TravelPro was founded by Bob Plath, a commercial 747 pilot who had navigated the globe as a pilot, countless times. Due to his wealth of experience, Plath decided to found TravelPro, in order to create the perfect luggage solutions for modern-day travelers.
To discover if it’s worth spending your own money on a new TravelPro suitcase, simply continue reading this TravelPro Luggage Review, to discover a handy in-depth guide, to two of TravelPro’s best-selling luggage collections. The Maxlite 5 series and the Platinum Elite series.
TravelPro Facts
- TravelPro is currently rated the number 1 premium soft-side luggage brand in the United States.
- TravelPro claims that 91% of their past customers would recommend TravelPro to their friends and family members.
- Crew members from over 90 international airlines rely on TravelPro luggage. Some examples of which include United Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, DELTA, American Airlines, Philippine Airlines, and AERO Mexico.
- TravelPro produces suitcases, duffel bags, totes, backpacks, briefcases, and garment bags.
- TravelPro has been in operation since it was founded by Bob Plath in 1987.
The Good Stuff
- You can trust in the workmanship behind TravelPro’s suitcases.
The majority of Travel Pro’s suitcases come with a lifetime warranty. Proof that TravelPro stands by the quality of their products. As it’s highly unlikely that a company would offer a lifetime warranty if their products were cheaply made. So if you want to purchase a suitcase which will last a decade of heavy use, it’s well worth researching TravelPro’s collections of damage-resistant suitcases.
- TravelPro offers highly functional pieces which are ideal for frequent travelers:
- All of TravelPro’s pieces are aimed at frequent travelers and are designed to make travel easier. As an example, all of TravelPro’s suitcases feature spinner wheels and telescopic handles.
- TravelPro’s top of the line suitcases offers exciting new features.
If money is no issue, it’s well worth opting for a top of the line suitcase. As you’ll get to make use of innovative new features such as magnetically aligned wheels, removable wet pockets, deluxe tie-down systems, and external USB cables.
- There are a wide variety of suitcase sizes to choose from. While most luggage companies offer three sizes for each collection, most of TravelPro’s top collections offer at least 5 different sizes of suitcases. So you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect sized suitcase for your travel needs. Some collections even boast two different sizes carry on suitcases.
The Bad Stuff
- Their designs offer little to get excited about. TravelPro’s designs are classic and their color palettes are muted and understated. So if you enjoy using suitcases which will stand out on a conveyer belt, you may be disappointed by TravelPro’s minimalistic designs.
- You’ll have to purchase a high-end model in order to discover TravelPro’s most exciting features. It’s possible to spend $150-$199 on a TravelPro suitcase, which doesn’t offer the innovative features which you’d expect from a suitcase in its price range.
However, if you purchase a suitcase from the more expensive Platinum Elite collection, you’ll get to use modern features such as an external USB cable and self-aligning magnetic wheels.
The Verdict
When I shop for a new suitcase, my top priorities are to purchase a suitcase which is functional, durable and easy to use. While I also search for suitcases that are timeless in design yet are still packed with a long list of modern features.
Thankfully TravelPro’s suitcases tick off the majority of my wish-list items. TravelPro is world-renown for producing high-quality pieces of luggage, which can comfortably withstand frequent travel.
TravelPro Luggage Review In-Depth
Platinum Elite sizes
The Platinum Elite collection offers a standard carry on, an international carry on, a medium suitcase and a large suitcase.
The standard carry on, which has been designed for domestic use weighs 7.8 pounds and measures 23.5 x 14.5 x 9. While the international carry on is ideal for international airlines which have stricter carry on requirements and weighs 7.7 pounds and measures 19 x 15 x 7.75.
The medium Platinum Elite suitcase is a great choice if you don’t mind checking your suitcase in. It weighs 9.8 pounds and measures 25 x 18 x 11.25 and is suitable for most trips. The largest suitcase in the Platinum Elite range is the large model which weighs 11.5 pounds and measures 29.5 x 20.5 x 12.75. If you enjoy truly getting to experience the destinations which you visit and prefer extended trips, it’s well worth opting for the large model.
Maxlite 5 Sizes
If you’d prefer to purchase a single hard-case suitcase, the Maxlite 5 collection offers five distinct hard case sizes. The smallest carryon suitcase weighs 5.4 pounds and measures 23 x 14,5 x 9. While the expandable carryon suitcase is a tiny bit larger and measures 23 x 14.75 x 9. As the difference in size is marginal, you’re better off opting for the expandable carryon.
The medium Maxlite 5 weighs 8.1 pounds and measures 27 x 17 x 25.5 x 11.5, while the large model weighs 9.6 pounds and measures 31 x 19.75 x 12.5 pounds. Lastly, there is also a Maxlite 5 model which has been specified for international travel. It weighs 5.5 pounds and measures 21.5 x 15 x 8.75. If you’d prefer to use one suitcase for all of your travel needs, I highly recommended purchasing the Maxlite 5 International model.
