Contents
This post may contain affiliate links! I will receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase something recommended here.
We’ve all been there–stuck at the airport with suitcase problems.
You finally finished packing, you’re at the airport, and the check-in counter demands you pay more for your overweight luggage.
Or the plane is at capacity, and you’re asked to gate-check your carry-on.
And don’t get me started on when you’re standing at your destination, excited to start your trip, but your luxury suitcase wasn’t on the plane and didn’t arrive.
One of the best things I can recommend to you is to only travel with a carry-on when you’re flying.
In an effort to find the perfect carry-on solution, I tested out the Take OFF Luggage Hardshell Carry-On.
So, I’ll share my thoughts about traveling with this innovative suitcase in this Take OFF Luggage review.
Take OFF Luggage has been gaining popularity among frequent travelers for its unique design and practicality–it even made the list of Oprah’s Favorite Things for 2023.
The removable wheels and compact size are supposed to make it easy to maneuver through airports and fit under the seat in front of you, allowing you to avoid costly baggage fees.
This piece of lightweight luggage is marketed as the “perfect personal item”–but does it live up to that claim?
Don’t have time to read the full article? Take OFF Luggage’s Personal Item Suitcase is a must-have for anyone who frequently flies budget airlines and prefers traveling carry-on only. Use my code THEPURPOSELYLOST at check-out for 10% off your order!
The History of Take OFF Luggage
As a frequent traveler, I understand the frustration of paying outrageous luggage fees.
That’s why I was thrilled to discover Take OFF Luggage, a company dedicated to providing affordable and convenient luggage options.
Take OFF Luggage was founded by Stephen, a budget-conscious traveler who wanted to avoid paying extra fees for his carry-on luggage.
He searched high and low for the perfect personal item that was small enough to avoid fees but big enough to pack all the essentials.
After testing various under-the-seat and carry-on options, he had a lightbulb moment: a carry-on without wheels was the perfect size for a personal item.
Take OFF Luggage’s signature four 360° removable push-button wheels make it easy to convert the hardside suitcase from a carry-on to a personal item, saving travelers money and hassle.
The company’s focus on providing the perfect personal item has made it a popular choice for travelers who want to pack enough for a long weekend without spending extra money.
Take OFF Luggage has been tested on many major airlines, including Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and EasyJet Airlines.
It has been proven to be a perfect fit for the airlines’ free personal item bin.
The Personal Item Suitcase 2.0
The Take OFF Luggage Personal Item Suitcase 2.0 is designed to fit within most airline fee-free personal item sizers, measuring 17.5″H x 13.5″W x 7.5″D–after taking the wheels OFF!
That’s the incredible difference. You can wheel your luggage until it comes time to get on the plane, then pop the wheels off so your suitcase can fit under your seat.
You won’t have to worry about your large luggage getting damaged or lost during the flight.
The hardshell suitcase is spacious enough to pack everything you need for your trip in an organized way, so you can stop carrying unnecessary items on your vacation.
However, it’s important to mention that overstuffing the suitcase can cause it to expand and change measurements, which may not fit inside personal item sizes.
If that happens, remove a few items from inside.
The removable 360° wheels make it easy to maneuver through the airport and can be replaced if lost or damaged.
In addition to the Take OFF Luggage Personal Item Suitcase, they’ve also introduced a Personal Item Suitcase – EXPANDED, and the Personal Item Suitcase 2.0 XL (Limited Edition).
Features and Functionality
Design
Take OFF Luggage offers a unique design that combines the best of both worlds.
With its convertible suitcase, you can easily switch from a carry-on bag to a personal item.
The suitcase size is perfect for a long weekend and fits perfectly under the seat in front of you.
The four signature removable spinner wheels give you a smooth roll and are very easy to pop on and off with a push of a button.
Durability
Take OFF Luggage provides hardshell protection that keeps your belongings safe from any damage during travel.
The hard shell is durable and can withstand rough handling by airport personnel.
Moreover, the suitcase comes with a built-in TSA-approved lock.
Setting the combination lock is simple, so you can travel knowing your items are safe and secure.
Storage Capacity
Take OFF Luggage offers double-sided storage that gives you plenty of space to pack everything you need for your short trip.
The unique design allows you to easily separate and access your belongings without digging through layers of clothing or other items.
And if you’re an overpacker, Take OFF Luggage has introduced its own space-saver bags and mini vacuum pump to help you maximize your use of suitcase space.
Ease of Use
Maneuverability
To me, one of the most frustrating things is when my four-wheel suitcase doesn’t roll steadily.
Thankfully, I found the Take OFF Luggage quite easy to maneuver.
The luggage has four double-spinner wheels that are easy to move in any direction.
I could easily navigate through the airport, even in crowded areas. The wheels are also relatively quiet, which is a nice bonus.
I had no issues with the wheels getting stuck or not rolling smoothly.
Then, once you’re on the plane, the wheels are ridiculously easy to remove–just press the button and pull each off before sliding the case under your seat.
The suitcase even came with a drawstring bag to keep the wheels in when they’re off the luggage!
It’s a small detail but very thoughtful.
Suitcase wheels can get very dirty, so keeping them in their own bag before putting them in my purse was a game-changer.
Handling
The Take OFF Luggage is also easy to handle.
The luggage has a telescoping handle that can be adjusted to different heights.
The handle has a sturdy, comfortable grip and locks into place securely, so I did not have to worry about it collapsing unexpectedly.
My Review of Take OFF Luggage
I recently had the chance to test out the Take OFF Luggage Personal Item Suitcase on a couple of budget airlines in Europe–namely RyanAir and EasyJet.
