Buying guide for best Samsonite luggage
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One of the most famous brands of the 20th century, Samsonite continues to be the world’s top luggage company. Samsonite luggage has a reputation for quality and dependability at desirable prices. With more than a dozen collections and all kinds of features and designs, Samsonite has a suitcase or bag to meet almost every need.
We at BestReviews have tested a number of suitcase and luggage brands, focusing on material, construction and real-world performance for the busy, value-conscious traveler. We examined some of the most popular and easy-to-find Samsonite models in our Testing Lab, grading them on durability, mobility and convenience.
Based on our experiences, we recommend the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner line as the best Samsonite luggage you can buy. If you’re on a budget but still want quality luggage, the Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable collection offers the best bang for your buck.
Which Samsonite luggage is best?
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Large Spinner
Product specifications
Compartments: 2 | Dimensions: 20.9” W x 13.8” D x 31.1” H | Capacity: 117 L | Weight: 9.6 lb | Hard-sided/Soft-sided: Hard-sided
The Samsonite Freeform collection of hard-sided, expandable spinner luggage sits at the top of our Samsonite rankings. The 28-inch Freeform Large Spinner we tested won us over with its lightness and futuristic design and survived our durability tests with only minor scratches.
The Freeform collection features a hard shell made of light and flexible polypropylene with textured surfaces and polished grooves, creating an attractive contrast and reducing the appearance of scratches. Its recessed brand label looks sleek and modern, and it includes a built-in ID tag on the reverse side. Four double-spinner wheels glide smoothly over most types of terrain, although we found them a bit noisy, even on smooth concrete.
The big 28-inch Freeform Large Spinner held more than 20 pounds of clothing when tested with plenty of room to spare, even without opening the 1.5-inch expansion zipper. We liked how its trolley handle felt in hand, and we appreciated the long, zippered pocket integrated into its top compartment divider. The Freeform Large Spinner includes a recessed TSA lock, a long sundries pocket and cross-ribbon straps. It comes in more than a dozen colors so you can choose one that stands out on the baggage carousel.
Samsonite Omni PC Hardside Expandable Spinner
Best bang for the buck
Product specifications
Compartments: 2 | Dimensions: 21.5” W x 13.5” D x 30.5” H | Capacity: 108 L | Weight: 11.5 lb | Hard-sided/Soft-sided: Hard-sided
Samsonite isn’t considered a budget brand, but its luggage provides plenty of value for the money. The Samsonite Omni PC Hardside is a perfect example: It’s a sturdy, attractive collection priced below other Samsonite products yet backed by the Samsonite name and warranty.
We tested the 28-inch Omni PC Large Spinner on a two-week overseas trip, and it did a solid job. In a downpour, it kept its contents dry, and its tough polycarbonate shell emerged from drop testing and tumble testing with only a few minor scratches. Notably, its spinner wheels are smaller than those of our top Samsonite pick, and the Omni PC was a little hard to maneuver, especially on uneven sidewalks and rocky terrain.
The design of the Omni PC Large Spinner is basic, but it does the job. The fine texture on the polycarbonate exterior helps reduce scuffing. Inside, you get a cross-ribbon strap for one compartment and a mesh divider for the other (without any pockets). You also get a smaller convenience pocket for sundries. The Omni PC has a raised, not recessed, TSA lock, and the Large Spinner weighs around 11 pounds, so watch the airline weight limit while traveling internationally.
Samsonite Freeform Hardside 21-inch Carry-On
Best Carry-On
Product specifications
Compartments: 2 | Dimensions: 15” W x 10” D x 23” H | Capacity: 48 L | Weight: 6.5 lb | Hard-sided/Soft-sided: Hard-sided
Like its big sibling, the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner has an attractive, lightweight shell, smooth spinner wheels, telescoping trolley handle and elegant interior organization.
