Paravel Aviator Carry-On Review: Is It Worth The Money?

Not too long ago, the idea of traveling with wheeled luggage would have made me laugh. Why? Because I was a backpack traveler through and through.

I lived by the mantra of carry-on-only travel, but my version always involved a trusty backpack—no wheels, no dragging, and definitely no cobblestoned streets slowing me down.

But as I’ve gotten older (and, let’s be honest, a little less willing to endure unnecessary pain), I’ve started to see the appeal of not carrying the weight of the world—or at least the weight of my stuff—on my shoulders. I still avoid checking bags like the plague, but I’ve come to appreciate the luxury of rolling my stuff instead of lugging it.

That said, my journey to finding the perfect carry-on wasn’t exactly glamorous. For years, I relied on my parents’ ancient cloth suitcases (soft-shell suitcases are what they’re actually called), which were probably harboring lots of bacteria on the outside and crumbling on the inside.

Every time I opened one, I was hard pressed not to find little black pieces of plastic (from the suitcase literally decomposing right in front of my eyes) sprinkled into my clothes like some kind of toxic confetti.

Finally, I decided enough was enough. After scouring the internet for the perfect carry-on—something sleek, durable, and worth the investment—I landed on the Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus.

And if you’re here, you’re probably wondering if this suitcase is the one for you, too.

I get it. With so many brands and options out there marketing to you on social media, how do you pick the perfect suitcase? This article is about my personal experience with the Paravel Aviator Carry-on.

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

Key Takeaways

I love my Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus! Even after 4+ years of owning it, it’s still my go-to suitcase for 90% of my trips domestically and internationally.

The Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus is for you if:

You need a bit more room than what a standard carry-on suitcase offers (great for travelers who take 3 to 7 day trips)
You want a durable, sleek, and minimalistic carry-on
You want a bag that has TSA-approved locks
You want to support a brand that’s actively doing its part to save the world!

BUY THE CARRY-ON PLUS

Table of Contents

PARAVEL: AN OVERVIEW OF THE BRAND

There are plenty of options for luggage these days, so what exactly makes Paravel stand out from the crowd?

This sentence says it all: “Paravel is the sustainable travel brand dedicated to exploring the world while minimizing our impact on it.”

The First Ever Carbon-Neutral Suitcase

The biggest standout of this brand has been its carbon-neutral suitcase. The Aviator suitcase offsets emissions throughout the entire process (from it being created to it being shipped) to ensure the brand’s sustainability standards. Such a noble cause–this is by far one of the biggest reasons why I love the Paravel brand.

Today, Paravel offers everything from suitcases to weekender bags, fashionable totes to packing cubes, foldable backpacks to handbags, and more! Among the vast collection, all are made from recycled and upcycled materials. It’s truly amazing how everything from the zippers to the telescopic handles, vegan leather trims to interior linings are all made from recycled materials.

If you’re interested in learning more about this, you can read more about Paravel’s sustainability efforts here.

By far their most popular suitcase is the Aviator Carry-On, which is the line that I will be reviewing for you today.

PARAVEL SUITCASES: STAPLE FEATURES

Some of Paravel’s standout features include the following:

Lightweight and durable recycled polycarbonate shell
360-degree frictionless wheels with carbon steel bearings
3-tier aircraft-grade recycled aluminum handle
Built-in TSA-approved combination lock
Vegan leather trim
Interior compression board that’s removable
A divider inside the main compartment
Water-resistant interior made from upcycled plastic bottles
Reinforced metal corners

All of Paravel’s suitcases are flight regulation-friendly. There are 3 different sizes fit to fly in different ways.

Aviator Carry-On | designed to fit in the overhead bin of almost any flight, anywhere in the world.
Aviator Carry-On Plus | provides more room and fits nicely in the overhead compartment of major US airlines, but may need to be checked on smaller planes.
Aviator Grand | perfect as a roomy checked bag.

Paravel Aviator Carry-On Review - Is It Worth The Money?

PARAVEL’S CARRY-ON MODELS

If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for a carry-on, so that’s where we’ll focus in this post. Paravel has two carry-on options. There’s the Aviator Carry-On and the Aviator Carry-On Plus.

AVIATOR CARRY-ON FEATURES

The Aviator Carry-On is the smaller of the two options and also the most affordable option offered by the brand. It comes equipped with all the staple features listed above.

