Samsonite UpLIFT Review: Is This 5-Pound Carry-On Worth It?

The Samsonite UpLIFT Hardside weighs just 5.1 pounds and includes suspension wheels, a TSA lock and an adjustable handle. Here is where it excels and where it falls short.

Samsonite created the UpLIFT line for those that want to lighten the load of their luggage. But don’t want to sacrifice protection, security and maneuverability you get with a hard sided suitcase.

The lightweight travel bag weighs just over 5 lbs. That’s lighter than many other suitcases made from polycarbonate. It features suspension spinner wheels, an adjustable telescopic handle, built-in TSA lock, and expandable clamshell style.

On the flip side, Samsonite keeps things simple with storage in the UpLIFT. You won’t find the mesh pockets, compression panels or removable organizers on some high-end bags.

Does the lighter weight warrant some simplicity? Find out in this Samsonite UpLIFT review. We’ll dive into the suitcase’s design, size, organization, durability, wheels and biggest drawbacks.

Samsonite UpLIFT Review: Our Quick Verdict

The Samsonite UpLIFT Hardside is ideal for light weight, easy rolling and airline-approved dimensions.

The carry on comes in at just about 5.1 pounds in weight and 22 by 14 by 9 inches with wheels and handles included. It’s substantially lighter than many of its hard-shell carry-on competitors.

Having a light-weight bag means you have more of your luggage allowance to work with when packing clothes, shoes and other travel necessities. It’s also likely to be easier to lift into an overhead bin, tote up and down stairs and push through airports, train stations and hotels.

That being said, the UpLIFT isn’t the most organized suitcase on the market. While it does offer two zippered packing compartments for a sleek and functional design, you might find yourself reaching for packing cubes if you like lots of pockets and built-in compression.

Best for: Travellers who want an exceptionally lightweight hardside suitcase with smooth wheels.

Avoid it if: You need exterior pockets, extensive interior organization or the lowest possible price.

Samsonite UpLIFT Specifications

The large model has dimensions totaling around 60 linear inches. That falls under the 62-linear inch checked luggage maximum of most major carriers.

Carriers differ, so check baggage restrictions with your carrier and fare prior to departure.

How We Evaluated the Samsonite UpLIFT

We’ve reviewed the Samsonite UpLIFT based on specifications provided by the manufacturer, build quality, features, competitive models, and common feedback from actual owners.

If you see a review of this suitcase listed as not personally tested, it means that we did not conduct a hands-on evaluation with the product.

Specifications and prices are subject to change. Please verify details with the manufacturer prior to making a purchase.

Lightweight and Durable PC Build Quality

Let’s start with the most important reason to purchase the Samsonite UpLIFT: It’s extremely light.

Weighing in at just 5.1 pounds, this carry-on is impressively light for a hardside suitcase with a polycarbonate shell, telescopic handle, TSA lock and four spinner-wheel assemblies.

Why does this matter? Every pound your empty suitcase weighs limits how much you can pack before hitting an airline’s weight limit. A lighter suitcase can make a big difference if:

• You regularly fly with airlines that enforce strict carry-on weight limits
• You have a difficult time lifting heavy luggage due to age or strength
• You’re a smaller traveler who might have trouble lifting a suitcase into an overhead bin
• You’re traveling with a family and need to keep track of multiple bags
• You find yourself repeatedly lifting your suitcase while transitioning between trains, taxis, and hotel elevators

Samsonite markets the shell as lightweight polycarbonate specially formulated by the company.

Polycarbonate shells typically flex when pressure is applied rather than remaining a completely rigid box. As a result, they can usually handle ordinary bumps while traveling without cracking as easily as some cheaper ABS suitcases.

This doesn’t mean the UpLIFT will resist wear and tear forever. Check luggage will still incur some cosmetic damage over time.

Suspension Wheels Enhance Maneuverability

The UpLIFT features Samsonite’s suspension wheel system rather than an ordinary spinner-wheel configuration.

Samsonite designed its proprietary suspension system to lessen vibration as the suitcase rolls over joints, uneven flooring, and other bumps. Bags with this system should provide a smoother, quieter ride than luggage with smaller, hard wheels.

The suitcase’s relatively low empty weight should also allow you to better control it when it’s packed.

You’ll likely notice these features most when:

• Rolling through large airport terminals
• Pushing your suitcase through hotel lobbies
• Traveling through train stations
• Rolling your suitcase through security lines
• Maneuvering through busy shopping districts
• Rolling over smooth city sidewalks

As with most spinner bags, you’ll get the most smooth rolling on flat airport carpet. While the UpLIFT can roll over moderate pavement and short sections of uneven ground, you shouldn’t expect these small spinner wheels to effortlessly roll over long stretches of deep cobblestone or gravel. Damaged city sidewalks might cause issues as well.

