Samsonite Vs American Tourister - Which Brand Is Better?

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If you do a quick internet search for the best luggage brands, there’s a high possibility that among all the other familiar-looking brands that come up, you’ll see the following names: Samsonite and American Tourister.

Both these luggage brands are known around the world for having good quality suitcases and other travel gear. They’ve both been around for some time and have proven to be brand giants in the world of travel. But which one is better—Samsonite or American Tourister?

In this article, you’ll learn about each brand’s background, history, and the key features of their products. You’ll also discover some similarities and differences, as well as suggestions per brand so it can help you discover what kind of luggage is perfect for you.

American Tourister Is Owned by Samsonite

Before we talk about their differences, you need to know that Samsonite owns American Tourister and a whole lot of other travel brands. This includes Tumi, Lipault, High Sierra, Hartmann Luggage, and more.

Samsonite was founded in the early 1900s when travel was a luxury for only the chosen few who could afford it. Even then, Samsonite worked to produce high-quality luggage that would match the high-quality experience of air travel.

Since then and even up to now with over a hundred years in the industry, Samsonite produces a wide variety of travel products – from suitcases to toiletry bags and other travel accessories. They are known for producing quality luggage at an affordable price and coming with a full range of sizes, colors, styles, and more.

American Tourister was started in the 1930s by a man who wanted to build a suitcase that would be sturdy and durable, but wouldn’t cost so much. Over 75 years later, American Tourister is known as one of the best luggage brands in the world, manufacturing suitcases as well as casual and business bags. Their products have been known to be stylish and fun yet offer great quality. In 1993, Samsonite acquired American Tourister and both brands continue to grow and establish their presence worldwide.

Main Differences Between Samsonite and American Tourister

Have you ever wondered about the differences between Samsonite and American Tourister? Why do people choose one over the other and what makes them come to that decision? Just like every other item you buy, it solely depends on your preference, but to make it easier for you, here are the differences between these two great travel brands in terms of price, durability, warranty, features, looks & style, organization, and storage.

Price

Price is perhaps one of the biggest differences when comparing these two brands. Samsonite’s luggage tends to lean towards the more expensive side, as some of their more premium suitcases cost up to 700$. Nevertheless, they are not as expensive as other luxury travel brands. They also have a wide range of affordable bags that cost around 100$.

American Tourister’s suitcases, on the other hand, tend to be at the other side of the spectrum, with most of their luggage costing less than 100$. They even have luggage sets that are less expensive and are a good deal. If money is your biggest concern, but you are looking for something of good quality as well, then you might want to stick with American Tourister for now.

Durability

Samsonite is one of those companies that tend to put money into research as they find out what are the best materials for the luggage (covers, zippers, handles, locks, and more). This is perhaps why their luggage tends to cost more, but lasts longer.

American Tourister, on the other hand, may cost less, but their quality is not the same as that of Samsonite suitcases. They often use ABS or Polycarbonate for their hardside bags and polyester for their fabric bags, both of which cost cheaper than using polycarbonate, aluminum, or nylon.

This doesn’t mean, however, that your American Tourister luggage will break a few times after you use it. However, if you’re looking for something that will last you a very long time, it’s best to go with Samsonite.

Warranty

In terms of warranty, Samsonite and American Tourister are somewhat similar, which is no surprise, as they are both owned by the same company.

Samsonite has always been known for its outstanding customer service and for how the brand often goes above and beyond the warranty. They offer three kinds of warranties: a limited global warranty, a limited 3-year warranty, or a limited 10-year warranty.

Their warranty, however, doesn’t include wear and tear caused by transportation damages or improper use. Nevertheless, customers have often recounted their experiences when Samsonite’s customer service went above and beyond to help them with free warranty repairs even if it wasn’t covered by the warranty policy.

American Tourister offers the same kind of warranty as Samsonite: a limited global warranty, a limited 3-year warranty, or a limited 10-year warranty. Just like Samsonite, these warranties don’t cover normal wear and tear, or airline damage, or even improper use. You also have the option to purchase repair parts especially if your luggage is no longer covered by the warranty.

Features

American Tourister’s travel gear comes with pretty basic stuff—spinner wheels, expandable zippers, TSA-approved combination locks on their hardside bags, and basic packing features such as a standard main compartment with compression straps.

Several of Samsonite’s bags, on the other hand, come with new, unique features that you might not be able to find in other suitcases. Most of their hardside suitcases come with a TSA-approved lock, which is a pretty standard feature of most hardside cases, regardless of the brand.

