After going through an intensive research process to narrow down our short list of top products in this space, we tested the Samsonite Omni PC to be sure that it’s worthy of our recommendation. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter and test to verify manufacturer claims.
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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 Luggage 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 is a great deal.
Editors’ Favorite
Compartments: 2 | Dimensions: 15” W x 10” D x 23” H | Capacity: 34 L | Weight: 6.5 lb | Hard-sided/Soft-sided: Hard-sided
One of our favorite pieces of luggage is the Samsonite Freeform Carry-on Spinner. This attractive and affordable carry-on is expandable, secure and surprisingly roomy.
The Freeform carry-on has a sleek, multisided look with stylish grooves that help limit wear and tear. It’s made of light and flexible polypropylene with a noticeable degree of give. Inside, there are two fully-lined compartments, one with elastic cross-straps, the other with a zip-away divider. A lining pocket and divider pocket add extra organization. It can expand an extra 1.5 inches if desired, and comes with a TSA-compatible combination lock. There’s also a neat pull-out ID tag at the back.
The Freeform has four double-spinner wheels that roll smoothly on most hard surfaces, including pavement, and has a multistop trolley handle with a comfortable hard grip. Note that while it’s likely acceptable on most domestic flights, its dimensions are a tad bigger than the strict guidelines for carry-on bags.
Great Value
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 didn't disappoint. 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.
Best Hardside Checked Luggage
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.
Best Budget Checked Luggage
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.
Best Luggage Set
Compartments: 2 (each) | Dimensions: 16” W x 9.5” D x 22.8” H, 16.5” W x 11” D x 26.5” H, 20.9” W x 11.4” D x 30.4” H | Capacity: 240 L (set) | Weight: 29.5 lb (set) | Hard-sided/Soft-sided: Hard-sided
A luggage set is a great way to acquire all the sizes of suitcases you may need for yourself or your family. The Samsonite Omni 2 PC Hardside 3-Piece Set, an Amazon exclusive, offers quality hard-sided construction and desirable features at an appealing price.
The Omni 2 PC Hardside set includes a global carry-on, medium checked spinner, and large checked spinner. Each piece boasts a tough, lightweight polycarbonate shell with scratch-resistant texture and up to 1.5 inches of zipped expansion. They come with smooth double-spinner wheels, multistop trolley handles and integrated TSA locks on the checked luggage sizes. Interior organization includes a zippered mesh divider, elastic cross straps and a discreet lining pocket.
The global-sized carry-on in this set is sized to fit within the guidelines of both domestic and international airlines. While it lacks a TSA lock, it integrates a pocket and USB port for a passenger-supplied power bank.
Best Soft-Sided Carry-On
Compartments: 1 | Dimensions: 15” W x 10.5” D x 23.5” H | Capacity: 35.5 L | Weight: 5.7 lb | Hard-sided/Soft-sided: Soft-sided
The Samsonite UpLIFT line is a recent innovation by the brand, focusing on lightweight luggage in both hard and soft shells. Weighing less than 6 pounds, the Samsonite UpLIFT Softside Carry-on Spinner is easy to pick up, stow and retrieve — even on crowded flights.
The UpLIFT Softside Carry-On is made of durable 100%-recycled polyester fabric. It features padded grab handles on the top and sides for ease of handling, and it rolls on shock-absorbing double spinner wheels. Its roomy main compartment features elastic tie-down straps, a lining pocket and a removable dry bag for carry-on toiletries. A mesh pocket in its lid can be accessed both when the bag is open and when it’s closed through its outer stash pockets.
The UpLIFT comes with a USB charging port and exterior pocket for a power bank. It has a built-in trolley sleeve for stacking it on larger luggage pieces. Plus, there’s a discreet pull-out ID tab and 0.75 inches of bottom expansion.
Best Soft-Sided Checked Bag
Compartments: 1 | Dimensions: 18.5” W x 9.5” D x 27” H | Capacity: 115 L | Weight: 10 lb | Hard-sided/Soft-sided: Soft-sided
Soft-sided luggage is esteemed by frequent travelers for its resistance to damage, but it often looks a little dowdy. The Samsonite Elevation Plus Softside Large Checked Spinner stands out for having sleek, tailored lines in a feature-rich soft-sided suitcase.
