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Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Expandable Spinner Review

A super versatile and functional bag that is durably built and makes travel easy
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Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Expandable Spinner Review
Credit: Jason Wanlass
Price:  $430 List
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Manufacturer:   Travelpro
By Myrha Colt & Jason Wanlass  ⋅  Nov 15, 2023
88
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 15
  • Capacity - 35% 7.6
  • Ease of Transport - 25% 9.5
  • Construction Quality - 20% 9.1
  • Design and Functionality - 20% 9.5

Our Verdict

The Travelpro Platinum Elite is genuinely one of the best carry on luggage options and remains one of our favorites throughout years of testing. Its zippers, wheels, and handles are buttery smooth to use and durable enough for years of consistent travel. It has a large capacity and a partial expansion zipper with well-designed compression panels to deliver substantially more. We love the versatility of the bag's many extra features so you can choose what works best for you. Sturdy and classy enough for business travel without being too stuffy for a vacation with the kids, we find it difficult to have much of anything to complain about when it comes to the Platinum Elite.
REASONS TO BUY
Wheels magnetically align
Excellent organization
Deceptively large capacity
Stable and durable
REASONS TO AVOID
Dimensions exceed airline standards
Heavy
Editor's Note: This review was updated on November 15, 2023, after retesting the most current version.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Carry On Luggage
Top Pick Award
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Best Buy Award
Great Value for a Hardshell Carry On
Best Buy Award
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Best Buy Award
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Price $430 List
$365.49 at Amazon
$199.95 at Amazon
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Bottom Line With its thoughtful details, strong performance, and quality construction, this bag is a frequent traveler’s dreamFrom hopping planes to hopping rocks, take your gear just about anywhere with this lightweight carry-on, backpack comboOne of our favorite bargain hardshell models — it looks great, rolls smooth, and doesn't break the bankA host of useful features combined with a durable foundation and solid functionality make this reasonably priced softshell an easy choice to meet your carry-on needsA great bargain bag perfect for shorter jaunts and basic travel
Rating Categories Travelpro Platinum... Osprey Daylite Whee... Samsonite Freeform... SwissGear Sion Soft... Amazon Basics 20-In...
Capacity (35%)
7.6
9.3
8.4
7.4
7.0
Ease of Transport (25%)
9.5
8.0
7.0
6.3
6.0
Construction Quality (20%)
9.1
6.9
6.5
6.6
6.1
Design and Functionality (20%)
9.5
7.9
6.0
6.7
5.5
Specs Travelpro Platinum... Osprey Daylite Whee... Samsonite Freeform... SwissGear Sion Soft... Amazon Basics 20-In...
Weight (Measured) 8.1 lb 4.6 lb 6.6 lb 7.3 lb 6.6 lb
Exterior Dimensions 23.5" x 14.3" x 9.0" 22.0" x 15.0" x 8.0" 23.0" x 15.0" x 10" 23.0" x 14.1" x 10.0" 22.0" x 14.8" x 10.0"
Main Compartment Volume (Measured) 40 L 43.5 L 41.2 L 40.5 L 36 L
Exterior Material Polycarbonate Recycled polyester Polypropylene Polyester Polycarbonate
Number of Wheels 4 2 4 4 4
Pull Handle Heights 5 (28", 36", 38", 40", 42.5") 1 (40.5") 1 (41.5") 3 (28", 34.5", 43") 2 (33", 41")
Opening Style Top lid Top lid Half shell Top lid Half shell
Locking System Zipper loop Zipper loop Combination/TSA lock Zipper loop None
Number of Exterior Pockets 3 2 None 2 None

Our Analysis and Test Results

Constructed from high-density ballistic nylon with a DuraGuard coating that resists stains and abrasions, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Expandable Spinner has four magnetically aligned spinner wheels and a convenient flip-open design, as well as a plethora of internal and external pockets and handy extra features.

