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Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry-On Spinner (21") vs Away The Carry-On
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
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The short answer
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry-On Spinner (21") ranks higher (#3 vs #4 of 8) and scores better on packing & capacity, light weight. Away The Carry-On wins on wheels & handle.
The biggest complaint about the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry-On Spinner (21") is mixed durability reports; for the Away The Carry-On it's warranty cut to five years. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry-On Spinner (21") | Away The Carry-On | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in carry-on luggage | #3 | #4 |
| Price tier | $$ | $$ |
| Type | Softside spinner | Hardside spinner |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 10% | 7% |
| Overall score | 3.8 | 3.7 |
| Wheels & handle | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| Packing & capacity | 4.0 | 3.5 |
| Light weight | 5.0 | 4.0 |
| Toughness | 3.5 | 3.5 |
| Warranty & support | 3.0 | 3.0 |
Price tiers: $ under $150 · $$ $150–350 · $$$ over $350. Highlighted = clearly better (a score gap of 0.3 or more, or a 1–2★ share at least 3 points lower). Scores are explained, with sources, on each product's page.
Top complaints
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry-On Spinner (21")
- Mixed durability reports
Amazon's review summary says some owners find it holds up without wear while others say it broke after three trips. OutdoorGearLab's drop tests left only faint scratches.
- Size is off from the listing
Amazon owners give mixed size feedback, with some saying it is smaller than the listed dimensions. OutdoorGearLab measured it 1-1.5 inches too long for domestic carry-on limits, though it still fit the overhead bins it tried.
- Wobbly on rough ground, weaker warranty
OutdoorGearLab found more chatter and lower clearance on cracks and gravel and some wobble when full. Wirecutter notes airline damage and shipping are covered only for the first year.
Source: OutdoorGearLab review, Wirecutter
Away The Carry-On
- Warranty cut to five years
Wirecutter reports that bags bought on or after April 14, 2026 get five years of damage coverage plus one guaranteed replacement, then paid repairs, and says it is reconsidering its recommendation.
Source: Wirecutter - No outside pockets, fussy clamshell
Wirecutter says it lacks external pockets and a suiter, and the two-half clamshell can be frustrating to pack and unpack.
Source: Wirecutter - Flimsy-feeling handle, shell more breakable
Some Good Housekeeping testers wished the telescoping handle were sturdier. Wirecutter says the polycarbonate shell is ultimately more likely to break than nylon, and CNN notes glossy polycarbonate collects scratches over time.
Who should pick which
Pick the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry-On Spinner (21") if
Anyone who struggles to lift a bag overhead
A trusted brand for around $150-170
Simple, no-frills packing
Skip it if: You roll over cobblestones and gravel a lot; You want long airline-damage coverage; You want extras like a garment folder or USB port
Pick the Away The Carry-On if
Hard-shell fans who want smooth wheels
Short trips and long weekends
Lifting easily into overhead bins (underside grab handle)
Skip it if: You want outside pockets or a suit folder; A lifetime warranty matters to you; You often overpack (the Flex version expands)
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