Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!
The Longchamp brand has always been a well-regarded name in the world of fashion accessories, but are Longchamps the best travel handbags? Many Travel Fashion Girl readers say yes. Find out why!
Longchamps Bags Reviews
Table Of Contents
Every time I step into an airport, I feel like there’s a sale on Longchamp Le Pliage bags — they’re everywhere! With a price tag of around $145, I know they’re not being given away, so I wondered: Why do so many women travel with them?
Are Longchamps the best travel handbags? I turned to a trusted group of avid female travelers (the women on TFG’s Facebook group, of course!) and asked what they thought of these handbags for travel. This is what they had to say.
Longchamp Basics
Here are some of the essential details to know about the signature Longchamp Le Pliage large tote bag:
- Style: Large Tote Bag
- Material: This tote is made of a nylon/pliage material, which makes it lightweight, easily packable, and water resistant.
- Colors: The Longchamp tote comes in lots of colors, with the best seller Longchamp bag color being black, followed by red, navy, graphite, and billberry.
- Weight/size/measurements: 12.2” x 11.8” x 7.5” with 12” shoulder strap drop length
- Travel type: This purse can be used as a carry-on, stowed away as an extra tote, used for a weekend trip, or brought along for a trip abroad — it’s particularly popular in Europe!
Are Longchamps the Best Travel Handbags?
Our readers love Longchamp bags for a few reasons, from its stylish silhouette to its versatility. It’s no wonder so many consider Longchamp to be the best handbag brand for travel!
Longchamps Bags Reviews: Best Stylish Bag for Travel
When we asked what our readers loved most about the Longchamp Le Pliage travel bag, many of them explained how stylish it was.
One reader says, “I saw an incredibly chic passenger with a well-worn, large Le Pliage on the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard more than a decade ago. I still wonder where she was heading and what glamorous events her weekend entailed. I had to have one for myself! Alas, the Gatsby-esque lifestyle did not come with it.”
Another reader says, “I used it on an island-hopping trip across Greece, and it was the best! I could fit a week’s worth of clothes inside, and it did double duty as a beach tote! I love it so much that I want the other smaller sizes, but you can’t fit much in those.”
If style is important to you when you travel, be sure to read Pack Light Stylishly!
Most Versatile Travel Bag: Longchamp Le Pliage Review
Readers also say the Le Pliage is one of the most versatile travel bags as it can serve multiple functions and for many different occasions.
One reader says, “I have the larger one that doubles as a travel shoulder bag, and I use it all of the time! I use it as an everyday tote, a carry-on tote, or if I’m taking a wheelie, then it serves as an extra bag in my suitcase.”
Another reader traveling with children finds it perfect for her family needs. “We’ve been using it in our travels as a nursing bag. We have two small children, and I have a larger shopper tote with longer straps. It holds a lot of the stuff we need on our travels with children.
“We’ve taken it on a plane with baby stuff (food, diapers, toys, wipes, etc.) and at the destination, it can be used as a beach bag or a shopping bag. It’s easy to handle and carry-on your shoulder.”
Watch the Fashionista’s Guide to Ultralight Minimalist Packing video!
Small Longchamp Le Pliage Shoulder Tote
Best Foldable Travel Tote: Longchamp Review
The most popular way the Longchamp bag seems to be used on trips abroad is by folding it up and bringing it along as a spare tote or carry-on bag!
A TFG group member says, “A huge bonus is that it folds and neatly snaps together, so if you’re on a longer trip and planning to pick up a thing or two, you can stow it away until needed as an extra bag for the journey home. This is a good investment.”
Another reader says, “I purchased a large black one several years ago in Paris and have used it for everything from a purse, to a weekend tote, to a gym bag. It’s an excellent carry-on bag and easy and light to throw into a larger suitcase if you’re expecting to bring back some extra souvenirs. The real ones are durable and resistant to dust.”
This reader finds many uses for her Longchamp tote: “I have been traveling with mine for years. I always pack it, because it makes a great extra bag if you need another suitcase on the return home. I’ve used mine as a beach bag, overnight bag, and a market bag for grocery shopping (in Europe you have to buy plastic bags and this is much better).”
Read about some of the best packable totes for travel!
Large Longchamp Le Pliage Shoulder Tote
Longchamp Most Lightweight Bag for Travel
Our readers explain that the light weight of Longchamp handbags is what makes them easy to pack and carry around the world!
One reader says, “I love mine, but if I’m using it as a travel purse, it must have a purse organizer in it. Otherwise, everything is hard to find. But with an organizer, it’s great! I love how lightweight it is.”
