Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Luggage Review – Is It Worth It? [Video]

Travelpro may not be the first brand that comes to mind when people think of luggage, but that’s slowly changing as the company earns a reputation for producing durable pieces that can last years.

Founded by a commercial airline pilot, Travelpro has quickly become the luggage of choice for many airline crew members. It’s a highly regarded brand in the mid-range market, and plenty of seasoned travelers are now also making the switch to Travelpro suitcases.

A prime example of this company’s high-quality luggage at work is the Platinum Elite Softside collection.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Luggage

Travelpro’s Platinum Elite Softside collection is an all-purpose line of functional pieces made for everyone from professionals to families. This luggage collection has a sleek and timeless design and really shines when it comes to durability and organization.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Luggage Review

For this review, we’re looking at the underseater version of the Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside collection. It’s a functional little bag that gives travelers lots of options for staying organized on the move.

This underseater is the perfect option if you want to disembark the airplane as quickly as possible or keep valuables close to you at all times.

It provides space for a small laptop, files, charging cables, etc., while leaving room for a few days’ worth of clothing and necessities.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Underseater Overall Rating

Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Underseater Style and Look

Whether acting as a travel work space or being rolled into the office, the underseater in the Travelpro Platinum Elite line is a handy little rolling tote that’s timelessly stylish.

While we don’t think the bag’s style will turn heads, its understated appearance ensures it won’t look out of place in a hotel or business meeting in a few years.

Made of durable nylon in a small selection of neutral colors and trimmed with leather, we thought the bag was easy to keep clean and scuff-free. Even if it’s not the trendiest bag, its storage options make up for what it lacks in style.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Underseater Size and Compartments

Measuring 18 x 14 x 7 inches, this little bag will easily fit under the seat in front of you on most airplanes. However, remember that some domestic flights use smaller aircraft, so be prepared to stow it in the overhead compartment with a luggage lock.

There aren’t usually weight limits for underseat bags, but we found the Platinum Elite Underseater to be reasonably lightweight, which made carrying and rolling it around easy.

Despite its small size, this little tote has a surprising number of pockets.

With 3 exterior pockets, users have quick and easy access to belongings. These pockets are great for storing wallets/purses, cell phones, or travel documents. The larger U-shaped pocket can accommodate a small laptop but isn’t padded, so you’ll want to use a laptop sleeve for protection.

The case has 1 main compartment, lined with an easy-to-clean material, and a removable clear toiletry bag. We recommend using this compartment for any clothing you plan to pack.

Clip together the deluxe compression system to hold your clothes firmly in place, and store small items securely in the mesh zippered pockets. With an additional zippered pocket along the spine, this handy case makes it easy to stay well-organized.

The storage doesn’t end there, as there’s a zippered compartment in the case’s lid for small or flat items. A streamlined lid makes it easy to open the case even when you’re short on space.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Underseater Additional Features

To make working on-the-go easier, there’s a USB charging port and a pocket to connect your power bank. This port will ensure your devices are ready to be used at a moment’s notice.

The back of the case also features an integrated ID holder, where you can store your contact details securely and discreetly.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Underseater Durability and Materials

Travelpro uses strong nylon for all the bags in its Platinum Elite line. The utilitarian look of the material is made a little more luxurious with leather accents around the pocket openings and on the carrying handles.

The nylon weave helps keep the bag from ripping or scuffing, so the tote can stay in good shape for years.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Underseater Wheels

We were impressed by the 2 ball-bearing wheels on this little bag. They’re recessed in the bag’s frame to protect them from rough handling.

We didn’t notice any extreme jiggling or rattling while we tested rolling the bag on multiple surfaces, so we’re confident they’re durable enough to last for years.

Sure, rollaboards aren’t as versatile or maneuvrable as spinner cases, but these were some of the best in-line skate wheels we’ve tested.

In place of a second set of wheels, there are 2 luggage feet, which keep the bag upright, unassisted.

The case’s low profile can make it susceptible to damage when rolling on uneven surfaces. Thankfully, a plastic guard on the bottom of the case absorbs the brunt of the impact.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Underseater Handles

We weren’t expecting the bag to have as many handles as it does. It has a telescopic handle with 4 separate height settings, so nearly anyone can roll it comfortably.

The telescopic handle was smooth to pull up and down and didn’t rattle around at all at the highest setting.

There’s also a handle on the top and side of the bag, which are both soft and easy-to-grip leather. We had no trouble with these handles and found them comfortable to grab and hold, though the soft material might wear down over time.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Underseater Locks and Zips

While the undersearter’s zippers are nothing fancy, we found them smooth, no matter how full the bag was. The zipper pulls were also easy to grip and pulled without much force.

We were a little disappointed that the bag didn’t have a built-in locking system, but the pulls of the main compartment were designed to allow for a separate luggage lock to be attached.

Some travelers might not be irritated about the lack of luggage lock since the bag is meant to act as a personal item, similar to a backpack or laptop bag. 

Travelpro Brand Warranty and Customer Service

All Travelpro products are covered by at least a 2-year warranty, which starts on the date of sale or delivery of the bag. This warranty covers defects due to faulty craftsmanship. Extended 5, 10, or even lifetime warranties are also available for qualifying products.

After the first 6 months, customers have to prove the damage they’re claiming was due to defects, so make sure to document any issues you have if you have to claim warranty benefits.

We thought the warranty was comparable to other luggage companies, but we’re a little concerned that it could be challenging to show sufficient proof to meet warranty standards in some cases.

Other Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Luggage

The Platinum Elite Softside luggage collection is fairly extensive and consists of rollaboard and spinner options:

Final Thoughts

With over 35 years of experience in the industry, Travelpro has become a significant player in producing high-quality luggage pieces that don’t break the bank.

The underseater in the brand’s Platinum Elite Softside line is a perfect example of this reputation. Its compact size and organizational potential make it a handy suitcase for business professionals as well as casual travelers on a family vacation.