LEVEL8 Grace Carry on Luggage Review: Your Complete Guide
Finding the right carry on luggage can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. You want something durable, stylish, and practical without breaking the bank.
The LEVEL8 Grace Carry on Luggage has been making waves on Amazon with over 8,000 reviews and a solid 4.5 star rating. But does it live up to the hype?
I spent weeks testing this suitcase on multiple trips to bring you this honest, detailed review. Whether you’re a digital nomad, frequent flier, or weekend traveler, this guide will help you decide if the LEVEL8 Grace is your perfect match.
Key Takeaways:
- Expandable capacity goes from 36L to 41L, giving you extra space when you need it without compromising airline approval
- Front laptop compartment fits up to 15 inch laptops, making it perfect for remote workers and business travelers
- 360 degree spinner wheels glide smoothly and quietly across any surface, from airport terminals to cobblestone streets
- Built in TSA lock keeps your belongings secure without needing external locks or tiny keys you’ll inevitably lose
- Lightweight construction at just 9 pounds means you can pack more without worrying about weight limits
- Lifetime warranty from LEVEL8 shows they stand behind their product quality and craftsmanship
What Is LEVEL8 Grace Carry on Luggage
The LEVEL8 Grace represents a smart choice for travelers who refuse to compromise between quality and affordability. This hardside carry on luggage combines modern design with practical features that actual travelers need.
The suitcase measures 21.8 x 14.5 x 9.8 inches, which fits most airline carry on requirements. When you expand it, the dimensions become 21.8 x 14.5 x 11.3 inches, giving you that extra breathing room for souvenirs or extra clothes.
LEVEL8 launched this Grace series specifically for travelers who value organization and easy access. The brand, established in 2008, has built a reputation for creating affordable luggage without cutting corners on quality.
They operate across the United States, Canada, and Europe, offering free shipping to these regions. The Grace line comes in five elegant colors: grey, black, blue, champagne, and red, so you can match your personal style.
Design and Build Quality That Catches Eyes
The LEVEL8 Grace sports a sleek, professional appearance that turns heads at the airport. The hardside shell uses durable polycarbonate material that protects your belongings from rough baggage handlers.
Metal corner protectors add an extra layer of defense against those inevitable bumps and scrapes during travel. These reinforced corners mean your suitcase stays looking newer for longer.
The textured finish serves a practical purpose beyond aesthetics. It hides minor scratches and scuffs that would be obvious on smooth surfaces. The grey option particularly excels at disguising wear and tear while maintaining a sophisticated look.
The overall build feels solid without being heavy, striking that perfect balance between durability and portability.
The Game Changing Laptop Compartment
This feature alone sets the LEVEL8 Grace apart from competitors. The front facing laptop compartment opens with a smooth 180 degree expansion, making it incredibly easy to grab your laptop during security checks.
You don’t need to dig through your entire suitcase or carry a separate laptop bag anymore. The compartment fits laptops up to 15 inches, plus it includes extra pockets for your charger, mouse, cables, and important documents.
Digital nomads and remote workers will appreciate how this design streamlines airport security. You can keep your work essentials separate from your clothes and toiletries. The compartment feels sturdy and well padded, giving you peace of mind that your expensive electronics stay protected.
The vertical opening design means you can access your laptop while the suitcase stands upright, which saves your back from unnecessary bending.
Interior Organization That Makes Sense
Open the LEVEL8 Grace and you’ll find a thoughtfully designed interior. The split case design features a zipper divider that separates your belongings into two main compartments.
One side has a lined section with a mesh zipper pocket, perfect for organizing smaller items. The other side includes cross straps that keep your clothes compressed and wrinkle free during transit.
Multiple interior pockets let you organize toiletries, electronics, and accessories without everything becoming a jumbled mess. The compression straps work remarkably well at maximizing space and keeping your packed items secure.
You can fit five days worth of clothes comfortably, or even a full week if you pack smart. The expandable feature adds that crucial extra capacity when you’re heading home with more than you left with.
