If you’re the child of immigrants like I am, chances are you’ve frantically repacked a suitcase or 12 at the airport over the years. I know I have. But I’ll never do it again.
My new suitcase—the Delsey Cruise 3.0 — alerts me if I’m nearing the 50-pound weight limit for most airlines, meaning there will never be an overweight baggage charge in my future.
I’m not sure how I traveled without it for so long. Delsey has been building scales into its suitcase for several years, but I’m just getting up to speed with the Cruise 3.0.
Update: This might not be the trendiest new suitcase on social media, but it’s so functional that doesn’t matter. I’ve traveled with this suitcase almost every time I’ve checked a bag in the past year. This suitcase’s wheels easily rolled across cobblestone streets in Zurich. The overweight indicator has consistently kept me under airline weight limits, and there’s barely a scratch on it—even after spending four days in various luggage piles at the Toronto airport during last summer’s Air Canada meltdown. I would buy another, but I’m pretty sure this one is going to last a very long time.
The Basics
The Delsey Cruise 3.0 comes in three sizes—a carry-on, and two check-in sizes. I opted for the smaller 24″ spinner because I wanted something large enough for several weeks on the road but small enough to comfortably carry onto a train or up a short flight of stairs.
This lightweight suitcase is straightforward and exceptionally functional. There are two packing compartments, one with compression straps and another with a mesh zipper enclosure. There’s also a TSA-compliant lock and handles on multiple sides for easier lifting.
Bonus: This carry-on fits my Delsey Cruise 3.0 suitcase perfectly.
*While we earn commissions when you purchase through our partner links, this is an independent editorial review.
The Details
This suitcase is 26.75 inches high and 17.25 inches wide. It offers 11.25 inches of interior packing space that’s expandable by another two inches. It’s also available in carry-on and 28-inch versions.
One of my favorite features about this suitcase is that it weighs just nine pounds when it’s empty. The suitcase is made of polycarbonate and has a ridged exterior with a twill texture, which means it can hold up to baggage handlers. It has three handles, including one that doubles as a scale.
Delsey’s patented overweight indicator is built into the suitcase’s side handle. Just pack it and lift it to see if you’re overweight. The indicator turns red once the suitcase weight reaches 48.5 pounds, just shy of the 50-pound limit on most major airlines.
If you’re flying with an airline that offers a 70-pound weight limit you’re out of luck. There’s no option to reset the scale on this model.
What I Love About the Delsey Cruise 3.0
Everything about this suitcase is easy down to the built-in scale. Just pick up the suitcase and if you see red, you’ll know your bag is overweight or very close to it.
The suitcase’s interior lining can be removed and washed. Dual-density spinner wheels make move smoothly through airports, across pavement and over cobblestones. Handles on multiple sides make it less likely you’ll hate this suitcase when you have to carry it yourself.
What I’d Change About the Delsey Cruise 3.0
This Delsey luggage line is only available in three colors: platinum, blue and graphite. If you’ve spent any time around a luggage carousel, you know this will make it harder to spot your bag.
I’d love a broader selection that includes a few bright colors, but for now, I’m planning to solve this problem with stickers.
The Bottom Line
For years, I could pick up my suitcase and guess its weight within a pound or two. That skill has atrophied during the pandemic, but it doesn’t matter anymore. I’m not going back to guessing about whether there may be an overweight baggage charge in my future.
If you or someone you know is a chronic over-packer, buy this suitcase now.
If new luggage isn’t in your budget right now, consider picking up a luggage scale.
*While we earn commissions when you purchase through our partner links, this is an independent editorial review.
