Summary
My Delsey Helium Aero review is very positive and it is a great range of luggage. The 21” carry on version I reviewed was perfect in almost every way. It was well constructed with an excellent finish. The little detailing was perfect and the durability was excellent.
The verdict on this range is a ‘buy’.
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In Depth – Delsey Helium Aero Review
Delsey Helium Aero Review
Overall
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Functionality - 85%
85%
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Build - 90%
90%
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Design - 90%
90%
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Value - 90%
90%
Summary
The Delsey Helium Aero 21″ spinner is a great carry on suitcase that you will be delighted with. In my review, we reflect on its great build quality and premium looks. Its the little details that make this suitcase stand out from a crowded marketplace.
Pros
Great build Fantastic brand 10 Year warranty Polycarbonate Great value
Cons
Scratches easily Cheaper versions available Limited color range
The Delsey Helium Aero has been around a couple of years now but it is still a strong sales performer for Delsey. Its combination of style and functionality has appealed with customers reflected by strong sales.
Why would you choose Delsey over another brand?
Quite simply, Delsey is a premium brand in the luggage market. It has a strong international reputation for creating quality products that are stylish and functional. To put this into perspective, they are on par with Samsonite.
You may therefore find yourself paying slightly more for a Delsey Paris case but that reflects the product quality and brand. That should not put you off, they are still incredible value.
Delsey luggage is incredibly stylish as you would expect from a French brand. It is strong, robust and retails very well. Popular with travelers, it is also a plus as they are easily recognizable in a lost luggage department…they are that well known.
In the luggage market, you often get what you pay for. Paying slightly more is often better sense as the product is made from better materials and will be more durable. This is often the case with Delsey and indeed, Samsonite. Their customer support alone is worth a slight premium.
Delsey Helium Aero review
The Delsey Helium Aero review is one of the most requested reviews, and is long overdue. Within this range, there are several sizes. Since I cannot review every single size…it is pointless anyway…I will review the Delsey Helium Aero 21″ carry on.
In this review, I will look at various aspects of it from the build quality to the functionality, the design to whether this range is good value. I will score the product at the end of this review.
You will be in a better position to know whether this is the suitcase you need. Especially if you are planning to buy this online.
Specifications & Features
Material: Polycarbonate
Overall dimensions: 24.7 x 10.25 x 15.25 inches
Body dimensions: 20.5 x 14.5 x 10 inches
Weight: 8.4 lbs
Warranty: Worldwide Limited 10 Year Warranty
Build
- Materials
- Durability
- Finish
Materials
As you would expect from a premium brand, you won’t see and cheap ABS plastics here. Polycarbonate all the way and the benefits this offers. It is a strong and robust material that is incredibly durable. It is resistant to cracking and should a dent appear, it can be pushed back into shape.
The material here is lightweight which will be handy for any luggage allowance and comfort.
It is also resistant to some scratching which is a bonus on this glossy finish. Even if some do appear over time, you can t-cut them out with a little elbow grease. If you are like me, that is a pleasure not a chore.
Durability
I have seen nothing in this suitcase that would suggest that durability will be an issue. In fact, the quality of the build and the material would suggest that it will serve you very well over a long period of time.
Durability can be a tricky subject to handle in a suitcase review as so much is dependent on the handling. If treated properly, everything should be fine. Obviously if you are throwing it around, then there may be consequences. Generally, there should be no surprises here.
The material is strong and robust and everything is as you would expect from a premium brand.
Finish
The finish is glossy. Very glossy. In fact, I quite like it. It really gives it a premium feel in a sea of so many dull suitcases. If shiny things are your thing, you will love the finish here.
It really has that premium look to it as well which is probably something to do with the Parisian styling ethos.
The interior is just as nicely finished too. The colors are nice, as is the material choice. It really feels like a cloth inside which is quite refreshing for a suitcase. The interior is fully lined and comes with two separate compartments, very useful for separating packing and organization.
Another aspect I really liked was the rubberized zippers. Just so much more comfortable to use. It may be a small detail, but it can make a difference to how it feels.
Design
- Style
- Features
The design is premium, that is evident from a distance. So many manufacturers look to Delsey design templates as a basis of their designs. Few get it right. None get anywhere close. This is as good a design you will get.
It is elegant and stylish…very Parisian you may say. It oozes that European chic. It offers a nod back to its past while very much looking to the future. This is the perfect balance in design standards.
Main compartments
The main storage area of Delsey Helium aero is split into two compartments, one of which has a full zipper. The other compartment zone contains some elegant straps. Some people prefer both compartments to be zipped but I prefer this layout for pure convenience.
Front Compartment
The 19” carry on version is the only one in the family to get a front compartment. This is due to the flexibility required by travelers to allow them easy access to passports and documents without having to open the whole case. It a shame that the one we have which is the larger carry on does not get one.
It features an integrated padded sleeve which takes up to a 15.6-inch laptop. With two zippered mesh pockets for accessories, toiletries…or any last-minute items for that matter, it is very handy.
Capacity
We are reviewing the standard carry on which is 21”. Please note that there is a 19” international carry on version too which leads to some confusion.
The capacity is as you would expect and the design does not infringe much on the overall capacity. Compared to most carry on cases, this is at the better end.
