Customer Reviews

Travelpro Crew 8 20 Inch Rollaboard

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Let me start off by saying that I am in no way a frequent flyer. I had a recent 7-day international trip to Colombia, South America over Thanksgiving and started researching luggage 2 weeks before my trip. A lot has changed since the last time I flew; the most significant change being the checked baggage charges for domestic flights. Seeing as I also had a domestic trip planned for Christmas, I decided on a roll-a-board (a term actually coined by TravelPro) as my sole piece of luggage. The majority of my research was on frequent flyer websites which turned me onto this model. The main benefit over the 22" version is the 20" version has the front pocket organizer (really useful) and has less chance of being checked due to size constraints at the gate or security. With this 20" version, I had no trouble with any gate or security agents asking me to measure it in the mock metal overhead bin displays. I flew out of Miami International (MIA) and into Cali International (CLO).

I was also able to roll it easily through the first-class aisle and all the way through the coach aisle without issue on an American Airlines Boeing 737-800(this might not be possible with the wide-body version). I did not use the expansion zipper at all, but it was pretty packed and still had no trouble slipping wheels-first (IMPORTANT) into the overhead bin. The laptop compartment in the front zipper is useful and it fit my Asus Eee Netbook without issue. The wheels are very durable and QUIET! Some people on the various travel forums had doubts about the main plastic handle detaching, but I experienced no such trouble. The handles felt firm at all times. The telescoping main handle working perfectly, but I only used the most extended setting. It is also noteworthy that I bought 2, one for me and one for my grandfather (66), who I traveled with, and he had no trouble lifting it into the overhead bins. We are both 6' and the luggage was very comfortable and could easily be used by someone 6' 6".

The internal straps were functional and kept everything in place throughout my trip. Also, the internal lining looks water-proof and has a hidden passport/cash pocket that is useful. In the end we liked them so much that we bought 4 more (6 in total) for the rest of my family to be used this upcoming Christmas. If you're a student or parent, you can get 1 FREE year of Amazon Prime and get them in 2 days for FREE! However, the last 2 I bought had the delivery rescheduled by UPS to 4 days until delivery.

UPDATE: As of 8/2011, I have now purchased 6 of these bags for my entire family. The users range from 8 to 67 years old and 4' to 6' tall. They still look brand-new after round-trips from Miami, FL to Cali, Colombia (TWICE), TPA (Tampa) to BWI (Baltimore), and now they are awaiting a 10 day, round-trip, excursion from MIA to Madrid, Spain. We will see how they fare. Oh, and a tip to differentiate them from all the other luggage is to wrap some bright neon cordage around the handles. They have fit in overhead bins WHEELS-FIRST on AirTran, Copa, and American Airlines.

Handsome, well-thought-out design. I owe a debt of gratitude to a reviewer under the similar 22" model who lamented that her 22" had no organizer pockets for cell phone, wallet, sunglasses, etc. This bag has the organizer, and it's great. Also, please note that with wheels and handle, this 20" model actually stands about 22" high overall when measured from the floor to the top of the handle. I'm really glad I chose this size so that I can be sure I'm not that person whose bag doesn't fit the space-saving way in the overhead.

After tiring of my wife's less expensive roller bags, I did some research and found this bag as one that works and does not approach limits on the size of carry-ons.

I tried it on its first trip last week, and it was as good as expected. The wheels appear ready to last longer than I will, the handle is sturdy so far, and the zippers look bulletproof.

Nicest of all is the expansion zipper, which I used as a way to compress the thickness of the bag. Several times I started to step on the bag to compress it enough to close the main zipper with the case unexpanded, then remembered the expansion zipper. With the bag expanded when the expansion zipper is open, the main zipper closed easily. Then it was easy to squeeze down the last 2 inches by zipping the expansion zipper.

I only figured out the use of the extra hook from seeing a similar bag in the Charlotte airport. With the extra hook in place, one can attach the handle of a small bag or purse to the hook so that it will hang outside the roll-on. Could be useful. Haven't found the secret pocket yet.

In short, very nice.

[4-25-11 - Now that I've used the bag on a half dozen trips, it remains my favorite, and I'm very glad to have it.]

I travel a LOT. I travel on small express jets. I travel on Airbuses. I travel on 777s. Short flights, long flights, international flights ... you name it. My last suitcase lasted a long and abused life, but finally fell apart and I researched the "right combination of space and size" for along time before taking a chance on the Travelpro Crew 8.

As a frequent traveler, I learned long ago: NEVER check luggage. Never mind that you get charged for it these days; you're bound to have lost luggage at some point if you check bags. End of story. Never mind the "you cant change your flight because your bags are already on the plane, even though that particular plane has been on maintenance hold for ten hours already" scenario, which is inevitable as well.

So, you need a suitcase that's small (fits in an overhead), lightweight, and has good volume (for its size). The Travelpro Crew 8 20" (which I bought) has another nice feature for me, which is a business-folio type area in the front pocket, so I can put papers, books, business cards, etc in there and save room in my laptop bag.