Performance Comparison


travelpro platinum elite 21" expandable spinner - taxiing to our gate. the travelpro's magnetically aligning wheels...
Taxiing to our gate. The Travelpro's magnetically aligning wheels offer one of the smoothest, straightest rides around.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Capacity


When it comes to packing extras, the Travelpro Platinum Elite hits the sweet spot. It has numerous pockets that are sure to make even the most careless packer happy. Interior zip pockets are cleverly integrated into the underside of the lid along the back wall of the main compartment. You'll also find them built out of mesh within the compression panels in the main compartment.


However, when compared to the other bags in our lineup, the Platinum Elite's extras do add weight. At 10.1 pounds, this premium spinner is one of the heavier bags on our flight crew, which could slightly limit your payload depending on the airline you're flying with, especially if it is an international flight with more rigid carry on weight restrictions.


The Platinum Elite's generous 40-liter main compartment is ample enough to stow several days' worth of clothing and necessities. If more space is needed, two front-side pockets are ready to stash away last-minute items or extra clothing. Additionally, a pre-wired battery bank pocket is perfect for a charger and cables. What we love most about each of these extras is just how usable and accessible they all are, making it possible to take advantage of the organizational features without having to dump the full contents of your bag out into the world to get what you need. They can all also be easily ignored if you're not in need, taking up only negligible space when not in use.

Hooking up our battery bank, so we can get a quick phone charge while we wait at the gate.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Though it appears modest upon visual assessment, the internal capacity of this suitcase is substantial. We easily fit everything we needed for a 7-day summer vacation, which was by no means an easy feat considering the packing list included six distinct outfits, a fancy event dress, pajamas, a swimsuit, jacket, socks and undergarments, two pairs of shoes, a book, toiletries, and a variety of other incidentals. We put the Platinum Elite's great compression system to good use.


Built to deliver well beyond the basics, it has mesh paneling (with zippered pockets) between each of the compression straps, a smart design that increases your overall surface area for compression and allows you to fill the bag to the brim before then creating additional space by cinching it all down. An added external expansion zipper can also be engaged, revealing a tapered opening (running the length of the lid along the front side of the bag) to increase the final capacity of the main compartment. Grab a few additional garments or last-minute souvenirs; this unique expansion design can accommodate it all while simultaneously reducing any likelihood you'll become so front-heavy that the bag will tip over.

travelpro platinum elite 21" expandable spinner - well-designed compression panels with inlaid mesh pockets serve up...
Well-designed compression panels with inlaid mesh pockets serve up remarkable results, increasing overall capacity by a significant amount and locking in your belongings for safe travels.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

One downside to all of these handy frontside pockets (which is true for a surprising number of carry ons) is actually using them increases your chances of overstuffing and potentially exceeding the airline's depth restrictions. If your bag looks like it's about to explode, you may well find yourself struggling to squeeze it in the overhead bin, if the airline allows you on board with a bag so stuffed. But if you can limit your pocket-packed items to compact, flat necessities and keep your bulky belongings compressed inside the main compartment during flights, this issue can be minimized. Or, take advantage of the tapered expansion feature and opt to check your bag if you really need to squeeze in a few last reminders from your recent travels.

travelpro platinum elite 21" expandable spinner - it is possible to overstuff this bag to be too thick for airline...
It is possible to overstuff this bag to be too thick for airline regulations. However, with some careful packing, this can be fairly easily avoided.
Credit: Maggie Brandenburg

Ease of Transport


Everything works so smoothly on the Platinum Elite. Zippers glide effortlessly, handles work how and where you want them to, and there's a variety of easily accessible pockets to keep you organized. The telescoping handle is sturdy and comfortable, offering five convenient heights to choose from. A well-crafted load handle is conveniently placed at the top and side of the case to allow for easy pick-up-and-go, designed to pull away from the bag when needed but then retract back into the side of the suitcase to maintain a sleek, streamlined fit once loaded. Everything about the Platinum Elite exudes easy movement. There's even an extra grab handle on the bottom of the suitcase, just in case you need to move or stabilize it from the base. These thoughtful additions make the transition between streets, cars, stairs, buses, and airplanes a breeze, particularly when complemented by the equally well-designed roller handle to keep the bag in check by your side.


