If you ask r/BuyItForLife what carry-on to buy, Travelpro Platinum Elite is the answer that comes back every single time. It's what flight crews use, that tells you everything.
What holds up
Lifetime warranty covers manufacturing defects on wheels, zippers, and handles
Excellent spinner wheels that glide smoothly
Meets most international carry-on size restrictions
Trusted by airline flight crews, built for heavy use
What to know
Style is more functional than fashionable
Pockets on front can push dimensions over some strict airline limits
Heavier than ultralight budget options
What people say
I choose TravelPro Platinum Elite. Durable, excellent wheels, and meets most international carry on size limits.
Briggs & Riley is what frequent flyers upgrade to after their second or third Travelpro. The warranty covers airline damage, which no one else does, that alone justifies the price for road warriors.
What holds up
True lifetime warranty covers airline damage, not just manufacturing defects
Higher proportion of usable packing space than any other spinner tested by Wirecutter
Wrinkle-resistant suit compartment built in
Glides like a dream, wheels and telescoping handle are top-tier
What to know
Expensive, significantly more than most competitors
Heavier than ultralight options
Overkill for occasional travelers
What people say
If you have a higher budget, I recommend Briggs & Riley. Glides like a dream, no issues with zippers or wheels, the telescoping handle is sturdy
Away isn't the most durable bag on this list, but it's the one most people actually buy and love for years. The price-to-quality ratio is hard to beat for a hard-shell, and the brand's repair program adds peace of mind.
What holds up
Polycarbonate shell retains shape and protects contents
Built-in TSA-approved combination lock
Stylish design available in many colors
Wirecutter's top hard-shell pick, well-tested and widely trusted
What to know
Warranty not as comprehensive as Briggs & Riley
Hard shell can crack under extreme airline mishandling
Less packing flexibility than soft-sided bags
What people say
most WIRED staffers have the basic Away polycarbonate carry-on ($275)
If the Platinum Elite is out of your budget, the Maxlite 5 is the move, same brand, same wheel quality, just a slightly less robust warranty. It's the best value in carry-on luggage, full stop.
What holds up
Significantly cheaper than Platinum Elite while sharing core Travelpro quality
Lightweight construction, one of the lightest spinners tested
Manufacturing defects on wheels, zippers, and handles covered for life
Wirecutter's top budget carry-on pick
What to know
Airline damage only covered for first year (not lifetime like Platinum Elite)
Shipping to Travelpro repair center only covered for one year
Less premium feel than higher-end Travelpro models
What people say
The Travelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Spinner is the best of these bags we've seen, and it comes with the pedigree of our top pick but not quite as strong a warranty.
The Winfield 3 DLX is the hard-shell pick for people who want proven Samsonite reliability without the premium branding markup. It's not flashy, but it's built to last and won't break the bank.
What holds up
Sturdy hard-shell construction holds up well to airline handling
More traditional aesthetic than lifestyle brands like Away
Samsonite's established brand reputation and repair network
TSA-approved lock included
What to know
Heavier than some polycarbonate competitors
Less stylish than Away or premium alternatives
Warranty not as strong as Briggs & Riley or Travelpro
What people say
Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX is great if you're looking for something a bit more traditional with a hard shell. It's really sturdy, holds up well to
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