Another says, “When in Paris recently, everyone was carrying one! There was even a billboard near the airport — beware of imitation bags. I carry it mainly as a tote, but as a purse, I would add an organizer or use a cross body for overseas travel. I have a similar bag as my personal item for the plane — I love that I can throw in a light jacket and stuff it full since it’s so lightweight.”
Despite only one little pocket, this reader loves hers, saying, “My 17-year-old daughter and I love Longchamp bags. They are very lightweight and durable. We have used them on many trips and will again in June for her graduation trip to Italy. The main negative is that it has only one little pocket.”
Our experts share the best carry-on luggage for traveling to Europe!
Large Le Pliage Neo Nylon Tote
Longchamps Reviews: The Perfect Weekender Bag
One Travel Fashion Girl reader explains that Longchamps are the best travel handbags for short weekend trips as opposed to long, international trips where you may need more storage. Use packing cubes to help compress your clothing for your short vacation!
One reader says, “This may never take the place of a backpack for long-term travel, however it’s perfect for shorter trips and when you don’t really need to carry around your stuff all the time! Also, I personally haven’t had any issues folding it up. There are sometimes some very cool airport exclusive designs to choose from!”
Another adds, “This is one of the best travel handbags for weekend travel. It’s sturdy, holds a ton, and even marinara sauce and red wine stains wipe right off!”
We round up some of the best weekender bags!
Are Longchamp Le Pliage Bags Waterproof?
The nylon material of the Longchamp handbag line makes their purses water-resistant, but not necessarily waterproof. Thankfully, water resistance is usually all you’ll need while traveling!
Water resistance will keep all of your items dry inside the bag whenever it rains or you spill something on it. It wicks away the moisture, which is great for any destination you may be headed.
What Size Longchamp Bag Should I Get?
Le Foulonné Leather Crossbody Bag
Longchamp Travel Bag: Crossbody
Beyond the popular Longchamp tote, there are other options for travelers who want a different size or style of bag, but with the Longchamp quality.
As many of our Travel Fashion Girl readers will tell you, across body bag is one of the safest purse options for traveling abroad. The stylish Longchamp Le Foulonné Crossbody Bag is an easy pick. This compact bag is made out of a stunning pebbled leather that can easily work with both day and night looks.
One reader says, “I like the look of the Longchamp cross-body bag. There’s lots of room, it’s very light, and you get the benefit of being hands-free.”
If you’ve been asking yourself the question, “What size Longchamp bag should I get?” This cross body may be the perfect in between.
Read about the top 5 anti-theft travel purses
Le Pliage Expandable Travel Bag
Longchamp Weekend Bag
While the Le Pliage tote bag is the most popular Longchamp bag, the Longchamp expandable travel bag is another great option. It has a lot of room for all of your clothes and accessories, and it’s extremely stylish. This oversize tote is perfect for any weekend vacation or short trip.
Check out these other alternatives to Longchamp!
Medium Le Pliage Cuir Leather Top Handle Tote
Longchamp Leather Tote
Longchamp is a popular brand for travel, because their line of handbags includes so many different sizes and styles! This stylish Le Pliage Cuir Leather Shoulder Bag, can be used in two different ways, working as a crossbody bag and a handbag. It comes in several gorgeous colors and it’s also available in “mini” size too!
One TFG reader says, “I own several in different sizes and usually use two for travel. I use the handbag with a long handle for a normal day. It fits most things that I need during the day, like a water bottle, camera, scarf, etc.”
Another reader says, “I use the travel bag as a carry-on to fit a jacket/coat, iPad, book, and one set of clothes if I’m on a longer trip. This bag is especially useful if I’m traveling with smaller luggage. Other bags like the Planetes range is classy for work trips but isn’t foldable.”
These are some of the best travel bag styles for sightseeing!
Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack
The elegant Longchamp Le Pliage Tote may be the inspiration for this bag. The oh-so-popular tote among female travelers still requires you to carry it by its handles. The Le Pliage backpack lets you go hands free, which is always a bonus!
Longchamp Le Pliage Nylon Tote Video Review
Watch this video to learn why I adore this bag!
Bags Similar to Longchamps
Large Travel Weekender Bag Duffle
If you like the idea of traveling with a Longchamp handbag but don’t want to pay the hefty price, consider this bag similar to the Longchamp Le Pliage, which can be found on Amazon.
The ECOSUSI large travel weekender duffle bag has an adjustable padded shoulder strap to wear it as a satchel or cross body. Trolley handles allow you to slide it over the handle of your suitcase. It is water resistant and fabric lined, with a special pad to protect your electronic screens. At $39.99, it’s a cheaper alternative to the Longchamp.
