What Are the Samsonite Suitcase Sizes? (with Illustrations)

Samsonite is one of the most well-known suitcases and travel bag manufacturers on the planet. The company makes a wide range of bags, including those for frequent flyers and overnight trips. The only problem you will have when shopping for Samsonite suitcases and figuring out which size to get.

Samsonite makes and sells travel-friendly suitcases. The suitcases typically measure between 14 and 28 inches and weigh between under 5 and over 15 pounds. Samsonite offers ten different suitcase categories.

In this guide, I’ll explain the various Samsonite suitcase sizes, what categories are available, and how to choose the right suitcase for your next trip.

A Quick Look at Samsonite’s History

Samsonite, originally known as the Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Company, was founded in Denver, Colorado, in 1910 by Jesse Shwayder. During the early stage of the brand. Although Samsonite is mainly known for suitcases, it wasn’t for another 31 years when Samsonite released its first suitcase called the Streamlite.  

As time went on, Samsonite would focus most of its research and development efforts on creating lightweight, durable, swanky suitcases. It was also the first company to integrate a multi-point lock system into their suitcases, making them safer than ever.

Today, Samsonite suitcases are sold all over the world under different brand names, including Tumi, American Tourister, High Sierra, and Lipault. 

Samsonite Suitcase Sizes

If you visit Samsonite’s website, you’ll find that its suitcases are split into 5 size categories, namely:

• 14 to 17 inches (personal or under seat luggage)
• 18 to 21 inches (international carry-on)
• 22 to 23 inches (domestic carry-on)
• 24 to 27 inches (medium checked luggage)
• 28 inches and larger (large/extra-large checked luggage)

The size figures are in regard to the distance between the bottom of the suitcase and the top of the carry handle.

Samsonite Suitcase Categories

According to the website, there are a total of 10 suitcase categories, which are as follows:

• Carry-on luggage—Small-size suitcases that can fit in overhead cabins or beneath your seat on an airplane.
• Checked luggage—Medium to large-size suitcases that must be checked in.
• Luggage sets—2 or 3-piece luggage sets that include carry-on and checked luggage sizes.
• Hardside luggage—Suitcases that have hard shells for added durability.
• Softside luggage—Suitcases with soft shells for reduced weight.
• Spinner luggage—Suitcases with 4 casters that allow owners to wheel the suitcase across flat surfaces.
• Fits 22 × 14 × 9 inches—Suitcases that meet the maximum carry-on size limit set by most airlines, which is 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high or deep. Samsonite’s carry-on luggage may measure smaller than 22 × 14 × 9 inches.
• Underseat luggage—Suitcases that are specifically designed to fit underneath your airplane seat.
• Wheeled duffels—Samsonite’s collection of duffel bags with at least 2 caster wheels.
• Garment bags—Suitcases that are wider than they are tall to fit more dress clothing without wrinkling or creasing them.

Tips for Choosing the Right Suitcase

1. Choose a suitcase size that is slightly larger than you think you’ll need. If you’re planning on taking souvenirs back home, choose the largest bag size allowed by your airline.
2. The internal measurements of a suitcase can be just as important as its external measurements.
3. The more pockets there are, the better you can organize your belongings.
4. Carry-on suitcases are ideal for trips lasting 3 to 5 days. For longer trips, think about choosing a check-in suitcase or choosing a suitcase set.
5. You won’t need every feature under the sun, but buckles, locking systems, and waterproof pockets are must-haves for long-distance journeys.
6. Smaller is always better if you’re only going to be gone for a couple of days. Underseat luggage is ideal for brief 1 or 2-day trips.
7. Plastic suitcases aren’t as durable as you may think. Fabric (softside) suitcases absorb impact to a certain extent, reducing the risk of permanent damage.
8. Avoid spinner wheels. They are screwed into place, and if the wheels turn in the opposite direction (left loosey), they can fall right off. Get a suitcase with 2-direction casters instead.

How Much Does a Samsonite Suitcase Weigh?

Since most airlines restrict how heavy your check-in or carry-on luggage should weigh, you should be mindful of your Samsonite suitcase’s tare weight before stuffing it with your clothes, travel documents, and toiletries.

According to Samsonite’s website, the 5 size classes and categories are divided into 5 weight classes, which are:

• Under 5 pounds
• Between 5 and 10 pounds
• Between 10 and 15 pounds
• Over 15 pounds

Generally speaking, larger Samsonite bags will weigh more than their smaller counterparts. However, the exact weight figures depend on what the bag is made of and how many accessories and features it comes with.

What Features Do Samsonite Suitcases Have?

There are a handful of innovative Samsonite suitcase features you should know about. I’ll explain what they are down below.

Fidlock—A closure system that consists of a side zipper for easy access to the main interior pocket and a roll top for adjustable packing capacity.

RFID protection—RFID protection helps prevent tech-savvy thieves from scanning your debit and credit cards. The RFID blocker is found inside a tiny compartment inside the suitcase.

Smart fix buckles—Flexible internal buckles that stay out of your way while packing the suitcase.

Smart sleeve—A pocket that slips over the telescoping handles of other Samsonite suitcases, allowing you to travel with more than one bag with less fuss.

TSA lock—An integrated locking system consisting of 3 customizable digits.

Fingerprint lock—An integrated locking system that can be unlocked by scanning your fingerprint.

USB port—acts as powerbanks to recharge your mobile devices.

Kompress Pak—An integrated system that compresses the suitcase’s contents to add more room for souvenirs and other small items.

WetPak—An internal pocket with a waterproof lining to prevent liquids from getting all over your clothes.

Snap-in Cubed—Snap buckles that lock your belongings in place.