My first trip with the new bag was cross country to san francisco for a conference. I was able to fit: a pair of dress shoes, two belts, and five days of clothes (underwear, socks, trousers, shirts, and a suit coat) in this bag. It was a close call, but it did fit, and without having to undo the expansion zipper. That's pretty amazing -- I attribute the ability to the very well-thought out interior: there's no frills in there, just a big rectangular space. and it's JUST the right size to fit clothes into. If a bag is too narrow, shirt ends our pant legs will "roll up" the edge, wasting a lot of space. This one fits a pair of trousers folded once almost perfectly.

The handle is sturdy, and the wheels are well positioned so the it rolls well with a lot of control. THere's no extra wheels or swivels or hinges or gadgets, which means no more mechanical parts to take up space and/or break.

5 stars, easy.

One caveat: my trip was to San Francisco - so I didn't have to pack heavy clothes, which might not have worked. I'm also really good at packing, and know how to travel light. Some might prefer the larger Crew 8's, which lack the folio area, and are slightly bigger as well.

I have been looking at the Travelpro Crew 8 bags and noticed an error relative to it's size on this Amazon description page for the 20 inch Rollaboard. Since size is critical on this carry-on segment of products I thought I'd make note of this error.
Under Product Features the bag is noted as being 20x14x9. Under Product Details the size is presented as 20x16x9 - a notable difference in volume.
According to the Travelpro material on this model, the correct size is the first number set, 20x14x9.
The second number set, 20x16x9, may have come from the widebody version of the same bag; this size makes the bag notably larger yet still possible to bring on board depending on the airline staff.
Please also note this is not intended to rate the item, which looks to be a great bag.

I got this for a recent American Airlines international trip - my previous Samsonite has served well but is a couple inches longer and thus does not fit in length-wise in the overhead of most planes. The strictly measured dimensions of the new Travelpro Crew 8 "20 inch" bag are 22" high, 14.5" wide, and 9.5" deep. I am sure the soft parts would compress into a baggage sizer at the gate. This rolls down the aisle of 757s with enough margin in the width to prevent bumping, and fit in overhead lengthwise on the 757 as well. Great for maximizing overhead and quick entry and egress. Have not taken it on an Airbus yet, but based on my old bag's size, the new one will fit fine there as well.

This bag has an extremely handy organizer in the front for sunglasses, computer, cables, cell phone, along with a zip pocket for loose items. The two-wheeled system is my preference, and this one is strong and quiet in the airport. Also, the design keeps the wheels more protected than the four-wheel caster dangling off of the bottom, inviting damage, and elevates the standing bag over any moisture on the ground. The telescoping handle is reasonably solid and extends up comfortably (I am 6+ ft tall).

I pack rather lightly most of the time, and this bag was more than adequate for a business trip of four days, including running shoes & shorts - everything I needed. With a shoulder strap for my laptop sleeve, I jettisoned my laptop bag, making this a perfect single-bag solution. Time will tell on the durability, but the zippers and materials seem to be high-quality, so I am expecting them to last.

very nice bag, the 20" always fits in an overhead "the right way." Wheels roll very well. The only thing i don't like is the bulkiness of the lid, it has too many pockets and organizers which I don't use so they waste space and weight.

Due to a busy travel schedule, we purchased this to add to our carry-on collection, based on good experience with the brand previously. It is by far the best carry-on we have owned. I used it to take computers and electronics to Accra, Ghana for a workshop in November, 2011 and even this heavily loaded, it was very easy to travel with. I will purchase another one soon to replace an older case.

Excellent piece of luggage. With some planning I can make this size of luggage work for me for 3-5 nights. I have even used this to travel to Asia for a week long stay (i did use the hotel laundry). The size is perfect for stowing in the overhead bins. Unlike some of the larger bags out there it does not require a huge effort to make it fit.

In short, this is an excellent carry-on. It is the perfect size for overhead bins, easy to manage, durable, and very well organized. There are some cheaper alternatives, but you really get what you pay for with this one.

SIZE
20 inches is the best size to go with for airplane travel. Bear in mind that this measurement is of the internal compartment, so the bag itself is a little larger than that. This overall size is large enough to pack several days' clothes, along with the usual necessities, inside the main compartment, and still have plenty of room in the front organizer (more on that later). The bag fits easily into overhead compartments, even on small regional jets. The best part is it can be put in wheels-first, which is much easier to manage. Small bonus: in addition to the excellent top and side handles, there's a small hard plastic handle on the bottom, which is great for lifting it up when you need that extra leverage.

BUILD QUALITY
Excellent. Next!

Okay, seriously: very solid zippers and seams. Reinforced corners, with abrasion protection. Strong wheels. Finally, great weather-resistant material all around. The bag took a sudden soaking in a layover in Charlotte, and everything came through fine and dandy.

ORGANIZATION
Probably the best part. The main compartment is simple. Extra-wide straps make securing clothes easy, stable, and avoids extra wrinkles. The underside of the lid has a single large zippered pocket, which I've mainly used for separating out smaller items that would be loose in the main compartment.

The front organizer pocket is the real gem. It's got a laptop compartment that easily fit my 13.3-inch laptop. This laptop is very thick, so I'm confident it would fit a thinner 15.4. It's also got several other useful pockets on both sides. When the pocket is unzipped, it hangs open in a stable manner, which makes it very easy to get at everything. Because of this, it's a great suitcase to work out of on layovers.

CONCLUSION
If you travel regularly, this is your carry-on. Same if you simply want a well-built bag that you don't have to check. I look forward to years of use with this one!