Samsonite
Best value in both carry-on and checked testing
- For
- A few trips a year on a budget
- Watch out
- Carry-on runs large; weak handle; no airline-damage coverage
- Warranty
- 10 years, manufacturing defects only; airline damage isn't covered. Details (opens in new tab)
- Top pick
Freeform Carry-On Spinner
$130–220From a typical sale price to full price. The official site shows today's price.
- For
- A few short trips a year
- Why this one
- Cheapest hard shell here; at 23×15×9.75 in, larger than the 22×14×9 limit
Freeform Medium Spinner
$160–260From a typical sale price to full price. The official site shows today's price.
- For
- Longer trips on a budget
- Why this one
- Fits the 62-inch limit; the large size doesn't
Sources and verification
Products last verified Nov 2026.
- Outdoor Gear Lab: The Best Carry-On Luggage (hands-on test, updated July 2026) (opens in new tab) · Tested review · checked Oct 2026
- Outdoor Gear Lab: The Best Luggage, checked bags (hands-on test, updated July 2026) (opens in new tab) · Tested review · checked Oct 2026
- Samsonite: Freeform Carry-On Spinner (opens in new tab) · Official source · checked Oct 2026
- Samsonite: Freeform Medium Spinner (opens in new tab) · Official source · checked Oct 2026
- Samsonite: warranty information (opens in new tab) · Official source · checked Oct 2026