Travelpro Luggage Review for 2023

Travelpro is one of the most trusted travel luggage brands used by travelers and airline employees. With plenty of options for carry-on and checked suitcases, backpacks, and garment bags, Travelpro offers durable pieces that suit both leisure and professional travelers. The brand even has a separate line for airline employees called Flight Crew, which shows they are serious about providing quality luggage for the most frequent fliers. 

Travelpro luggage is an excellent choice for travelers who want durable, stylish, and functional luggage. The bags are made from high-quality materials and construction, and they feature a variety of features that make them ideal for travel.

Like its competitors, Monos and Tumi, Travelpro provides high-quality luggage pieces at a relatively affordable cost. A durable piece of luggage is the most important money you will spend in preparation for travel. So, how does Travelpro compare to its competitors? Are their products truly built with durable materials and quality workmanship? Let’s examine some of the most popular Travelpro products and determine if this brand is worth your money.

Travel Merak's Top Picks

BEST CARRY-ON - Travelpro Platinum Elite 21

BEST CHECKED - Travelpro Platinum Elite 25

BEST SOFTSIDE - Travelpro Maxlite 5

BEST FOR ORGANIZATION - Travelpro Platinum Elite 29

BEST WEEKENDER - Travelpro Crew Versapack

BEST OVERALL STYLE - Travelpro Maxlite Air

Best Carry-On Luggage

Travelpro Platinum Elite 21

This is my pick for the best carry-on suitcase from Travelpro. This bag is very similar to the brand’s Maxlite line, which has an almost identical carry-on available. The Maxlite is what I currently own, but when it’s time to upgrade, I will likely be going with this option. 

The Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Spinner is extremely easy to maneuver on many surfaces. The exterior is made of a high-density nylon fabric that is both durable and resistant to stains. The top and side carrying handles are made from premium leather, but one of my favorite features is the bottom handle cup, which lets you easily lift your bag into the plane’s overhead bins. This is a helpful feature for me (as someone with little upper body strength), and I will not purchase a carry-on without it.

Image courtesy: Travelpro

The bag has two exterior pockets for storage and multiple zippered compartments inside, including a TSA-compliant wet pocket that is perfect for storing toiletries or any wet or damp items. There is plenty of storage space inside this bag, and the suitcase expands to give you an additional two inches of packing room. However, remember that expanding your bag may prevent it from fitting into some airlines’ overhead bins (bummer, I know). 

A USB-C or USB-A port is also at the top for charging your electronics while on the road. Overall, this bag is an excellent investment for a carry-on suitcase.

Specifications: 

Weight: 7.8 pounds

Case Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 9 inches

Expandable: Yes

Charging capability: Yes

Best Checked Luggage

Travelpro Platinum Elite 25

Travelers seeking a checked suitcase can consider the Travelpro Platinum Elite Medium Check-in Expandable Hardside Spinner. This bag has a strong 100% polycarbonate exterior with aluminum corner guards to help protect against damage. Despite the durable exterior, the suitcase manages to look sleek and stylish.

The interior of this bag has two zippered compartments on each side of the clamshell opening. In addition to the compartments, the zippered flaps have two of their own smaller zippered pockets for easy organization and storage. You have six separate compartments on the interior to help keep your travel necessities tidy.

Image courtesy: Travelpro

A TSA-approved lock on the exterior helps to keep your things secured in transit. Speaking of transit, Travelpro’s precision glide system provides you with a sturdy handle with a comfort grip and four self-aligning spinner wheels to effortlessly move your bag through airports or busy city streets. 

This bag also comes in a large version; however, the medium size is plenty of space for the average traveler.

Specifications:

Weight: 11.1 pounds

Case Dimensions: 25 x 17.25 x 13 inches

Expandable: Yes

Charging capability: No

Best Softside Luggage

Travelpro Maxlite 5

Soft-side luggage has become less popular in recent years, but travelers can agree that it’s more flexible than hardshell suitcases for packing. Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 Carry-On Expandable Spinner is the best soft-side luggage offered by the brand. 

The Maxlite 5 is one of the most lightweight carry-on bags I’ve come across, weighing only 5.4 pounds. Despite the light weight, you can pack just as much (if not more) in this carry-on as with other carry-on bags. The main compartment contains two compression straps and a zippered mesh storage compartment. The exterior also has one zippered compartment to store any smaller items. 

The exterior of the Maxlite 5 is made of polyester fabric with Duraguard coating, which is water-repellent and stain resistant, which puts my mind at ease for keeping the suitcase clean and dry. I own an older version of the Maxlite as my soft-side carry-on and can attest that it is worth the investment. After 40+ flights, the suitcase is in pretty good condition, so the Maxlite 5 is an excellent investment if you travel with a carry-on only like I do. 

Specifications:

Weight: 5.4 pounds

Case Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 9 inches

Expandable: Yes

Charging capability: No

Image courtesy: Travelpro

Best Suitcase for Organization

Travelpro Platinum Elite 29

The best way to maximize your suitcase space is to pack efficiently. For longer trips where you’ll need plenty of room and organization, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-inch Check-in Expandable Spinner is your best choice. This soft-sided suitcase features a large main compartment with a tie-down compression flap, and two zippered mesh pockets to keep all your items in place. The ample interior space combined with the built-in suiter, which prevents wrinkles during travel, allows for twice as many clothes to fit in the suitcase. A built-in bag for toiletries keeps your accessories organized in a designated area. The bag has many interior and exterior pockets, which is perfect if you like to stay organized like I do.

