When the New York Post shopping team set out on the ambitious task of testing nine suitcases in New York City, I was fairly confident that none would be able to withstand all three of our trials.
We tested some of the best names in luggage, from Rimowa’s sleek aluminum carry-on and the trendy Away suitcase to the trusted Amazon Basics case, alongside popular brands like Travelpro and Samsonite. I wasn’t quite sure where Tumi, one of the more luxurious options, would stand — but I’d heard it had an excellent reputation (and at $750 I certainly had high hopes for its performance).
What I didn’t expect was just how well the Tumi 19 Degree Expandable Carry-On would handle each real-world scenario test we put it through.
We started with a packing test to assess capacity, followed by a street test to see how each suitcase handled bumps, cracks and uneven pavement. Next came a bodega test, where we evaluated maneuverability by navigating tight aisles. Finally, there was the seriously trying stair-drop test, in which our team sent each suitcase tumbling down the stairs five times, from different angles.
It’s also worth noting that the Tumi competed in our First Class category, alongside two aluminum cases: the Rimowa Original Carry-On and Carl Friedrik Carry-On. Despite going up against these more expensive competitors, the Tumi’s durability, performance and functionality ultimately came out on top.
The polished Tumi Carry-On luggage packed with ease and impressed us with its smooth yet tough construction, gliding smoothly across varied terrain. Plus, its expandable design adds valuable extra space when you need it most, and it’s stocked with unique features that make traveling a little less stressful.
According to our tester, Commerce Partnerships Associate Brooke Parker, the only reason she didn’t give it a perfect score was its higher price point, making it inaccessible for some shoppers.
Tumi 19 Degree Expandable Carry-On
Pros:
- Expandable capacity for extra items
- 360-degree spinner wheels for easy maneuvering
- Lightweight 7.9-pound build
- Sleek, modern wave pattern
- Impact-resistant molded hardshell
- Built-in USB-C charging port
- TSA-approved locks
Cons:
- Lightweight build, but wheels can roll easily
- Limited warranty
Made from a molded polycarbonate hardshell with a striking modern wave-like pattern, the Tumi 19 Degree Expandable Carry-On is designed to withstand heavy impact without cracking. The shell, zippers, and grab handles are also treated with an antimicrobial finish for an added layer of protection.
The suitcase features a USB-C charging port, TSA-approved locks, 360-degree spinner wheels for smooth maneuverability and an expandable interior that gives you extra packing capacity when you need it. The interior includes a dual-compartment zip pocket, as well as compression straps so you can make the most of the space.
At just under 8 pounds, it strikes a nice balance between durability and portability. Lightweight, resilient, and easy to maneuver, it’s well suited to quick weekend trips as well as longer travels. It’s available in seven attractive shades — with optional luggage tag monogramming for a more personalized touch.
Type: Hardshell | Weight: 7.9 pounds | Dimensions: 22 × 14 × 9 inches | Capacity: 38 liters (expands) | Expandable: Yes | Lock: Yes | Warranty: 5-year limited warranty
Our Review
Commerce Partnerships Associate Brooke Parker says she has previously used similar-sized suitcases, but the Tumi 19 Degree Expandable Carry-On truly blew her away for a few reasons.
Material
You might not expect much from lightweight polycarbonate, but Parker says the Tumi held up remarkably well throughout the entire testing process. She took it through the subway system and over plenty of bumps and cracks on New York City sidewalks.
“The suitcase still looked brand new after all the testing phases,” said Parker. “There was a small mark after the fourth or fifth trip through a subway station, but it buffed right out with a paper towel. Otherwise, there were no signs of scratches, dents, damage or any other indication that it had been used at all.”
The Tumi also performed remarkably well in our stair drop test. Despite its lightweight construction, which caused it to bounce slightly as it tumbled down the stairs, the suitcase emerged almost completely unscathed, aside from a few minor scratches. The wave-like exterior may have helped disguise some of that wear, too.
Design
In terms of design, Tumi takes a modern approach. The suitcase features distinctive wave-like contours that make it easy to spot — even from a distance, which can be helpful when searching for it at baggage claim. It also has a retractable three-stage telescoping handle and convenient top and side carry handles.
Parker loved the look and feel of the case.
“The glossy, sleek look is very nice to look at and I really like the zigzag ridged design of the outside of the suitcase,” said noted. “It gives a high-quality, clean look without too much flash, which is something I consider important, especially when traveling alone and commuting long distances through the city.”
Weight
Weight was one of the first things Parker noticed when testing the case. Despite its durable construction, the Tumi weighs just under 8 pounds, which is several ounces lighter than its aluminum competitors.
“The first thing I noticed (while taking it home empty for testing) was how incredibly light it was,” said Parker, who noted that she really began to feel the difference when it came to maneuvering the suitcase around the city. Even after a day of testing it, she didn’t feel tired from carrying it.
Capacity
The Tumi starts with a 38-liter capacity, but expands to an 11-inch depth when you need more room. That extra space made a noticeable difference for Parker.
She appreciated the relatively simple, easy-to-use compartments. A zippered flap on the clothing side felt strong and sturdy, even when the case was packed slightly beyond its limit. The shoe compartment was similarly durable, securely holding multiple pairs of shoes and a toiletries bag.
It took Parker a little over 15 minutes to pack all of her items. While she couldn’t fit a few of the bulkier items on our packing list (including ankle boots, a water bottle, and a down jacket), she noted that these were things she would have expected to wear or carry separately to the airport or train station anyway.
