Review: The Rimowa Classic Flight Inside

Updated on December 28th, 2022

Since Rimowa has been taken over by LVHM (Louis Vuitton Group) the whole Rimowa assortment received a facelift. Besides that the prices went up by at least $100 to $150 dollar.

The Rimowa Classic, which used to be called the Rimowa Classic Flight has received an upgrade. I always had the feeling the Classic Flight was the more affordable version of the Topas. If the Topas was too expensive but you really want an aluminium suitcase from Rimowa then the Classic Flight was the ideal suitcase. The Classic Flight has now received an upgrade and a facelift. The prices also wen up for this model. It’s safe to say it’s not the little brother or sister of the Topas anymore, but a true Classic in a league of its own.

Product Description

The Rimowa Classic Cabin is with a volume of 35 liter the most popular aluminium cabin trolley from the Rimowa line. The smallest cabin from the Classic line holds 33 liter, but the 2 liter makes a lot of difference especially on short trips.

The dimensions are 21.7 x 15.8 x 9.1 inch and it weighs 9.3 pound. The specification can be read from the label which is attached to the box. The label below is from a Rimowa Classic Cabin purchased in Germany. As you can see the label says Made in Germany. Rimowa’s purchased in the America’s are mostly manufactured in Canada. Because Rimowa is originally a German company, many people prefer a Rimowa made in Germany.

Product Experience

The box used to have the Rimowa logo printed on both sides. The new box is blank on all sides. Since Rimowa is more concentrating on online selling. I assume Rimowa wants the boxes to be as discrete as possible. Rimowa is becoming more mainstream and popular recently, especially with collaborations with Off White and Supreme.

A pleasant surprise when opening the box is the dust bag which is included. Previously the suitcase was covered in a plastic transparent bag. The dust bag protects the suitcase much better in the box and it provides a nice way for storing and keeping your Rimowa. The Rimowa logo and name are printed on each side. I was a little bit disappointed about the quality of the cord. It looks and feels very cheap.

Exterior of Rimowa Classic Cabin

Taking your Rimowa carry on out of a dust bag is much more exciting than removing it from plastic bag. The aluminium case looks even more robust in contrast to the soft cloth of the dust bag.

The first thing I noticed is the Rimowa logo on top of the suitcase. To my taste the Rimowa logo is way too big and too loud. It draws attention away from the beautiful design of the suitcase.

I’m starting from the top and the leather handles on the top and side are still great. Rimowa hasn’t changed them and they shouldn’t. They feel really great. They feel better than the handles on the Original.

The outer aluminum shell hasn’t changed for a while and it looks great. But to be honest the outer aluminium shell on the Rimowa Original looks much more impressive.

The difference between the aluminium shell of the Rimowa Classic and Rimowa Original is that the aluminium shell of the Classic is made out of one large plate while the shell of the Rimowa Original is tailored for each model. You can see that the grooves stop about half an inch before the edge. The groove on the Classic runs against the edge.

I’m not a big fan of the locks on the Classic. The locks on the pricier Rimowa Original are much better and robust. Rimowa made some improvements on the locks which I can appriciate. The locks used to slam against the shell when opening it, making a lot of noise. Now they have put a rubber wedge between the lock and the outer shell.

Another feature which Rimowa has added to the Classic is a slot and a pen on the inside of the suitcase. When closing the suitcase it makes sure the two aluminium shelves are guided into the correct position so the two shelves will fit flawlessly. I’m wondering if this feature doesn’t conceals the fact that the two shelves don’t always fit perfectly together.

Another detail that could my attention is that the new logo replaced the old logo on the wheels and the hinges. The hinges used to have made in Germany or made in Canada on it.

The label which is attached to the suitcase also received a proper update. The attention to detail is wonderful. The rivet with the Rimowa logo is a nice little detail which made me doubt to save the label or throw it in the bin.

Interior of Rimowa Classic Cabin

Looking at it functionally the interior got a real upgrade. It’s actually identical to the interior of the Rimowa Original. So where it used have only one Flex Divider it now has two Flex Dividers.

From an aesthetic point of view I think the upgrade didn’t do any good to looks of the interior. The previous interior was more playful, less serious and the airplane print gave it a real retro look and feel.

Only on the inside of the suitcase it says where it’s manufactured. It seems like the production of the Classic has moved from The Czech Republic back to Germany again.

The booklet holds the instruction on how to use the suitcase and how to be entitled to warranty. Besides that it also holds the leather luggage tag and a Rimowa sticker. The previous booklet already looked nice, but they managed to make it even more beautiful.

Conclusion

I always felt like the Classic Flight was meant for young people who eagerly wanted an aluminium Rimowa but couldn’t afford a $1000 dollar suitcase. So the Classic Flight was the perfect compromise. Maybe I’m totally wrong but this is how I felt about it. With the upgrade I feel the Classic (Flight) became older, more serious and pricier. It’s not the little brother of the Original (Topas) anymore. It’s now in a league of its own.

Pros of Rimowa Classic Cabin

• Rimowa resolved minor issues, making it even a better suitcase
• Interior has now two instead of one Flex Divider
• Dust bag is now included

Cons of Rimowa Classic Cabin

• Pricey! Price went up with about $100 to $150 dollar
• Lost its retro and playful interior
• Still not a fan of the locks