Travelpro Luggage Is Built to Last—Here Are the Suitcases and Bags I Recommend Most
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Walk through any airport and you’re almost guaranteed to spot a few Travelpro bags on the move. Founded by commercial pilot Robert Plath in the late ’80s, the brand focuses on designing luggage that can withstand the wear and tear that inevitably comes with frequent travel. After testing dozens of suitcases over the years as a travel writer, I’ve learned that not all luggage is created equal—and Travelpro is one of the brands I turn to time and time again for quality gear. Sure, the bags aren’t the flashiest, but mine have held up through years of weekend getaways, international trips, and everything in between—which, if you travel often, is really all you can ask for.
Travelpro offers luggage and gear for just about every type of traveler and trip. The brand’s extensive lineup includes durable soft-sided bags, lightweight, hard-shell suitcases, and packable backpacks that hold more than you think. To narrow down the best-of-the-best options that Travelpro has to offer, I combined my hands-on testing with recommendations from Condé Nast Traveler editors and hundreds of online reviews from everyday travelers around the world. The best Travelpro luggage stands out for its durability, ease of use, and overall value—read on for the seven top bags that made the cut.
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Carry-on suitcases
Travelpro
Crew Classic compact carry-on spinner
Small but deceivingly spacious, Travelpro’s Classic Crew Compact spinner is built to hold multiple days’ worth of outfits without becoming too heavy. Research director Alexandra Sanidad used the soft-sided carry-on on trips to the Bahamas and upstate New York and found it surprisingly roomy for weekend travel, noting that there’s “ample room to pack options for shorter trips.”
She especially likes the removable compression organizer, which helps maximize every inch of space while keeping smaller essentials neatly contained. Smooth-rolling wheels and a two-inch expansion zipper add extra flexibility, making this an excellent carry-on for travelers who pack efficiently but still want room to spare.
Weight: 6.8 lb.
Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″
Capacity: 38L
Expandable: Yes
Travelpro
VersaPack carry-on
If unpacking into hotel drawers isn’t your style, the VersaPack+ carry-on spinner keeps everything compartmentalized from departure through arrival. While traveling with it on long weekend trips, commerce director Madison Flager appreciated the removable VersaPack organizer, shoe bags, and laundry bag, which eliminate the need for extra packing cubes. She is equally impressed by the spinner wheels, noting that they glide so easily you’ll want to keep a hand on the suitcase when standing on even a slight incline. A discreet exterior pocket keeps your passport or phone within reach, while the built-in TSA lock and expandable design make this one of the most well-organized carry-ons in Travelpro’s lineup.
Weight: 7.7 lb.
Dimensions: 23″ x 14.5″ x 9.5″
Capacity: 47L
Expandable: Yes
Checked suitcases
Travelpro
Maxlite 5 Medium Check-In
As a self-proclaimed chronic overpacker, I’ve learned that a soft-sided suitcase gives me the flexibility a hard-shell bag simply can’t. And Travelpro’s soft-sided suitcases go the extra mile (pun intended): the durable yet lightweight polyester construction—complete with a water- and stain-resistant coating—has enough give to accommodate last-minute additions without compromising the bag’s structure. I can squeeze in a few extra outfits or shoes without worrying about the zipper straining, the fabric tearing, or the suitcase losing its shape.
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 medium check-in expandable spinner has been my go-to for years, having accompanied me everywhere from Hawaii and Alaska to France and Italy. Despite weighing less than seven pounds, it’s become my default checked suitcase whenever I know I’ll overpack (read: always); the two-inch expansion has saved me more times than I can count while returning home with a few too many souvenirs. The exterior pockets are perfect for stashing a jacket or shoes I don’t want packed with everything else, and the water- and stain-resistant fabric has held up remarkably well over years of travel.
Weight: 6.8 lb.
