ports allow you to charge your phone or tablet from a power bank that’s kept inside a dedicated pocket in the carry-on, saving you from needing to open your luggage or use a public charging port. These ports offer both old-style USB-A and newer USB-C ports.
Note: You need to supply your own power bank. Carry-ons with power banks should never be checked or gate-checked.
Zippers
Both hardside and softside Travelpro carry-ons feature zipper closures. These zippers feature nylon or polyester coils for easy repairability and have pulls that snap into the TSA combination lock for security. Travelpro uses zippers from renowned Japanese manufacturer YKK for many of its product lines.
Accents
Travelpro’s design language is generally subtle and businesslike. Some of its product lines do offer a touch of decoration. These include genuine leather accents on its Platinum Elite softsides, external aluminum guards on the Platinum Elite hardsides and textures on its Maxlite Air hardsides.
Our top picks: Features
- Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-Inch Carry-On Spinner: It comes with USB charging ports and genuine leather trim.
- Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-Inch Carry-On Spinner: It has a no-frills design, and there are no USB charging ports.
- Travelpro VersaPack+ Compact Carry-On Spinner: You won’t find USB charging ports on this bag, but it specifically advertises strong YKK zippers.
- Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Business Plus Hardside Spinner: It has external USB charging ports.
- Travelpro Maxlite Air V2 Carry-On Hardside Spinner: No USB charging ports, but its hard shell has attractive ripple contouring.
Tips
- Double-check dimensions before you fly. While Travelpro carry-on luggage meets the size requirements for most airlines, it’s important to double-check dimensions with the airline to avoid any mishaps at the airport.
- Don’t overstuff your bag. Pack your Travelpro carry-on to be as light as possible because it makes the bag easier to maneuver around the airport.
- Save money by purchasing a luggage set. If you’re considering spending the money on a Travelpro carry-on, invest a little more to get a two- or three-piece set to get the most for your money.
- Be mindful of expanded dimensions. Travelpro carry-on bags fit in overhead bins, but a fully expanded bag may not. If you have extra items in your bag, consider adding them to your checked luggage instead. Additionally, the expanded dimensions may no longer fit carry-on size restrictions.
FAQ
Q. How much does a Travelpro carry-on cost?
A. Travelpro’s carry-ons range in price from around $110 for a Maxlite 5 underseater to more than $400 for the Platinum Elite softside spinner. The Maxlite 5 and Maxlite Air series are the most affordable and cost between $110 and $200 per piece, while the VersaPack+ line costs in the $300 range and the flagship Platinum Elite in the $400 range per bag. Limited edition collaborations, such as with Travel + Leisure Magazine, push Travelpro carry-ons into the $500-to-$1,000 range.
Q. What is Travelpro’s 100-day trial policy?
A. Travelpro invites consumers to use their luggage for 100 days, and if they’re not satisfied, they can return it for a full refund. Only shipping and handling charges will apply. Unfortunately, this only covers luggage purchased directly through their online store and not through third-party retailers.
Q. Are there any benefits to registering my Travelpro carry-on?
A. Yes. Provided your bag is registered with the appropriate documentation, Travelpro will cover the cost of repair due to damage caused by an airline or other carrier under their New Trusted Companion Promise. If you find yourself in this situation and intend to open a claim with Travelpro, you may be asked to provide additional details regarding the nature of the damage and your recent itinerary.
Q. What is the best Travelpro carry-on for laptops and devices?
A. Your best option is to invest in either a Travelpro backpack or business brief. These styles feature padded sleeves to protect laptops and devices. Most styles fit laptops up to 15.6 inches, so if yours is larger than that, you may need to consider other options. Other perks of these Travelpro styles are the accessory compartments, because many are designed for specific items, such as USB drives, chargers or headphones.
Our expertise
Jmar Gambol has been writing for BestReviews since 2021. He’s written or updated more than 100 articles, ranging from headphones to French presses to robot vacuums, including several articles about luggage, such as the best suitcases, best spinner luggage, best carry-ons and best Samsonite luggage. He has been traveling internationally since the age of 6 and has always enjoyed shopping for luggage.