We love the four large double-wheeled spinners upon which this suitcase is built, providing plenty of clearance to tackle even the most challenging terrain. We found they roll along easily, even over loose gravel and fallen leaves, despite not having a thick tread in their design. And we never had issues with the bag tipping over when crossing sidewalk cracks or tall thresholds. But our favorite feature of these wheels is the hidden magnets that hold them together gently in a forward-facing alignment.

Magnets embedded in each of the spinners allow them to always line up perfectly.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

The Platinum Elite almost steers itself, staying quietly by your side in motion without any particular exertion on your part. We took advantage of this feature by frequently taking our hands off the bag entirely to do other things like clean our glasses, shift something around in a backpack, or even eat an airport meal on the go, all while the case continued to roll smoothly and efficiently by our sides.

Riding the jet stream with ease. This bag walked the line nearly perfectly.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

When it comes to how easy this bag is to use, we have very few complaints. Every feature that it does have, we love. We think the only way it could be improved might be by adding a few handy extras, like an “add-a-bag” strap to allow for easily attaching a purse or laptop bag. And, if Travelpro's carry on designers want to use our ideas, we'd equally love to see a cup holder or a spinner brake feature to account for long waits at crowded gates or those occasions when one must come to a full stop on a slope. However, the absence of these superfluous features in no way takes away from the degree to which we enjoy using the Platinum Elite in its current form.

travelpro platinum elite 21" expandable spinner - a detachable toiletry kit - they've really thought of everything...
A detachable toiletry kit - they've really thought of everything, and we couldn't appreciate it more.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Construction Quality


Though it's not a hard-sided piece of luggage, the Platinum Elite offers impressive durability. We pushed each carry on to its limits, dropping them onto concrete, dragging them across sidewalks, stairwells, and gravel, and checking them into our final destinations. And true to form, this bag easily withstood every trial we put it through. Made of high-quality ballistic nylon with DuraGuard coating, the Elite has tough, road-ready design features at every turn. Impressive zippers glide well, are lockable, and don't get caught or stuck no matter how stuffed the bag may become. Large, double-spinner wheels (nested into road-tough housings) show almost no signs of wear or reduction in performance, even after months of intensive testing. All handles are sturdy, secure, and comfortable underhand, inspiring confidence that you'll have an uneventful journey ahead (at least when it comes to your suitcase).


Even small scuffs on the fabric brush off easily with your hand, leaving behind no visible damage. All corners are strengthened and reinforced with leather or thick, pliable plastic to withstand the bumps and scrapes of frequent use. Plastic bumpers are integrated along the bag's backside and bottom edge, vulnerable areas that tend to be laid out or dragged across rough surfaces during travel. During our stairwell tests, these bumper reinforcements, along with the Platinum Elite's ballistic nylon shell, performed exceptionally well, proving to us that this bag is built for the rigors of frequent airline travel.

It's a rough-and-tumble life. We pushed our Travelpro several times down this flight of concrete stairs. Despite our efforts, it only sustained a few minor scuffs.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

In addition to being very rugged, the Platinum Elite's exterior is also quite water-resistant. After being doused with hose water for nearly five minutes, we were pleased to find this bag's interior basically dry. Even the exterior pockets were dry inside.

We placed a sheet of blue paper towel inside our Travelpro before drenching it with hose water. As you can see, the paper towel remained dry.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Design and Functionality


This is another area where the Travelpro Platinum Elite shines brightly. Travelpro has managed to incorporate an astonishing array of features into this spinner without forcing your hand if they're not what you need at that moment. The removable suit/dress keeper enables you to pack delicate fabrics, knowing you can store them in relative safety en route. You can also remove that suiter bag to hang it separately in a closet upon arrival at your final destination, giving you a chance to shake out any wrinkles from the journey. If your current trip doesn't require you to bring a suit or evening gown, no problem. Simply leave the detached packing tool bag at home and save on space. The removable toiletry bag is another nice touch. It zips away cleverly into the side of your bag while you travel but can be easily removed upon arrival for use in the bathroom, saving you the need to buy and pack a separate bag or remember where you packed it as you go through the airport security line.


