Samsonite and Travelpro are two of the most popular luggage companies in the world. Chances are you cannot go without finding a product you need from those two luggage manufacturers. Although the first brand is a well-organized and much larger company, Travelpro is not far behind it. In fact, their suitcases are considered as even better alternatives for everyday users.
Those two companies are both medium-price-range brands with a huge variety of products. However, they are not equal in many aspects and this is the ultimate purpose of this article: to help you better understand how these two leading manufacturers’ best suitcases compare to make the right decision.
- Travelpro vs. Samsonite
- Introduction to Travelpro
- Introduction to Samsonite
- Major Differences: Samsonite vs Travelpro
- Luggage Brand Durability: Who is The Winner?
- Features and Compartments: Which Brand Offers the Best Features?
- Price and Value: Samsonite vs Travelpro
- Warranty Terms and Return Policies
- Which Company Has Better Customers Reviews?
- FAQ on Samonsite vs Travelpro
- Conclusion: Which Brand to Choose?
Travelpro vs. Samsonite
Introduction to Travelpro
Travelpro is a luggage brand that has been extremely popular among flight crews and frequent travelers for many years. The history of this brand, which is a much smaller company compared to Samsonite, started more than 30 years ago. In 1987, Bob Plath, a pilot who was constantly on the road, thought of an idea to create a suitcase with wheels and a vertical handle. This was the original Rollaboard-the first product of Travelpro. Since then, Travelpro has become a leading luggage company with more than 30 years of experience in the global market.
The brand is constantly struggling to keep its name on the first place in the luggage industry by building original and convenient luggage pieces. Travelpro is particularly popular among pilots, business travelers, flight crews, and regular travelers. Nowadays, Travelpro luggage is used by airline crew members of more than 90 airlines. Moreover, the brand has a variety of affordable suitcases which are perfect for everyone and not only for professionals.
Introduction to Samsonite
Samsonite is the most popular luggage brand that was founded in 1910 in Denver, Colorado. Although it originally started as a suitcase brand, offering the public convenient and affordable luggage, nowadays the company has turned to other types of luggage, such as backpacks, toiletry bags, and makeup bags, and so on.
Over the years, Samsonite has become the leading luggage company in the world and its products are sold in over 100 countries. Moreover, the brand has acquired many other luggage manufacturers, such as American Tourister, High Sierra, Hartmann, Tumi, eBags, and others. In this way, all of these brands together are close to gaining a monopoly status in the worldwide market.
Major Differences: Samsonite vs Travelpro
Weight
Travelpro has lighter luggage compared to Samsonite, mainly through their Maxlite series. A great example is Maxlite 4 which weighs less than 6 pounds in its soft version, and about 6.7 pounds if you choose the hard-sided option. Samsonite also provides some lightweight luggage through its Omni line that approximately weighs 6.8 pounds. That is not the lightest the company has to provide, though. There are also the Firelite and Cosmolite options, and most prominently, their lightest suitcase which is no other than the LiteShock. It is a hardshell suitcase that only weighs 3.7 pounds.
All in all, Travelpro has a more varied line of lightweight luggage, but the differences are really insignificant. This is why Travelpro holds the 8th place among 32 luggage brands in terms of the average suitcase weight, whereas Samsonite is at the 11th position.
Size
Travelpro and Samsonite are quite similar when it comes to the sizes of their luggage. This is no surprise, as both brands are dedicated to providing travelers with suitcases suitable for air flights and they have been in business long enough to know the most common airline restrictions. Both of them have a line of mid-size luggage, which range from 24-25 inches. These bags are perfect for small expeditions or a short trip abroad when you need to have enough space for several clothes and personal belongings.
Their smaller suitcases, including their most popular carry-on options, typically fall in the 20-21 inch range. However, we have found that all Samsonites’ popular carry-on luggage is a bit over the restrictions. This is also true for the Travelpro suitcases, where we only found one suitcase within the most common airline restrictions, and this was the Crew Versapack Carry-On.
The greatest variety of options comes in both companies’ largest luggage, which is in the range of 28-29 inches. These are perfect for longer trips or if you wish to share it with your fellow traveler.
Which Brand Offers Luggage Within the Airline Size Restrictions?
All in all, Travelpro does a better job in this field. The most common airline size restrictions are 22 x 14 x 9 inches for carry-ons. In most cases, being 1-2 inches above the upper limit will not cost you extra. However, that’s not always the case and there are crew members who will thoroughly check your suitcase’s size and weight. As for the checked luggage, the restrictions are 62 linear inches, which is calculated by adding the width, height, and depth of your suitcase.