Find out why the ECOSUSI duffle bag is one of the most popular under-the-seat trolley bags!
What is your favorite use for a bag like Longchamp? Share in the comments!
For more Ideas on travel handbags, please read:
- How to Choose a Travel Purse
- Why Cross Body Purses are the Best Travel Shoulder Bags for Women
- How to Choose a Travel Day Bag that Fits You
- How to Keep Your Passport Safe While Traveling
LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!
I would love to have a Longchamp Le Pliage bag for my personal item to go under the seat on international flights, but none of them have a trolley sleeve and I need to have that feature. Wonder why Longchamp doesn’t consider adding that to one of their travel bags. What do others do? It’s not that convenient or comfortable to have a stuffed bag on your shoulder going through airports.
Hi Margot, if you are looking for a bag with a trolley sleeve, you may find like one of the options featured on this post: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/travel-bags-with-trolley-sleeve/ Hope this helps. 🙂
hi, do you know which bag organizer fits best for longchamp le pleage small?
Hi Chelly, thank you for reaching out. Have a look at this article for the best purse organizer for the Longchamp purse: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-purse-organizer/ The measurements for the purse are 9 ¾”W x 11″H x 5 ½”D. Check the dimensions of the inserts carefully to ensure that they will fit properly. I also recommend ordering a few to see which one works best for your needs. I would also highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post any questions you have about bag organizers there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that have the best advice and recommendations to share. Hope this helps answer your question. Happy travels! ?
I love the lesportsac medium Dakota bags. They even have one on nordstromrack.com right now. One has a roller so if it’s too heavy on top of your carry on, you can roll it!
Kipling has a couple bags with trolley sleeves too. I’ll put a pricier bag inside and use the kipling to protect it.
For the le pliages, I use the short handle on the medium or large expandable around the handle and support it with an elastic bag support thing.
Have the Le Pliage and I agree with Glamourous Traveler. No interior pockets so it is like a black hole! There is so much to like about this bag (mentioned above) but for long trips I have switched to a Tumi. I feel so much more organized with the various side pockets etc. plus I can slip it over my carry on bag’s handle.
Hi Carolyn, thank you for sharing your review of your Longchamp handbag with us!! Safe and Stylish travels!
Longchamp also has a stunning bag that has a loop to slip over luggage.
I agree, it’s a black hole. But I do use it and have some essentials packed in clear zip bags, still have to dig but at least I know what bag I’m looking for!
Does anyone know if the Longchamp weekend bag can be used as a carryon item? How about if you expand it?
Hi Sue, unfortunately we are not sure if the Longchamp weekend bag can be used as a carryon item. I think it would depend on the airline which you were traveling with as different airlines have different size requirements. The size for this bag is 17 ¾”W x 20 ½”H x 9″D for you to check against the airline requirements. I would highly recommend that you join our TFG facebook group and post your question there about the Longchamp bag: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Its a fabulous community of helpful female travelers that love to share their advice and travel tips and many of our female adventurers own this bag so will be able to help you with your question. Sorry I could not have been of more help.
I use mine as a carry on bag all the time. I do have it zipped, but I have never had a problem. It stores under the seat in front of me.
I can’t stand traveling with a shoulder bag. Having to constantly hike it up onto my shoulder is super annoying. I need a backpack or crossbody, so my Henri Bendel convertible bag is perfection!
Hi Rachel, thank you for sharing, so happy to hear you love your Henri Bendel convertible bag. Have a look at this post about what our other readers have the say about the Henri Bendel bag: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/rebecca-minkoff-vs-henri-bendel-backpack/ Hope you find it interesting! 🙂
There is no doubt in the face that longchamps are the best travel bags. I have to travel a lot and having a handbag that is spacious is a blessing literally.
Hi Sehar, thank you for your comment! Thank you for sharing your review of the Longchamps bag with us! 🙂
I’m not sure if purse slashing is common in other parts of the world, but it was brought to our attention that there were a few cases involving Le Pilage bags in Malaysia some time back. The thieves seem to find it easy to slash open this range of bags. Just thought I’d put it out here. The fabric material is definitely easy to tear as compared to others.
Hi Eunice, thank you for taking the time to share your insight! If theft is a concern for you, take a look at these articles:
https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/anti-theft-products/
https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/top-5-anti-theft-travel-bags-for-women-best-sellers/
🙂
Thank you, Alex. I got myself a Travelon cross body a year ago based on your recommendations. I love how the bag is slash proof, is RFID safe & best of all, holds a bottle on the outside (not many cross body bags come water bottle pockets)! The only downside to this bag is that the strap is uncomfortable and hard on the shoulders. I guess they can’t make it slash proof without using the soft metal-like material (not sure what it is) for the strap.
