Expert World Travel

Skyway Luggage Review: Lightweight Suitcases On A Budget

Skyway remind me a lot of TravelPro because they produce quality luggage at affordable prices.

Their range of soft and hardcase luggage can hold it's own against a lot of the more expensive brands like Delsey and Samsonite. They have the same features, great materials, zippers and wheels. Which is perhaps not surprising when you find out they are owned by Ricardo Beverly Hills based in the USA.

They are also well known for making seriously light luggage. And the cases last for years, despite the fact that you have not paid a fortune for a suitcase.

In this review I want to show you some of the best options you have with Skyway and why they are a good buy.

There are also a couple of downsides, so I will be sure to highlight those as we go.

In the end you will be able to decide whether a Skyway case is for you or not.

Skyway Mirage Superlight Luggage

Skyway make some seriously light luggage and the Mirage is their flagship range when it comes to that.

Here are the quick specs on the 3 sizes you can buy with the Mirage:

  • 20 inch - 22.5" x 15.5" x 8.5"  @ 5 lbs, 8oz
  • 23 inch - 23" x 16" x 9" @ 6 lbs, 14 oz 
  • 28 inch - 28" x 19" x 10" @ 8 lbs, 8oz 

As you can see from the weights, they are extremely light cases.  

If you compare the 20 inch with the Maxlite 4 from Travelpro (which is also super-light) that case is 5 lbs, 14 oz. So, the Skyway is even lighter!

The Features

These cases are light, but also have all the standard softcase features you would expect

  • 4 spinner wheels for easy manoeuvring
  • Full-length front zippered pocket for slimmer items
  • Deep internal compartment that is easy to access and pack in
  • Stretch pockets and zippered pocket on lid for smaller items
  • Expander zipper for those who overpack or bring home extra souvenirs

PROS

  • Very light weight
  • Deep easy to pack interior
  • Expandable size
  • Spinner wheels for easy moving

CONS

  • No bottom handle (useful for moving from overhead or trunk of car
  • No inside compression straps
  • Only 2 positions on telescopic handle
SEE PRICES ON AMAZON

Skyway Nimbus 2.0 Luggage

The Nimbus series is hard case luggage that opens clam shell style for packing in two convenient halves. Made from strong ABS material, it is a little heavier than the Mirages above, but has a stronger protective exterior.

  • 20 inch - 19.5" x 14" x 8.5" @ 7 lbs, 9oz
  • 24 inch - 24" x 17" x 9.5" @ 9 lbs, 3oz 
  • 28 inch - 28" x 19" x 10" @ 8 lbs, 8oz 

As you can see from the weights, they are quite light pieces of luggage, although if you want to go insanely light, you can look no further than the Samsonite Firelite and Cosmolite series.

The Samsonites are more expensive of course, so the Nimbus is a great compromise!

Packed With Features

The hard cases work a little differently as everything needs to be on the inside, however you still get quite a few nice features:

  • Top section mesh zippered cover​
  • Bottom section compression straps and side zippered pocket (for smaller items)
  • Expandable packing with a zippered-expander
  • Smooth 360 spinner wheels
  • Gel cushioned handles

PROS

  • Two sided packing with zippered mesh and pocket
  • Comfy gel handles
  • Easy 360 degree spinner wheels
  • Hard ABS shell gives extra protection
  • Simple design without any frills or fuss

CONS

  • A little heavier than a soft case
  • Two-sided packing might not suit everyone (compared to one deep side on soft case)
  • No extra pockets on outside (like soft case)
  • No built in TSA locks (like in Delsey and Samsonite)
SEE PRICES ON AMAZON

Other Skyway Luggage

The Mirage and Nimbus are two of Skyway's bestselling products, but they also have a couple of others you might want to check out such as the Epic, Sigma  and FL Air Air soft cases .