1. Purchase, never gifted.
We buy our own bags through retail or via Maya’s personal Amazon / Away / Monos accounts. We never accept PR samples. If a brand has sent us anything in the past, it is disclosed at the top of that specific review.
2. 12-month wear period (minimum 90 days for fast verdicts).
Every flagship review runs a full twelve months. Quick verdicts are flagged as such and run a 90-day minimum. Photographs at days 1, 30, 90, 180 and 365 - same lighting setup whenever possible.
3. Real travel only.
We do not stage suitcase shots on white backgrounds. Every photo is taken on a real trip - airport floors, hotel lobbies, train stations, mountain trails. If a bag has not flown ten times, it is not getting reviewed.
4. Verdict box format.
Each review closes with a verdict box - Perfect for, Skip if, and Alternatives. This is the format Maya developed during her tenure at Conde Nast Traveler 2018-2024 and used in 200+ pieces over six years.
5. Affiliate disclosure.
Any link marked /go/ or labeled (affiliate) is a referral link. We may earn a small commission if you purchase. This never changes the verdict. If a bag is mediocre, we say so - regardless of commission tier. See our About page for sample editorial decisions.
6. No sponsored content.
We do not accept sponsored placements, paid product features, or affiliate-funded list articles disguised as reviews. If a brand wants on The Edit, they buy the carry-on like everyone else.