Is Samsonite a Quality Luggage Brand? Senior Buyer’s Guide

You’re interested in Samsonite luggage but have many questions about whether Samsonite is a good luggage brand or whether it’s worth the higher price. Then you’ve come to the right place.

This detailed article aims to explore whether Samsonite is really a good luggage brand or not and whether it’s worth the money. I will let you know about the advantages and disadvantages of the Samsonite brand. So that you can make a perfect decision.

The Prositives and Negatives of the Samsonite Brand

The Good

• Incredible Built Quality: Samsonite uses polycarbonate in most of their hardside suitcases, except a few. Polycarbonate is the most durable material after aluminum. For softside luggage, they prefer polyester, which is also the most durable soft material after nylon. So you won't face any problems with material or quality.
• Excellent Customer Reviews: Over a period of time, Samsonite has gained thousands of reviews because of their dedication to their brand. Most of the suitcases are highly reviewed and loved by a lot of travelers.
• Wide range of products: Samsonite comes with a wide range of products with different design and color options, so they have something for everything. Whatever your expectation is, you'll surely get something according to your imagination.
• Reliable Warranty and Customer Support: Samsonite comes with a 10-year warranty that covers only manufacturing defects. Although they don't offer a lifetime warranty, their warranty and support are excellent.
• Affordable Prices: This is what Samsonite is known for; they have different types of products for people with different budget options, from affordable to premium luggage. So whatever your budget is, you'll definitely get something valuable for yourself.

The Bad

• Limited packing organization: Samsonite suitcases, especially the affordable suitcases, don't do much better in terms of packing features. They don't offer enough small pockets for small items; however, the newer suitcases are comparatively better and doing well.
• A few models are overpriced: Most reliable, good-quality luggage costs around $100 to $50; that's fine, but there are some Samsonite premium suitcases that cost around $600 to $700, which are really overpriced.

A Brief History of the Samsonite Brand

In 1920, the company was founded in Denver, Colorado, under the name Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Company, and the founder's name was Jesse Shwayder. After 20 years, the company was renamed Samsonite, taking inspiration from the Biblical character Samson, who is known for his strength and durability.

The company started off by producing hand-crafted wooden trunks, but in the 1920s, it began to focus more on producing lightweight luggage. The brand quickly gained popularity, and by the end of 1950, it had become one of the most well-known luggage brands in the world.

With time, Samsonite expanded its product line and included a wide range of luggage, from spinners to duffle bags, from laptop bags to backpacks, and from briefcases to accessories.

Today, Samsonite has established itself as a global brand and is known for producing high-quality, durable luggage for every type of traveler.

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Why Should You Choose a Samsonite Luggage?

There are plenty of reasons that will definitely inspire you to go ahead with the Samsonite luggage brand. But I'm mentioning some of the potential reasons below so that you can have a clear understanding and make a confident decision.

Brand Reputation and Reviews (18/20)

Brand reputation is not something that can be bought by spending a huge marketing budget. Reputation is built by serving customers with great services or products and gaining their trust in them. Surely, it takes a lot of time and effort.

Since Samsonite has been in the market for over a hundred years and has served customers with its qualified and wide range of products, it has proven its authority in the luggage industry and gained the trust of its loyal customers with dedication towards its work.

Now, when it comes to durable and affordable luggage, the name of the Samsonite brand comes in first. It's considered to be one of the best and most reliable brands. You can trust Samsonite; you surely won't regret it.

When we talk about the customer feedback and reviews that Samsonite has received over a long period of time, we've analyzed that the majority of Samsonite suitcases have between 4.4 and 4.8 stars out of 5, which is excellent.

It is important to know that maintaining ratings and reviews for a small brand is easier, but for a bigger brand, it's extremely difficult, and Samsonite has achieved this despite being a huge brand and selling thousands of suitcases every month.

Having said that, we've also examined a slight decline in customer reviews in the last decade. They're complaining that the durability is not as good as it used to be. Summing up, it's still a reliable and trustworthy brand that you should consider.

Also Read: Samsonite vs. American Tourister Luggage Brands

Built Quality and Durability (13/15)

After analyzing Samsonite's products for a couple of years, I can surely say they're really awesome. This is because Samsonite has continuously put its best efforts into maintaining its top position in the luggage industry, and undoubtedly, this can only be achieved with the help of great-quality products.

Samsonite is known for its high-quality material and unique construction. The brand uses a variety of materials, including polycarbonate, polypropylene, and nylon.

When it comes to hardside luggage, Samsonite uses polycarbonate material in most of its products because polycarbonate is the best material when it comes to plastic.