The Freeform Carry-On offers the same lightweight, durable polypropylene shell as the rest of the suitcases in the Freeform collection. Its polished grooves catch the eye, and its subtle texture on raised surfaces cuts down on scuffing. Inside, you’ll find a full-zip panel on one compartment that incorporates a large zipped pocket for accessories. You’ll also find a smaller zip pocket on the spine for delicates and sundries. The Freeform Carry-On can expand by 1 inch and rides on double-spinner wheels for fluid movement.
According to Samsonite’s website, the Freeform Carry-On measures 15 inches wide, 10 inches deep and 23 inches tall. That fits the carry-on requirements of some, but not all, major airlines, so keep that in mind when packing because some airlines are stricter than others. With its recessed TSA lock and integrated ID tag, it’s ready to be gate-checked if desired.
Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable
Best Checked Luggage
Product specifications
Compartments: 2 | Dimensions: 19” W x 12” D x 28” H | Capacity: 105 L | Weight: 11.5 lb | Hard-sided/Soft-sided: Hard-sided
A great option for checked luggage is the Samsonite Winfield 2 Large Spinner. With a capacity of 105 liters and an eye-catching, glossy hard shell in many colors, it’ll be a cinch to spot on a luggage carousel. What’s more, it offers plenty of space for longer trips.
The Winfield 2 shell is made of impact-absorbing polycarbonate, and an all-over glossy, brushed finish hides scuffs and small scratches. It rolls on four spinner wheels to easily glide through airline terminals and city streets. Inside, an opaque zip divider integrates two large zip pockets. The other compartment includes cross-ribbon straps that can be tightened to increase compression.
As a large, checked suitcase, you won’t often have to worry about the Winfield 2’s dimensions, so feel free to expand it to its full 1.5 extra inches. It comes with a combination TSA lock, top and side grab handles and telescoping pull handle.
Samsonite Aspire DLX Softside Expandable Luggage Set
Best Luggage Set
Product specifications
Compartments: 1 plus pocket and laptop sleeve | Dimensions: NA | Capacity: NA | Weight: NA | Hard-sided/Soft-sided: Soft-sided
Frequent flyers, dedicated travelers and families often find value and appeal in luggage sets. We think one of the best Samsonite luggage sets you can find is the Samsonite Aspire DLX Softside Luggage Set. It’s an Amazon exclusive that includes both a carry-on and a medium checked suitcase made of tough, flexible fabric.
The Aspire suitcases feature soft shells made of durable, 680-denier polyester in black, blue and green. Soft-sided suitcases hide scuffs, don’t scratch and don’t dent, and the Aspire’s polyester shells should withstand baggage handling easily. The 20-inch carry-on spinner is sized for most U.S. domestic airline cabin requirements, and the 24-inch checked suitcase offers extra space for a week-long trip. Both feature four large, dual-spinner wheels and soft-touch grips on extendable trolley handles.
These bags are suited for stays in smaller hotel rooms, as they don't need as much space as clamshell-style luggage when open. Inside the capacious main compartment is a removable bag you can use for liquid toiletries. On the outside, there is a zipped convenience pocket for documents and a handy, detachable laptop sleeve. Another welcome extra is the built-in, pull-out ID tag
How we analyzed the best Samsonite luggage
Samsonite makes a lot of luggage. Currently, more than 15 collections are offered directly from Samsonite. Exclusive collections from stores such as Amazon, Macy’s and Kohl’s can also be found. We focused on the top Samsonite products easily available on Amazon, analyzing features, specs and customer reviews for their real-life strengths and weaknesses.
We went a step further by testing the two top-selling Samsonite collections on Amazon, the Freeform and Omni PC lines, in our Testing Lab. We wanted to see if these products deserved their popularity.
Our tests involved dropping individual suitcases from heights of 3 feet and 6 feet and letting them tumble down flights of stairs to test their durability. We also placed them under a running shower for a minimum of 10 minutes to evaluate water-resistance and the degree to which they protected their contents.