The Maxlite 5 collection can be purchased as a 3-piece set or a 2-piece set. If you’re a frequent traveler like I am, you may be interested in purchasing the 3-piece set soft side collection, which includes a 21″ carry on suitcase, a 15″ medium-sized check-in suitcase and a spacious 25″ check-in suitcase.
Alternatively, there are 2-piece sets that are available. A set which includes a 21″ inch carry on suitcase and a 25″ inch medium-sized suitcase and a set which offers a 21″ inch carry on suitcase and a large 25″ suitcase.
The Build Quality
Each piece of TravelPro luggage that is manufactured is put through a series of quality control tests. To ensure that every piece of TravelPro luggage which is sold, meets TravelPro’s high standards.
In fact, TravelPro has its own stand-alone testing facility, to test all of the luggage which it produces. Currently, TravelPro puts every piece of luggage which they produce through 15 unique tests. Some of which test a suitcase’s shock absorption and resistance to damage.
As an added benefit TravelPro only use high quality materials such as polycarbonate and aluminum, which will stand the test of time.
Materials
The TravelPro Elite Platinum collection features high-quality luggage pieces, which have been crafted out of nylon. While nylon may not seem like a sturdy fabric, nylon is incredibly hard-wearing and will provide the contents of your suitcase with plenty of protection.
The hard-side version of the Maxlite 5 features a polycarbonate hard shell, which is lightweight, durable and flexible. While the expandable soft-side version of the Maxlite 5 is manufactured out of polyester.
However, if you believe that $200 is too much to pay for a polyester suitcase, keep in mind that each soft-side Maxlite 5 suitcase features a layer of DuraGuard. A durable fabric protector will prevent your suitcase from developing scuff marks, rips, and stains, and it’s also water-resistant. So you don’t have to worry about returning home from your first trip away, with a new suitcase, which already looks worn out.
Remember though, if you’d prefer to purchase a TravelPro suitcase which is constructed out of a flexible yet tough material, you also have the option of purchasing the hard-side Maxlite 5, which is made out of heavy-duty polycarbonate.
Features
TravelPro Platinum Elite Series:
- Self-aligning magnetic Magnatrac wheels:
The luxurious Platinum Series offers self-aligning magnetic wheels that will give your suitcase the ability to roll straight, in any direction. If you’re looking for the smoothest suitcase wheels which money can buy, it’s well worth buying a suitcase from TravelPro’s Platinum Elite Series.
- Removable wet pocket:
I found having a removable wet pocket inside my TravelPro suitcase handy as I was able to put my toiletries such as my toothpaste inside it. If there are items that could leak into your bag and stain your clothes, it’s well worth placing them inside your suitcase’s wet pocket.
- Two sets of handles:
You’ll find lifting your suitcase off an airport conveyer belt a breeze. As TravelPro’s suitcases all offer conveniently placed side handles as well as a traditional top handle.
- Cushioned touchpoints:
The handles of TravelPro’s suitcases offer cushioned touchpoints. Which will make navigating around crowded, airports a whole lot easier. Better yet, the top handle of each TravelPro suitcase is a telescopic handle and can be adjusted to multiple different heights.
- External USB port:
If you connect a power bank to the external USB port on your TravelPro suitcase you’ll be able to charge your smartphone, laptop, and tablet, while you’ll sitting in an airport departure lounge. I often use my suitcase’s external USB port on the go, to connect my laptop to my power pack. So that I’m able to continue blogging about my adventures. Even when I’m stuck in a foreign airport, waiting for a delayed flight.
- Fold out suiter:
If you ever need to pack a suit, for formal night on a cruise or for a business meeting, you’ll appreciate that the Platinum Series of TravelPro suitcases include a fold-out suiter. Which will ensure that you won’t turn up to a smart event, in a badly wrinkled suit. Even if your idea of the perfect vacation includes sipping on a cocktail in Hawaii, you’ll be able to keep your casual clothes such as jeans and t-shirts, wrinkle-free, thanks to your TravelPro suitcase.
- Fully integrated TSA lock:
You’ll be able to keep your high-value belongings safe, on your worldwide adventures by using your suitcase’s fully integrated TSA lock to ensure that unauthorized individuals can’t gain access to your suitcase’s pockets. The only individuals who’ll be able to unlock your suitcase, without your secret key code are authorized TSA officials.
- 2″ Stability expansion:
The 2″ stability expansion will ensure that your suitcase never topples over, even if its overpacked. Better yet, you’ll have 2 extra inches of space to work with, which may come in handy if you’re guilty of overpacking your suitcase from time to time!
