Discover the Flight Attendant’s Essential Carry-On: My Travel Companion in 53 Countries on Sale!

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• Travel Products
• Luggage + Bags
• Suitcases + Duffel Bags

I never fly without this Travelpro suitcase.

I like to joke that I’ve spent most of my life on an airplane. However, as a professional travel writer with a background as the daughter of an airline pilot and the wife of a military pilot, it’s not too far from the truth. The extensive time spent on airplanes is matched only by the time dedicated to testing luggage in the quest for the perfect carry-on-friendly suitcase.

Personal Experience with the Suitcase

Even as a child, I evaluated handle grips and the maneuverability of my rollaboards. However, it wasn’t until my late 20s that I discovered my perfect fit in the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Softside Suitcase. Of the 86 countries I’ve visited, this two-wheeled Travelpro has accompanied me to 53, and it’s still performing strongly.

Features of the Travelpro Maxlite 5

This suitcase is favored by pilots, flight attendants, and cabin crews from more than 90 airlines worldwide. My husband regularly borrows “the good suitcase” on his trips, and my retired father often remarks on the improvements made in luggage quality over the years. The 22-inch size makes it an ideal carry-on option.

While it boasts nearly 3,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, my choice was made through personal experience. During an extended trip in Africa, I found that I could pack considerably more into a soft-sided suitcase than a hard-shelled one. Consequently, I began rolling my clothes instead of folding them, and preferred the maneuverability offered by two wheels over four, especially on cobblestone streets.

The trigger for my decision was the surprising 5.4-pound weight of the Travelpro carry-on, confirming that this would be my ideal bag.

I diligently care for my luggage, enduring conditions like cobblestone streets and quick gate sprints. Therefore, I was cautious when taking my new slate green carry-on to Australia’s Northern Territory, where the famous red dust could have stained it. Fortunately, its water-resistant coating kept my suitcase in pristine condition, and it’s currently on sale for just $115 on Amazon, available in numerous colors.

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 suitcase excels in its simplicity, offering all the essential features without any unnecessary extras. It includes a full-length interior pocket for organizing clothes and a side accessory pocket for shoes or dirty clothes. The hold-down straps are incredibly effective, safeguarding delicate items like wine bottles while traveling.

I prefer to carry on my luggage to ensure my essentials arrive with me; however, I appreciate the option to expand for my return journey. This feature proves useful when bringing back items such as wine or souvenirs from travels.

During another trip to Morocco, I mistakenly bought an unsealed bag of cumin, which spilled inside my suitcase. Thankfully, the suitcase’s interior is made from 100 percent recycled plastic bottles, effectively minimizing odors and making cleanup easy.

Since acquiring my Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Softside Suitcase, my family has grown to include two children, yet I continue to travel “carry-on only.” My three-year-old has found a niche in the smaller exterior pocket for storing hot-chocolate, while I utilize the larger pocket for diapers, making our travels efficient.

Embark on your own journey with the Maxlite 5 and experience its incredible features and functionality for yourself.

At the time of publishing, the price started at $115.