We took our test luggage on trips, packing them full and repacking them several times to simulate long-term usage. We rolled their wheels on a variety of terrain including smooth floors, uneven sidewalks and rough gravel. We examined their zippers, seams, locks and interior organization for durability and usability. We tested their handles for stability, strength and comfort. Finally, we studied Samsonite’s warranties and product upkeep recommendations.
Types of Samsonite Luggage
Samsonite makes hard-sided and soft-sided luggage for travel as well as business and laptop bags for everyday carrying.
Hard-sided
Hard-sided luggage is strong, durable, and resistant to crushing. If you’re worried about protecting more than just the clothes in your bags, you’ll want a hard-sided suitcase. This type of luggage tends to come in more colors than soft-sided luggage, with vivid, fashionable designs that are easy to spot on a baggage carousel.
Hard-sided luggage is also more prone to scratches, scuffs and dents. This type of suitcase usually opens up like a clamshell into two compartments, which can complicate packing in small spaces and forces you to get creative with bulky items, like shoes.
Samsonite hard-sided suitcases have shells made of polypropylene or polycarbonate. Polypropylene is lighter and more flexible; polycarbonate is tougher and harder. Some high-end hard-sided suitcases also have aluminum frames as well.
Samsonite’s hard-sided suitcases typically feature texturing, ribbing and grooves to reduce cosmetic damage and increase strength.
Soft-sided
Softside suitcases are made of fabric or other flexible materials. High-quality soft-sided luggage is more durable over time than hard-sided luggage, as tough fabric won’t dent or scratch and can flex under stress that might dent or crack hard-sided luggage.
On the other hand, soft-sided luggage can bend or even crush under weight, and if the fabric gets cut or abraded, it might start to tear. A soft-sided carry-on can be squeezed into an overhead compartment much easier than any hard-sided carry-on, but a checked soft-sided piece does not provide enough protection in an airplane’s hold or during baggage handling for rigid or fragile items packed inside. Soft-sided luggage usually has a single, large main compartment with additional interior or exterior pockets in the lid. This allows them to easily fit on hotel room luggage racks.
Samsonite’s soft-sided luggage is typically made of polyester or nylon. The toughness of the fabric is measured in denier and indicates the number of threads or filaments used in the fibers. The higher the denier, the tougher and more durable the fabric. Aside from soft-sided upright suitcases, Samsonite also makes soft-sided duffels and backpacks for travel.
Briefcases and laptop bags
Samsonite doesn’t just make travel luggage. It also makes laptop backpacks and briefcases for business and everyday carrying.
Samsonite briefcases come in zip-top or top-loader styles as well as flap-over designs. You can get them in a variety of textiles and fabrics, including leather or faux leather. Some are sized to hold an outfit or two and could be used as overnighters.
Samsonite laptop backpacks boast the same kinds of fabrics or full-leather construction as the company’s briefcases. Padded laptop compartments typically fit laptops of up to 15.6 inches. These backpacks have considerable crossover with the company’s backpacks, with some offering space for a change of clothes and other travel gear. Others are more business-oriented, with streamlined designs that count as your airline personal item.
Considerations when choosing Samsonite luggage
Size and weight
When shopping for Samsonite travel luggage, you have several size classes to choose from.
Carry-on
Carry-on luggage, or cabin luggage, is designed to fit in most overhead airline compartments. Note that one airline’s size policy may differ from another’s when it comes to carry-on luggage. Generally speaking, though, the total linear dimensions of your suitcase (length plus width plus depth) should be less than 45 inches.
Some Samsonite carry-ons are thicker than the general minimum of 9 inches. The wheels may add up to 3 inches over the minimum 22 inch-length for domestic travel (21 inches international). Carry-on luggage doesn’t typically have weight regulations, but in real life, you need to be able to lift the carry-on into the overhead bin and safely take it back down again while surrounded by other passengers.
Samsonite’s carry-on luggage usually holds enough supplies for several days to one week, depending on how you pack. Frequent business travelers who don’t have time to wait on checked baggage often prefer this type of luggage. An expandable carry-on can be convenient, but you run the risk of having to check or gate-check Samsonite expandable carry-ons if you pack them too full.
