As I embark on my busiest travel year in years, including my twin brother's college graduation, my best friend's wedding, multiple family trips, and work, I plan everything I can to make the process easier. started. A smooth travel experience is very important to me, and having the right luggage can make the difference between a relaxing plane ride or a nightmare day at the airport. Previously, I traveled with an old faithful Samsonite set that, while durable, had seen better days. After traveling cross-country with a suitcase and breaking the suitcase handle along the way, it was time for an upgrade. I needed something new, so I jumped at the chance to review his Delsey Luggage for work. Over the past 78 years, the brand has built a reputation for stylish and durable suitcases. I'm quick to sacrifice aesthetics for function, but Delsey seemed to offer the best of both worlds.
To fully understand their product range, I tested three different Delsey product lines. The best-selling Helium Aero, the leather-trimmed St. Tropez, and the iconic Chatelet Air 2.0. I decided to test out something like his three luggage essentials: a weekender bag that functions as a personal item, a portable carry-on, and a portable checked bag. After an incredibly smooth delivery and unpacking the very simple packaging, these parts were ready to be tested on the road.
helium aero carry-on expandable spinner
I tested this spinner carry-on suitcase in metallic blue color. The 21-inch tall Helium Aero is one of Delsey's best-selling products due to its security measures and metallic luster. It comes with a padded handle, a TSA-accessible dial lock to protect your belongings, and the thickness expands up to 2 inches to hold everything you need.
I'm an overpacker so I carry a suitcase. need Be scalable. I was very impressed with how much its scalability helped me. Even when I packed this carry-on bag to the brim with maid-of-honor essentials (bridesmaid dresses, rehearsal dinner outfit, two pairs of heels, and almost every cosmetic item I owned), it remained sturdy. It was kept. I'm used to overstuffing the zippered compartments in my carry-on and tearing them apart, but the Helium Aero's compartment is big enough to fit a pair of wide block heels and three other outfits. There was a wide range. Even when unfolded, it fits perfectly on the overhead shelf.
What's unique about this suitcase (which makes it very appealing for business travelers) is the expandable front pocket that can hold files, laptops, and other slim electronics. Having easy access to these items makes security a lot easier. I used it to hold my bridesmaid's sash during my wedding trip, and it's a great place to put AirTags and documents needed for international travel. A word to the wise: The more you cram the internal compartment, the less you can fit into the laptop sleeve.
Everything about this hard-shell carry-on is built to last, from the reinforced handles on the top and sides of the bag to the internal adjustable straps that secure your belongings. It spins and rolls like a dream on linoleum or tile, but rolling on carpet is much more difficult. My Samsonite carry-on frequently stalled and tipped over while dragging me through LaGuardia Airport, so I was hoping that the Delsea carry-on would alleviate this discomfort. But no such luck.
Pros of helium aero carry-on
- It features a smooth polycarbonate shell with a gorgeous metallic finish.
- Expandable and zippered compartments make it easy to store all your items.
- The handles rise very high for good maneuverability and easy stacking of carry-ons.
- Equipped with double spinner wheels, it rotates 360 degrees easily.
Cons of helium aero carry-on
- There is no way to safely stack carry-on baggage on top of checked baggage.
- After some rough handling at the TSA, the paint finish came off more easily than it should have.
Châtelet Air 2.0 Weekender
If you're looking for a personal item that can hold far more than a traditional handbag or tote, but still fit under the seat in front of you in a pinch, look no further than this weekender bag. Chatelet Air 2.0 is his Delsey's iconic line featuring luxurious details and a vegan leather trim pattern. Without a doubt, this is a gorgeous bag and was definitely my favorite of the three I tested.
The Weekender is definitely larger than your average personal item. When I boarded the plane, I felt like I was carrying two carry-ons, so I ended up trying to hide them with my jacket. To my relief, with just a little push, it fit perfectly under the seat in front of me and still had room for my feet.
