Travelpro Runway Hardside Luggage Review — Is It Worth It? [Video]

Travelpro has made a name for itself as one of the top names in the midrange luggage market. The brand has earned a reputation for producing functional, reliable bags that last years.

Most of Travelpro’s suitcases offer excellent value for their initial cost, but the Runway Hardside set stands out as one of the most budget-friendly, thanks to its inclusion as a complete luggage set.

Travelpro Runway Hardside Luggage

Travelpro’s Runway Hardside collection might be small, but it includes the 2 bags every traveler needs to prepare for a getaway: a carry-on and a medium-to-large convertible checked suitcase.

The collection is a standout option for travelers seeking a combination of style, durability, and practicality. Designed with the needs of modern travelers in mind, it offers a sleek aesthetic and reasonably sturdy construction, making it an excellent companion for both short trips and extended journeys.

Travelpro Runway Hardside Luggage Review

For this review, we focused primarily on the checked bag in the Runway line, though we also did a few tests with the carry-on since the 2 bags come in a set.

This is a handy little luggage collection that makes sure you have the essentials you need to set off on a planned or last-minute adventure. 

Travelpro Runway Hardside Overall Rating

Travelpro Runway Hardside Luggage

The TravelPro Runway Hardside is a convenient, midrange luggage set providing a carry-on and a medium-to-large convertible checked suitcase.

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Travelpro Runway Hardside Style and Look

Travelpro usually prioritizes function over fashion, but the Runway Hardside manages to tick both boxes. These bags are available in a range of modern colors, so there’s something to suit most tastes.

This luggage line has a boxy but sleek design that maximizes every inch of packing space. The curved edges and horizontal indentations soften the exterior, and the matte finish is attractive and understated.

All of the bag’s handles are also designed to reduce bulk. The rolling handle tucks down into the case, and the carrying handles lie flat against the shell when not in use.

Travelpro Runway Hardside Size and Compartments

The Runway carry-on measures 23 x 14.5 x 9.5 inches, including its handles and wheels, so be aware of its length with superstrict airlines.

However, what really shines is the line’s checked bag. Its baseline form measures 28 x 19 x 12 inches. If you unzip the expansion zipper that lines the entire case, you can get up to 3 inches of extra room. That effectively turns this medium-sized bag into a large suitcase.

Weighing 9.3 pounds, the medium case is not the lightest case we’ve reviewed but also not the heaviest. The extensive expander feature means you could potentially add a fair bit of weight to the case when it’s used and filled, so you need to decide whether the extra inches are worth the extra weight.

With their minimalistic design, neither of these cases has exterior pockets. Instead, they have clamshell openings that reveal 2 packing compartments separated by a zippered dividing panel.

The checked case has a zippered pocket on the divider where you can store smaller items. We would have liked to see a few more sections, like shoe pockets or an accessories pouch. If you like to separate your packing into compartments, we recommend using packing cubes.

Travelpro Runway Hardside Durability and Materials

The Runway’s exterior is crafted from a blend of polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, better known as ABS. This provides a strong shell that also flexes under impact to avoid cracking. However, the hard shell on this suitcase felt noticeably thin, likely a trade-off to achieve its lightweight design, so it may not withstand the demands of frequent travel.

The matte finish resists scratches and scuffs, helping the luggage maintain its polished look trip after trip. Available in a range of modern colors, the collection appeals to travelers looking for both aesthetics and performance.

Travelpro Runway Hardside Wheels

There were pros and cons regarding the Runway’s wheels. They’re a decent size for the bag and spin easily. However, they didn’t feel very secure during our tests. They rattled quite a bit, and it felt like they could get damaged if the terrain got particularly bumpy or with some rough baggage handling.

On the bright side, the wheels were exceptionally smooth. They responded well and didn’t stick at all when we tested rolling the suitcase around sharp corners.

Travelpro Runway Hardside Handles

The Runway bags have only 3 handles, and we used the telescopic handle the most. It has 2 different height settings that can be adjusted via a button.

While we found the heights to be comfortable and liked the contour of the handle that made it easy to grip, we didn’t love the handle in general. It sticks a lot when you’re changing settings, which can be frustrating when you have to maneuver your bag quickly onto a luggage scale or off a carousel during travel.

The case has 2 carrying handles in intuitive spots on the top and side. Although helpful, they are not the most comfortable, as they’re a little too close to the shell to get a good grip.

We would have liked a bottom handle as well to help lift the case off the carousel, but at least the case has a slight indent you can get a grip on.

Travelpro Runway Hardside Locks and Zips

Since the Runaway line aims to reduce travel stress, we’re happy to report that the bag has an integrated TSA lock. The TSA sets the gold standard, so this lock should be OK to use no matter where you travel.

Running along the zipper, the large zipper docks with the lock, keeping them securely in place. These large zipper pulls are also easy to handle when opening and closing the case.

We don’t have any complaints about the zippers themselves, either. They opened and closed smoothly and didn’t seem to have any weak spots. The zipper also didn’t snag on any loose fabric inside the suitcase, which was a relief.

Travelpro Brand Warranty and Customer Service

Like all Travelpro bags, the Runway Hardside line is covered by the brand’s standard warranty. All purchases are covered by a 2-, 5-, or 10-year protection guarantee that offers repairs or replacements for all damage caused by manufacturing issues.

Keep in mind that you need to prove that any damage isn’t from misuse if you try to redeem the warranty after the first 6 months.

Other Travelpro Runway Hardside Luggage

The Runway line is among the smallest collections Travelpro offers, designed with a runway theme to provide everything you need for a getaway in a compact, efficient package. With only 2 bags in the collection, owning the entire set feels purposeful rather than excessive.

While it effectively covers the essentials for packing, we’d love to see additional options in the lineup. Adding a small cabin bag or a tech travel case would enhance the collection’s appeal and perfectly complement its spontaneous travel vibe.

Final Thoughts

Travelpro’s 3 decades in the industry have enabled it to continually produce high-quality yet affordable luggage that lasts decades. There’s a reason why it’s often the luggage brand of choice for many cabin crew.

The Runway line includes 2 functional and sturdy suitcases that offer comfort and style. With your cabin and checked luggage needs met, these bags give you plenty of room to pack all the essentials. 

While we were a little disappointed in some of the design features of this luggage, it’s a handy collection that we’re comfortable recommending to travelers.