- Mesh pockets:
You’ll be able to separate all of your clothing into your suitcase’s breathable, mesh pockets.
- Deluxe tie interior down system:
Instead of offering a stock standard tie-down system, the TravelPro Platinum Elite series offers a top of the line, interior tie-down system.
TravelPro Maxlite 5:
- 360 Degree spinner wheels:
Each of TravelPro’s suitcases is manufactured with spinner wheels that are capable of moving in 360 circles. I love how effortless it is to glide my TravelPro carryon suitcase around a busy airport and can’t imagine going back to using a suitcase which doesn’t offer spinner wheels.
- Ergonomic zippers:
If you’ve ever tried to remove an item from your luggage, to avoid paying for an oversized suitcase, at the airport, you’ll know how important it is to purchase a suitcase which offers ergonomic zippers. As it can be incredibly frustrating trying to zip a suitcase shut, which features stiff, cheap zippers.
- Aluminum Powerscope handles:
You’ll be able to adjust your handle so that it extended 38″ above ground or 42.5″ above ground level. Better yet, aluminum is one of the toughest materials known to man. So you won’t have to worry about your suitcase handle breaking, halfway through a multi-country vacation.
- Cushioned touchpoints:
Just like the Platinum Elite series, the Maxlite 5 series also boasts a handle that features comfortable, cushioned touchpoints.
- Hold down straps:
You’ll be able to keep your belongings strapped down into place, using your suitcase’s included hold-down straps.
- Mesh pockets:
Like most of TravelPro’s suitcases, the Maxlite 5 collection also offers breathable, mesh pockets. That will allow you to easily organize your suitcase.
- Expandable design:
The soft-side version of the Maxlite 5 offers an expandable design. Trust me, having an expandable design is a lifesaver when you’ve picked up too many souvenirs on your latest vacation.
Design
The vast majority of TravelPro suitcases are either black or muted in color and feature a traditional design, which is unlikely to attract attention. However, if you’re looking for a classic, timeless suitcase, which is perfect for any occasion, you may warm up to TravelPro’s designs.
If you could never imagine purchasing a black suitcase or are worried that a black suitcase is easy to misplace, don’t worry as you can purchase the Maxlite 5 series and the Platinum Elite Series in a variety of colors. As an example, the Platinum Elite series comes in Bordeaux, which is a rich shade of burgundy as well as in True Navy, Vintage Grey, and Rich Espresso. If you’re curious Rich Espresso is a natural brown shade.
If you’re more interested in the TravelPro Maxlite 5 collection, it’s currently available in Azure Blue, Dusty Rose, Slate Green, Brushed Champagne and Imperial Purple. Although of course, every TravelPro suitcase is also available in at least one shade of black.
When it comes to choosing a design, your second hardest decision will be deciding between purchasing a hard-side suitcase or a soft-side suitcase.
Price
The average price for a brand new TravelPro suitcase is $200. One of the most affordable TravelPro suitcases is the standard 21″ Maxlite 5, which is priced at $149.99. While both the large soft-side and hard-side version of the Maxlite 5, will set you back $199.99.
If you’re looking for a luxurious suitcase, which is packed full of innovative features the TravelPro Platinum Elite carry on is priced at $299.99. While the large version is priced at $399.99.
While the price of a TravelPro suitcase may seem steep, most TravelPro suitcases offer a lifetime warranty. When I purchased my TravelPro suitcase, I knew that I was making a wise investment. Especially as I spend most of my life traveling from one location to the next and don’t want to spend money on a suitcase which will only last for a couple of international trips.
Warranty
Both the Maxlite 5 collection and the Platinum Elite Series offer an unbeatable lifetime warranty. Furthermore, each collection which is produced by TravelPro comes with a lifetime warranty or a worry-free warranty.
So if you’re like me and hate replacing your suitcase on a frequent basis, it’s well worth purchasing a TravelPro suitcase. As once you register your suitcase online, TravelPro will repair any damage which has been caused to your suitcase by airport luggage handlers, who have a reputation for throwing suitcases around with little care.
In general you should have no problem having your suitcase’s wheels, zippers and handles replaced for the entire duration of your suitcase’s lifespan.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in the market for a suitcase which has been built to stand the test of time, you can’t go wrong purchasing a durable TravelPro suitcase. Especially as each TravelPro suitcases comes with an unbeatable lifetime warranty. So you’ll never have to pay to replace your suitcase’s handles, zippers or spinner wheels.
If you’re looking for a competitively priced, lightweight suitcase which is easy to push around, it’s well worth purchasing a suitcase from the TravelPro Maxlite 5 series. However, if you love tech and innovation, you’ll love all of the extra features which the Platinum Elite series offers.