While hardshell suitcases have plenty of compartments and zippered pockets, the Weekender bag has one cavernous opening with a capacity of 46 liters. There are two pockets on each side along the entire length of the bag for storing small valuables or liquids that you want to keep hidden from your other belongings. Because there are no large compartments, this bag can morph to fit oddly shaped items you need to store. For me, it was a custom hanger, an umbrella, and his two records. Due to the large capacity of the bag, we highly recommend bringing your own small bag for organization. Luckily, it comes with two of his: a zippered jewelry pouch and a waterproof toiletry bag.
Capacity aside, my favorite feature of the Weekender is the smart band on the back. This zippered slit helps you stack the bag on top of your suitcase and frees up the handle for easy access to your belongings. It was a very small but life-changing upgrade.
Advantages of Chatelet Air 2.0
- The durable exterior fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles.
- Hardware on the bottom of the bag makes it even more durable when placed on the ground or counter.
- The bag has a structure that prevents it from losing its shape.
- There's a hidden zippered pocket on the front, perfect for keeping your ID or wallet hidden while still being accessible.
Cons of Chatelet Air 2.0
- This is definitely a large piece of personal property and may be viewed as an issue by some strict airlines.
- When full, it may become quite heavy if you carry it cross-body.
Expandable spinner in Saint-Tropez
I tested the 24-inch tall navy Saint-Tropez Medium Spinner, and it's a great mid-sized checked bag for trips where you need a little extra room in your carry-on. It's spacious, well-crafted, and has a very strong zipper to prevent intrusion. It comes with a sturdy polycarbonate shell protection, but has a matte finish that makes it a little more elegant.
The navy blue polycarbonate shell and brown vegan leather trim are a happy medium between Helium Aero and Chatelet Air 2.0. If you want to be the most stylish at the airport, this is the ideal accessory. Aesthetics aside, this expandable suitcase is designed for those who don't travel light, with extra-long adjustable straps to secure your belongings in place. Also, if you've ever had the fear of opening a suitcase and shampoo spilling inside, don't worry. The lining is removable and washable so it stays in great condition.
Advantages of Santo Tropical Spinner
- The matte finish reduces the chance of rubbing or peeling during shipping.
- The main compartment has a further zippered pocket and two additional pockets for shoes.
- The lining is machine washable.
- There are handles on the top, bottom and sides of the suitcase, making it easy to carry.
Disadvantages of Santo Tropical Spinner
- It's the most expensive product I've tested.
- TSA combination locks can be difficult to set up.
How we tested Delsey luggage
I spent a month testing different suitcases, both at home and while traveling. To test its handling, we ran the tested hardshell section on several different surfaces, including carpet, linoleum, and uneven wood floors. I also filled three bags with clothes and toiletries to see how easy it was to organize different items.
I took my Helium Aero Carry Bag and Châtelet Air 2.0 Weekender on a four-day domestic trip for a wedding where I was the maid of honor. This gives us the opportunity to test it in an airport environment to see how it holds up to TSA handling, how it fits into tight airplane spaces, and how easy it is to pack and repack over the weekend. I was able to confirm. We didn't take the St. Tropez spinner to the airport, but it's made from the same lightweight, durable polycarbonate material as the Helium Aero, so you can expect a similar reaction.
How to decide which Delsey bag is right for you
The right luggage for you will depend on your own travel needs, but there are various factors to consider. Before purchasing a new item or set, evaluate the airlines you frequently travel with, their size restrictions, whether you pack light or heavy, and how often you travel.
Delsey offers larger versions of carry-on and checked bags, but I chose the medium size. Airlines' baggage rules have become increasingly strict in recent years, and when we compared Delsea's dimensions to some of the more stringent airlines, such as American Airlines and Spirit Airlines, we found that bringing large checked bags and carry-on plus bags I started to feel anxious. board.
It's also worth considering hard shell suitcases and cloth suitcases. Cloth suitcases have luxurious decorations, but if you overfill them, they can tear or fray. Hardshell suitcases are often durable, but they can become disfigured or get scratched if handled too roughly.
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