ConsFirst / Carry-on luggage / Compare
Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner (21") vs Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry-On Spinner (21")
Which one has the downsides you can live with?
We may earn a commission when you buy through our links. It never changes what we report. Learn more
The short answer
Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner (21") ranks higher (#1 vs #3 of 8) and scores better on wheels & handle, packing & capacity, toughness, warranty & support. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry-On Spinner (21") wins on light weight.
The biggest complaint about the Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner (21") is zippers and wheels breaking; for the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry-On Spinner (21") it's mixed durability reports. Pick the one whose catch bothers you less.
Side by side
| Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner (21") | Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Carry-On Spinner (21") | |
|---|---|---|
| Rank in carry-on luggage | #1 | #3 |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$ |
| Type | Softside spinner | Softside spinner |
| Amazon 1–2★ share | 9% | 10% |
| Overall score | 4.2 | 3.8 |
| Wheels & handle | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Packing & capacity | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Light weight | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| Toughness | 4.5 | 3.5 |
| Warranty & support | 4.5 | 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 Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner (21")
- Zippers and wheels breaking
Amazon's review summary says durability gets mixed feedback, with some owners reporting wheels breaking off and multiple reports of zippers breaking. Wirecutter notes a 2019 front-pocket zipper problem that Travelpro fixed.
- Weak skid plate, steering complaints
Wirecutter says the skid protection is small and not very protective when you pull the bag up stairs or curbs. Some Good Housekeeping testers said it was hard to steer.
Source: Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping - Pricey, dated look, clunky warranty claims
Some Amazon owners call it overpriced at about $400, and some Good Housekeeping testers thought it looked old-fashioned. Wirecutter is tracking reports that starting a warranty claim is onerous, though it has not heard of many denials.
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
Who should pick which
Pick the Travelpro Platinum Elite Carry-On Spinner (21") if
Frequent flyers who want airline damage covered
Packing five days of clothes into a standard carry-on
Lots of outside pockets (a 2-wheel Rollaboard version holds a bit more)
Skip it if: You drag bags up stairs and over curbs a lot; You want a sleek hard-shell look; You don't want to register a bag for warranty coverage
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
We don't list prices — they change daily. Paid links.