When it comes to quality, Samsonite is often compared to other great luggage brands such as Travelpro and Delsey. These brands are also known for their quality and durability, but the good thing about Samsonite is that it offers a more affordable price point while still maintaining the same quality.

Also Read: Polycarbonate vs. Aluminum Material

Product Range (9/10)

The availability of a variety of products is an indication of a great brand, and Samsonite offers a wide range of products, including spinner and roller suitcases, carry-on bags, backpacks, duffel bags, and laptop bags, along with travel accessories such as toiletry kits, passport holders, and packing cubes.

They also have a line of products for different purposes, and these products include messenger bags, totes, and casual bags. No matter what product you're looking for, you'll surely get something that meets your expectations and needs.

The best thing about Samsonite is that it allows every type of customer to find the perfect product for their specific needs, whether it's for a short trip or a longer business trip.

Also Read: Do Airlines Prefer Hard or Soft Luggage

Value and Affordability (8/10)

As I mentioned above, Samsonite uses polycarbonate in most of the suitcases it manufactures, and polycarbonate is the most expensive plastic when it comes to plastic material. Polycarbonate is itself a pricey material, regardless of brand.

But let me tell you, polycarbonate is not the only material that Samsonite uses in its luggage or suitcases; it also uses polypropylene and even ABS plastic when the intention is to manufacture suitcases at a very cheap price.

For softside material products, Samsonite uses durable nylon, polyester, and ballistic nylon materials.

But the good thing about Samsonite is that while it uses great and expensive materials such as polycarbonate and nylon, it always tries its best to make its products as affordable as possible. So, if you're someone who is tight with their budget, you can still find a great product.

Also Read: What To Do With Old Samsonite Luggage

Design and Aesthetics (12/15)

Aesthetics is another important factor because it reflects your personality and sometimes the purpose of travel. Samsonite offers a wide range of designs, and each design is unique.

Samsonite offers different designs for different types of travelers. If you're a businessman, you can choose a piece of luggage that has a sleek and modern design. Similarly, if you're planning an adventurous trip, you can choose the luggage that suits you best.

Additionally, you'll get plenty of color options, especially if you choose hardside luggage. Samsonite offers a range of different collections, each with its own unique design and features, such as the Samsonite Omni collection.

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Features and Convenience (13/15)

A piece of luggage without important features has no value today. Everyone out there is looking for all the important features so that they can enjoy their journey with peace of mind.

Let me tell you, you don't have to worry at all if you have decided to buy Samsonite luggage. This is because Samsonite has covered each feature that makes travel seamless and enjoyable.

These features include a TSA lock, 360 spinner wheels, an expandable feature for additional space, an adjustable handle, an internal divider, and a compressor.

These are the basic and important features that a suitcase must have, and this is what you get from Samsonite even if you buy a basic suitcase. If you want to have a higher level of luggage, you'll also get some additional features.

Samsonite offers both types of wheels—360-degree single and double spinner wheels—when it comes to spinner luggage. You can choose according to your needs.

Also Read: Samsonite Omni 2 Hardside Luggage Review

Warranty and Support (13/15)

Samsonite products come with three types of warranties, but the suitcases are backed by a 10-year limited global warranty. No matter whether you have bought a piece of inexpensive luggage or premium luggage from Samsonite, the warranty you get from Samsonite covers all types of manufacturing defects.

In the event of a defect, Samsonite will either replace or fix it. If they won't be able to replace that defective part, they will gladly offer you a brand new suitcase.

However, the warranty from Samsonite does not cover any damage caused by regular usage or improper handling by airline personnel. Although you can still take your luggage to authorized Samsonite repair shops for servicing and repairs, this service won't be entirely free.

Also Read: How to Claim Samsonite Warranty?

What products does Samsonite make?

There is a wide range of products that Samsonite makes. Samsonite covers all kinds of suitcases and backpacks. You can visit their website to see a list of the products they are offering. Here, I'm mentioning some of the important products below:

• Carry-On Luggage
• Checked Luggage
• Hardside and Softside Luggage
• Laptop Bags
• Underseat Luggage
• Backpacks
• Luggage Sets
• Duffel Bags
• Garment Bags
• Passport Holders
• Accessories

Also Read: Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Detailed Review

Which Samsonite luggage is best?

Samsonite offers a wide range of products, and it's challenging to pick the best one because all the suitcases that Samsonite manufactures are highly rated and offer great features and durability.

Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your specific travel needs and preferences. However, I'm listing some of the best products from Samsonite below.

For hardside luggage, Samsonite Omni PC, Samsonite Omni 2, and Samsonite Freeform are great options. You can go with any of them, and you'll really be happy with the performance of the luggage.

For softside luggage, Samsonite Solyte DLX and Samsonite Ascella X are the best options to consider. If you're someone who prefers softside luggage over hardside luggage, you can choose any of them.

