American Tourister Luggage Review [2023]: Worth the hype?

American Tourister made a name for itself in 1933 with one goal: to create quality luggage that could sell for a dollar—if only American Tourister could still make them for a dollar.

American Tourister did just that and has produced quality, tough-made bags and suitcases that travel in style. To this day, American Tourister bags continue to make travelers happy.

For frequent travelers or digital nomads, having a good suitcase should be number 1 on your list. But, you should still put some thought into your luggage even if you only take a few trips per year.

We've reviewed traveler-favorite brands like Monos Suitcases and Away Luggage, but I'm doing another crowd favorite in this blog: the American Tourister.

If you are considering purchasing a new suitcase, research before deciding on one! Check out my American Tourister review as I pick it apart strand by strand to see if its bags can hold the weight of the company's promises and look good.

What Is American Tourister?

American Tourister is an American luggage company created in Providence, Rhode Island. The brand was created by Sol Koffler, who spent his life savings to create a luggage brand committed to making quality suitcases affordable to the everyday American.

Sol Koffler believed that travel should be fun and not problematic. He could reassure travelers that their belongings would be safe and sound by providing quality luggage.

Is American Tourister Still Well-Made?

American Tourister started as a quality luggage brand. Still, as we all know, modern companies adapt to globalization and access a cheaper workforce.

Most of its luggage is made in China, and the quality has significantly changed since the company started in 1933.

That's not to say the suitcases can't hold up, though.

American Tourister items are comparable to the Samsonite brand and can still hold up for your yearly vacation and weekend trips. The average American Tourister luggage lasts 3-8 years, depending on how many trips per year you will take.

About American Tourister's Luggage

Is It Affordable?

This famous American luggage company is the perfect middle man regarding affordability. The average individual suitcase costs between 70-100$ USD and 80-160$ USD for a luggage set.

American Tourister is a great brand if you want a suitcase to last long and aren't ready to invest in more expensive pieces.

What Features Do Its Bags Have?

American Tourister luggage offers a variety of great features in its products. The company has many bag types, such as hard side, soft side, carry-on, duffle bags, backpacks, and bags for kids.

Some of its suitcases also have a combination lock with a key. There's no need to be concerned about resetting the American Tourister luggage lock. There's a reset button on the inside of the suitcase.

American Tourister is known for having well-made luggage that young and older kids will love. The luggage comes in various colors and patterns for older kids.

And for the younger kids, there is the American Tourister Disney luggage—perfect for small children who want to feel grown-up and carry their suitcase.

It also offers fun and stylish Disney-themed luggage for adults with toned-down images of Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

All American Tourister's suitcases have cross straps and a mesh inside zipper to hold all your luggage in place and come with pockets for smaller items. Its soft side bags have outside pockets to help organize your travel gear.

The retractable handle and 4 wheels allow easy transport and can be pushed or pulled in any direction. Its upright luggage for kids allows for easy pulling and standing.

Warranty and Returns

This brand offers a Limited 10 Year Global Warranty that fixes any issue caused by manufacturing defects. It does not cover wear and tear or other accidental damage.

Unfortunately, this kind of coverage is the standard for most suitcase brands.

Are Their Bags Waterproof?

American Tourister bags claim to be waterproof, but they aren't really waterproof. Some of its bags and suitcases are water-repellant, which means they are coated with a water-resistant spray but aren't 100% waterproof.

Where to Buy American Tourister Luggage?

You can purchase American Tourister through the Samsonite or American Tourister website and various department stores and retailers across North America.

Some stores may offer their own warranty, and the Limited 10-Year Global Warranty is provided through the brand.

Most Popular American Tourister Items

Here's my list of some of the best American Tourister suitcases and bags for kids and adults, depending on types of travelers.

Best American Tourister Carry-On: Moonlight 21" Spinner‍

Why? This carry-on comes in various astonishing patterns and colors. It has a convenient side handle for roll-to-carry capability. It is also known to hold a remarkable amount of stuff!