As mentioned above, all Samsonite carry-ons are a bit over the size restrictions, at an average of 1.81 inches. Moreover, their larger checked luggage is also over the 62 linear inches restriction at a relatively high percentage (78%). On the other hand, the percentages of the most popular Travelpro luggage which failed to meet airlines’ size restrictions are as follows: 60% for their larger checked luggage.
Luggage Brand Durability: Who is The Winner?
Deciding between Samsonite and Travelpro luggage in terms of durability is closely related to whether we talk about their soft or hard luggage. As it turns out, both brands use a similar material for their hard-shell suitcases in some of their most popular models. This polycarbonate material is durable and promises to keep your belongings safe during the trip. However, while Travelpro uses polycarbonate on all of their suitcases, the same does not apply to Samsonite for which polycarbonate is only to be found in their more expensive and luxurious pieces. In their more affordable luggage, the material used is polypropylene, which is far less durable. What is more, some of the company’s cheapest options are made from yet another type of high-tech plastic, called ABS.
The major differences appear in the companies’ fabric suitcases. There, you will encounter two materials: polyester and nylon. Nylon is usually more durable and long-lasting compared to polyester, however, both materials will normally not tear on you during your trip. Samsonite uses polyester in all of their soft-shell suitcases, whereas Travelpro uses this material only on their more affordable luggage. The company’s more expensive suitcases are made of high-quality nylon or ballistic nylon. This material is more tear-resistant.
All in all, Travelpro luggage are more durable when compared to Samsonite. The real difference is mostly apparent in their more expensive pieces. Both companies’ cheaper options are quite similar in terms of durability, mainly because they use the same type of materials. Therefore, those wishing to choose a durable and tear-resistant suitcase, which is expensive as well, should probably opt for a Travelpro suitcase, like the Platinum Elite or Versapack.
Features and Compartments: Which Brand Offers the Best Features?
The medium-priced suitcases of both brands offer some basic and similar features. Most of the suitcases have a TSA-approved lock, side handles, wheels, and expandable zippers. Not much to separate them here.
Their more expensive models, however, differ a lot. Travelpro offers their customers a series of premium features, like TSA pouches, USB ports, or improved compression systems in some of their most popular suitcases, like Platinum Elite. The same cannot be said of Samsonite, where all of their models, even the most expensive, share the same features with their cheaper editions.
As for the available main compartment, Travelpro and Samsonite seem to offer almost similar storage space. In both brands, you can find a second compartment with a divider in some of their models, as well as a whole lot of pockets, including an exterior accessory pocket for placing your passport or ticket. Another feature most travelers usually pay attention to in a suitcase is its handle. Travelpro handles are usually made of aluminum and their telescopic handle settings typically lock in a few different places in order to let the user find the position that feels best. On the other hand, Samsonite provides handles that can lock in several different handles. In fact, some of their more expensive models feature handles than can lock at every inch. What is more, Samsonite’s telescopic handles are usually made of higher-quality materials.
Price and Value: Samsonite vs Travelpro
Both Travelpro and Samsonite provide a large variety of luggage that covers a large price range. On average, the first brand’s suitcases are around 15% more expensive than the latter. The average price is higher due to their most expensive models, like Platinum Elite and Versapack. Otherwise, they offer some really affordable pieces, like Omni and Maxlites, some of which are even cheaper than similar products of Samsonite.
If you are wondering which brand is mostly worth the price, the answer is not that simple. Both brands have some high-quality suitcases at affordable prices. However, in terms of value, Travelpro seems to be the winner, as on average their suitcases are lighter, made of more durable materials, and enriched with additional features. On the other hand, Samsonite offers a really worthy model, the Samsonite Upright, which is really affordable and trustworthy.
Warranty Terms and Return Policies
As for warranty terms, both brands have multiple versions, depending on the product you wish to purchase. In general, their guarantee terms are pretty basic and they will only cover manufacturing defects. Travelpro provides its customers with a limited lifetime warranty for defects in materials or workmanship, and if you register the warranty within 120 days after the purchase, the shipping costs will be fully covered. On the other hand, Samsonite offers a 10-year warranty policy, however, no shipping costs are covered in case you want to send their product for repair.
The return policies are a lot different and it seems like Travelpro is the winner in this category. The company offers its customers a 100-day trial period to see if the suitcase really fits their expectations. Otherwise, they may return the product and get a full refund. However, the guarantee is only applicable for all orders made from Travelpro’s official site. On the other hand, Samsonite only allows returns within 30 days and they do not cover the cost of shipping.
Which Company Has Better Customers Reviews?
Samsonite and Travelpro have similar ratings and customer reviews on Amazon. When comparing their most popular models, Samsonite ranks 13th among customers, whereas Travelpro is found on 7th place. However, there are a lot of differences if we take into account all of their products. Samsonite, in particular, has some really bad reviews in some of their cheapest luggage models.