RightHeight Telescopic Handle Adjusts To Your Preference

Samsonite includes its RightHeight telescopic handle with the UpLIFT Spinner..

Rather than providing customers with only two or three fixed handle positions, the RightHeight handle allows you to adjust the suitcase’s handle in one-inch increments. Many travelers will find this useful because you can adjust the handle to better align with your body and preferred rolling position.

Believe it or not, this can have a significant impact on comfort during longer travels.

A handle set too high or too low can cause your wrist to bend while rolling your suitcase. This often results in additional strain and may cause your suitcase to roll unevenly. A more adjustable telescopic handle can make a big difference for short and tall travelers alike.

The extra adjustability can also help when you need to set a backpack or personal-item bag on the telescopic handle.

Samsonite also equipped the handle with an ergonomic, wipe-clean grip.

Samsonite Packing Space and Layout

The UpLIFT Hardside features a traditional clamshell opening.

Both halves of the suitcase feature zippered fabric dividers. These can be useful for keeping clothing from falling out if you suddenly open or close the luggage. They also allow you to mentally separate one category of belongings from another if desired.

Imagine packing your clothes on one side and shoes, toiletries, or dirty laundry on the opposite side.

Many customers will like the empty layout. It gives travelers the option of creating their own organizational system with packing cubes or compression bags.

The suitcase also expands up to an inch for additional packing space.

This is great if you end up needing to pack a few more items or want some extra space for souvenirs on your return trip. Just know that expanding the bag too much can cause it to exceed the depth limit of some airlines’ carry-on restrictions.

The major drawback of the interior is the lack of smaller organizational amenities.

Samsonite didn’t include:

• A large external pocket
• A padded laptop sleeve
• A removable wet/dry organizer
• A variety of accessory pockets
• An intelligent compression panel

If you want every charging cord, document, and toiletry to have its own dedicated compartment or pocket, you may come away feeling like the UpLIFT’s interior is too sparse.

The clamshell opening also takes up a fair amount of space. You need to have enough room on the floor or bed to open up both halves of the suitcase. This can be annoying if you have a small hotel room or need to access something quickly while at the airport.

UpLIFT Features TSA Lock For Greater Security

Samsonite installed a flush mounted TSA-approved combination lock on the UpLIFT Hardside Spinner.

Having a lock that sits closer to the suitcase body means it’s less likely to get caught on other luggage like a traditional padlock might.

TSA locks allow certified airport security agents to open your luggage with a master key instead of forcing the lock open. While it doesn’t make your suitcase theft-proof, it can act as a decent deterrent and keep the zipper pulls together while in transit.

Samsonite UpLIFT Dimensions: Does It Fit As Carry-On?

Samsonite lists the UpLIFT Hardside Carry-On Bag as measuring 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, wheel and handle included.

Many airlines advertise 22-by-14-by-9 inches as the maximum allowable carry-on size, so these dimensions check that box. UpLIFT owners will have an easier time than those with oversize carry-ons measuring 23 inches or taller.

Just because your suitcase falls within these dimensions doesn’t guarantee every airline will accept it as a carry-on.

Keep in mind that international airlines, regional carriers, and budget airlines may allow smaller dimensions or enforce strict carry-on weight requirements. Additionally expanding the UpLIFT can cause its depth to exceed nine inches.

We recommend double-checking the baggage policy of the airline you’re flying before your trip. Codeshare flights and itineraries with multiple airlines can further complicate matters.

Samsonite UpLIFT Hardside vs UpLIFT Softside

Samsonite also offers an UpLIFT Softside collection.

However, the softside model is not simply a fabric version of the same suitcase. Its dimensions, interior features and exterior access are different.

The softside model offers more organization options, such as front-access storage and other pockets within.

However, its exterior dimensions are bigger, which might be problematic with some airlines that enforce a 22″ height limit for carry-ons.

Verdict: Choose the hardside model if you want lower weight, a protective polycarbonate shell and more airline-friendly dimensions.

Go with the softside if convenient access to pockets and flexible packing options are more up your alley.

Samsonite UpLIFT Pros and Cons

Pros

• Extremely lightweight at 5.1 pounds
• 22 x 14 x 9″ Carry-on friendly dimensions
• Body made of polycarbonate instead of cheap ABS
• Rubber suspension spinner wheels
• Telescoping handle with one inch adjustment settings
• Integrated flush mounted TSA lock
• 1″ of included expansion
• 10-year worldwide limited warranty
• Stylish and sleek appearance

Cons

• Limited pockets for organization of small items
• No outside pocket for easy access
• Face up only (clamshell) design- need space to open
• Possible over airline maximum expansion size
• Typically more expensive than the basic lightweight models
• May develop cosmetic scuffs with normal use
• Damages caused by airlines are typically not covered under warranty.

How the Samsonite UpLIFT Compares

Samsonite UpLIFT vs Samsonite Freeform

Go with the UpLIFT for a softer suitcase with lower weight and more conservative carry-on dimensions.

