Is Samsonite A Good Luggage Brand In 2023? Detailed Guide
Are you thinking of buying Samsonite luggage but are confused about whether Samsonite is a good luggage brand or not? How does it score on quality, material, durability, features, and warranty? If these are the things on your mind, you’ve come to the right place.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything about the Samsonite luggage brand, including its benefits and drawbacks, real-life performance, and reliability. By the end of this detailed guide, you won’t have to look anywhere else for any additional information, and you’ll be confident enough to make your own decision.
So keep reading with us.
Table of Contents
Benefits and Drawbacks of the Samsonite Brand
The Good
- Excellent build quality: Considering the price point, Samsonite offers excellent build quality. For their hardside suitcase, they mostly prefer polycarbonate, which is the most durable and expensive plastic material. For their softside luggage, they mostly use polyester, which is also good enough but not as durable as nylon.
- Impressive customer reviews: Samsonite has gained thousands of positive reviews worldwide, and the majority of customers are satisfied with its quality and durability. However, there are a few negative feedbacks as well, and they’re mostly about zippers and wheels.
- Essential features: Samsonite offers all the essential features that you might need during travel. These features include a TSA-approved lock, expansion, spinner wheels, and an adjustable handle.
- Wide range of products: This is the specialty of Samsonite; they’ve got a wide range of products targeting every type of customer, and each model comes with different designs and plenty of color options.
- Affordable prices: This is what Samsonite is recognized for. Samsonite might seem expensive to you, but when compared with other brands like Delsey and Travelpro, Samsonite proves to be an affordable brand without compromising on quality.
- Good Warranty: Samsonite offers three types of warranties, but what you mostly get with your luggage is the 10-year warranty. They also have good customer support.
The Bad
- Limited organizational pockets: Most Samsonite affordable models come with fewer organization pockets. They could include a laundry bag and other small pockets to organize small items like chargers, cables, and documents.
- Little decline in the last decade: In the last decade, a little decline has been noticed in the quality of Samsonite products. A few people claimed that today Samsonite is not what it used to be 10 years ago.
- A few models are expensive. While Samsonite is an affordable brand, a few models are overpriced. They just aren’t worth the money.
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In-Depth Analysis of the Samsonite Brand
Key Points about the Samsonite Brand
Jesse Shwayder established Samsonite as the Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Company in Denver, Colorado, in 1910. It quickly became a well-known brand in the world of travel. About 20 years later, the name was changed to Samsonite, after the mighty Biblical character Samson, who stands for endurance and power.
Initially, Samsonite started manufacturing wooden trunks, but with time, they shifted towards making lightweight luggage. By the end of 1960, they could establish themselves as one of the most well-known luggage brands.
Samsonite diversified its products and included spinner luggage, duffel bags, laptop bags, backpacks, and other travel accessories. Now they deal in almost all the things you might need for your travel. Besides their affordable products, they also included some premium products so that they could also target a premium group of people.
Samsonite is now the biggest luggage brand in terms of sales and also owns many other brands like Tumi, American Tourister, High Sierra, Hartmann, Ebags, and many more. Therefore, it’s recognized as a global brand for manufacturing high-quality, incredibly durable luggage and other products.
Also read: Samsonite Outline Pro Review
Built Quality and Durability
We’ve been in the luggage industry for a long time. When it comes to durability, we’ve had a great experience with Samsonite, and they’ve never let us down. Their selection of materials, especially for hardside suitcases, is fantastic, and that’s why they could manage to preserve their position in the entire luggage industry.
For hardside luggage, they mostly prefer using polycarbonate, which is the most durable and long-lasting plastic material. This material is recognized for its ultimate durability, flexibility, and lightweight properties.
Besides Samsonite, almost all the premium brands like Away, Rimova, and Tumi also use the same material for their plastic suitcases. So you can be confident that durability is not an issue with their products. The best polycarbonate suitcases from Samsonite are the Samsonite Omni 2 and Omni PC.
Samsonite sometimes also uses polypropylene suitcases; this material is also quite durable and flexible, but not to the same extent as polycarbonate. The perfect example of a Samsonite polypropylene suitcase is the Samsonite Freeform hardside spinner.
For softside luggage, Samsonite mostly prefers polyester, which is quite durable but not as durable as nylon. To keep their luggage affordable, they prefer going with polyester. But I’d recommend you go with Travelpro if you want extremely durable softside luggage.
Customers’ Review and Rating
In the entire luggage industry, Samsonite has established an excellent reputation for quality and reliability. They’re still growing day by day in terms of customer feedback and ratings.