Top 3 Alternatives for LEVEL8 Grace Carry on Luggage
Smooth Rolling Spinner Wheels Performance
The 360 degree spinner wheels deliver on their promise. They roll smoothly across various surfaces including carpet, tile, and even rough pavement.
What impressed me most was how quiet they are compared to cheaper luggage. You won’t wake up your fellow passengers with loud rattling as you navigate the airport at 6 AM.
The wheels feel sturdy and well attached to the suitcase body. They swivel effortlessly, making tight turns in crowded airports a breeze.
The multi directional capability means you can push, pull, or roll the suitcase alongside you without any resistance. After several trips, the wheels showed no signs of wobbling or degradation, which speaks to their quality construction.
TSA Lock Security Features
Security matters when you’re traveling, and the LEVEL8 Grace includes a built in TSA approved combination lock. This slide mounted lock integrates seamlessly into the design without adding bulk.
You set your own three digit combination, eliminating the worry about lost keys. TSA agents can open it with their master key if needed, without damaging your suitcase.
The lock mechanism feels solid and responsive. It doesn’t jam or stick, which I’ve experienced with cheaper locks on other luggage. Having the lock built into the zipper pulls means you can’t forget it at home. This integrated design also looks cleaner than hanging external locks that dangle and clank around.
Expandable Capacity When You Need It
The expandable feature adds approximately 5 liters of extra capacity. You simply unzip the expansion panel around the perimeter, and the suitcase grows from 9.8 inches to 11.3 inches in depth. This flexibility proves invaluable when you’re bringing back souvenirs or when you slightly overpack.
The expansion doesn’t compromise the structural integrity of the suitcase. It still rolls smoothly and maintains its shape even when fully expanded.
The extra fabric panel matches the main body color and blends in nicely. You can keep it unexpanded for most trips and only use it when necessary, giving you options based on your packing needs.
Handle System and Maneuverability
The LEVEL8 Grace includes three grab handles for versatile lifting options. The top handle lets you grab it from overhead compartments easily. The side handle comes in handy when you’re lifting the suitcase onto luggage racks or into car trunks.
The telescoping handle extends smoothly to multiple heights, accommodating different user heights comfortably.
The telescoping mechanism locks firmly at each position without wobbling. It retracts completely into the case when not in use, preventing damage during baggage handling.
The grip feels comfortable even during extended periods of rolling through large airports. The handle positions allow you to maneuver the suitcase whether you’re tall or short, making it truly user friendly.
Weight and Portability Advantages
At just 9 pounds empty, the LEVEL8 Grace ranks among the lighter hardside carry ons available.
This lightweight design means more of your airline’s weight allowance goes toward your actual belongings rather than the suitcase itself. Most airlines allow 15 to 22 pounds for carry on luggage, so you can pack plenty while staying under limits.
The weight distribution feels balanced when rolling or carrying the suitcase. It doesn’t tip over easily when standing upright, even on slightly uneven surfaces. The lightweight construction doesn’t sacrifice durability, which is a testament to LEVEL8’s material choices and engineering.
Real World Durability Test Results
After putting the LEVEL8 Grace through multiple trips including flights, train rides, and car journeys, it held up impressively. The hardshell exterior showed minimal scratching, and the textured finish effectively hid any minor marks. The wheels remained smooth and quiet without developing any wobbles or resistance.
The zippers, often the first component to fail on luggage, continue working flawlessly. They glide smoothly even when the suitcase is packed full. The stitching on the interior compartments stayed intact without any loose threads. The metal corner protectors did their job, showing only superficial marks while the corners themselves remained undamaged.
Who Should Buy LEVEL8 Grace Carry on Luggage
This suitcase excels for remote workers and digital nomads who need laptop access without carrying extra bags. Business travelers will appreciate the professional appearance and organizational features.
Weekend warriors get enough capacity for short trips while staying airline compliant. Budget conscious travelers receive premium features without premium prices.
The LEVEL8 Grace works particularly well for travelers who mix work and leisure. You can keep your work equipment separate while still having plenty of room for clothes and personal items.