What makes Samsonite stand out, however, is that they have added the same TSA lock to several of their fabric bags as well. On some of their other fabric models, there is a cable that goes through all the exterior zippers and connects with a TSA lock, which locks all the outer pockets along with the main compartment and gives you extra security.

Some of Samsonite’s premium suitcases also feature built-in USB ports which are especially helpful if you want to charge your gadgets while waiting for your flight.

If ever you’ve experienced the frustration of pulling luggage that doesn’t seem to be made for your height, Samsonite’s more recent suitcases feature what they call the ‘Right Handle’ system. Whereas most luggage comes with a retractable handle that gives you two to four fixed heights, Samsonite’s luggage comes with eight so you can find the exact one that fits your height.

Samsonite’s travel gear has a lot of other features. They have durable spinner wheels, water resistant-coating on most of their fabric bags, expandable zippers, and more.

Looks & Style

Samsonite has been consistent with its style through the years. Though their fabric suitcases look generic and plain, their hardside bags look sleek and stunning. Overall, their bags tend to look more professional and less flashy.

American Tourister, on the other hand, makes stylish suitcases with various designs, some of them even influenced by pop culture (Mickey Mouse, Avengers, Star Wars, etc.). Their adult suitcases also come with interesting prints and unique colors. If design is a big deal for you, go with American Tourister.

Organization & Storage

In terms of storage, both Samsonite and American Tourister have basic organization and storage inside their regular bags. Their more premium suitcases, however, often come with more pockets and may even include a WetPak.

So Which Brand Should You Get – Samsonite or American Tourister?

Before choosing which brand to go for, it’s important to find out what it is you want. Are you looking for great quality luggage that will last you a long time? Samsonite is the better choice when it comes to that. Or are you on a budget but are looking for something pretty sturdy even then? American Tourister won’t disappoint with their sturdy cases at a more affordable cost.

If you want your luggage to have all the bells and whistles and fancy features, you might want to check out Samsonite’s premium cases. On the other hand, if the design is a big factor in making a decision, then you should check out American Tourister instead.

Ultimately, it’s up to what you want, what you need, and how much you are willing to spend.

Best Samsonite Suitcases

1. Best Hardside Carry-On: Winfield 2

Samsonite’s Winfield 2 has been making waves in the travel industry due to its sleek, professional look and lightweight design. Its body is made of a durable polycarbonate material that is made to absorb any impact by flexing under stress then popping back to its original shape.

It has a retractable handle and 360°-spinner wheels that will help you pull or push your luggage effortlessly wherever you go. It comes in various colors and has a beautiful brushed design to hide scratches and scuffs that comes with the wear and tear of using any luggage.

If you’re concerned about security, the Winfield 2 comes with a TSA-approved combination lock to ensure the safety of your belongings no matter where you go.

Note: The Winfield 2 comes in various sizes. While the 20-inch one can be your carry-on bag, it also comes in bigger sizes that you can check in.

Purchase at: Amazon

2. Best Softside Carry-On: Silhouette XV

Trendy meets functionality in the Silhouette XV, a soft side case designed by Samsonite. It’s got everything you want your luggage to have, from a sturdy, lightweight frame to its nylon fabric with SamGuard water-resistant coating.

The Silhouette XV also comes with a ‘RightHeight’ Pull Handle system. This allows you to adjust the telescopic handle to whatever is a comfortable level for you so you can wheel your luggage very easily, whether you are walking along the smooth hallways or an airport or the cobbled streets of the charming village you’re visiting.

This luggage is also perfect for business trips as it comes with a lightweight hanging organizer that’s designed to help minimize wrinkles in your dresses or suits. The interiors also come with mesh and modesty pockets to store various accessories and valuables, compression straps to secure your items, and even a WetPak.

Purchase at: Amazon

3. Best Hardside Checked: Omni

Samsonite’s Omni is a hardside case that comes in multiple sizes with a 24-inch for a medium check-in luggage and a 28-inch for a larger one.

Omni is one of the more popular suitcases of Samsonite and when you see it, you will know why. It’s smart and sleek, but it’s also functional and sturdy. Its polycarbonate material combined with a scratch-resistant texture is meant to withstand the harshest travel elements.

It has a push-button multi-stage handle that you can comfortably grip as you pull your luggage along. There are top and side carry handles to help you pick up your luggage with ease. The 360°-spinner wheels help you transport your luggage and the TSA-compatible combination lock helps to keep your things secure.

