Thanks for this write-up! I have been tasked with finding a new bag quickly as my 10yr carryon (Park and Preston 22in spinner) handle just broke; super glue should get me back to Houston this weekend. I too am debating between the Travel Pro Crew 11 and the BR Transcend TUV22VXSP. I have the BR 26in Transcend from about 8yrs ago for my checked bag and have been very happy with it.

How does the external frame impact carry on / sticking it in the overheads, if at all? It sounds like I lose a little bit of internal space at best. I always get asked by United to stick my current bag in the sizer; I pound it in but it fits (just over 10in base depth). I really like the way this new bag expands so when I need to cram some extra clothes or on a gate check plane, I can carry a few more things.

I am going to bring my old bag to the store to see how it compares before buying. I love my old bag (easy pocket for 311 bag) but it just seems like I am always craming into the overheads and sizer so I am wanting something a hair smaller. FWIW, I am in construction, travel weekly nearly all United, mostly blue jeans and sometimes boots/hard hat…no suits.