Travelpro Platinum Elite Gliding Suitcase, 21-Inch

Last updated: January 24, 2024


This hardy piece of luggage can accommodate a surprising amount of gear thanks to the compression straps and expandable zipper sections. Even at maximum capacity, the 360-degree spinner wheels allow it to handle well. Perks like the TSA-compliant battery pack and USB port are a boon on long trips.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Gliding Suitcase, 21-Inch

We looked at the top Carry-On Luggage and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Carry-On Luggage you should buy.

Product Details

Key Takeaway: This pack is full of perks like an expandable body that won't tip or scratch easily.

In our analysis of 97 expert reviews, the Travelpro Platinum Elite Gliding Suitcase, 21-Inch placed 8th when we looked at the top 26 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Maximize your carry-on with sophisticated style. The Platinum Elite 21″ Expandable Carry-on spinner delivers big on form and function with a tip-resistant expansion that offers up to 2″ more packing capacity, deluxe tie-down system, integrated accessory pockets and a removable quart-size wet pocket that is TSA compliant and perfect for toiletries. Plus, the drop-in, Fold-out suiter is specifically designed to accommodate hanging clothes and prevent wrinkling. Built-in USB port lets you power up on the go, while a dedicated powerbank pocket for your back-up battery adheres to FAA regulations. Perfect for short to medium-length trips, this carry-on spinner is crafted in style with premium fabrics, genuine leather and chrome zippers. Top-of-the-line mobility features include the precision glide system with eight magnatrac, self-aligning, 360-degree spinner wheels guided by an adjustable PowerScope extension handle with patented Contour grip and rubberized touch points for comfortable, easy maneuvering wherever you go. Backed by our built for a lifetime limited worry free warranty that covers the cost of repair for damage from airline or other common carrier for the life of the bag after registration under the trusted companion promise.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

For most people, Wirecutter recommends the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21' Expandable Spinner. The Platinum Elite offers the best balance of size, value, reliabiity, and durability, with high-end details. It's also backed by a lifetime warranty.
A genuinely great rollaboard suitcase and is our Editors' Choice award winner once again. Its zippers, wheels, and handles are buttery smooth to use and durable enough for years of consistent travel. It has a large capacity with an expandable zipper section and effective compression straps. We love the available features that provide just the right blend of organization for whatever style of traveler you are. It's sturdy and classy enough for business travel without being too stuffy for a vacation with the kids.
Wowed me with its looks, and then surprised me even more with its storage. Comes with a built-in USB port that seems to be a standard in most luggage these days, which is great because the past few airports I’ve been in lacked wall outlets (in 2018 mind you). Since the bag is TSA compliant, it’s worth mentioning that the battery pack adheres to FAA regulations so you won’t have to worry about disconnecting or removing the battery — unless you have to check the bag at the gate — in which case, the battery is easy to disconnect and remove.
Might be as close to perfect as it gets when it comes to luggage, considering it's one of the top-rated suitcases on Amazon and has received rave reviews from satisfied shoppers. This bag is still easy to maneuver, even as it expands, thanks to 360-degree spinner wheels. The exterior fabric is made from durable, high-density nylon, which has a special coating that resists stains and tears.
It meets the FAA regulations for both the checked and carry-on baggage. This great little 21” bag offers better- effortless and precise control of the bag as part of the precision glide system, you have the magnatrac spinner wheels that rotate smoothly in all Travelpro Platinum Elite 40918610 Cabin bagdirections, an adjustable and sturdy PowerScope telescoping handle that locks at four points and a patented contour grip and rubberized touch points with an ergonomic design.
Fortunately, Travelpro has realized that durability is one of the most valued factors by consumers. They have an in-ground testing facility where every product is hardcore tested before going on sale. All of Travelpro’s suitcases come with either a limited lifetime warranty or a worry-free lifetime warranty. Rarely do luggage manufacturers offer a warranty for longer than five years.
I wanted a bag that had a little give for a change (I own the case, it doesn’t own me!), but also because whenever a flight attendant walked by me in the airport, they’d always be rolling a Travelpro. The decision to hit purchase was made even easier when I saw that the suitcase is Wirecutter’s number one pick for checked bags. Plus, it comes with a Lifetime Warranty that covers the cost of repair and the shipping costs if you need it fixed.
This carry-on spinner is part of Platinum Elite, Travelpro's sophisticated new collection of suitcases. Borrowing some features from the brand's carry-ons, this spinner takes it up a notch with a tip-resistant expansion system that offers up to two more inches of packing space, a tie-down system, accessory pockets, and a removable, TSA-approved bag for toiletries.
One of our favorite carry-on bags. TravelPro practically invented the roll-along suitcase, and there’s a reason their products are often spotted being wheeled along by pilots and flight attendants. After testing multiple bags, we picked the Platinum Elite for its packing and organization features, durable materials and maneuverability. Importantly, the TravelPro Platinum Elite is a breeze to pack, fitting up to five days of clothes with room to spare. High, sturdy walls with a slight inward curve at the edges make it easier to load clothes inside without needing to worry about overfilling.
This luggage has a “USB” pocket where you can connect your own power bank. It has an external slot to connect your chargers to, so you can charge your phone on the go. The magnetic alignment system means the wheels “snap” into different positions, to make pushing the luggage very smooth and easy. This can be a little annoying, if you need to make a small (less than 30 degree turn).

What reviewers didn't like

However, hard-sided luggage does look great. Polycarbonate can be molded in an endless variety of colors or prints, which soft-sided luggage can’t replicate in thread.
Our only real complaint is that of so many carry-on bags - that you can overstuff the front pockets of this rollaboard to the point that it looks like it's about to explode, and no longer meets airline size regulations.
Although It’s not a huge issue, we’d like to see something more colorful a larger selection. Their minimalistic and down-to-earth looks are perfect for business travelers and flight crews, but not too exciting for leisure.
The toiletry bag, for example, was a nice touch, but the zipper attachment was difficult to secure – an annoying problem when you’re trying to re-pack and get out of the security line. Similarly, the garment bag had some added value, but because it had to fit the length of the 21-inch suitcase, it was a relatively small bag itself. Broad-shouldered suits and jackets will not easily fit, and wrinkling is likely.

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