Purchase at: Amazon

4. Best Softside Checked: Solyte DLX

Samsonite’s softside luggage, the Solyte DLX, comes with spacious interiors that are perfect for checking in. There are two sizes for checked luggage—25 inches and 29 inches, with the bigger being perfect for extended trips.

The Solyte DLX comes with a built-in organization to help you pack your stuff. It also comes with a zippered mesh pocket and a WetPak to help you separate clean from dirty clothes or wet garments from dry ones. There are also smart fix buckles to keep the compression straps out of the way so you can pack quickly and easily.

Like other Samsonite suitcases, the Solyte DLX comes with 360°- spinner wheels that increase mobility and help you push your luggage along. Its push-button telescopic handle can be adjusted to suit your height. Both checked-in sizes of this luggage are ultra-maneuverable so if you have the carry-on version of the Solyte DLX, you can simply place it on top of your checked-in luggage for one-handed mobility and so you don’t have to pull a piece of luggage with each hand.

Purchase at: Amazon

Best American Tourister Suitcases

1. Best Hardside Carry-On: Moonlight

Tired of all hardside cases that come in such boring colors? American Tourister’s Moonlight defies tradition with its rose gold hue, something you definitely don’t see every day! (Note: It comes with a lot more other designs for you to check out.)

The Moonlight luggage is made of ABS/PC construction and is light and visually striking. It opens in the middle and comes with a mesh divider, cross straps in the main compartment, and a zippered modesty pocket.

It has four, multi-directional oversized spinner wheels to help you maneuver your luggage with ease and the luggage itself allows for 1.5 inches of expansion so you can pack more items, while the compression keeps your clothes neatly pressed.

Purchase at: Amazon

Full Review: American Tourister Moonlight 24-Inch Checked Suitcase Review

2. Best Softside Carry-On: Belle Voyage

Travel in style with American Tourister’s Belle Voyage that comes with four different designs, including their famous Floral Indigo Sand design that has gorgeous rose gold accents on the zipper pulls, telescopic handle, and logo.

This luggage that is just the perfect size for carry-ons has a large front panel interior pocket where you can place travel documents or other things you might need easy access to. The suitcase expands 1.5 inches more so you can pack more items.

Inside, you have a deep main compartment with a mesh modesty pocket for personal items and other valuables. The compression straps keep your clothes neatly packed the whole time you are traveling. Outside, single ‘airflow’ spinner wheels help you roll your luggage in multiple directions so it’s easy to push or pull it wherever you want to.

Purchase at: Amazon

Full review: American Tourister Belle Voyage 21-Inch Carry-On Review

3. Best Hardside Checked: Curio

American Tourister’s Hardside luggage Curio is made of polypropylene circular design which is a scratch-resistant texture that is meant to withstand harsh travel elements. Whether you’re on your first, tenth, or hundredth trip, it is meant to look the same.

The Curio luggage is light and comes in a simple black color or, if you prefer a pop of color so your luggage is easier to spot, you can get it in yellow or purple. You can even purchase the set so that you can have a carry-on that matches your checked luggage.

It has a TSA-compatible combination lock that will keep your items secure no matter where you go. Plus, you don’t have to worry about misplacing or losing your luggage key. It has 360°-spinner wheels that allow for effortless pushing and a push-button retractable handle with a comfortable grip. The top and side handles help you lift and stack your luggage with ease.

Purchase at: Amazon

4. Best Softside Checked: 4 Kix

The 4 Kix luggage of American Tourister comes in multiple sizes, including a medium (25 inches) and large (28 inches) for checked luggage.

They have multi-directional spinner wheels that allow a 360° rotation and make wheeling your luggage around a lot easier. Push-button handles make it easy to adjust the telescopic handle to a height that’s most comfortable for you.

The 4 Kix comes with roomy interiors for you to place the things you will be packing. There is even a blouse pocket door panel for you to better organize your stuff and a mesh modesty pocket for personal items. Another great feature is the expansion zipper that allows you to adjust your packing capacity. Compression straps also keep your things more secure while you’re traveling.

Outside, the suitcase comes with corner protectors so it guards critical contact points and you don’t have to worry about the edges or corners getting stuck or snagged somewhere. The 4 Kix also comes in four beautiful colors for you to choose from: black, purple, pink, and teal.

Purchase at: Amazon

Full Review: American Tourister 4 Kix Underseater Review