This is also an expandable case which increases the width of the case by two inches. If you are using it as a carry on for air travel, check the airlines requirements before you travel.
Size
The overall dimensions of the case were at 24.7 x 10.25 x 15.25 inches including the wheels. The body only measurement is 20.5 x 14.5 x 10 inches. However, you should always use the overall measurement when deciding as that is what the airlines consider.
Handle
The retractable handle is premium looking at overall looks great. The aluminum mechanism is smooth and glides in and out very smoothly. There is a slight ‘wobble’ when fully extended but this is quite common and nothing to worry about.
The ergonomic soft-touch top and side carry handles can be considered a little stiff at first use. They are very close to the body and don’t appear to extend much when in use. I suspect they will loosen after some use but that needs to be seen. Regardless, they were solid and secure.
Locks
The Delsey Helium Aero is secured using an integrated TSA combination lock. This secure the whole suitcase as there is no front compartment on this version.
Overall it works quite well as you would expect. However, we also looked at the Delsey Helium Titanium and compared to that one, the numbers are harder to read and you also need to use two hands. It is not a deal breaker but something we noted.
The fixed position locking does make your suitcase more secure. If your luggage is broken into, they cannot reseal the suitcase using the zipper. This reduces the temptation to attempt to steal from it.
Wheels
The wheels on the Delsey Helium Aero offered superb maneuverability and overall, I was impressed with them. The 4 twin spinner wheels all rotate 360 degrees.
As with most premium brands, they tend to have better wheels and it is only when you experience them, you know why it is important.
The wheels were very quite over a variety of surfaces. Importantly, they felt strong and robust. It hardly felt like there was any weight in the suitcase.
Value
I believe that this suitcase is well priced and delivers value. It is a few dollars more than comparable luggage but the benefits offset that extra cost. In fact, I think you are getting more value than the premium you are asked to pay.
In the suitcase market, you often get what you pay for. If you buy cheap ABS luggage, you often get a poor suitcase that will break after a short while.
The Delsey Helium Aero range is built to last using materials that are proven to be durable.
The construction is high end as you would expect from Delsey and is backed by a 10 year warranty.
Get the Delsey Helium Aero latest price at Amazon
Verdict
Overall, my conclusion of the Delsey Helium Aero review is positive. It felt really good in the hand and after reviewing hundreds of suitcases over the years, it fared well.
I was impressed with the build quality. Often, the claims of the manufacturers don’t always reflect in the product. Delsey did not disappoint. It was clean and everything fitted very well. This is a very well-designed suitcase and the premium element really stands out.
I have taken this suitcase on a couple of trips and although you don’t expect much drama, it didn’t disappoint. Everything functioned as it should and it did so with that famous Parisian style. I did notice a few admiring glances which is always nice to see.
The interior was nice and the material was not the nasty cheap nylon you usually see. In fact, I really liked the touch of the material. It was structured simply but nicely inside which is what I like to see.
Let’s move onto things that Delsey could have done better. The suitcase with its glossy finish is prone to showing scratches. This may not be a big deal to some but it is a worry to me. Part of me enjoys dealing with them but not all people will.
You also have to be careful with the measurements. This carry on is not universally accepted especially internationally. This may potentially cause you some headaches so make sure you are fine. On domestic US flights, this was absolutely fine.
The biggest criticism I have is with hard side luggage which cannot be a direct criticism of this suitcase. Their inflexibility in squeezing into spaces means that it can be frustrating finding adequate room in a cabin. There is no squeezing this in anywhere, it needs its space.
The only other thing they could have done better was put a front compartment on this carry on size. The international version has one so I’m not quite sure what Delsey’s thinking was on this. It just seems a little strange.
Overall my experience was good and the verdict has to be a ‘buy’.
Do you own a suitcase from this range? If so, let me know your thoughts. Did it meet your expectations and what is your view on it? Leave a comment below and help our readers make informed buying decisions.
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FAQ
What is the difference between the International carry on 19” vs Carry on 21”?
The main difference is the suitcase dimensions. The International version also has a front compartment.
The 19 inch Helium Aero International Carry on has an overall dimensions of 21.25 x 14 x 9 inches which includes the wheels and handle. It is also expandable and as mentioned above has a front compartment.
The 21 inch Helium Aero has an overall dimension of 23 x 15.25 x 10.75 inches which includes the wheels and handle. It has no front compartment.
Does this Delsey Helium range fit inside it self for storage?
Yes, it does. The 21″, 25″and a 29″ all fit inside of each other.
Does the Delsey Helium Aero range have exterior pockets?
No, they are a hardside suitcase so they do not. The only real exception is the 19” international carry on which has a front compartment. The rest do not.
Do Delsey have a guide on carry on sizes?
Yes, you can find it here.
What colors are available in the Delsey Helium Aero range?
They have five colors available. blue, peony, red, plum and platinum.
Where is this range made?
This range is made in the USA.
Are they water resistant?
Yes, this Delsey Helium Aero range is water resistant.
How long is the warranty?
They have a 10-year or lifetime warranty against defects in material and workmanship from the date of purchase.
You may also be interested in this post on the Delsey Helium Titanium review or the Delsey Chatelet Hard Plus review