All of the color combos it comes in are classy and oh-so-stylish. In my opinion, the Safari Green and Scout Tan options are the easiest on the eyes!

The great thing about the standard Carry-On size is that it was designed to fit in the overhead bin of almost any flight, anywhere in the world.

Carry-On Specifications

Dimensions (L x H x W): 13.7″ x 21.7″ x 9″
Weight: 8.2 lbs
Capacity: 43.7 liters
Trip Length: 2-5 days worth of clothes and 1-2 pairs of shoes

AVIATOR CARRY-ON PLUS FEATURES

Now moving on to the Aviator Carry-On Plus. The main difference between the standard carry-on and the Carry-On Plus is its size; the Plus is a bit bigger and offers 3 more liters of storage than the standard. This extra space is better for travelers who tend to take longer trips or who tend to pack more for their trips.

In terms of colors, you’ll find the same colors for both sizes.

Carry-On Plus Specifications

Dimensions (L x H x W): 14.7″ x 22.7″ x 9.6″
Weight: 8.5 lb
Capacity: 46.6 L
Trip Length: 4-7 days worth of clothes and 2-4 pairs of shoes.

PARAVEL AVIATOR CARRY-ON: PROS AND CONS

PROS

has an incredibly effortless, sophisticated and classy design.
made with high-quality and recycled materials (love their sustainability efforts)
hardside shell helps to protect your belongings from being crushed in transit
has a sturdy handle and really smooth-rolling wheels.
the exterior’s ridged pattern helps to minimize scuffs/scratches
meets most airlines’ carry-on size requirements, so you won’t have to worry about checking it.
luggage includes a sleek anti-microbial bag

CONS

The telescopic handle flares out, so some bags with tighter trolley sleeve will have issues fitting over it.
Would have liked to see more internal pockets. To get around this, invest in a set of packing cubes.
Paravel suitcases are slightly pricier than other luggage brands like Monos or Away.

LEARN MORE ON PARAVEL’S WEBSITE

AVIATOR CARRY-ON PLUS REVIEW

Let’s just lay it all out upfront — the selling points of the Aviator Carry-On (Standard and Plus sizes) are three-fold:

the fact that it’s one of the most beautiful and classy-looking luggage out there on the market
its status as completely carbon neutral
and all the cool features it comes with: the smoothest wheels ever, a built-in TSA-approved lock, and a classic style that suits every traveler

Now we get to the fun part–taking a peek at an actual Aviator Carry-On Plus in detail!

I recently purchased my very own Aviator Carry-On Plus in green and was so excited to take it on my first trip. Spoiler alert: I was not disappointed by its functionality, and I got just about a million compliments on the suitcase!

AVIATOR CARRY-ON PLUS: SIZE AND STYLE

First and foremost, I loved the fact that this carry-on is a hardshell suitcase.

I’ve only ever used soft-sided roller bags which ultimately did the job, don’t get me wrong. But they got dirty, stained, and just didn’t age very well. And because they were soft in nature, I never had full confidence that the stuff inside wasn’t getting squished to death when stored in luggage closets and whatnot.

Paravel suitcases are made with flexible, lightweight, and durable recycled polycarbonate shells. Polycarbonate is one of the best luggage materials out there, which gave me confidence that this bag would hold up for years to come.

FYI, the majority of other brands in the market today opt for cheaper PVC material, which is highly toxic and non-recyclable. This is one huge pro of Paravel suitcases–they are conscious about the environment and it definitely shows in the final product.

And while hardshell bags do have the ability to get scuffed (especially when checked in), the scuffs are pretty easy to remove with a magic eraser.

Pro Tip: I opted for the carry-on option because that meant I’ll rarely have to deal with scuffs from checking my bag in. Having said that, if there is a need to check in your new Paravel suitcase and you want to avoid the scuffing that inevitably happens after every flight, get yourself a clear suitcase cover! That way, you can still show off the beauty of this bag while keeping it protected.

Next up, the size is perfect for my travel lifestyle.

The Carry-On Plus was designed to comply with the size restrictions of most US airlines, fitting in the overhead bin of nearly every flight, with the exception of smaller flights. Because I tend to take longer trips lasting 3+ days, I needed something a bit roomier than a standard carry-on luggage size.

I have a smaller carry-on by Monos Travel (the Monos Carry-On Pro) and found it to be just a tad too small for my liking. I wanted something roomier for those longer multi-day trips.

