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If you're like me, you like your travel suitcases to look fabulous while offering a good mix of durability, convenient handling, and ample storage facilities. Bonus? A secure lock system.
When you do a simple Google search, you'll find that the options that claim to match the criteria are endless. And that's where I get stuck—are you the same?
Suppose I'm struggling to decide on an item, especially a bag. In that case, I'll definitely pick a reputed luggage brand because it’s safer to assume that they have everything you need, from quality to safety features to sometimes better warranties.
One such well-known brand is Samsonite, a name you're likely familiar with. It's one of the most popular brands when I chat with friends about reliable travel gear!
Samsonite has been in the market for over a century, but older brands don’t necessarily mean the best, do they?
Let’s determine if its products are still high-quality compared to new entrants like Monos and Away. Here’s my in-depth review, where I've included some great recommendations from the Samsonite luggage range.
What Is Samsonite?
Samsonite is a travel luggage brand founded in 1910 in Denver. The company has been at the forefront of introducing innovative, stylish, and conveniently-designed suitcases with novel features.
Today, it's one of the leading travel luggage brands worldwide, offering various products like suitcases, backpacks, handbags, toiletry bags, and makeup bags. It caters to both adults and kids.
Samsonite luggage is sold in over 100 countries today through Samsonite outlet stores, dealers, and Amazon. You can also head to the website, select your country, and buy your desired product online.
Top Product Features
Reliable Quality
While it's often debated, Samsonite has a reputation for offering durable luggage, resistant to wear and tear during travel.
Samsonite bags undergo different tests to ensure they excel in sturdiness and quality. The ones made of polycarbonate or aluminum shell are particularly resistant to impact. The products are a good choice for frequent travelers needing hardwearing options.
Wide Range of Choice
Compared to brands like Monos, Samsonite offers more options for travel luggage.
There are suitcases, cabin luggage, duffels, and more. You can also search by preference like soft/hard outer shell, single/double wheels, innovative features (USB port), color, etc.
Personalization
Although not a groundbreaking feature, I think getting your name, initials, or a message engraved on the suitcase handle is helpful. Besides being cute, it also makes identifying your Samsonite luggage set easy.
Affordable
While a premium range costs over $400, Samsonite has many affordable options.
Considering the company’s reputation for offering durable and stylish products, the more budget-friendly suitcases are a good investment. There are plenty of luggage choices priced between $100-$250.
Samsonite Luggage Recommendations
Samsonite Omni PC Range
Samsonite offers a wide range of suitcases, but the Omni PC collection is particularly renowned for being a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise quality.
The range has carry-on luggage, a medium spinner, and a large one with silver, black, teal, and Caribbean blue spinner. The Omni PC luggage is made entirely of polycarbonate shell, renowned for its sturdiness and scratch resistance.
It is a cost-effective option compared to other alternatives in the market. For example, this Samsonite carry-on costs $169.99, but it's $250 for a similar suitcase from Away or Monos.
The interior has a mesh divider, compression strap, and a pocket to hold your accessories. The downside is that wheels aren’t very sturdy and sometimes can get stuck while moving. If you aren’t after many features and prefer a simple option made to last, you'll love this one.
Samsonite Solyte DLX
For travelers favoring soft-side luggage, here’s a popular seller from Samsonite. The expandable spinner comes in carry-on, medium, and large sizes, with prices ranging from $200-350. It’s famed for being a lightweight yet sturdy option.
The exterior is constructed using high-grade polyester and is scratch-resistant. There’s an exterior pocket for your laptop and an expandable zipper. The interior has a compression strap, mesh pocket, and a wet pack to hold your wet clothes.
I'm not done yet! The dual wheels make it easily portable. And feel secure in your purchase since it has a limited 10-year warranty.
Samsonite Andante Wheeled Duffel Bag
Samsonite offers an excellent duffel bag with easy portability for backpackers, road trippers, and travelers preferring a less formal option. You can stuff many items in it because of the flexible structure.
This duffle bag has many interior and exterior pockets to organize your belongings and travel gear to the dot. The build quality is impressive, and it's ideal for rugged use.
