Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On Review: Pros & Cons 2025

Wondering if the Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On is worth it? You’re in the right place!

I recently had the chance to try out this sleek aluminum carry-on from Level8 and am here to share my honest experience. 

Since aluminum luggage comes at a higher price point than your standard suitcase, it’s worth looking at what sets it apart.

In this Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On review, I’ll give you a full breakdown of the pros and cons to help you figure out if it’s the right fit for your travel style. 

Keep reading to find out the key features, what stood out to me, and a few things you’ll want to consider before buying.

My Review

Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On

🏆 Best Affordable Aluminum Luggage

Pros:
✅ Sleek & Stylish
✅ Aerospace Aluminum
✅ Packing Cubes Included

Cons:
❌ Heavier Weight
❌ Floppy Handles
❌ Smaller Size

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Disclosure: This review was sponsored by Level8. As always, all opinions are my own.

Honestly, I really love this suitcase. The Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On is super sleek and stylish, and the aluminum finish gives it a premium feel that definitely stands out at the airport. 

This is my first piece of aluminum luggage, and I was impressed by how sturdy it feels, especially with the ultra-quiet spinner wheels, metal corner protectors, and dual TSA-approved locks. 

It doesn’t have a zipper closure like most suitcases–instead, it uses a secure rubber gasket, which took a little getting used to but actually feels more protective. 

The size is slightly smaller than a typical carry-on, so I’d say it’s best for a 3-4 day trip. If you tend to overpack or want to use one carry-on for longer travels, this might not be the best fit. 

My only real complaint is the floppy, slow-release handles on the top and side, which makes it a little trickier to lift into the overhead bin.  Though to be fair, that could also be because I’m on the petite side.

Yes, it’s a little pricier than a standard carry-on but compared to other aluminum luggage, it’s actually an affordable price.

Overall, if you’re looking for a durable and stylish aluminum carry-on for short trips, the Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On is a great option.

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Before we get into the details, let’s start with why aluminum luggage is even a big deal. 

To be honest, a big part of the appeal is the look. Aluminum luggage just has that cool, high-end vibe that stands out in a sea of black suitcases. 

But it’s not just about aesthetics.  Aluminum is a premium material that’s more durable and impact-resistant than typical polycarbonate or fabric luggage. 

It’s built to handle wear and tear over time, which makes it a smart investment if you travel often. 

Yes, it might still get scuffed here and there, especially if you have to check it, but the structure is designed to last.

Here’s a quick overview of the luggage specifications for the Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum carry-on:

Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons of the Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On:

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If you’re considering aluminum luggage, chances are design matters to you. And the Level8 Gibraltar Carry-On definitely delivers a sleek and stylish design. 

It has a clean, modern look that stands out without being flashy. I chose the Silver color, and it looks just as good in person as it does in photos–if not better! 

The finish gives it that high-end feel, and I’m definitely not embarrassed to be rolling it through the airport.

Even the small details like the corner protectors and handle color feel thoughtfully designed. If style is important to you, this carry-on checks all the boxes.

The Level8 Gibraltar is made with aerospace-grade aluminum magnesium alloy, which is one of the reasons it has a more premium feel (and a higher price tag) than standard suitcases. 

Aluminum luggage is known for being extra durable and resistant to impact, so it can handle more wear and tear from travel. 

It also gives the suitcase a sleek, structured shape that holds up well over time. 

While it does add a bit of weight, the trade-off is worth it if you want a suitcase that looks sharp and lasts longer. 

It definitely feels like an upgrade from typical polycarbonate or fabric luggage.

One unique feature of the Level8 Gibraltar is that it has two TSA-approved locks on the side instead of a zipper closure. 

Since the suitcase doesn’t zip shut, these locks are the main way to secure it and they do a great job. 

TSA-approved locks are helpful because they allow airport security to unlock and inspect your bag without damaging it. 

I personally really like having built-in locks, especially when staying somewhere without a safe or when I need to store my luggage before or after check-in. 

It gives you that extra peace of mind knowing your things are safe and secured.

The 360° spinner wheels on the Level8 Gibraltar are another pro as they’re ultra-quiet and glide super smoothly. 

Honestly, the suitcase rolls effortlessly (even on uneven surfaces) and feels surprisingly stable for a hard-shell case. 

It doesn’t wobble or tip over like some other carry-ons I’ve used in the past. 

The 360° spinner wheels make it easy to maneuver with minimal effort and it definitely adds to the overall premium feel of the luggage.

The metal corner protectors on the Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On are a great touch and something I haven’t seen on most other carry-ons. 

They add an extra layer of protection to the spots that are most likely to get banged up during travel. 

This feature is especially helpful if you ever have to gate-check or fully check your bag. It gives you a little more peace of mind knowing the corners won’t dent as easily.

The Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On comes with two mesh interior dividers that both attach to the suitcase using a plastic hook near the dual locks. 

This setup keeps your belongings secure and adds a bit of compression when closing the case. 

Only one of the dividers has an extra zippered compartment, which is great for separating smaller items or dirty clothes. 

Both dividers are removable and snap into place along the sides, making it easy to adjust them as needed. 

It’s a bit different than standard zippered dividers, but it makes sense since it’s zipperless and still keeps everything organized while you travel.

One feature that really sets this suitcase apart from standard carry-ons is the way it closes. 

The secure rubber gasket is probably the biggest difference from regular luggage since the suitcase doesn’t zip closed. 

Instead, it closes more like a trunk and locks into place with the TSA-approved side locks. I know it might sound a little weird, but it actually works really well. 

The rubber gasket creates a tight seal that keeps your belongings protected. It adds a solid, secure feel to the whole suitcase.

One of the best surprises with the Level8 Gibraltar Carry-On is that it comes with a 4-piece Packing Cube Travel Set. 