The majority of Samsonite’s products are rated between 4.4 and 4.8 stars on different online marketplaces. The good thing about Samsonite is that this ranking is not temporary. They continue to uphold their reputation, even after collecting thousands of reviews for each product.
However, a little decline has been noticed in customers’ ratings in the last few years. But they still have a good reputation and are an excellent choice.
Let me tell you that Cleverjourney has done thorough research on 33 different luggage brands, and Samsonite could score in the 13th position. So it’s not the top brand-rated brand, but it’s an excellent choice for travelers looking for durable luggage because of its consistently growing reviews and ratings.
Design and Appearance
Targeting and enlarging its consumer base is the basic principle that determines a brand’s design and aesthetic strategy. They’re aware that luggage is more than simply a practical item; it also reflects your personality.
Luggage is not only a simple and practical item, but it also reflects your personality. Samsonite is aware of this. That’s why Samsonite comes with a wide variety of products with different designs and aesthetics.
They rejected the idea that one solution fits all situations. Instead, they provide a huge selection of themes and designs for each product. With this strategy, travelers can select any piece of luggage that meets the customers’ requirements.
So whether you’re a businessman, frequent traveler, or occasional traveler looking for something sleek, polished, or adventurous, Samsonite has covered you.
Aside from this, the brand also offers a wide range of color options. This means that you can choose a luggage color that not only complements your sense of style but also stand out in a crowd.
Samsonite Freeform, made from polypropylene, is one of the best luggage pieces that is unique in its appearance. I love the design and aesthetics of the Freeform hardside luggage.
Affordability
The cost of the luggage is a crucial factor to take into account when considering Samsonite as a brand. As I mentioned above, they use polycarbonate material, which is one of the most expensive materials; therefore, their production costs are higher. But they still make sure to make their items as affordable as possible.
So if you’re trying to get a piece of carry-on luggage, you can easily get it for around $80 to $120. Similar Samsonite medium check-in luggage starts at $135 and goes up to $165, while the large suitcase for check-in starts at around $150 and goes up to $192.
If you compare it with any other brand like Travelpro, Delsey, or Away, you’ll find it way cheaper than those brands while still maintaining excellent quality.
So whatever your budget is, you’ll surely find something valuable for your travels.
Features and Functionality
Without essential features, luggage is of no use in today’s travel world. Samsonite is aware of this and implements a variety of useful and convenient elements into their luggage to improve functionality. Samsonite luggage’s primary features include:
TSA Lock: For added security while traveling, almost all the models come with TSA-approved locks. The default combination for the TSA lock is 0-0-0; you can reset it and use your code.
Spinner Wheels: They provide both single and double 360-degree spinner wheels in their line of luggage. Both types of wheels provide great maneuverability, but the dual spinner wheels are a little more stable and better than spinner wheels.
Expansion Zipper: Their luggage comes with an expansion zipper that lets you add more storage space when needed, giving you flexibility while packing. Most of the luggage comes with a 1.5-inch additional expandable capacity, but some models, such as the Samsonite Omni PC, also offer a capacity of up to 2 inches.
Adjustable Handle: No matter what your height is, you’ll feel super comfortable while carrying your luggage with the adjustable handle. But the thing to note here is that handles on almost all types of luggage are a little flimsy and wobble, but they won’t cause any issues.
Storage and Compartments: Almost all the suitcases come with two main compartments; one compartment comes with compression straps, while the other comes with a zippered divider. Apart from these compartments, the suitcase does have a few small and large pockets for better organization.
Built-in USB Port: Samsonite goes further and above by including extra features in some models. For instance, some models, like the Samsonite Omni 2 and Centric 2, have built-in USB ports that make it simple to charge your electronics while traveling. The important thing to note here is that, unlike the Away luggage brand, Samsonite does not offer batteries or power banks; you’ll have to carry your own.
Some specific models come with laptop pockets, like the Samsonite Omni 2 Pro, for increased convenience. As you move towards the collection of higher-level luggage, you can expect more advanced and specialized features to further improve your traveling experience.
Essentially, Samsonite’s luggage is created with the needs of modern travelers in mind, and it offers a variety of features that put convenience and functionality first. Whether you choose budget-friendly or high-end luggage, they will offer everything you need to make your travels more enjoyable.
Warranty and Support
There are three types of warranties that Samsonite offers, a limited 3-year warranty, a 5-year limited warranty, and a 10-year limited warranty. Samsonite only covers manufacturing issues and doesn’t cover issues caused by airlines, rough handling, improper use, or normal wear and tear.