If you plan to take it as a carry-on, check with the airlines beforehand. It costs $62.99.
Samsonite Spinner Underseater
A lot of travelers love it because it’s so convenient. This carry-on luggage can fit under your flight seat on most airlines, giving you easy access to your stuff. It also has a USB port to charge your mobile devices.
There are two pockets on the outside, and the main compartment has a laptop sleeve and a mesh pocket to organize your essentials better. It’s lightweight, sturdy, and easy to move around, thanks to the 4-wheels.
The Underseater is priced at $145 and is ideal for short trips. Check with the airlines beforehand to ensure it fits as an under seater.
What Samsonite Can Do Better
Add More Useful Features
Most of the luggage choices in the mid to low price range don’t offer many features that help with packing. More compartments for organizational purposes would be great.
Also, its low-quality wheels and wobbly handles are quite disappointing as they are essential for usability.
Warranty and Support
The warranty can range from 3-10 years and only covers manufacturing defects. But, some brands like Away offer a lifetime warranty for all its products.
Also, many customers have faced issues when getting their broken Samsonite luggage repaired. The brand claimed they came under accidental damage. So, it might not be an easy process.
Although customer support is well-functioning, there are delays in assisting customers.
Some Models Are Expensive
Samsonite suitcases with added features or extra-sturdy materials are very expensive. They range from $400 to $1200.
But, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives that match these luggage models both in features and quality.
If you want more luggage brand options, read our reviews on American Tourister and Travelpro.
Is Samsonite Worth It?
Yes! As with every luggage brand, it has some drawbacks. But it's one of the oldest players in the market for a good reason!
A significant benefit of purchasing luggage from a famous brand like Samsonite, in my eyes, is that you have access to a lot of consumer feedback. There are plenty of reviews online that you can read before purchasing any of its bags.
I've been using my Samsonite bag for years, and it has stayed with me throughout every trip! Definitely a must for every traveler looking for a long-lasting, reliable travel companion!
Our Rating: 4.7/5
Pros:
- Durability
- Wide range of choices
- Affordable options
- Personalization
Cons:
- Lack of innovative features
- Warranty issues
- Premium models are pricey
Samsonite Frequently Asked Questions
Where Do You Buy Samsonite Suitcases From?
Samsonite suitcases can be purchased directly from the official website or physical stores. They're also available through various online and offline retailers—for instance, Amazon, large department stores, or your local suitcase store.
When purchasing from third-party retailers, it's essential to ensure they are authorized sellers to benefit from the manufacturer's warranty.
Can You Get Free Standard Shipping When Ordering a Samsonite?
Shipping policies can vary based on where you're purchasing your Samsonite product.
If you're buying directly from the Samsonite website, the company often offers free shipping promotions, but these may depend on your location or purchase price. It's best to check their current shipping policies before placing an order.
Which is Better? SoftSided or Hardside Luggage?
This is a question that's more based on personal preference. It depends a lot on your personal needs and travel habits.
Soft-sided luggage can offer more flexibility and often have outside pockets for easy access to items.
On the other hand, hard-side luggage is typically more durable and better at protecting your belongings. It might be more suitable for check-in luggage or those carrying fragile items.
Is Samsonite Luggage Durable?
Samsonite has a reputation for producing highly durable luggage. They utilize high-quality materials designed to withstand the rigors of frequent travel.
But, the lifespan of a Samsonite suitcase will depend on how frequently it's used and how well it's taken care of.
Are Samsonite Suitcases Secure?
Many Samsonite suitcases come with built-in combination locks designed to provide high security. But no suitcase can guarantee complete security, so watching your luggage while traveling is crucial.
Does Samsonite Offer a Warranty On Its Luggage?
Every new or pre-owned Samsonite product comes with a manufacturer's warranty covering any manufacturing defects and damages from misuse. But the warranty doesn't cover normal wear and tear or accidental exposure damage.
Products must be brought to an authorized Samsonite dealer to claim the warranty.
Any questions regarding your product's warranty can be addressed to Samsonite via phone, email, or their website.
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