2024

Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On Named Forbes Vetted Best Product Award Winner for Softside Travel


Forbes recognized the Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On as a Forbes Vetted Best Product Award winner in 2024, spotlighting the premium softside luggage as one of the best products travelers can buy this year.

The recognition places Travelpro's Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On among an elite group of rigorously tested, editor-approved products, reaffirming its reputation as a trusted choice for frequent flyers, airline industry professionals, and discerning travelers alike.

Why Forbes Recognized the Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On

According to Forbes, Travelpro has long been a favorite of airline pros and seasoned travel experts—an endorsement rooted in real-world performance and credibility, not hype. Editors highlighted the Platinum Elite softside collection for its durability, thoughtful organization, and ability to handle both heavy packing and modern travel hazards.

The review emphasized how the expandable carry-on models strike a rare balance: structured enough to protect valuables, yet flexible enough to expand when travelers inevitably return home with more than they left with. Forbes also noted the sustainability-forward interior, reinforcing the product's appeal to travelers who value performance with purpose.

Key Highlights
Expandable design with up to 2" of additional capacity The Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On is designed to expand up to two inches, giving travelers extra room when they need it most without sacrificing stability or structure.
Smart pocket organization with multiple compartments The carry-on includes two external pockets, one large interior pocket, and three smaller mesh compartments, making it easier to separate clothing, accessories, and travel essentials.
Interior lining made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic Editors noted that all Platinum Elite bags are lined with 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, adding an eco-conscious layer to the product's premium build.

How Forbes Tested and Evaluated the Travelpro Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On

The Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are based on insights from industry experts combined with extensive first-person testing. Hundreds of products across categories were evaluated in real consumer environments to assess quality, durability, and overall performance.

Within this testing framework, luggage was judged on factors such as construction, storage efficiency, and real-world usability—criteria that matter when bags are dragged through airports, packed to the limit, and relied on trip after trip. The Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On stood out as a softside option that consistently delivered across these benchmarks, earning its place among the 150 best products of 2024.

How This Carry-On Stands Out from the Crowd

Softside carry-ons are everywhere, but many fall into familiar traps: flimsy fabrics, awkward pocket placement, or "expandability" that feels more aesthetic than functional. Travelers are also navigating tighter airline rules, fuller flights, and less margin for error when it comes to packing smart. The Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On addresses these pain points directly. Its expansion, organization, and durability reflect Travelpro's deep roots in professional, field-tested travel, where bags are judged by how they perform on day 200, not day two. In a category crowded with lookalikes, Forbes' recognition signals that this carry-on earns its reputation the hard way: by working.

What This Means for Travelers

Third-party validation matters—especially when it comes from a publication like Forbes that blends expert insight with hands-on testing. Being named a Forbes Vetted Best Product Award winner gives travelers added confidence that the Platinum Elite Expandable Carry-On isn't just well-designed, but well-proven, and reinforces Travelpro's commitment to long-term value over short-term trends.