Checked baggage
Many travel experts advise against checking your luggage. For some travelers, however, the convenience of not having to bother with suitcases during the flight is worth the risk of damage or loss.
Samsonite makes checked baggage in medium and large sizes. These suitcases have double to almost triple the capacity of standard carry-ons. They can hold one to two weeks’ worth of clothing and are best for long trips and vacations.
The total linear dimensions of a checked suitcase, length plus width plus depth, should be less than 62 inches. Most airlines charge additional fees for checked baggage heavier than 50 pounds. So, the lighter your empty checked bag, the better.
Checked bags must be able to withstand rough handling and inclement weather. It also helps if your checked suitcase is easy to spot from a distance when you’re at the baggage claim.
Underseaters, suiters, backpacks and duffels
Samsonite travel backpacks usually fit as carry-on luggage, but the larger ones may be too big to pass as personal items. The company’s duffels are generally sized for checked baggage only.
A suiter is a specialized piece of luggage for transporting business or formal wear with minimal wrinkling and usually counts as a carry-on.
Underseaters, as the name implies, are sized to fit under the airline seat in front of you. If an underseater fits, it can count as a personal item rather than a full carry-on, and you may be able to fit two to three days’ worth of clothing in an underseater bag.
Mobility features
Wheels
Wheeled luggage frees you from the hassle of lifting and carrying your suitcases. All current Samsonite suitcases and many Samsonite duffels and other pieces come with wheels.
There are two kinds of wheels on suitcases: rollers and spinners. Samsonite tends to use roller wheels on duffels and garment bags and spinners on suitcases.
- Spinner wheels rotate 360 degrees and are installed in groups of four or eight. They let you push, pull, slide or sidestep your bag in any direction. Because their struts usually jut out of the bag at least slightly, they may count against your allowed linear dimensions. Premium Samsonite luggage may have partially recessed spinner wheels to help minimize size issues. Spinner wheels perform well on smooth pavement but can struggle on cobblestones and gravel. A spinner suitcase may have one or two wheels per spinner. Two wheels are more stable than one.
- Roller wheels roll in only two directions: backward and forward. They’re located as a pair at the lower rear edge of a suitcase, allowing you to pull or push it in the direction you’re moving. They’re usually recessed, which means they don’t affect your size limit as much. The stable mounting and larger size of these wheels allows them to roll easily on uneven surfaces.
Handles
A Samsonite carry-on or checked bag usually has three handles: a grip handle on the top, another grip handle on the side and a telescoping, extendable trolley handle on the back. Look for handles that are well-placed, easy to grip and comfortable to hold.
In particular, the grip of the trolley handle needs to be comfortable enough for you to hold and manipulate at length. Some trolley handles extend only a few stops in height; others have multiple stops, down to the inch for precise changes in height. If you are particularly tall, you'll want a suitcase with a longer trolley handle to prevent the suitcase from hitting your feet when you pull it. Trolley handles should extend and retract smoothly and lock securely at each stop.
It’s important to note that trolley rails often protrude into the compartments of the suitcase, which can be a hassle when packing flat items. A few Samsonite collections have external rails to keep the inside compartments flat, but external rails may be more vulnerable to damage.
Interior organization
Samsonite luggage comes with different levels of interior organization. At minimum, a hard-sided Samsonite suitcase should have straps to hold down clothing and other items and a divider panel to separate the compartment halves. In some hard-sided Samsonites, this panel includes one or more additional pockets.
Soft-sided Samsonites have straps to help control items packed in the main compartment plus additional zipped pockets on the outside and, sometimes, inside the lid. Hard-sided and soft-sided Samsonites may also have zippered pouches for small items or delicates.
A “wet pack” is a watertight pocket or compartment ideal for cosmetics or toiletries that may leak. Not all Samsonite bags have them, but they’re a welcome feature when present.
