Samsonite vs American Tourister: A Detailed Suitcase Comparison ⋆ Expert World Travel

Last Updated: October 21, 2021

Samsonite produces some of the best luggage in the world and actually owns both the Samsonite and American Tourister brands. And although they are both the same company, these suitcase brands differ quite a bit.

So, it is certainly worth seeing a detailed comparison of these two renowned travel brands, to figure out which you want to buy.

In this review, I will show you how these two manufacturers’ top models of luggage compare, as well as in-depth reviews of each piece of the luggage itself.

In the end, you will have all the information you need to decide whether it is going to be American Tourister or Samsonite for your next purchase.

American Tourister has added a couple of nice features on this luggage range for those looking for a little more comfort and pleasure while traveling. Although they are a little more expensive than the bottom end Fieldbrook series, it is well worth the price.

These are the upmarket line from AT and have a lot more top-end features and materials which you will love.

The Ilite Max from American Tourister is a nice light weight option if you are after an affordable soft case.

No frills or pointless features on these cases, and at under 100 bucks hardly much to complain about on the price too.

The Fieldbrook luggage is simple, light and easy to use.

Here are some of the features you will like:

Functional, simple, durable, and affordable. What is not to like.

The Fieldbrook ii is one of American Tourister’s most popular cases.

You can see all the Silhouette features in detail in the video review below:

This is more of a case for the frequent or business traveler who appreciates that some of the smaller details on a suitcase can make all the difference.

The 8 positions telescopic handle (that finally addresses the “height” issue people have with suitcases) that also has some padding to alleviate the pain you get from pulling the handle for ages is one of the most notable features on this case. I have never seen such a multi-level handle on a case.

The interior of this case has the typical soft case large packing area, which many people love. What is also impressive are the two big mesh pockets on the lid, one of which has a hanger for your more wrinkle prone items. Included in this case is also a wetpac which is great for when you have wet or dirty items (or toiletries if you wish). Normally you have to bring plastic bags or pack your own dirty laundry bag .

So, what does the Silhouette 1 7 include that is so impressive:

Softcases give you a little more packing flexibility because you can have outside pockets. It also seems to handle the rough life of a suitcase through airports better too. As long as you don’t pack breakables (or not protect them).

The Samsonite Silhouette 17 on the other hand is a little more expensive and more of a top-end softcase that Samsonite has packed full of great features.

You can also get a quick rundown of the features in the video below:

With the Omni you get a top-end suitcase at a budget price, with features normally reserved for suitcases costing many hundreds of dollars.

They are cost-effective, strong, durable, and have all the standard features that keep travelers happy again and again.

The Samsonite Omni PC range is a great entry-level suitcase for those wanting the protection of a hardcase. And the runner up in terms of quality, price and ppopularity is definitely the Winfield 2 !

Samsonite vs American Tourister Buying Guide

Comparing the Samsonites and the American Tourister, you have to look at a few things in detail.

Size

Each brand has three main sizes that usually suit:

• 20-21 inch is a small carry on that you can take on the plane
• 24-25 inch is a mid-size that suits smaller trips or one person for a week if you don’t overpack
• 28-29 inch is the largest size that you can use for longer trips or include two people (or more for shorter trips.

If you are looking to invest in something for a big trip, you will want a carry-on and a large case. If you just want options, you can grab the mid and large case (which is what I did – week trips, and long trips). I use a backpack to carry on in any case.

Weight

Most suitcases these days are pretty light. But, some go the extra mile to make their cases even lighter.

Samsonite is known for the super-lightweight hard cases – The Omni listed above, is very light, and they take it even a step further with the weight-focused cases – Cosmolite and Firelite.

In the comparison chart above, you will see that actually the lightest case in the list is Omni, but the American Tourister Max Lite are quite light for their low price point. These are a great option if you don’t want to spend the kind of money you will need to fork out for a Samsonite. There is of course, a difference in quality.

Durability & Quality

Hardcases can handle a lot of knocks, but, in the long run, you will often find that soft cases last even longer.

Why? Because they do not have the stress put on them that hard cases do. They compress and squish down where a hardcase has to “take” the knock or stress put on it.

In terms of materials on softcases, Nylon is a better, more durable option. So, the Samsonite Silhouette XV is the best of the three soft cases in this review. American Tourister tries to save you money wherever they can, which means they have to go with cheaper materials like Polyester. It won’t last as long, but it is a lot cheaper.

Companies like Samsonite tend to put more money and research into their materials (including their handles, zippers, wheels etc) and that is usually the reason why the cases cost more and last longer.

That is not to say that a American Tourister cases will break the minute you use them, but if you want something to last longer, it often makes more sense to pay more money if you can. I have had Delsey’s and Samsonites last me nearly a decade of heavy travel. Sometimes, it is worth paying a little more.

Features

Almost all of the cases from both Samsonite and American Tourister have the same basic features that you will love:

• Lots of room for packing
• Internal and external (not on the Omni because it is a hard case) pockets for extra packing
• 2 Wheels or 4 Spinner wheels to help make your life easy pushing or pulling your case to/from their airport

Where things differ a little is in the following:

• TSA locks built-in to the Samsonites
  All Samsonites have 4 spinner wheels that are often quality Japanese made (best in the industry). American Tourister only has spinners on the better models like the iLite Max
  Samsonite invests a little more in the details like the 8 position telescopic handle and wetpac on the Silhouette XV Cases

Price

This is the biggest difference, apart from the quality of these two luggage brands.

Samsonite cases are towards the top of the spectrum (although some cases are not too expensive – mid-range I would say). Although, one of the reasons I include the Samsonite Omni in this review is that it is a best seller and one of the most affordable and durable Samsonites on the market, with single cases often around or below 100 bucks too.

American Tourister is at the bottom end of the luggage spectrum and their cases rarely cost over 100 bucks. Even their three-piece sets like the Fieldbrook II are super cheap.

So, if money is your only concern, go with American Tourister for sure.

Which Suitcase To Choose?

Both Samsonite and American Tourister know how to make good cases, so in many ways, it’s hard to choose.

But, let me quickly give you a few easy choices:

Price: The lower price options are the Omni hardcase and the American Tourister Fieldbrook.

Weight: The Omni hardcase is suprisingly the lightest, with the American Tourister Ilite Max the lightest softcase.

Durability and Strength:

For sheer protection, a hardcase is always best. So, if you plan on taking things that might break, I would go with a Samsonite, with the Omni being the entry level model.

In general Samsonites are going to last you longer, or Delsey’s if you want to check out the options they have. American Tourister just lacks the materials and quality of their more expensive competitor.

Features & Comfort: The top end models always have more options. That means more pockets (including wet packs), better handles (8 positions on the Silhouette, with a foam grip for comfort!), better wheels and a TSA lock on the Samsonites. The American Tourister Ilite Max has a reasonable compromise here with spinner wheels and a wetpack included for a still reasonable price.

In the end, it all depends on what is important to you when you travel, and how much money you want to spend on the case.

So, my advice: read over the features lists. Check the prices. Read the reviews of the one or two models you like the best. Then – pull the trigger.

There is no perfect case, but all 4 in this comparison are decent choices.

Safe travels!