People who value organization will love the multiple compartments and pockets. Anyone tired of struggling with cheap luggage that breaks after a few trips should seriously consider this investment.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
The dimensions exceed limits for ultra budget carriers like Ryanair, who enforce stricter size requirements. If you exclusively fly these airlines, you might need a smaller option.
The color selection, while tasteful, remains limited compared to some competitors who offer more vibrant or unique shades. Some users might prefer more color variety beyond the five current options.
The hardside design, while protective, lacks the external pockets found on softside luggage. You can’t stuff a water bottle or jacket into an outside pocket for quick access. The expandable feature, while useful, does make the suitcase slightly heavier than non expandable alternatives when fully packed.
Price and Value Assessment
At approximately $119 on Amazon, the LEVEL8 Grace delivers exceptional value. Comparable luggage with similar features from premium brands costs $200 to $400.
You’re getting laptop compartment convenience, TSA locks, quality wheels, and expandable capacity at nearly half the price of competitors. The lifetime warranty adds tremendous value, essentially insurance for your investment.
The suitcase costs less than many inferior options that lack the laptop compartment or use cheaper materials. When you factor in the free shipping to US, Canada, and Europe, the value proposition becomes even stronger. For travelers who want quality without overspending, this price point hits the sweet spot.
How Does LEVEL8 Grace Compare to Premium Brands
Premium brands like Samsonite, Travelpro, and Away charge significantly more for similar feature sets. The LEVEL8 Grace holds its own in build quality while costing considerably less.
The main differences come down to brand prestige and sometimes minor material upgrades. For most travelers, these differences don’t justify paying double or triple the price.
The Grace matches or exceeds mid range options from established brands in terms of features. The laptop compartment actually surpasses what many premium brands offer.
The warranty coverage matches industry standards from top manufacturers. Unless you specifically want a luxury brand name, the LEVEL8 Grace provides comparable performance and durability.
FAQs
Is the LEVEL8 Grace carry on expandable?
Yes, the LEVEL8 Grace features an expandable design that increases capacity from 36 liters to 41 liters. You unzip the expansion panel around the perimeter to add approximately 1.5 inches of depth. This gives you extra space for souvenirs or when you need to pack slightly more than usual. The expansion doesn’t affect the smooth rolling performance or structural integrity of the suitcase.
Does the laptop compartment fit all laptop sizes?
The laptop compartment accommodates laptops up to 15 inches. Most standard laptops, including MacBook Pros, Dell XPS, and similar models, fit comfortably. Very large 17 inch gaming laptops might not fit. The compartment also works great for tablets, iPads, or important documents if you don’t need to carry a laptop. Additional pockets inside the compartment hold chargers, cables, and accessories.
Will this suitcase fit airline carry on requirements?
The LEVEL8 Grace fits carry on requirements for most major airlines including United, Delta, American, Southwest, and international carriers. The dimensions of 21.8 x 14.5 x 9.8 inches fall within standard limits. However, it exceeds size requirements for ultra budget carriers like Ryanair that enforce stricter restrictions. Always check your specific airline’s requirements before traveling.
How do I set the TSA combination lock?
The lock comes preset to 0-0-0. To set your own combination, open the lock with the default code, then locate the small reset button usually on the side or underneath the lock mechanism. Press and hold this button while setting your desired three digit combination. Release the button and scramble the numbers, then test your new code to ensure it works before closing your luggage.
What is LEVEL8’s warranty policy?
LEVEL8 offers a lifetime warranty on the Grace carry on luggage. This covers manufacturing defects and material failures under normal use. The warranty doesn’t cover damage from airline mishandling, accidents, or normal wear and tear. To make a warranty claim, contact LEVEL8 customer service with your proof of purchase and photos of the damage. They typically respond quickly and stand behind their products.
Can I wash the interior lining?
The interior lining can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid soaking the lining or using harsh chemicals that might damage the fabric or waterproof coating. For tougher stains, use a soft brush with soapy water and gently scrub the affected area. Allow the interior to air dry completely before closing the suitcase to prevent mildew or odors from developing.
