Travelpro Carry-On review: Our top pick for a soft-sided carry-on has tons of thoughtful extras and plenty of storage

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As a travel editor, I've tested myriad carry-ons over the years, including for our guide to the best carry-on suitcases and best luggage. When it comes to finding a carry-on that hits the sweet spot, important factors to consider include size, weight, durability, maneuverability, and, of course, packability. One additional factor that comes down to personal preference is hard-sided versus soft-sided luggage.

If you happen to be a fan of soft-sided suitcases, consider the Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On, which I named my top overall soft-side carry-on pick. Not only does this suitcase meet all the criteria listed above, but every last detail of this bag was clearly well thought out to deliver a seamless travel experience. Plus, it comes with some handy extras that help set it apart, and offers exceptional quality for the price.

Design and specs

When it comes to choosing a carry-on, it's key to make sure it will meet most airline regulations for carry-on sizing so you don't get stuck checking your bag last minute. The Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On is marketed as 21 inches, but that actually doesn't include the wheels. When I measured, the full exterior came to just about 23 inches, which just barely goes over the usual sizing guidelines of 22 inches.

However, that actually tends to be the case for most standard-size carry-ons. While this bag may not fit on planes with just two seats per side or on smaller international planes, it will easily fit overhead on most major US airlines. That said, when fully packed with the expansion option, it can quickly go over the allotted bin size if you're not careful.

This soft-sided carry-on is made from high-density nylon fabric that is both highly durable and stain-resistant. Detailing and handles are made from premium leather, which makes lifting the bag comfortable and also adds a more sophisticated and elegant look to the overall design.

The bag holds up to 46 liters, which is a good amount of space, especially when compared with many smaller carry-ons, making it ideal for medium-length trips. At 7.8 pounds, it's on the heavier side of normal for carry-ons, but I have no trouble lifting this bag over my head even when fully packed.

Additionally, the chrome zippers are easy to grip and unzip and the four PrecisionGlide wheels handle effortlessly on every surface I tested, including thick carpet.

This bag comes in nine color options: Shadow Black, Intrigue Black (a more textured look), Rich Espresso, Vintage Grey, Bordeaux, True Navy, Metallic Sand, Olive Green, and Coastal Blue.

What it's like to use

I admittedly haven't used this bag for as long as some other suitcases I own, but so far, it has held up extremely well, and no tears or marks of any kind are apparent. The wheels are some of the best of any suitcase I've ever tried and it easily pulls along behind me, in front of me, or beside me.

Similarly, the adjustable handle is very sturdy. The handle also features a contoured grip, which my smaller hands find more comfortable, but that my fiancé has noted makes it less comfortable for him to pull.

Like most soft-side bags, the main compartment has one deep side and a smaller zipper compartment on the opposite side that is half mesh, which is nice for some breathability. While the handle poles do take up some interior space, this bag is deep enough that it really doesn't matter too much. There are also two additional zippered pockets on the buckles of the deeper side that are ideal for holding small items like socks or bathing suits.

With soft-side bags like this one, I pack almost all of my shoes and clothes in the deep compartment and use the mesh pocket mainly for smaller or more delicate items. That means that if you're someone who prefers separating shoes from clothes, you may prefer a hard-side option.

As long as you don't try to over-stuff, this bag packs well, and the super sturdy buckles that pull tight really help compress down bulkier items like sweaters. I also particularly like the front-most pocket that nicely fits my laptop and is easily accessible.

This bag also comes with several additional extras that are truly handy. While it doesn't come with its own battery pack, it does have a built-in USB port so you can easily slip one in and out, per Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations (remember to remove the battery should you need to check this bag). It also comes with a clear plastic bag attached to the side for holding toiletries. The bag easily zips out so you can take it with you to the vanity at a hotel and it was easy to clean after some of my lotion spilled in it, which is also a nice example of why this feature proves especially useful.

The suitcase also comes with a nice garment bag. While I typically take this out for most of my travels, it's a nice option to have if you do happen to be traveling with a special dress or nice suit that you want to keep protected.

What makes it stand out

Travelpro was originally pioneered by a pilot, and it's clear in every last detail of the Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On that the company has truly thought through what travelers need for a seamless experience and incorporated this into the design.

At $315 this bag isn't cheap, but it's an excellent value for the quality of the materials and the added amenities that come with it. Although I haven't used it long enough to determine longevity, I will continue to test it for long-term durability; Travelpro products are known to hold up well. And for extra peace of mind, this suitcase comes with a 100-day trial period and a lifetime warranty against any defects.

Cons to consider

As mentioned, one downside of most soft-sided bags, including this suitcase, is that they are very easy to stuff too much into and overpack. With the 2-inch expansion option and three additional front pockets, that's especially true of this bag. When packed to the gills with the front pockets full, this bag will not fit into overhead bins. As long as you are mindful of this when packing and ensure you're not cramming extras into every inch of usable space, it shouldn't be an issue.

Also, while I have no issues with the 7.8-pound weight, if you often have trouble lifting a suitcase, you may prefer a lighter option.

The bottom line

For a high-quality bag that should last you years, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On is an excellent option. Falling smack in the mid-range of luggage prices, there are more premium soft-side options available, like the Briggs & Riley Baseline Domestic Carry-On ($699) that use even more premium materials like ballistic nylon and fiberglass frames if you truly want to invest in a lifetime luggage piece.

Similarly, there are also much cheaper suitcases on the market, like the AmazonBasics Softside Carry-On Spinner ($85), but these aren't likely to last nearly as long and won't come with any of the additional perks that set the Travelpro apart.

Pros: Durable and high-quality materials, leather detailing, doesn't tip forward even when fully packed, glides smoothly

Cons: Easy to overpack, won't fit overhead on small planes