Stylish. Inexpensive. And it comes with four pieces. But does the Travelers Club Midtown luggage set hold up in real-world travel? I packed it up, flew with it, and here’s my honest take.
Let’s start with the obvious: a four-piece luggage set for around $100 is almost too good to be true. With the 26” checked spinner, 20” carry-on, boarding tote, and toiletry bag, the Travelers Club Midtown Set checks every size box you could ask for. For a casual traveler or student on a budget, this is a tempting option right off the bat.
The first thing I noticed upon unboxing was the vibrant color. I picked the rose gold, and it was honestly super cute. The hardcases have a semi-gloss finish that looks better than I expected for a sub-$100 set. The soft tote and toiletry bag match the hardside pieces well. Right away, I felt like I scored a deal.
Build Quality: A Mixed Bag
Here’s where things get more interesting. The ABS shell of both the 20″ and 26″ suitcases is lightweight, but it doesn’t feel quite as robust as polycarbonate models from more expensive brands. That said, they didn’t feel flimsy either—somewhere in between.
The zippers were smooth and never snagged, and the handles all extended and retracted as they should. However, I did have concerns about the wheel durability and the overall structural integrity when fully packed.
Specs Recap:
- 26″ Spinner: 8.4 lbs (26″ H x 17.5″ L x 11″ W)
- 20″ Carry-On Spinner: 7.2 lbs (20″ H x 13″ L x 9.5″ W)
- Boarding Tote: 1 lb
- Toiletry Bag: 0.5 lb
The lightweight build makes it easy to maneuver and lift, especially for those who don’t want to deal with heavy luggage fees. But you will want to treat the cases with a bit more care.
Interior Layout & Packing Experience
I used the 26″ checked bag for a 6-day trip and the 20″ carry-on for a weekend getaway. Both had decent capacity and simple organization features.
Each suitcase had two compartments:
- One side with a zippered mesh divider
- The other with elastic tie-down straps
The layout isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s perfectly functional. I packed everything from shoes to a hairdryer to three pairs of jeans and didn’t feel cramped. The expansion zipper helped on the way back when I picked up souvenirs.
The boarding tote is basic but functional for in-flight essentials. It slides easily over the carry-on handle and fits under airplane seats. I do wish it had internal pockets for better organization, but I was able to toss in my Kindle, charger, headphones, and snacks with room to spare.
The toiletry bag? Well, it looks nice but it doesn’t do much more than your average zip pouch. It’s a bonus, not a standout.
Maneuverability: Hit and Miss
Now let’s talk about the spinner wheels, which were a bit of a rollercoaster—literally. When the bags were half-full, they rolled smoothly through the airport. I could glide down narrow aisles with one hand, and the wheels rotated 360 degrees without resistance.
However, when the 26″ was fully packed, the wheels struggled. The bag tilted and dragged more than I’d like, especially on carpeted or uneven floors. I ended up switching to a two-wheel pull mode for better control.
This is echoed in other user reviews, with some noting that maneuverability goes downhill with a fully loaded case. If you pack light, you may not notice. If you travel like me and fill every inch, it becomes a chore.
Real Traveler Experiences: The Good, The Bad, The Frustrating
To get a well-rounded view, I spent time reading through dozens of user reviews. Here are the most common themes:
What people love:
- “Super cute and stylish. I’ve used this set my entire college career!”
- “Great for the price. You can’t beat what you get for $100.”
- “Perfect size options. Carry-on, checked, personal item, toiletry—covered!”
- “Held up great on my first trip. No damage, no complaints.”
Common complaints:
- “Handle broke before check-in. The 20″ carry-on handle snapped after one use.”
- “Wheels don’t roll well when fully packed. It’s more of a dragger than a spinner.”
- “Shell cracked on a 3-hour flight. Lightweight, but not indestructible.”
One reviewer gave a hilariously dramatic account of their wheel troubles: “The wheels on this thing were probably molded by a blind Chinese kid…they felt oval. I’ve had to drag this thing across the country…and now I need a chiropractor.” Entertaining? Yes. But it does highlight the wheel issue.
Durability Verdict: Use With Care
Here’s the deal: this set is ideal for road trips, domestic flights, college students, or those who don’t travel often. If you’re expecting it to survive the rigors of international airport baggage handling or weekly work trips, you may be pushing your luck.
That said, I didn’t experience any catastrophic issues on my first two trips. I did notice some light scratching on the checked bag, and the wheels showed signs of strain. Still, everything held together.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Travelers Club Midtown | Rockland Melbourne | AmazonBasics Hardside Set |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shell Material | ABS | ABS | ABS with Polycarbonate Coating |
| Piece Count | 4 | 3 | 3 |
| Spinner Wheels | Yes (360°) | Yes | Yes |
| Internal Dividers | Mesh & Tie Straps | Zippered Panel | Mesh Pocket + Straps |
| Warranty | Limited | Limited | 3-Year Limited |
| Price Range | $ | $ | $ |
Final Thoughts: Bargain or Bust?
The Travelers Club Midtown 4-piece set is one of the best budget luggage sets I’ve come across, as long as you understand its limitations.
It’s not built for abuse. If you check your luggage frequently or expect premium wheel performance, this might not be your forever suitcase. But if you want stylish luggage for occasional use, weekend getaways, or road trips—and don’t want to break the bank—it absolutely gets the job done.
Best For: Budget travelers, students, first-time flyers, or anyone who wants a stylish, functional set without spending hundreds.
Not Ideal For: Frequent fliers, international travel warriors, or those who prioritize maximum durability.
Overall Rating: 3.9/5
Let me know if you’ve tested the Travelers Club Midtown set yourself. Your feedback helps others decide if it’s the right bag for their journey.
Travelers Club Midtown Luggage Review: Is This 4-Piece Set Worth the Bargain?