While this bag is heavy, it’s worth it, especially for longer trips where you need to pack more. One of the great features of this bag is that it has a tip-resistant expansion option to give you more room to pack necessities without compromising your ability to maneuver the suitcase. 

Specifications:

Weight: 11.5 pounds

Case Dimensions: 29.5 x 20.5 x 12.75 inches

Expandable: Yes

Charging capability: No

Image courtesy: Travelpro

Best Weekender Bag

Travelpro Crew VersaPack

The Travelpro Crew VersaPack Weekender Duffel Bag with Suiter is a must-have item for weekend travelers. It's similar to a traditional clamshell suitcase with a split case design that gives you packing flexibility. The duffel can be packed with just a few days worth of clothes in the two zippered compartments. The Crew VersaPack can also hold a fold-out suiter, protecting pants and jackets from wrinkles, making this an excellent option for business travelers.

Several zippered and slip pockets on the exterior keep everything in place, even when packed. A padded laptop sleeve on the front of the bag makes it easy to pack and remove your electronics when going through airport security. The soft leather straps on the bag make it easy to carry, and a removable shoulder strap is also included. Although it isn't the most fashionable weekender bag, it is a great option for keeping organized on a short trip.

Specifications:

Weight: 2.6 pounds

Dimensions: 12 x 22 x 8.25 inches 

Expandable: No

Charging capability: No

Image courtesy: Travelpro

Best Suitcase for Overall Style

Travelpro Maxlite Air

The Travelpro Maxlite Air Carry-On Expandable Hardside Spinner has a metallic polycarbonate shell that looks great and is also very durable. The suitcase's interior is simple, with only two zippered clamshell pockets and one small pocket. For a carry-on, this is a perfect set-up and allows you to neatly organize your items and prevent them from shifting too much while traveling. 

Although the exterior isn't equipped with pockets, I appreciate the TSA-approved lock that can be used to secure it if the bag needs to be checked. My two favorite things about this bag are that it’s very light, at only 6.3 pounds, and the interior lining is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Travelpro is making strides in reducing environmental waste, and I am here for it! 

The Travelpro Maxlite Air provides a high-end look, similar to the luxury luggage brand Rimowa, without the steep price. If a sleek, stylish, and minimalist suitcase is your style, the Maxlite Air is the perfect choice. 

Specifications:

Weight: 6.3 pounds

Case Dimensions: 19.75 x 13.75 x 9.5 inches 

Expandable: Yes

Charging capability: No

Image courtesy: Travelpro

Travelpro Warranty

Travelpro offers a variety of warranties depending on the product you buy. Generally, their suitcases are covered by their limited lifetime warranty. If your bag has a defect in workmanship or materials, Travelpro will repair or replace it at no cost. As with other luggage brand warranties, damage caused in transit or normal wear and tear is not covered. 

I’ve had my Travelpro carry-on and checked suitcase since 2015 and haven’t needed to utilize the warranty yet, but it gives me peace of mind that Travelpro honors their warranty regardless of what retailer you purchased from.

Travelpro even has a new Trusted Companion Promise, which provides additional coverage for your suitcase beyond its limited lifetime warranty. The extra coverage includes the following:



• Covered shipping cost if your luggage needs to be sent to a Travelpro repair facility for a warranty repair or replacement*
• Covered cost of repair for damage caused by an airline or other common carrier*
• Covered cost of repair for damage caused by an airline or other common carrier that impacts the functionality of your luggage

*valid only in the original country of purchase

To take advantage of the Trusted Companion Promise, you must register your luggage within 120 days of purchase or gift receipt. 

Travel Merak’s Rating of Travelpro

Travelpro is a well-known luggage brand used by travelers and airline professionals alike. The brand’s suitcases are durable, functional, and stylish. And their warranty is among the best in luggage brand warranties. 

Travel Merak rating: 4.5/5

Pros

• Durable construction
• Spacious interiors
• Multiple compartments
• Functional design
• Stylish and available in a variety of colors

Cons

• Can be expensive
• Some luggage styles are heavy
• May not be suitable for all types of travel

Read about Travel Merak’s product rating methodology. 

Travelpro Luggage Review Final Thoughts

Overall, Travelpro luggage is an excellent choice for travelers who want durable, stylish, and functional luggage. The bags are made from high-quality materials and construction, and they feature a variety of features that make them ideal for travel.

I purchased my first Travelpro luggage set in 2015 and can attest to their quality. I purchased a soft-side carry-on and checked suitcase, and the luggage has held up well over the years; my Travelpro carry-on remains my go-to for short trips! 

While other brands like Away and Monos offer a more modern style, there is a reason Travelpro is trusted by pilots, flight attendants, and other airline employees. The brand’s durability and reliability are worth the cost, and I would absolutely recommend this brand to any traveler looking for new luggage.