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How Much Does Samsonite Luggage Cost?

Samsonite covers a wide range of prices and manufactures luggage at different price points depending on the size and material used. Luggage starts at $99 to $1,000 if you buy a set of luggage.

Generally, Samsonite softside luggage is cheaper than hardside luggage. This is because nylon, polyester, ballistic nylon, and fabric are easily available and cheaper than polycarbonate material.

Samsonite also offers a range of cheap luggage because there is a demand for low-budget luggage too. But I won't recommend you buy that cheaper luggage because these suitcases are made from ABS plastic and are composed of polycarbonate and ABS.

If you go with cheap luggage, you may save some money, but in the long run, you'll have to pay more, so it's better to pay once for a better product that can last for years and hundreds of trips.

Another thing that you should know is that if you buy a set of three pieces of luggage, you can save a handsome amount of money. Purchasing a single piece of luggage most of the time may cost you more than a luggage set.

Also read: Is Aluminum Luggage Worth the Investment?

Some Drawbacks of the Samsonite Brand

There are a few drawbacks to the Samsonite, but in my experience, they are not to be considered yet, so I'm mentioning them here.

One drawback is the Samsonite warranty. The warranty offered by Samsonite only covers manufacturing defects and doesn't cover damages caused by regular wear and tear or improper handling by airline personnel.

Additionally, Samsonite offers a 10-year limited warranty; this warranty period is shorter when compared to other brands that offer a lifetime warranty.

But as I mentioned above, this drawback should not be considered because those brands that offer lifetime warranties are way more expensive than Samsonite.

Also read: Is White Luggage a Bad Idea? Pros and Cons of White Suitcase

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Because of the efforts that Samsonite has put in, customers have been giving positive reviews and ratings for its products and services. The general thing I realized is that customers often praise it for its quality, durability, and design.

Many of the customers note that the brand's products offer good value for money. Common themes in customer feedback include the longevity and durability of luggage and its ability to withstand the rigors of travel.

Samsonite Alternatives: How Do They Compare with Other Brands?

Undoubtedly, Samsonite is a great brand with a wide range of products, including cheaper, mid-segment, and premium luggage options. However, there are some other brands similar to Samsonite. These brands are also doing great in the luggage industry, and you can also have a look at them mentioned below.

1. American Tourister
2. Delsey
3. Travelpro

Samsonite vs American Tourister

American Tourister is also a great brand that came into existence in 1933 after 23 years of Samsonite. Both brands, Samsonite and American Tourister are owned by the same parent company, which means they share the same kind of value and commitment to innovation and design.

American Tourister is also a well-known company in the luggage industry, which is known for its combination of style, functionality, and affordability.

Samsonite vs Delsey

Delsey is another big name in the luggage industry that has been in business for over 70 years. This brand is also known for its high-quality luggage products and is one of Samsonite's main competitors.

Moreover, Delsey has a reputation for providing excellent customer service and support. The brand offers a comprehensive warranty and has trained management to help customers.

Also read: Are Smart Luggage Allowed On Planes?

Samsonite vs Travelpro

The company Travelpro was started by an ex-pilot with the idea to make luggage or suitcases, especially for airline crews, but later it became so popular that travelers loved the product. If durability is the key factor, then you can definitely have a look at Travelpro.

Especially if you're looking for durable softside luggage, Travelpro has become the first choice because it has a line of softside luggage, including Travelpro Platinum Elite, Travelpro Maxlite, and Travelpro Crew Versapack.

It also has a range of hardside luggage, so you can try it.

Also read: Is it Safe to Put a Laptop in Checked Luggage?

Conclusion: Is Samsonite Really a Good Luggage Brand?

If you still have the same question: "Is Samsonite really a good luggage brand?" let me conclude with a precise and simple answer to this question.

Yes, Samsonite is a good luggage brand that offers you durable and quality luggage and provides great features to make your travel seamless and smooth.

If you're looking for a reliable and well-made suitcase that offers value for the price, Samsonite is a solid choice. You'll get a wide range of products, so whatever your purpose is, you'll surely get something according to your needs.

Choosing the perfect color for your travels, especially if you're planning to buy check-in luggage, is also extremely important because color plays a big role.

Fortunately, you can get a wide range of color options to choose whichever color you want. Here is a complete guide on how colors can impact your journey.

The Samsonite brand combines great quality, features, and innovative design. It offers everything at an affordable price when compared to other brands. Samsonite offers features that include a TSA lock, an adjustable handle, spinner wheels, an internal divider, and an expandable feature.

Whether you're a frequent or business traveler, you can trust the Samsonite brand. It'll be one of the best travel decisions you ever make.