TravelPro PLATINUM ELITE Compact Business Plus Carry-On Review: Travel in Style with This Expandable Hardside Spinner

I’ll soon be taking my first trip in almost a year and a half, a quick two-day trip to Los Angeles for a wedding. The quick trip means I don’t need much luggage and, thanks to the TravelPro Platinum Elite Compact Business Plus Carry-On, I’ll be able to carry everything I need. It’s fantastic luggage.

Before we take a look at the TravelPro Platinum Elite Compact Business Plus Carry-On, let’s look at what the company has to say about it.

A compact carry-on that means business, the ultra-durable Platinum Elite Compact Business Plus Carry-on Expandable Hardside Spinner delivers everything you want and more in a stylish carry-on spinner designed to stow your laptop and other necessities for quick and easy access. Plus, the power is yours with external USB A & C ports with fast-charge capabilities and a dedicated external-access battery pocket (patent pending) that provides FAA-compliant storage for your power bank (Power bank not included). Designed to comply with published carry-on size restrictions for nearly all major domestic airlines, this compact bag also offers a zippered 2” expansion option that gives you increased packing capacity when needed.

The TravelPro Platinum Elite Compact Business Plus Carry-On sells for $379.99, and it ships for free. That’s not a bad price for quality luggage that comes with an excellent warranty. Add in the fact that you can get one, use it for 100 days, and, if you aren’t satisfied, return it with no questions asked — TravelPro will even cover the shipping return.

The carry-on is available in your choice of Black or Vintage Grey. I was pleased my review sample arrived in Vintage Grey. It looks terrific and, I hope, will be a bit easier to find on the conveyer belt amidst all the black bags.

The TravelPro Platinum Elite Compact Business Plus Carry-On is 22” high, 14” wide, and 9” deep. It weighs 8.8 pounds and has a volume of 40L. Most importantly, this bag has been “sizer bin tested” to ensure it will fit in the overhead bin on most US airlines. However, it should be noted that when fully expanded, it may be too large to fit overhead.

The carry-on is made from a strong polycarbonate shell. That’s important since the shell flexes upon impact and helps protect the contents held inside. It also helps keep the weight down which is particularly important when you are running to catch a flight.

The textured finish helps reduce scuffs and scratches, but, let’s be serious, bumps, knocks, and bruises are just part of the game when you travel and, over time, even the best carry-on will begin to show the miles.

I find it particularly intriguing TravelPro’s decision to use aluminum to cover each of the four top corners. These tend to be the most vulnerable spot on a bag and, by adding aluminum plates that are securely riveted to each corner, the TravelPro Platinum Elite Compact Business Plus Carry-On is even tougher than you might expect.

Finally, the main compartment has a built-in TSA-approved lock. That means the contents of the bag are secure while still allowing the TSA to do their jobs.

Walk-around of the TravelPro Platinum Elite Compact Business Plus Carry-On

On the bottom of the carry-on is TravelPro’s exclusive “PrecisionGlide System” of eight MagnaTrac self-aligning spinner wheels. Two wheels at each corner make it easy to roll the carry-on in any direction.

Aiding in that process is a collapsible handle. It has four stopping points, so it will accommodate travels of any height. The company describes it as a “PowerScope Lite handle with comfortable Contour Grip.” I’m sick and tired of telescoping handles that are flimsy or get stuck every time you need to move. Thankfully, I don’t expect that to be the case here.

Collapsable handles on the top and side offer two different ways to lift the TravelPro Platinum Elite Compact Business Plus Carry-On. That’s especially helpful when you are trying to get a full bag into the overhead bin.

A thin, zippered pocket along the front opens to reveal an ideal location for some papers or a magazine.

Directly above it is another zipper. It has dual pulls and opens to reveal a Patent Pending pocket to hold up to a 15.6” laptop and other assorted essentials.

A thin, zippered pocket sits under the flap and is ideal for a charging cable or your Apple Pencil.

When you open the TravelPro Platinum Elite Compact Business Plus Carry-On using the dual zipper pulls, you cannot help but develop a deep appreciation for the thoughtful design of this bag. Both sides sit beneath zippered dividers, so your items stay in place during your travels AND when you open them up upon arriving at your destination.

On both sides, there is a flat zippered pocket that is ideal for an extra garment during cold flights or when you need to look refreshed and put together as you walk off the plane.

The right side has a second, small zippered pocket. It is lined with plastic and is ideal if you took a dip in the pool need to pack a wet bathing suit or toiletries that might leak.

Opening both of the dividers reveals a large storage space on each side. There are no pockets or subdivides, so you get maximum storage space and can use whichever packing cubes you prefer.

But wait. There’s more.

An additional zipper on the outside that, when unzipped, lets the carry-on expand an additional two inches. That’s great when you need to carry a bit more with you but, be warned, when you do, the bag may no longer be able to fit in the overhead bin when flying.

And there’s more.

When you unzip the bag and allow it to expand, you will notice yet another zipper. It is big enough to hold a large-capacity external battery. A USB-A cable inside plugs into the battery.

This works with a small “door” on the upper right corner of the carry-on. Sliding the door down reveals a USB-A and a USB-C port. That means you can connect your external battery before your trip and when you need to top off a device, plug your cable in without needing to open the bag or go hunting for your battery. It is a small, thoughtful design feature that makes this bag ideal for travel in 2021.

Key Features:

• Patent Pending exterior pocket design provides quick access to essentials and convenient padded protection for most 15.6″ laptops
• PrecisionGlide System delivers precise control and effortless roll with a Contour Grip, PowerScope Lite Handle, and MagnaTrac self-aligning magnetic Spinner Wheels
• External USB A & C ports with fast-charge capabilities let you power your electronics on the go, and the external battery pocket (Patent Pending) is hidden inside the expansion feature for easy access and FAA compliance (Power bank not included)
• Sizer Bin Tested: This Carry-on bag has been sizer bin tested to accommodate overhead bin space on most major US airlines. Fully expanded Carry-On may not meet airline restrictions.

I’m quite thrilled with this bag, and I haven’t even used it for travel yet. It is lightweight but tough, thanks to the polycarbonate shell and the aluminum corner bumpers. It has an accessible place to stow your laptop and/or iPad. It has plenty of organization but not so much that you’ll have to hunt around for an item. And it expands to give you additional space if you overpack.

The TravelPro Platinum Elite Compact Business Plus Carry-On looks like an excellent investment for anyone excited to start traveling again and, thanks to TravelPro’s 100 Day trial, you can check one out with zero risks. With an offer like that, why wouldn’t anyone in the market for new luggage put TravelPro at the top of their list?

The TravelPro Platinum Elite Compact Business Plus Carry-On sells for $379.99; it is available directly from the manufacturer and other retailers, including Amazon.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample

What I Like: Light, strong, and built for the abuse of travel; Plenty of organization but not too much; Solid, smooth wheels make it easy to move from one place to another; Expands by up to 2”; Dedicated location for an external battery and passthrough so you can charge on the go

What Needs Improvement: Nothing I can see so far!