Level8 Luggage Great For Business Travel

A Long-Term Review of Level8: My Go-To Carry-On for European Business Travel

I have been using Level8 luggage for several years now, and after countless European business trips, it has become my most reliable piece of travel kit. I originally bought the carry-on because I wanted something sturdy, professional and easy to manage on short-haul flights, particularly with easyJet. What I did not expect was how well it would hold up over time. After several years of regular use, I can say that Level8 has outperformed both Samsonite and Tumi cases I have owned in the past.

From the first trip, the quality of the Level8 shell stood out. It is firm and reassuringly solid without feeling too heavy, and after years of being lifted into overhead bins, dragged through train stations and rolled over pavements in different European cities, it has kept its shape. The suitcase has picked up a few light scuffs, which is normal for any hard-shell case, but it still looks clean and presentable. I cannot say the same for some of my old Samsonite pieces, which lost their structure and developed noisy wheels far more quickly.

The wheels on the Level8 case are one of the features that convinced me to stick with the brand. Even after years of use, they still glide smoothly. I can navigate airports, station platforms and hotel corridors easily, often with a laptop bag balanced on top, without that irritating wobble or drag that older suitcases tend to develop. Compared with my previous Tumi carry-on, which looked the part but felt heavy and stiff at times, the Level8 is a far more practical travel companion.

One of the features I have appreciated most as a long-term user is the front laptop pocket. When passing through security, being able to reach my laptop and documents quickly has saved a lot of time. It avoids the awkward unpacking that some carry-ons force you into. The internal layout also deserves credit. The zipped dividers and compression straps keep everything organised, so clothes and work items stay neat even when the case is full. For short trips where I need a mix of clothes, tech and paperwork, the design works very well.

Over the years, the case has also proved highly compatible with European low-cost carriers. I use easyJet frequently, and the Level8 fits reliably in overhead bins without the need to force or angle it. Even during busy flights, I have rarely struggled to find space, which is partly due to the compact design and partly due to the case handling weight well even when packed. Travelling often means dealing with tight boarding gates or rushed connections. Having a carry-on that behaves consistently reduces stress.

To be balanced, there are a few small drawbacks. The hard shell, although durable, is slightly heavier than some ultra-light soft-sided alternatives. If you are constantly trying to stay just within weight limits, this might matter. Over the years, a few corner scuffs have appeared, though none have impacted performance. I have also noticed that while the zippers are solid, they are not quite as plush as the top-tier Tumi models I previously owned. These points are minor, but worth noting for a complete long-term assessment.

Looking at reviews online, I can see that many travellers highlight similar strengths. Level8 is often praised for build quality, value for money and smooth manoeuvrability. Some reviewers also note that it offers near-premium performance without the heavy price tag associated with luxury brands. My experience aligns with that entirely. After several years of use, the case still feels dependable and comfortable to travel with. It has never failed me on a trip, which is more than I can say for the higher-priced brands I previously relied on.

When comparing Level8 to Samsonite and Tumi based on long-term ownership, the conclusion is clear. Tumi looks premium but comes with a premium price and, for me, did not deliver enough practical advantage. Samsonite is dependable but in my experience tends to show wear sooner and has less refined internal organisation. Level8 sits in the sweet spot. It has the sturdiness and professionalism I want for business travel, coupled with a price point that makes sense and durability that holds up year after year.

After several years of using Level8 as my primary carry-on, I trust it fully for business trips across Europe. It rolls smoothly, protects my belongings, fits airline cabins reliably and stays organised inside. Most importantly, it has remained consistent over the long term. For anyone who travels frequently and wants a high-quality case without the high-end price of brands like Tumi, Level8 is a very strong choice.