Go with the Freeform if you want more interior organization features and don’t mind the extra empty weight. The suitcase is slightly larger.

Samsonite UpLIFT vs Away Bigger Carry-On

The Away offers more compression capabilities and interior organization.

But it’s also quite a bit heavier and its dimensions are frequently too large for some airlines.

If minimizing weight is more important than maximizing capacity, the UpLIFT is the better option.

Samsonite UpLIFT vs Travelpro Maxlite 5

The Travelpro Maxlite 5 is another lightweight (~6 lbs) softside suitcase, but offers exterior access pockets and more flexibility when packing.

The UpLIFT offers a more durable polycarbonate shell, built in lock and slightly lower empty weight.

If you need exterior access, go with the Travelpro. If you prefer a hardside suitcase with a simple interior, go with the UpLIFT.

Who Needs the Samsonite UpLIFT?

If you fall into any of these categories, the Samsonite UpLIFT could be a great choice for you.

• Business and leisure travelers who need to stay under strict airline weight limits
• Travelers who struggle with lifting heavier carry-on bags into overhead compartments
• Frequent travelers who prioritize bag maneuverability offered by ultra smooth wheels
• Shorter or taller travelers who want a more telescoping handle
• Travelers who are already using packing cubes
• Frequent travelers who prefer simplicity and cleanliness inside their luggage
• Anyone who wants lightweight hard-shell luggage from a reputable company

Who Needs Something Else?

Look for a suitcase elsewhere if exterior laptop compartment, several organizer pockets or a front spinner configuration are a must-have features for you.

The UpLIFT may not be ideal if your baggage needs include sacrificing interior space for airline-friendly dimensions.

Our lowest-budget travelers should also shop the current price of the Samsonite Freeform and Travelpro Maxlite 5 alongside the UpLIFT.

We believe the weight savings of the UpLIFT are significant. However, if you typically check your luggage and don’t often need to lift it, you might not want to pay more for that savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

How heavy is the Samsonite UpLIFT carry-on?

Weighing in at around 5.1 pounds, the Samsonite UpLIFT Hardside Carry-On is one of the lighter polycarbonate carry-ons we’ve seen from a major luggage brand.

What size is the Samsonite UpLIFT carry-on?

About 22 inches tall x 14 inches wide x 9 inches deep including wheels and handles.

Are Samsonite UpLIFT carry-ons approved by airlines?

Since its 22-by-14-by-9-inch dimensions are within the carry-on limit most commonly published by US airlines, we consider the Samsonite UpLIFT carry-on to be airline approved.

Keep in mind that airline restrictions do vary, and expanding the suitcase can put you over the carry-on depth limit at some airlines with stricter restrictions.

Does the Samsonite UpLIFT expand?

Yes, the UpLIFT Hardside Carry-On has an expandable section that adds about one inch to the width of the suitcase.

While the extra space is nice to have, expanding the suitcase can put you over an airline’s maximum allowable carry-on depth.

Does the Samsonite UpLIFT have a TSA lock?

Yes. The UpLIFT Hardside Carry-On and its checked luggage counterpart have a flush mounted TSA-approved combination lock.

How durable is the Samsonite UpLIFT?

Samsonite’s UpLIFT collection features suitcases made with lightweight-but-durable polycarbonate shells. That construction should allow for greater flexibility and impact resistance than some inexpensive ABS suitcases.

That said, lighter luggage is never scratch-proof, and no luggage is immune to broken zippers or the occasional ill-treatment from airline employees.

Is the Samsonite UpLIFT covered by a warranty?

Samsonite offers what it calls a limited 10-year global warranty on its UpLIFT Hardside collection.

Note that warranties like this typically do not cover normal wear, accidental damage or damage caused by an airline.

Final Verdict: Is the Samsonite UpLIFT Worth It?

The Samsonite UpLIFT Hardside should be on your short list if weight is one of your top criteria for buying a suitcase.

At just over 5.1 pounds for the carry-on size, it’s impressive for a suitcase made of polycarbonate with suspension wheels, an adjustable handle, expansion and even a built-in TSA lock.

Features are otherwise minimal. The inside of the UpLIFT doesn’t have some of the small pockets and compression hardware found in other travel bags. Its clamshell opening can also be annoying when trying to access your belongings in tight quarters.

These downsides are significant if you’re a hyper-organized business traveler or you often find yourself needing to access your luggage while on the move. If you’re a packing cube kind of traveler, though, the bare-bones interior can actually work to your benefit. Without the added bulk of extra pockets and sleeves, you get a completely flat packing space, and you won’t have to pay (or carry) for organizational features you won’t use.

But the big feature is, of course, weight. And Samsonite has done a great job of keeping the bag lightweight. The UpLIFT doesn’t sacrifice wheels, security or comfort just to shave off a few ounces.