Best American Tourister Luggage for Kids & Teens: Disney Kids 18" Upright‍

Why? This little suitcase has so much space for toys and clothes, and kids will love the various Disney-themed print. The inside pockets and straps help to organize some of the chaos.

and Moonlight 28" Spinner‍

Why? Just enough individuality with 5 classy patterns and colors to please teens and long-lasting enough to make it into their early adult years. The perfect transition piece!

Best Suitcase for Families: Fieldbrook XLT 4 Piece Set‍

Why? This 4 piece set is perfect for a family of four, with one piece for each family member, all in the same color and brand to keep everything organized. The duffle bag with wheels is perfect for older children, and the carry-on easily fits in-flight entertainment for everyone.

Best Suitcase for Adults: American Tourister Curio Spinner Large‍

This sturdy suitcase is perfect for the individual traveler. The combination lock will keep all your belongings safe, and the expandability allows extra luggage if needed.

Is American Tourister Luggage Worth it?

Overall I think that American Tourister is a good brand for infrequent travelers and those looking for a friendly and stylish mid-range suitcase.

Although its bags aren't designed to last forever, American Tourister offers a wide range of colors and styles that make them excellent for kids and teens.

Its suitcases have been known to buckle after a few years of wear and tear, so they aren't the best for digital nomads or frequent travelers who might need more sturdy luggage.

Some negative reviews have talked about miscommunication and difficulties with customer support. The general thoughts people have about its luggage and luggage sets are usually a 4-star rating, meaning that most customers are happy with their purchase.

My Rating: 3.9/5

Pros:

• Affordable luggage
• Lots of fun styles and colors
• Variety of sizes
• 10-Year warranty

Cons:

• Not highly durable
• The warranty does not cover accidental

General FAQs About American Tourister

Can American Tourister Luggage Be Repaired?

Yes, American Tourister luggage can be repaired. A damaged suitcase may be fixed through one of American Tourister's authorized repair centers.

You should contact American Tourister's customer service for specific details about the repair process.

Can American Tourister Suitcases Fit in Overhead Compartments?

The carry-on luggage designed by American Tourister is typically meant to fit within the overhead compartments of most airlines.

But, the size restrictions for carry-on luggage can vary by airline, so I always recommend checking the specific dimensions of your suitcase and verifying with your airline's carry-on luggage guidelines.

How Do You Clean an American Tourister Bag?

To maintain the pristine appearance of your American Tourister suitcase, especially if it's lighter-colored or checked luggage, you might want to invest in a protective luggage cover.

Nevertheless, cleaning the polypropylene hard shell is relatively straightforward. After your journey, take a cloth, dampen it with warm water mixed with mild soap, and wipe the suitcase down.

This is an easy and efficient way to keep your luggage looking its best.

How Do I Set or Reset the Lock on My American Tourister Luggage?

The method for setting or resetting the combination lock can vary by model.

Generally, it involves moving the dials to the current or default combination, moving a switch or button, then setting the new combo.

You should refer to the instructions provided with your specific model or consult American Tourister's customer service if you're having difficulties.

Are American Tourister Luggage Sets Better Than Buying Singular?

Choosing between a luggage set and individual suitcases depends on your travel habits and requirements.

A set can be cost-effective if you travel often or need multiple suitcases for family trips.

On the other hand, buying individually might be a better choice if you only need one suitcase.

Does American Tourister Make Travel Accessories?

Yes, in addition to luggage, American Tourister also offers a variety of travel accessories.

Its accessories range includes items like travel pillows, luggage tags, luggage straps, packing cubes, and more. These accessories are designed to make your travel experience more convenient and comfortable.

Time To Get Packing!

Are American Tourister bags worth the hype? It is if you need a cute bag for your weekend trip or a suitcase for your annual travels. Who can beat the cute Disney-themed luggage, though?

Start packing and planning your next trip with Pilot!