(For those of you wondering, the Monos Carry-On Pro that I own is essentially the same size as the standard/smaller-sized Aviator Carry-On.)

It goes without saying that Paravel’s Aviator Carry-On Plus is the perfect size for my lifestyle! Here’s a real-life example to illustrate its size: On my most recent 4-day trip from SF to LA, I packed 4 days worth of clothes and 2 pairs of shoes. I still had room to spare after all the toiletries and accessories were packed.

Now according to Paravel’s website, the larger carry-on is supposed to fit 4-7 days’ worth of clothing, plus 2-4 pairs of shoes. From my personal experience, I’d say it fits a tad less than that. I can certainly get 4-7 days’ worth of clothing in there, if I make an effort to pack fewer shoes.

Having said that, I’m not dinging any points from Paravel because, as with most carry-ons, you’re probably not going to fit 7 days’ worth of clothing and 4 pairs of shoes. At that point, you’re better off buying a checked suitcase!

AVIATOR CARRY-ON PLUS: WHAT’S INCLUDED

Inside the box, my new suitcase was covered in a cloth wrap to prevent any scratches during shipping. This outer bag can also be used as a dust bag to store the luggage when you aren’t using it.

The carry-on came with a little introduction booklet, as well as an anti-microbial bag that can be used as a laundry bag or shoe bag.

It’s no secret that this bag is simple, yet beautiful. I mean, just look at it. Such a soothing color both inside and out to stare at–and not a lot of nooks and crannies to have you forgetting which pocket you put something in. Love it.

AVIATOR CARRY-ON PLUS: FEATURES

The first thing that really stands out about Paravel’s suitcases? The warm tan vegan-leather trimmings found all over this bag. It compliments the minimalist vibe so well, with a touch of vintage.

I personally love the tan color, but if that’s not your style, you can find other color combinations such as a black trim on a black case, black trim on a white case, and black trim on a navy case.

The next thing that I loved about this bag was the multi-stage telescopic handle that you can adjust for your height. While you can’t stop the handle in whatever position you want, there are 3 height settings which is enough customization for my needs.

Next up are the silky-smooth 360° double-spinner wheels. It’s such a small feature, but it makes all the difference. Pulling (or pushing) this bag around is so fun because of how easy and effortless it is.

I could literally use one finger to move it along on concrete! It didn’t matter whether I was rolling it along bumpy sidewalks, dirt pathways, carpeted hallways, or just in the airport. It was so smooth… definitely one of my favorite features of this carry-on suitcase.

Just like all other suitcases in the Aviator line, the Carry-On Plus comes with an integrated TSA-approved lock on the side of the bag.

Paravel Aviator Carry-On Review: TSA Locks

The presence of locks is pretty standard these days, and the only difference compared to Away bags (one of their main competitors) is that the locks on the Paravel bags are located on the side as opposed to on the top.

Okay, now let’s talk about the inside of the bag. Inside, the bag has two sides to it, one that has a zippered compartment and another that has an attached compression panel that flips up and down and is tightened with straps.

While at first, I thought the internal compression pad was in the way of my packing, it’s actually cool because it allows you to pack more items inside than you’d initially think!

Paravel vs Monos: Which Suitcase Is Better

On the left side, there’s another main compartment that’s separated by a flap of fabric that contains an extra zippered compartment. I’ve found that little pocket is great for smaller things that I want to keep separate from my main clothing compartment (such as hair accessories, toiletries, scarves, undergarments, socks, etc.).

All these features made for a really organized, yet minimalist packing experience.

The luggage is lined with a beautiful navy blue water-resistant fabric and features vegan leather trimming for that sleek yet classic look.

Does the suitcase scuff?

You should expect all hardshell suitcases to scuff. If you don’t want scuffs, get a soft-shelled luggage. Simple as that.

After using my suitcase for 4+ years, I wanted to share with you all how the luggage is doing. It’s holding up spectacularly, and with minimal scuffing — despite having been forced to check it in at the gate a few times!

As you can see from the picture below, most of the markings are on the reinforced metal corners. Then there’s that white paint mark that I’ve just been too lazy to try and remove… otherwise, it’s spotless!

Not too bad for a suitcase that flies at least twice a month!