Made of 100% recycled polyester, it has a handsome silhouette that’s reminiscent of its hardside counterparts. It has a spacious interior compartment that includes a removable panel divider and an expandable laundry bag, with a full U-zip pocket in the lid and another U-zip pocket in the divider. Tie-down Y-straps help keep the contents compressed and under control.
The Elevation Plus rolls on double spinner wheels recessed for added durability. It has a multistop trolley handle, fabric grab handles on the top and side, and expands up to 2 inches at the base. It also has a built-in luggage tag, TSA lock, AirTag holder and a soft-lined stash pocket for small items.
Best Wheeled Duffel Bag
Compartments: 1 | Dimensions: 12.5” W x 12” D x 22” H | Capacity: 57 L | Weight: 4.89 lb | Hard-sided/Soft-sided: Soft-sided
Duffel bags are the answer when capacity is key. The Samsonite Andante 2 Wheeled Duffel is the answer when you need to pack a lot of items into a rugged, mobile bag to take wherever you go.
The Andante 2 wheeled duffel is made of water-resistant polyester, so your belongings are protected against rain and other moisture. The 22-inch carry-on size has a large main compartment accessible with a U-flap, plus two side compartments ideal for shoes and wet items if needed. Grab handles on the front and sides make the duffel easy to carry and lift when needed.
Two skate wheels allow the Andante 2 to roll, which combined with a contoured push-button trolley handle are ideal for long trips between gates at the airport, or dashing through cobbled streets. Corner guards help keep the Andante 2 in shape even in challenging situations.
Best Underseat Carry-On
Compartments: 1 | Dimensions: 13.5” W x 9” D x 16.5” H | Capacity: 36 L | Weight: 5.5 lb | Hard-sided/Soft-sided: Soft-sided
One of the most popular Samsonite models available today is the soft-sided Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner with USB port. And it's easy to see why: It fits under most airline seats, is smaller than the carry-on maximum of all but the stingiest airlines, and it still holds enough for a weekend getaway or a short multiday trip.
The Underseat Spinner is just 16.6 inches tall, 13.5 inches wide and 9 inches deep. This allows it to slide under the seat in front of you in most airlines, and it’s several inches smaller than the standard carry-on size of most airlines including international ones. Inside is a large main compartment with around 36 liters of space, with a front-opening lid for easy access to its contents. It also has a sleeve for a 13.3-inch laptop.
Its exterior has several other pockets for convenient storage of in-flight and on-the-road necessities. Plus, it features a pass-through charging cable to connect a power bank (not included), allowing you to charge devices without needing to open any more bags.
Most Premium Carry-On
Compartments: 2 | Dimensions: 14” W x 9” D x 22” H | Capacity: 38 L | Weight: 4.6 lb | Hard-sided/Soft-sided: Hard-sided
From Samsonite’s most premium model line, the Samsonite Proxis Global Carry-On Spinner can be considered the brand’s answer to a head-turning status suitcase, with surprising lightness and a colorful high-tech shell.
The Proxis Global Carry-on is made of a material Samsonite calls Roxkin, a multilayered polypropylene shell designed for strength and flexibility without weight. A bold ribbed outer design helps deflect damage, and up-close texture helps prevent and disguise scuffs and scratches. The global spinner is sized to fit most domestic and international airline requirements including handles and wheels.
Inside, two compartments are each closed with full-sized zip dividers, and there’s a gusseted mesh pocket and elastic cross-straps as well. The Proxis boasts name-brand YKK zippers, a TSA lock, zip expansion and a USB-A port for charging. It rolls on smooth double-spinner wheels and has a three-stop pull handle.
Best Luggage Set
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
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.
Samsonite makes hard-sided and soft-sided luggage for travel as well as business and laptop bags for everyday carrying.
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.
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.
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.
When shopping for Samsonite travel luggage, you have several size classes to choose from.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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