“I didn’t have any issues with items tumbling out when I went to close the suitcase,” she added.
Manevuerability
The carry-on has four 360-degree spinner dual outboard wheels that Parker says can truly turn on a dime.
She put them to task during the bodega test, where she steered the suitcase through tight aisles. The telescoping handle also adjusts to three different heights — which Parker said made it easier to find a comfortable position when maneuvering through different spaces.
“It was true love… when testing the wheels for the first time,” Parker added. “It set a new bar for me on how maneuvering a suitcase should feel, and made me realize you don’t have to feel like you strained your arm muscles after a few hours of wheeling a suitcase through the city.”
Beyond the bodge test, Parks said the suitcase remains smooth on sidewalks — it glided easily over cracks and rocks. And she noted that even when it was fully packed, the wheels remained smooth and responsive rather than tightening up or rotating awkwardly under the extra weight.
Special Features
The special features are another area where Tumi stands out.
Beyond the TSA-approved lock and built-in luggage tag, the suitcase also features a built-in USB-C charging port (supporting up to 65W USB-C 2.0 cables and fast charging up to 65W/3A). Parker found it super handy for those moments when you forget to charge your devices before traveling.
Tumi also offers the option to monogram the built-in luggage tag, adding a personalized touch — especially welcome at this price point. These may be small details, but they help distinguish the Tumi from other suitcases we tested.
Tumi VS. Rimowa and Carl Friedrik
In our testing, Tumi competed in the First Class category, which featured higher-end, premium suitcases designed with frequent travelers in mind. That put the Tumi 19 Degree Expandable Carry-On alongside comparable luxury brands like Rimowa and Carl Friedrik.
The biggest difference comes down to materials. Both Rimowa and Carl Friedrik offer aluminum suitcases, which have a distinctive high-end look and are often associated with durability. But our testing told a different story. In our drop test, the Tumi proved remarkably resilient, emerging without dents while both aluminum competitors showed visible damage.
The Tumi also has a practical advantage: Unlike the Rimowa and Carl Friedrik aluminum carry-ons we tested, it offers expandable capacity, giving you more flexibility when packing. It’s also lighter, which can make a difference when lifting and maneuvering your luggage.
If you’re drawn to the classic look and old-world appeal of aluminum luggage, Rimowa or Carl Friedrik may fit the aesthetic you’re after. But for a more modern design with added functionality and expandable space, Tumi offers a compelling alternative.
Price
The Tumi suitcase isn’t cheap at $795. That’s significantly more than popular options from brands like Away, Travelpro and Samsonite, but it’s still a couple hundred dollars less than its top-tier luggage competitors, Rimowa and Carl Friedrik.
Final Thoughts: Is it worth it?
At $795, the Tumi is certainly a splurge.
But based on our testing, its durability, thoughtful features, expandable capacity, and easy maneuverability make a strong case for the price — especially if you travel frequently. It passed every test we put it through in New York City, and the hundreds of glowing customer reviews suggest that its performance holds up in real-world travel, too.
Take it from Parker, our tester, who says she would have given the suitcase a perfect score if it weren’t for the nearly $800 price tag: “I only didn’t give it a 10/10 because I know it’s a higher price point than some would be willing to spend, but it’s worth it if you are one who travels often on trips lasting a week or less.”
How we tested
We divided our luggage awards into three categories: First-Class, Direct-to-Consumer Aesthetics, and Overpackers Anonymous.
Every suitcase went through the same series of tests, starting with a roughly 15-minute packing challenge. Testers were tasked with packing a week’s worth of clothing and essentials, from heavy down jackets and jeans to toiletries and electronics. The goal was to see how much each suitcase could hold — and whether it could handle the kind of overpacking that happens in real life.
We also put each suitcase through its paces on the streets and subway. Testers navigated NYC sidewalks, subway stations and other everyday obstacles to assess maneuverability. We also conducted the “Bodega Test,” evaluating how easily each suitcase could squeeze through tight aisles and crowded grocery stores.
To test durability and to see how well each suitcase could withstand impact and rough handling, we conducted a stair test, kicking, tossing and rolling each case down a stairwell. Each suitcase was dropped five times from different angles, allowing us to assess how well it held up to repeated impact, including any resulting bumps, scratches, scuffs or dents.
The winners were selected based on the results of all our hands-on tests, with each suitcase evaluated across the following criteria:
- Capacity and Storage: During our packing test, we considered how much each suitcase could hold, including its expandable capacity and overall packing efficiency. We also looked at the organization of the interior, including compartments, dedicated shoe storage, waterproof toiletry sections, and other features designed to make packing easier.
- Durability: We evaluated the materials and overall construction of each suitcase, as well as how well it held up to the bumps, cracks, and uneven surfaces of New York City streets. We also considered whether the suitcase showed any signs of structural damage after testing.
- Scuff Resistance: As part of our stair-drop test, we assessed how well each suitcase resisted visible wear and tear. After multiple drops from different angles, we examined each case for scratches, scuffs, dents, and other marks.
- Maneuverability: From navigating tight bodega aisles to rolling over sidewalks and taking each suitcase into the subway, we evaluated how smoothly and easily each case moved. We considered turning radius, wheel responsiveness, stability, and how well the suitcase stayed in place when stopped.
- Overall Design and Aesthetics: We considered each suitcase’s overall look and construction, including the quality of its materials, visual appeal, and any standout design features. We also looked at how practical those design elements were for everyday travel.
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