Paravel Aviator Carry-On Review - Scuffing

👉 HOW TO PREVENT SCRATCHES: Whenever I know I’ll be flying on smaller planes or taking flights through Europe (where overhead bin space always seems to run out before I board), I try to bring either the black dustbag that the suitcase came with or an actual suitcase cover to protect my suitcase before handing it over to the gate agents to check it in. This drastically minimizes the amount of scratches and scuffs on the suitcase.

THE GOOD + THE BAD OF THIS SUITCASE

The Good: Why I’m Team Paravel

The bags are just so darn gorgeous.
Love that this brand is a responsible purchase; they make sustainable, carbon-neutral products.
After using my suitcase 30+ times at this point, the price is totally justified. I’ll be using it for many more trips to come!
The 10-year limited warranty gives me so much peace of mind!

The Bad: What Could Be Improved

It’s slightly pricier than some other brands. However, if you’re looking for a high-quality, long-lasting suitcase (like I was) and can’t get over how pretty the suitcases are, the investment is worth it.
The top of the telescopic handle juts out to the sides, which can make it tricky to slide bags with tight trolley sleeves over it. If you frequently use a personal item with a snug sleeve, this could be an inconvenience. It was for me.

PARAVEL CARRY-ON PLUS: FINAL THOUGHTS

To answer the first question that’s likely on your mind–are Paravel Aviator luggage bags worth the money? My answer is an astounding yes.

Even with the trolley sleeve complaint, I still love my Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus.

And no, they did NOT pay me to say this… I bought this suitcase with my own money. Even after all these years, I am still completely in love with it which means this mini-splurge was totally worth it for me.

It’s sleek and roomy, and the design of the bag is even more beautiful in person. I honestly wish I could stare at it all day. And in terms of its larger carry-on size, I’ve had no issues on any of the flights I’ve taken over the course of the year.

It’s been able to fit in the overhead storage on each and every one of my flights thus far. (I have yet to take a smaller puddle jumper plane, but if it turned out that I had to check it on one of these smaller flights, I wouldn’t be too mad about it.)

While Paravel luggage is by no means cheap, they are priced similarly to other brands that play in the same space (such as Away, July, Monos, Beis, etc). I found Paravel bags to be just a tad more expensive than others, but not so much that it’d sway me to go with a competitor brand.

In addition, these bags are much less expensive (but way better looking) than some other premium travel luggage brands like RIMOWA–RIMOWA bags can cost you anywhere from $700 to $1,200 USD!

And last but not least–their status as a carbon-neutral, sustainable brand only adds to my love for this company. 10/10 recommend!

Aviator Carry-On or Carry-On Plus?

This is a very good question, and this was one of my biggest struggles when I was deciding which one to buy.

While I loved the fact that the smaller Carry-On had the ability to fit in all overhead bins worldwide, I already owned a bag of this size and found it to be a bit too small for my longer trips spanning 4+ days. I ultimately needed something with a bit more space to fit more things.

Because of this, I went with the Aviator Carry-On Plus. The size is perfect for longer trips.

Again, I’ve never had issues with it fitting in the overhead bins on any planes of the following airlines: Alaska, WestJet, Southwest, Spirit, United, British Airways, TAP, Aeromexico, ANA, Starlux, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, and more.

What other kinds of products does Paravel have?

If you’re looking to pick up some extra bags or luggage pieces, consider getting one of their luggage sets. They’ve got Aviator Packing Cube Sets, Cabana Sets, Weekender Sets, Duffel Bags, Frequent Flying Kits, and much more!

All of their other products look SO good, like my Small Cabana Tote (personalized with my initials), which pairs oh-so-well with my Carry-On suitcase.

ALTERNATIVE LUGGAGE BRANDS TO CONSIDER

Monos

Monos Travel, a luggage company based in Vancouver, Canada is another one of those brands that have a really admirable mission statement.

Monos claims to give travelers what the luggage market was lacking – premium, minimalist luggage, built with only the finest quality materials and components – all at a fair price.

They are also Climate Neutral Certified, which means the company has net-zero carbon emissions — the first luggage brand to do so.

Another thing that draws people to Monos is the fact that luggage bags come with a 100-day trial period and a lifetime warranty on parts!

Monos Carry-On Options: Carry-On or Carry-On Pro

LEVEL8

LEVEL8 is an NYC-born brand for aesthetically pleasing luggage. Much like the other products here, LEVEL8 honors the art of presentation and style when it comes to traveling.