FAQ on Samonsite vs Travelpro
Q: What are Samsonite and Travelpro?
A: Samsonite and Travelpro are brands that manufacture luggage and travel accessories.
Q: What is different about Samsonite?
A: Samsonite is known for its innovative designs, durable materials, and stylish aesthetic.
Q: What is different about Travelpro?
A: Travelpro is a well-known brand that is known for its durable and functional luggage.
Q: Which is cheaper Samsonite or Travelpro?
A: In most cases, Travelpro is the cheaper option.
Q: Which has better warranty and customer service, Samsonite or Travelpro?
A: Samsonite and Travelpro are both customer-friendly brands and offer good warranties.
Q: Are Samsonite and Travelpro durable?
A: Both Samsonite and Travelpro luggage are durable. Travelpro is a favorite among flight attendants and airline professionals.
Q: Which is best for business travelers, Samsonite or Travelpro?
A: Travelpro is a favorite among business travelers because of its functionality and sleek design.
Q: Does Samsonite or Travelpro offer more sizes?
A: Samsonite offers a wider range of luggage sizes.
Q: Does Samsonite and Travelpro make carry-on luggage to airline restrictions?
A: Yes, Samsonite and Travelpro offer carry-on luggage that is within airline size restrictions. As with any travel purchase, travelers should double-check airline restrictions before buying.
Q: Samsonite vs Travelpro: Which brand is best?
A: The best answer to this question depends on the travelers’ priorities. Samsonite has more stylish and diverse luggage designs. Travelpro offers durability, functionality, and affordability.
Q: Are Samsonite and Travelpro International brands?
A: Yes, Samsonite and Travelpro are international brands. Samsonite and Travelpro are available in different stores and online.
Q: Does Samsonite or Travelpro offer lightweight luggage?
A: Travelpro offers lightweight luggage designs.
Q: Samsonite and Travelpro: Security features?
A: Samsonite and Travelpro offer luggage with built-in security features.
Q: Samsonite vs Travelpro: Packing Accessories?
A: Samsonite offers a wider range of travel accessories, such as packing organizers, toiletry bags, and other travel essentials.
Q: Are Samsonite and Travelpro Eco-friendly brands?
A: Samsonite and Travelpro are taking steps to be more environmentally conscious by using more sustainable materials and reducing their carbon footprint.
Q: Samsonite and Travelpro: Customizable Luggage?
A: Samsonite offers monogramming and customization services.
Q: Which brand do flight attendants and airline crew members prefer, Samsonite or Travelpro?
A: Travelpro is preferred by flight attendants and airline crew members.
Q: Does Samsonite and Travelpro cover for airline damage?
A: Samsonite and Travelpro offer warranties that cover defects in materials and workmanship but may not cover airline damage. The warranties of each brand should be reviewed.
Q: Samsonite vs Travelpro: Spinner Wheels?
A: Samsonite and Travelpro offer luggage with high-quality spinner wheels for easy maneuverability.
Q: Samsonite and Travelpro: Limited-edition and Premium Luggage?
A: Samsonite releases limited-edition and premium luggage collections with unique designs and features. Travelpro may also have special collections, but these are typically focused on durability and practicality.
Conclusion: Which Brand to Choose?
Overall, both Travelpro and Samsonite are decent choices. They offer a huge range of suitcases, with various features and prices. Most importantly, both of the companies have been in the luggage industry for a long time and know exactly what the customers want in a suitcase. However, in our opinion, Travelpro is the ultimate winner between these two. They provide lightweight suitcases, made of better materials and enriched with advanced features. Although Samsonite is considered by many as the king of luggage and for a good reason, it seems like the smaller company, Travelpro, has managed to gain some ground nowadays. This is the reason why many airline crews prefer Travelpro over Samsonite.
The really important thing the consumers should keep in mind is that not all models of those two brands are equal. For example, the Platinum Elite model of Travelpro is way overpriced, whereas the Winfield 2 and Centric models of Samsonite are popular choices, but their fabric upright suitcases are better in terms of durability and price. For travelers who want to have the extra protection that a hard-shell bag can provide, Samsonite Omni PC is available in different colors and features a scratch-resistant coating. However, Travelpro Maxlite 4 comes with more storage pockets and is lighter. As for the soft-shell category, Samsonite Silhouette XV comes with a removable WetPak pouch and a water-resistant coating. However, Maxlite Expandable Spinner wins again, as it is more affordable, larger, and made of more durable materials.
By now you have learned everything you need in order to choose between Travelpro and Samsonite luggage. Despite the existing differences, those two companies share a lot of common features and the ultimate decision should be made based on your preferences, budget, and the features you want to see in your next suitcase.
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