When zipped shut and on the move, our team of testers unanimously agreed this bag looks sleek and well put-together. It's something you can proudly carry while traveling professionally or equally blend in with the crowds while on vacation. Once again, Travelpro has managed to sneak a surprising number of features onto the exterior of the bag without taking away from its streamlined appearance. A hidden ID tag on the back saves you from having to make a separate purchase to protect your personal information from prying eyes or possible snags. A dedicated power pack pocket lets you plug your phone directly into the back of the suitcase while you are on the move, ensuring your travel days are as hassle-free as possible. We're truly impressed with the versatility and wide appeal of this sophisticated rollaboard.

travelpro platinum elite 21" expandable spinner - re-stowing our laptop after passing through tsa. the travelpro is...
Re-stowing our laptop after passing through TSA. The Travelpro is chalked full of convenient exterior pockets.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Our only real complaint about the Travepro Platinum Elite is that it's built over an inch too long to fit the dimension requirements of most U.S. domestic airlines for their overhead bins. So, right out of the gate, you have to know that there's a possibility of being called out at check-in or even once boarding the plane (many airlines have a testing “slot” by the gate before entry to ensure you comply). And, of course, if you employ the frontside pockets with enthusiasm, you may further add to your depth problems. But the good news is that in testing, we never actually encountered any pushback from airlines in transit (not to mention that this case always fits well into the overhead). Some of our testers have been using this bag regularly for years and have never been forced to check it because of this extra inch. So, it seems there may be little to worry about in practice. But since it's technically a requirement, we feel the discrepancy needs to be pointed out.

The removable suiter is a clever addition to the Travelpro Elite, a...
The removable suiter is a clever addition to the Travelpro Elite, a great way to keep delicates safe and wrinkle-free but without any obligation (if you don't need it, leave it at home!).
This small frontside pocket is perfect for travel documents...
This small frontside pocket is perfect for travel documents, medications, your phone, or anything else you might want to free your hands of when on the move.
The Travelpro excels at providing simple extras that make traveling a little easier.

Should You Buy the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Carry On?


Though the standard retail price for this suitcase is on the higher side, it's not nearly as expensive as other options we tested and delivers high quality in structure and performance. It also seems to be perpetually on sale across the internet and in various retail stores. Considering it is without a doubt, our favorite luggage to use and built to last through years of frequent business travel and epic vacations, we have no doubt it's worth the cost. We would recommend this smart softshell carry on to anyone who travels regularly or even just to those who want one single case that is reliable, convenient, and keeps them looking good in the process.

travelpro platinum elite 21" expandable spinner - a tsa-sized toiletry case attaches to the inside of your case by...
A TSA-sized toiletry case attaches to the inside of your case by zipper so that you can easily pop it out for use when you land (one of the many well thought out bonus features in the Travelpro Platinum Elite!).
Credit: Abriah Wofford

What Other Carry On Luggage Should You Consider?


For the chronic over-packer who doesn't want to have to worry about overstuffing their bag, the unique frame-integrated compression system of the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential Spinner takes the pressure off your packing. To take things a step further, consider some of our favorite hard-sided models like the sharp and thoroughly well-designed Away The Carry-On or the premium Rimowa Original Cabin. On the other hand, if you need to save a few bucks while still getting a solid carry on option, the SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable 21-Inch is a reasonable choice, particularly for less-frequent and less intensive travel.

travelpro platinum elite 21" expandable spinner - headed for home with our trusty friend keeping pace by our side.
Headed for home with our trusty friend keeping pace by our side.
Credit: Jason Wanlass

Myrha Colt & Jason Wanlass