One of the benefits of going with this brand’s suitcases is that they’re the most budget-friendly of the bunch.

Their hard-shell luggage is enhanced with a lightweight and durable polycarbonate hard shell and features 360° spinner wheels that are ultra-quiet and have an anti-shock design to ensure a smooth traveling experience through the airport.

Plus, their Textured Carry-On comes in 7 fun colors, including a cute pastel blue and green! For something more bougie, they also have a fully-aluminum carry-on too.

LEVEL8’s Carry-On option: Textured Carry-On

DEAL ALERT! Use this link and my limited-time promo code ‘TravelsWithElle10‘ for 10% off your entire purchase.

Away

Away is a decent alternative to Paravel. Very much like Paravel, Away’s products are ideal for the jet-setter that’s looking for well-built, sleek-looking luggage that will last for years. Their suitcases are made from similar high-end materials and they come equipped with all the features you’d be looking for in sturdy luggage.

All of their suitcases have double spinner wheels, telescopic handles with ergonomic grip, an internal compression system that makes it easy to pack more in the bags, a removable laundry bag, and TSA-friendly locks.

Away has an aluminum collection, whereas Paravel does not. This brand also has softshell options, and some hardshell suitcases come with an ejectable power bank.

Away offers more color variety than Paravel, so if color is a big deal for you, you might have some luck with Away’s product offerings.

Away’s Carry-On option: The Carry-On

👉 DEAL ALERT! For a limited time, you can use this link to get $40 off any suitcase or bag.

RIMOWA

RIMOWA is a premium luggage brand perhaps best known for its aluminum carry-ons. Designed and engineered in Germany, RIMOWA combines heritage and craftsmanship with the rigors of modern technology.

This is truly the luxury version of the modern, minimalist carry-on. If I had the budget to buy luggage by RIMOWA, this would be the brand I’d buy!

On top of the high-quality materials used to craft the luggage, the handle does not have fixed settings, which means you can adjust it to literally any height you wish. Game changer!

Do note that RIMOWA luggage will cost you anywhere between $700 and $1300, which is significantly more than the cost of a Paravel suitcase.

If you’re looking for something similar in size to the Paravel Aviator Carry-On, the RIMOWA Cabin Essential is your best bet. It’s equal parts sleek, spacious, and ultra-lightweight! It will fit in most standard overhead bins and also has enough space that packing for 4-7 days is very achievable.

RIMOWA Carry-On Options: Cabin Essential and Cabin Essential Lite

Paravel Aviator Carry-On: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dimensions of the Paravel Aviator Carry-On?

The Paravel Aviator Carry-On dimensions are as follows:
Length x Height x Width: 13.7″ x 21.7″ x 9″ (34.8cm x 55.1cm x 22.8cm). These dimensions are compliant with most airline carry-on size restrictions. In terms of weight and volume, this suitcase is 8.2lb and holds 43.7 L in volume.

What are the dimensions of the Paravel Aviator Carry-On Plus?

The Paravel Aviator Carry-On dimensions are as follows:
Length x Height x Width: 14.7″ x 22.7″ x 9.6″ (37.3cm x 56.7cm x 24.4cm). These dimensions meet TSA carry-on requirements, and despite being a bit larger than airline carry-on restrictions, should still fit in most overhead bins. In terms of weight and volume, this suitcase is 8.5lb and holds 46.6 L in volume.

How do I keep my Paravel Aviator Carry-On clean and scuff-free if it needs to be checked?

The Paravel Aviator Carry-On comes with a dustbag that fits perfectly over the suitcase like a sleeve. While it’s not meant to fully replace a suitcase cover, it will do the trick in keeping scuffs and scratches off your suitcase if you’re in a pinch and find yourself needing to gate-check your bag.

It’s definitely saved me from at least 2 completely full flights from London where there was no more overhead space for passengers! I was sad that I had to get my carry-on checked, but luckily having the dustbag with me meant I could prevent the consequences of rough handling.

I hope you found this Aviator Carry-On Plus review to be helpful! I’ve given you a lot of other options to round out this review post, but ultimately, if you’re looking to upgrade your gear, Paravel is a wonderful brand of luggage to go with.

It remains one of my top favorite carry-ons to travel with!

Looking for more travel packing tips? Read More: