Samsonite vs American Tourister: Which Brand Should You Choose?
As you’ve come to this guide on Samsonite vs American Tourister, that means you might already know a little about these brands. Both Samsonite and American Tourister are among the most affordable brands without sacrificing product quality.
Both Samsonite and American Tourister luggage brands have some similarities and differences as well, which will ultimately help you decide which luggage brand you should choose. The main concern for you, as we understand it, is which brand is a better choice, Samsonite or American Tourister?
Don’t worry at all. In this guide, we’ll be discussing how both brands compare on quality, features, reliability, design, and affordability, and then we’ll give you our suggestions on what you should actually choose that perfectly aligns with your purpose.
Let’s start with the question: is American Tourister owned by Samsonite?
Map of the Guide
Background of Brands: Are Samsonite and American Tourister the Same Company?
Yes, American Tourister and Samsonite are the same company. Not only American Tourister, but other brands like Tumi, High Sierra, Hartmann, Lipault, and many others are also owned by the same Samsonite Corporation.
Samsonite was initially founded in 1910, and it’s now one of the oldest luggage brands, which is relevant even in this modern age. This became possible only because of their dedication and efforts. Today, Samsonite is known especially for its exceptional durability and affordability.
It was 1933 when Samsonite acquired the brand American Tourister and bought both luggage brands under the same corporate roof. Because of this acquisition, Samsonite could capture the biggest market share and widen its product range.
Samsonite today owns many different brands, and because of this strategy, Samsonite is able to capture every segment of customers. No matter what your living standard is, whether you prefer considering an affordable or premium piece of luggage or any other products, because of the different brands, Samsonite has covered you completely.
Let’s take a look at how Samsonite Corporation acquires the market.
- Through the Samsonite luggage brand, it aims to gain the trust of those brands that are willing to pay a moderate amount and prefer durability with good design and features.
- Through the American Tourister luggage brand, it focuses on those customers who want something flashy and more aesthetically pleasing. Enough durability at a very affordable price.
- Through the Tumi luggage brand, it targets and sells products for premium customers who prefer getting something unique and are ready to pay a handsome amount.
In this way, both brands, Samsonite and American Tourister, are doing well in their own domains and are definitely excellent brands with different purposes.
Pros and Cons of Each Brand
Samsonite Luggage Brand
Pros
- Great material and quality
- Excellent customers’ reviews
- Wide range of products
- Essential Features
- Good warranty and service
- Reasonably Priced
Cons
- Some models are overpriced
- Some models have limited packing organization
American Tourister Luggage Brand
Pros
- Good quality
- More affordable
- Excellent product variety
- Good Warranty and support
- Good Customers’ reviews
Cons
- Less durable than Samsonite
- On some models, essential features are missing
- Not always perfect for frequent or heavy travelers
Key Takeaways: Which brand should you choose: Samsonite or American Tourister?
Both Samsonite and American Tourister luggage brands are excellent and have their own pros and cons. Samsonite is a great choice for those who prefer durability and features over affordability and design. It’s a little more expensive than American Tourister, but it’s worth it.
While American Tourister is for those who have a limited budget and prefer luggage with excellent design that is even better than that of Samsonite, you’ll have to compromise a little on durability and features.
Samsonite is perfect for almost all types of travelers, whether you’re a frequent traveler, occasional traveler, or business traveler, while American Tourister is perfect for semi-frequent travelers, occasional travelers, and leisure travelers, so you can choose whichever suits you the best.
Ultimately, both brands are excellent and fulfill different needs; however, if you can spend a little more, we’d suggest you get Samsonite luggage, and it’ll prove to be one of the best investments for your travel.
Also Read: Samsonite vs Away Luggage Brand (Detailed Comparison)
Major Differences: Samsonite vs American Tourister Comparison
Material and Durability Comparison
Durability is the most important concern when choosing any luggage. The straightforward answer to the question of which one is more durable is, Samsonite. American Tourister is also durable, but not as durable as Samsonite.
This is because Samsonite mostly uses polycarbonate and aluminum for its hardside luggage and nylon and polyester for its softside luggage. On the other hand, American Tourister, mostly uses ABS, ABS and PC composite, polypropylene, and polyester materials for their suitcases.
These materials are definitely cheaper and less durable than polycarbonate, aluminum, and nylon. But it never means that the American Tourister is not considerable; it’s durable enough, especially for occasional travelers and light packers.
But if you want something more durable that can last even longer and prove to be an excellent travel companion, it’s the Samsonite you should prefer.
Price and Affordability Comparison
Both Samsonite and American are affordable when compared to other brands like Delsey, Travelpro, and Away. But especially when comparing these two brands side by side, Samsonite is clearly more expensive than American Tourister.
This is especially true because of the material quality and features that Samsonite offers. Their suitcases generally range from $100 to $500; however, you can easily get excellent single Samsonite luggage somewhere around $100 to $170 and a set of 3 pieces for around $300 to $350.
When it comes to American Tourister, it’s even more affordable; you can get a good piece of American Tourister luggage even below $100, which is really good. So if money is the biggest concern for you, an American Tourister is surely a good choice.
But if you’re ready to spend a little more, Samsonite suitcases are surely a better choice than those of American Tourister.
Also read: Samsonite Omni 2 vs Omni PC (Most Popular Suitcase Comparison)
Feature and Convenience Comparison
Talking about features, Samsonite clearly outperforms the American Tourister luggage brand. American Tourister generally offers only basic features like a TSA-approved lock, spinner wheels, and expandable zippers.
They mostly offer single-spinner wheels; only a few models come with dual-spinner wheels. Apart from these basic features, the American Tourister suitcase features a main compartment with compression straps.
On the other hand, Samsonite not only offers all those features that American Tourister offers but also other features, like a USB charging port, dual spinner wheels, and a telescopic handle with eight positions on newer models, so that it can be even more convenient for your height.
Apart from hardside suitcases, Samsonite offers cable locks on some of their softside suitcases so that all the pockets can be locked properly and avoid any potential theft. Through this cable, you can lock all the zippers on the same single TSA lock; this feature comes on none of American Tourister suitcases.
Another feature that is useful, especially for tech-savvy travelers who always travel with a smartphone or tablet, is the USB charging port. Samsonite offers this feature on its premium models and sometimes even on affordable suitcases like the Samsonite Omni 2 carry-on , Samsonite Outline Pro carry-on and the Samsonite Centric 2 hardside carry on luggage.
So if you’re someone who needs only basic features, go with American Tourister but for all the essential features, Samsonite is clearly a better choice.
Design Comparison: Samsonite vs American Tourister
In terms of design and appearance, both brands are totally different, and American Tourister outperforms Samsonite.
Samsonite suitcases look more professional and stunning, especially for business people and those who prefer to be stylish yet simple. And their softside suitcase also seems excellent with its sleek design. What makes Samsonite unique is that it never makes flashy and colorful suitcases.
On the other hand, American Tourister is known for its stylish, eye-catching, and flashy designs. Their suitcase is generally full of different colors, and they also use different pictures, symbols, and emblems of their suitcase for their prints.
This is helpful in identifying luggage, especially on the baggage carousel, so if design is something that matters the most to you, American Tourister is the way to go.
Also read: Samsonite Freeform vs Omni PC (Most Popular Suitcase Comparison)
Warranty Comparison
Both Samsonite and American Tourister luggage brand warranties are very close to each other. This is very obvious because, as we already mentioned above, both brands are operated by the same Samsonite corporation.
Both Samsonite and American Tourister offer three different types of warranties: a 3-year warranty, a 10-year warranty, and a limited global warranty. But what you most get with your luggage is the 10-year global warranty.
The most important thing to know here is that both brands cover only manufacturing defects, not defects that are caused by improper use, rough handling, or airline carelessness. However, the warranty of these brands is quite reliable, which you can trust.
If your luggage gets out of its warranty period, you can still get it repaired, but you might have to pay extra for it.
Organization and Storage Comparison
There are not any big differences when it comes to storage and internal organization. Normal suitcases from both brands generally feature a main compartment with a middle opening, a zipper divider, and compression straps.
Apart from the main compartment, these suitcases offer a few pockets for small items like chargers, cables, or stationary. Some of their models come with good organizational features, while others do not, like the Samsonite Omni PC.
Samsonite’s older suitcases generally don’t offer good packing features; however, Samsonite improved them on its newer models. On their premium models, you can get a laundry pack, a battery pack, and a few extra pockets for enhanced organization.
Also Read: Samsonite vs Travelpro Luggage (Detailed Comparison)
Size and Dimensions Comparison
Both luggage brands manufacture suitcases in different sizes, which include carry-on, medium and large checked luggage, and even underseat luggage. Apart from these suitcases, they also make other bags, like duffle bags and women’s bags.
Their carry-on luggage generally ranges between 20 and 21 inches, depending on the model; medium sizes are between 24 and 25 inches; and large checked luggage is between 28 and 29 inches. No matter how long you’re going on vacation, you can choose accordingly.
But what is more important is to consider whether your luggage meets airline guidelines, especially if you travel by air. Samsonite and American Tourister models carry on, medium, and underseat luggage and meet the guidelines of almost all airlines.
However, for large checked luggage, some of their models comply with airlines’ 62 linear inches rule and some don’t, so always check and make sure that the luggage you’re choosing meets airlines’ guidelines or not.
Also Read: Samsonite vs SwissGear Luggage (Detailed Comparison)