What about compression? Not all Samsonite suitcases offer this feature, but some do. A suitcase with compression has straps, panels or even gears that press on soft items to fit them into tight spaces. For example, the legendary Silhouette line and the Outline Pro series offer compression.
Security features
All Samsonite luggage comes with combination locks for security. These locks, which secure a Samsonite’s zippers or clasps and prevent them from moving, comply with the U.S. Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) special luggage keys, which allow TSA agents to open and inspect locked suitcases without unauthorized persons being able to access their contents. Recessed combination locks are slightly more durable than raised locks that may be exposed to bumps and knocks. Samsonite bags ship with the combination 0-0-0, but we’ve noted customer complaints that they can’t open the locked bags when delivered.
Some Samsonite collections have ID tags integrated into the bag, such as embedded labels or pull-out tags. For additional security, we recommend investing in a luggage tracker.
Aesthetics and design
As mentioned, Samsonite hard-sided luggage tends to be more colorful than Samsonite soft-sided luggage. Its soft luggage generally favors a few colors in darker or more subdued shades as well as the predominant black.
Most hard-sided Samsonites come in at least four colors. Some of the most popular suitcases, such as the Freeform and Omni collections, come in as many as a dozen colors.
Samsonite hard-sided luggage often features structural details: stripes, ribs, grooves or segmentation. These elements can be more complex than those of others, like the clamshell curves of its Cosmolite collection. A few collections feature simplified, sleek silhouettes with understated branding and finishes. Unlike some competitors, Samsonite luggage has not been known for on-trend matte pastel colors.
Our top picks for handles and ergonomics
- We found the trolley handle on the Freeform Hardside Expandable Large Spinner to be very comfortable thanks to its 5-inch length. It was easy to walk on a variety of surfaces.
- The handles on the Omni PC Hardside Expandable Large Spinner were not as comfortable, in our opinion, and we had more difficulty handling it on rough terrain.
- The Freeform Hardside Expandable Carry-On has top and side handles for lifting in and out of overhead bins.
- The Winfield 2 Hardside Expandable Large Spinner has top and side handles, unlike the Winfield 2 Carry-On. They retract for protection from wear and tear.
- The Aspire DLX Softside Spinner Set has grab handles on the top, side and bottom, making them easy to manage after landing and at the baggage carousel.
FAQ
Q. What Samsonite luggage works best if I’m not sure whether I need a carry-on or checked bag?
A. If you’re unsure whether you need a carry-on or checked bag, consider getting an expandable carry-on. This gives you the convenience of flexibility. You can carry the bag onto the plane with you, but you may also be able to check it.
Q. What type of warranty does Samsonite offer on its luggage?
A. Samsonite offers global 3-, 5- and 10-year limited warranties on its products. If your bags suffer from a manufacturing defect, Samsonite will repair or replace your product if it’s under warranty. The repairs must be obtained at an official Samsonite service center, and shipping may cost you extra. This warranty doesn’t cover damage by airlines or baggage handling.
Q. Does Samsonite luggage come with keys for the locks?
A. Keys aren’t needed for Samsonite luggage with TSA locks. The combination locks are supposed to ship with a code of 0-0-0. Some buyers have complained online that they received their Samsonites locked and the codes didn’t work.
The keyhole on Samsonite TSA locks is meant for the special TSA luggage-inspection tool. Older Samsonite luggage with locks came with keys that were usually small and easy to distinguish from household keys.
Our expertise
Jmar Gambol began writing for BestReviews in 2021. A traveler since the age of seven, he has owned Samsonite luggage all his life, from his first child-sized, hard-sided suitcase to his Oyster 200 Cartwheel to his current Sahora Bright carry-on spinner, the latter of which has crossed two oceans multiple times and, after 15 years, is still going strong. Jmar has written multiple luggage reviews and buying guides for BestReviews during his tenure. He loves shopping for luggage and travel gadgets and definitely prefers checking baggage to pushing a carry-on down a narrow plane aisle.