I must say, I was thrilled by how well it performed.
First off, the size of the suitcase was perfect for a personal item on budget airlines.
It fit comfortably under the seat in front of me, and I didn’t have to worry about costly airline baggage fees.
The hardshell exterior of the suitcase held up well during my travels.
It protected my belongings from any bumps or scratches, and the wheels rolled smoothly on various surfaces.
The suitcase also comes with removable wheels, a nice touch for those who want to save even more space.
Since using my luggage, I’ve had to order another set of wheels, as one broke through normal wear.
Thankfully, the 4-pack of replacement wheels arrived quickly and seamlessly popped into my suitcase.
Now, I have three extra wheels for the next time something happens while traveling, so I’ll always have a working wheel.
One thing I particularly appreciated about the Take OFF Luggage Personal Item Suitcase was its lightweight design.
It made carrying the suitcase through airports and train stations a breeze.
The retractable handle was comfortable, and the zippers were easy to open and close.
Overall, I highly recommend the Take OFF Luggage Personal Item Suitcase for anyone traveling on budget airlines.
Its compact size and durable design make it an excellent option for weekend trips or overnight trips, and it’ll serve well as a carry-on along with other luggage for long-haul trips.
Want 10% off your order? Use my code THEPURPOSELYLOST at check-out!
Other Take OFF Luggage Accessories
In addition to their popular Personal Item Suitcase, Take OFF Luggage also offers a variety of travel accessories to enhance your travel experience.
Along with their 4-pack of replacement wheels, space-saving bags, and mini vacuum pump, one of their most popular accessories is their Slim Pack.
Slim Pack lets you fit your laptop, tablet, phone, accessories, and more in a super thin backpack without the bulk.
Measuring less than 3 inches in thickness, you can slide it effortlessly underneath other items without it being too noticeable, making it the perfect companion for those on the move who need easy access to essentials without compromising on style.
Another one of my favorite travel products that Take OFF Luggage offers is the Shoe Bag.
This bag is perfect for keeping your shoes separate from your clothing, preventing any dirt or scuffs from getting on your clothes.
The bag is made of a durable material and is large enough to fit most shoe sizes.
Take OFF Luggage also offers Compression Packing Cubes for those who like to stay organized.
These cubes come in a set of three and are perfect for separating your clothing and accessories.
Why You Should–Or Should Not–Use Take OFF Luggage
As much as I enjoy my Take OFF Luggage, it might not be for everyone or every travel situation.
Light and Right: Traveling Efficiently with Take OFF Luggage
Short-Haul Flights: Ideal for quick trips or short-haul flights where you want to avoid the hassle of checking in larger luggage.
Budget Airlines: It’s well-suited for budget airlines with strict personal item size restrictions, allowing you to maximize your packing without incurring additional fees.
Business Travel: Perfect for business travelers who prioritize quick boarding and need to keep essentials within easy reach during flights.
Weekend Getaways: Great for weekend getaways or overnight stays where a compact and efficient packing solution is essential.
Urban Exploration: Excellent for city trips and urban exploration where compact luggage is advantageous for navigating through crowded areas.
Traveling Light: Ideal for those who prefer to travel light and value the convenience of a personal item-sized suitcase.
When Size Matters: Why Take OFF Luggage Isn’t Always the Answer
Extended Trips: There are better choices for extended trips where larger luggage with more capacity may be necessary to accommodate additional clothing and items.
Specialized Equipment: In situations where you need to carry specialized equipment or gear that may not fit comfortably within the compact dimensions.
Family Travel: Take OFF Luggage is less practical for family travel, especially when you must pack for multiple individuals or have specific items for children.
Winter Travel: The smaller size might make it more challenging for winter travel when bulkier clothing, such as coats and boots, may require more space than the personal item dimensions allow.
Adventure Travel: In adventure travel involving outdoor activities or equipment, a larger, more versatile suitcase may be needed.
Event-Specific Packing: Take OFF Luggage might not be suitable for situations where you need to pack for specific events or activities that demand a broader range of clothing and accessories.
Heavy Packer: If you tend to pack heavily or require a variety of outfit options, a larger suitcase may be more practical than the limited space provided by a personal item-sized suitcase.
Take OFF Luggage Review: Final Verdict
After using the Take OFF Luggage Hardshell Carry On Suitcase, it is a great investment for frequent budget airline travelers who catch a thrill packing light.
The removable spinner wheels make it versatile and easy to use as an under-seater luggage or a carry-on suitcase.
One of the standout features of this luggage is its hardshell exterior.
The durable material ensures that the contents inside are protected from any bumps or mishandling during travel.
I also really appreciate its sleek and stylish design.
In terms of size, the Take OFF Luggage meets most airline personal use requirements, making it a convenient option for those who want to avoid checked baggage fees.
However, it may not be suitable for longer trips or for those who need to pack more than a few days’ worth of clothing.
Overall, I highly recommend the Take OFF Luggage Hardshell Carry On Suitcase for its versatility, durability, and stylish design.
It’s the perfect travel companion for 3-5 day travel itineraries where you’d want a reliable and convenient luggage option.
Read More
- Is Contiki Worth It?: Weighing the Pros and Cons
- Great Gifts for Friends Going Abroad They’ll Actually Be Excited To Take With Them
- Best Travel Necessities: A Women’s Guide to Vacation Essentials
- Top Zero-Waste Travel Essentials for the Eco-Friendly Traveler
- 40+ of the Best Travel Gifts Under $20
- Excellent Gift Ideas for the Beach Lover in Your Life
- Amazing Gifts for History Buffs They’re Sure to Love
- Your Guide to Create Stunning Mixbook Travel Photo Books