To claim your warranty, you’ll have to either send your product directly to the repair center or take it to an authorized Samsonite dealer. This will cost you around $110 to $15.
Sometimes it has also been seen that they go beyond expectations and repair the product for free, even when the product is out of warranty.
What types of products does Samsonite offer?
Visit Samsonite’s official website to discover more about the full range of products they provide. The incredible variety of their product offerings ensures that they can meet a variety of travel needs.
They offer carry-on luggage, which is small and practical and is good for short trips or as an addition to bigger checked bags. If you need more storage space, their checked luggage is available in a range of sizes and designs to suit different travel needs and preferences.
The brand is aware that different passengers have different tastes in terms of luggage materials. Because of this, they provide both hardside and softside luggage, allowing customers to select between the robustness of hardshell luggage and the adaptability of fabric choices.
Samsonite offers laptop bags for the tech-savvy traveler that are made to safeguard and organize electrical equipment while you’re on the move. Additionally, their underseat luggage choices are ideal for making the most of cabin space and keeping necessities close at hand during flights.
Lovers of backpacks will discover a variety of designs, from daypacks to travel backpacks, suitable for various uses, such as hiking and commuting. Apart from all these items, Samsonite offers much more. I’m providing a list below of the products that they offer in their store.
- Hardside and Softside Luggage
- Carry-On Luggage
- Checked Luggage
- Luggage Sets
- Laptop Bags
- Underseat Luggage
- Backpacks
- Duffel Bags
- Garment Bags
- Passport Holders
- Accessories
Next read: Are luggage covers allowed by TSA?
How Does Samsonite Compare with Other Brands?
Samsonite stands out in comparison to other well-known companies like Travelpro and Delsey because it provides the same level of quality but at a lower cost. But Delsey, Travelpro, Away, and American Tourister luggage brands are also worth exploring.
These brands are also doing great in the luggage industry; they are better than Samsonite in some aspects, and they are more expensive at the same time. So let’s start with Delsey.
Samsonite vs Delsey Paris
Another well-known name in the travel and luggage business is Delsey Paris, which has been around for more than 70 years. Delsey, one of Samsonite’s primary competitors, has made a name for itself by offering top-notch customer assistance and service.
Delsey is generally distinguished by its reputation for producing luggage with outstanding durability. Although Samsonite and Delsey are well-known brands in the industry, travelers who value durability and strength in their luggage find Delsey’s collection to be appealing.
You can have a look at Delsey Paris if you’re ready to spend a little more for better durability.
Samsonite vs Travelpro
An ex-pilot founded TravelPro, which at first catered to flight personnel but gradually gained popularity among all travelers. The company is particularly well-known for its exceptionally durable softside luggage. Many travelers frequently make TravelPro their first choice when looking for tough and dependable softside luggage.
TravelPro offers several appreciated collections, each catered to a distinct set of travel requirements and tastes, such as TravelPro Platinum Elite, TravelPro Maxlite, and TravelPro Crew Versapack. These collections are made to satisfy the needs of frequent travelers and those who need luggage that can stand up to the rigors of travel.
The advantages of TravelPro over Samsonite include its focus on softside luggage and its tight ties to the aviation sector. In terms of durability, Travelpro outperforms Samsonite, but at the same time, it is more expensive.
Samsonite vs Away
Compared to established brands like Samsonite, Away is a relative newcomer to the luggage industry. However, it has quickly grown in popularity by providing high-end suitcases in a lower price range. Away concentrates on selling directly to consumers, which allows them to offer stylish, durable luggage at reasonable pricing.
Away stands out for its dedication to producing high-quality luggage and offering a lifetime warranty. Undoubtedly, Away costs more than Samsonite, but the investment is justified because of the material, features, and lifetime warranty.
Because of its long-term durability and lifetime warranty, Away also becomes a reasonable choice despite its higher cost.
Final Conclusion: Should You Consider Samsonite or Not?
Let’s sum up with a straightforward answer: Yes, you should surely choose Samsonite while looking for luggage. Here’s why:
Besides offering sturdy, high-quality luggage, Samsonite also has several wonderful features that improve your travels. Their suitcases check all the boxes for quality, durability, features, convenience, and affordability.
You can choose any piece of luggage that meets your requirements, thanks to the variety of products and color choices that Samsonite offers. Moreover, we must not forget the warranty and support that Samsonite offers. Their support is excellent, with a 10-year limited warranty.
Taking everything into account, Samsonite is a good luggage brand that you can surely choose. It’ll prove to be the best investment that you can make for your travels.
