Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Carry-On
Best PremiumTravelpro Maxlite 5 Carry-On Spinner
Best BudgetPrice
$550-$700
$100-$150
Summary
The best carry-on money can buy if you fly constantly. Every detail — zippers, wheels, telescoping handle — is built to the highest standard, with a true lifetime warranty that covers airline damage.
Same Travelpro DNA as the Platinum Elite at a lower price. Wirecutter calls it the best budget carry-on, and it's even recommended as the top kids' luggage for durability.
Pros
- 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
- 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
Cons
- Expensive — significantly more than most competitors
- Heavier than ultralight options
- Overkill for occasional travelers
- 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
Our take
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.
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.
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