Hi Eunice, thank you so much for your comment! 🙂
Just got the travel bag that expands in Vienna and love it. In Paris a few years back got one of these bas in a champagne color and it has a crossbody strap – going back to Europe with me in July.
Yay, that is awesome Candie, so pleased you love your new purchase and I hope you enjoy it on many fun and exciting adventures!! Have an incredible trip back to Europe this summer!!
I’ve been a fan of Longchamp since I accidentally fell in love with a pink backpack in a store window while strolling through Paris. The Le Pliage comes in a backpack, too! The older ones, which I’m so glad I have, actually have a way to pull the back once you close the bag in order to lock it shut while you wear it. It’s nice to know pickpockets can open the flap, but not get the bag open if you are wearing it. The new ones have zippers to shut, which I don’t understand. That great locking mechanism, which was just a tiny piece of leather, is lost with it. But still, there is a backpack version of the Le Pliage. I carry a Le Pliage Neo for day to day because it’s sturdier than a regular Le Pliage. It doesn’t fold like the regular ones, but I have never needed to fold it – plus I have regular Le Pliage bags for when I want one I can fold.
Longchamp has been my favorite handbag brand since 2000, because I can have something really nice without it screaming the brand name from 100 yards.
The Tosca bag is $109. on amazon.ca
My daughter(now 21) and I just traveled in Europe with our Longchamps! My daughter stayed to study abroad and bought the backpack purse by Longchamp and it is now her favorite for traipsing around London
It’s on my wishlist!
Thanks for Sharing, I personally like the tote bags as they are very comfortable. A stylish tote bag will surely enhance the personality of a modern women.
Thanks Brian!
I have a Longchamp Le Pliage expandable bag with the longer shoulder straps in leather. I love the bag, but the shoulder straps cut into my shoulders like a mo-fo! If I had to do it again, I would get the one that has the wide strap that can go across the body. You can put a lot into them and they are quite light, but that round leather strap is definitely a torture device! I also agree with the other person that the expandable zipper does not look like it would hold-up long term.
Oh that’s a good thing to keep in mind! Thank you for sharing!
I use the Le Pilage backpack and the rough fabric straps tend to cut into my shoulders and armpit. Very uncomfortable and painful. The shoulder bags come with leather handles which are more gentle on the shoulder.
I’m glad you mentioned that as I was considering getting one at a Duty-Free shop in Amsterdam. I am thinking of getting a tote for my daughter. Hopefully, she will like it.
I’ve had the expandable bag now more than 10 years, and the expansion zip has no issues at all. I’ve carried it expanded and also sent it through checked baggage expanded, and no problems. If something does break, keep in mind they will send it for repair for you – my husband somehow broke the (regular, not expansion) zipper on an XL travel bag, and they replaced the entire zipper and pull for $30!
Hey Alex, Can you please do a post on how many purses you have accumulated throughout your travels and what to do with the ones you don’t use anymore?
Hi Julia, good question! I’m afraid I’ve already sold the majority of them on Poshmark or given them away to friends 🙂 Since I live out of my suitcase I can only own what I can fit in my bag 😉
I purchased 2 longchamp neo bags in medium size last year. I use it as an everyday bag and also as a carry on bag last February. I love that I can carry a lot of stuff in this bag, I can easily clean it, and it’s water resistant! Worth every peso 🙂
Definitely awesome travel bags!
Longchamp also makes the Le Pliage backpack and the Le Pliage Neo (tote with crossbody strap), which both look like good options.
agree!
My Le Pliage has also been on many trips, but I agree with the pocket complaint. I actually purchased a similar-style Tumi bag, that has enough pockets I’m constantly losing things. But it’s not quite as compact as the Le Pliage, and fits slightly less. Also, I’m a big fan of the pretty water resistant material of the Longchamps. Mine is looking pretty worn and ragged at this point, so I’d say while it’s maybe not THE best, it’s definitely a good bag to have!
I do like bringing the Longchamp Le Pliage, but find the biggest problem I have with them is that they don’t have extra pockets on the inside. I like having my keys and cell phone in easy access but shudder at the thought of putting them together and having key scratches on my cell
Lo & Sons makes great travel bags with tons of pockets, a detachable crossbody strap, secure interior pockets, padded spot for a laptop, and it is super stylish. My favorite part is that it has a special sleeve that allows you to slide it onto your wheeled luggage making it a snap to get around with more than one bag. It comes in great colors and is very durable.
I took it with me to Germany and Holland this spring and cannot say enough good things about their bags.
I have one as well and yes they are amazing!