This packing cube set is a $49.99 value on its own so that’s a really nice bonus! 

The set includes one large cube that fits perfectly on one side of the suitcase, a medium cube, a small cube, and a toiletry bag with velcro dividers. 

It also comes with a set of velcro icon labels so you can tag each cube with what’s inside like clothes, shoes, beauty products, laundry, or electronics. 

I’m kind of obsessed with packing cubes, so this was a huge value add for me! 

They’re super durable with strong zippers, and they make it way easier to keep everything organized and separated. 

Plus, the package also comes with a beige luggage tag, which is a nice finishing touch.

Another big pro of the Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On is the affordable price, especially for aluminum luggage. 

Yes, it’s pricier than your standard carry-on, but that’s expected with this type of material. 

Compared to other aluminum options like Away or Rimowa, the Level8 Gibraltar is actually much more budget-friendly. 

You still get the sleek design and durable construction without the luxury price tag. 

If you’ve been curious about aluminum luggage but didn’t want to overspend, this is a solid option to consider.

Another nice touch is that the Level8 Gibraltar suitcase comes in a dust bag right out of the box. 

It’s not something you see all the time with luggage, and it definitely adds to the premium feel. 

The dust bag is perfect for keeping your suitcase clean and scratch-free when you’re not using it. 

It’s a small detail, but one I really appreciate!

Another big pro is Level8’s lifetime warranty, which gives you extra peace of mind when investing in this suitcase. 

Level8 clearly takes pride in the quality of their products, and the warranty covers functional issues like problems with the shell, wheels, handles, or zippers due to manufacturing defects. 

Now, normal wear and tear (including airline damage) isn’t included, but it’s still a strong guarantee that you’re buying something built to last. 

If your suitcase is covered, they’ll either repair it for free or send a comparable replacement if it can’t be fixed. 

Level8’s customer service also seems to be really responsive, which makes the warranty even more reassuring.

And even though this suitcase costs more upfront, the lifetime warranty makes it feel like a smarter long-term investment.

Another nice perk worth mentioning is that Level8 offers free shipping on all their suitcases. 

If you’re in the US or Canada, your suitcase will arrive in just 3-6 business days at no extra cost.

European customers also get free shipping, though delivery might take a bit longer. 

For other regions like Asia, the Middle East, or Oceania, there may be an additional fee for shipping.  You can visit the Level8 Shipping page for more information.

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One downside to aluminum luggage is the added weight, and the Level8 Gibraltar carry-on comes in at 10 lbs. 

For reference, my Level8 Voyageur Carry-On is 8.1 lbs, so while it’s heavier, the difference isn’t drastic. 

Honestly, it doesn’t feel heavy to me (even as someone who’s pretty petite) and I don’t find it hard to maneuver. 

Plus, for carry-ons, weight usually isn’t an issue on most US airlines, so it’s not really a deal breaker in my opinion.

Probably my biggest issue with the suitcase is the slow-release handles on the top and side tend to flop to the side when you’re lifting it. 

They don’t lock into place or stay upright, which can make it a little harder to get the suitcase into the overhead bin. 

It doesn’t affect rolling or general use, but the lack of stability when lifting could be frustrating if you’re not very tall or strong. 

That said, I’m pretty petite–so if you have more upper body strength than I do, it might not bother you at all.

Another potential drawback to consider is that the Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On runs a bit smaller than other carry-ons I’ve used. 

Its dimensions are 22”L x 15”W x 8.4”H, which is slightly slimmer than something like the Away Bigger Carry-On, which measures 22.7″ x 14.5″ x 9.6″. 

Since it’s a bit smaller, it’s probably best suited for a short trip or weekend getaway. 

If you’re someone who likes to use a carry-on for longer trips or tends to pack on the heavier side, you might find the space a little limiting. 

It works great for light packers, but it’s not the most spacious option out there.

One small con of the Gibraltar aluminum carry-on is that the dual TSA-approved locks are made from plastic instead of metal. 

They work just fine and feel secure, but I do wonder how they’ll hold up over time with regular use. 

It’s not a huge issue for me right now, but something to keep in mind if you travel often. A metal lock would likely offer a bit more long-term durability.

Another downside is that the Gibraltar luggage is only available as a 20″ carry-on and there’s currently no matching checked-size version in aluminum. 

So if you’re hoping to buy a full set of luggage in the same style, that’s not an option at the moment. 

It’s something to consider if you prefer your luggage to match or need a larger size for longer trips. Hopefully Level8 expands the line in the future!

The Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On is best for travelers who value style, structure, and durability in their luggage–especially for short trips. 

If you’re someone who likes to stay organized and travel light, the included packing cubes and interior dividers are a huge bonus. 

It’s a great fit for weekend getaways, business trips, or anyone who prefers to avoid checking a bag. 

It’s also a good choice if you travel often for work and want something sleek and professional-looking. 

That said, if you tend to pack for a week or longer using just a carry-on, or if you prefer ultra-light luggage, this might not be the best option. 

The size and weight are the main trade-offs for the premium design and material.

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Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum Carry-On:

I hope this Level8 Gibraltar Aluminum luggage review helped you decide if this carry-on is the right fit for your travel style! 

Overall, I’m really impressed with the sleek design, durable aluminum finish, and thoughtful features like the mesh dividers, dual TSA locks, and the bonus packing cubes. 

The main downsides for me are the slightly smaller size, heavier weight, and floppy handles, but those didn’t outweigh the benefits for me. 

If you’re looking for a stylish and sturdy carry-on for short trips, this one offers great value, especially considering the price point for aluminum luggage.

I honestly really love it and I’ll definitely be using it for future weekend getaways! 

If you’re ready to grab your own, you can check current pricing and learn more on the official Level8 website.

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