Dimensions: 27″ x 18.5″ x 11.5″
Capacity: 91L
Expandable: Yes
Travelpro
Maxlite Air V2 large check-in hard-shell spinner
If you want the protection of a hard-shell suitcase without the added weight that usually comes with one, Travelpro’s Maxlite Air V2 large check-in spinner is a smart pick. Its 114-liter capacity offers plenty of room for extended or international trips, while the lightweight polycarbonate shell remains easy to maneuver through the airport. Reinforced corners add extra durability for checked travel, and an expandable zipper provides extra packing space for the trip home. Inside, zippered divider panels and pockets keep everything organized while you’re in transit.
Weight: 10.9 lb.
Dimensions: 30.5″ x 19.5″ x 12″
Capacity: 114L
Expandable: Yes
Travelpro
Platinum Elite medium check-in hard-shell spinner
The Platinum Elite is the suitcase I recommend to frequent travelers willing to spend a little more for elevated materials and craftsmanship. Genuine leather trim and aluminum corner guards give it a noticeably more refined appearance than many other checked suitcases, while the durable polycarbonate shell is built to withstand years of travel. Compression straps, divider panels, a water-resistant pocket, and a built-in TSA lock make packing just as seamless as the exterior is polished. As a bonus, the leather accents also make it easier to spot on a crowded baggage carousel. All in all, it definitely has the look and feel of an investment piece—one you’ll be happy to wheel through the airport for years to come.
Weight: 10.5 lb.
Dimensions: 27.5″ x 17.5″ x 11.75″
Capacity: 84L
Expandable: Yes
Packable bags
Travelpro
Essentials sparepack foldable backpack 2.0
A packable backpack is one of those travel essentials you don’t realize you need until you’re on the road, and Travelpro’s SparePack foldable backpack 2.0 earns its place in your suitcase. Weighing just 11 ounces, it folds into its own compact pouch until you need it for sightseeing, light hiking, or carrying home souvenirs. Useful additions like a magnetic QuickSlip pocket, an interior zip pocket for valuables, and a luggage sleeve make it far more functional than the average packable bag. It’s especially handy for travelers who always seem to come home with more than they packed.
Weight: 11.2 oz.
Dimensions: 15″ x 12.75″ x 6.5″
Capacity: 22L
Expandable: No
Travelpro
VersaPack underseat tote
Skipping the sometimes daunting task of lifting your bag into the overhead bin is easy with Travelpro’s VersaPack+ UnderSeat tote. Sized to fit beneath most airline seats, it’s roomy enough for an overnight trip while keeping your laptop, chargers, snacks, and other in-flight essentials close by. A water- and stain-resistant exterior, luggage sleeve, removable shoulder strap, and quick-access front pocket make it especially practical for travel. More than a space-saving personal item, it’s designed to keep everything you’ll need during the flight organized and within arm’s reach.
Weight: 1.6 lb.
Dimensions: 10″ x 16.25″ x 9″
Capacity: 25L
Expandable: No
FAQ:
Is Travelpro luggage worth it?
If you travel a lot, yes. Travelpro is a popular brand among flight crews and frequent fliers alike because of its suitcases’ durability, packability, and smooth-gliding wheels. While there are less expensive luggage brands on the market, Travelpro is on the more affordable end of the spectrum when it comes to our top-recommended luggage—and the bags are built to last for years, making them a worthy investment.
Should I buy soft-sided or hard-shell luggage from Travelpro?
Choose a soft-sided bag if you want a little more flexibility; it can expand to accommodate extra items, is easier to fit into tight overhead bins or car trunks, and often includes handy exterior pockets for things like a laptop, travel documents, or a jacket. Alternatively, if you’re packing fragile items or want added protection from rough handling by security and scuffs, a hard-shell suitcase is likely the better fit.
What is Travelpro’s warranty policy?
Travelpro’s warranty coverage (both terms and duration) varies by collection. Many of its suitcases are backed by the brand’s Built for a Lifetime limited warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship affecting components such as wheels, zippers, and handles. Select collections also include the Trusted Companion Promise, which provides additional coverage for damage caused by airlines or other common carriers.
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