Taking a trip abroad can be exciting and rewarding. And your choice of luggage is especially important for international travel because these airlines have strict and ever-changing guidelines around luggage size, weight, and associated fees. The best Samsonite luggage for international travel can help your meet those guidelines while meeting your needs, minimizing luggage fees and maximizing packing efficiency.
There are two main types of bags to consider when traveling outside the country: carry-on luggage and checked luggage.
- Carry-on Luggage for International Travel – It’s important to know that the carry-on luggage dimensions allowed on most international flights is a bit smaller than on U.S. domestic. This means that your current carry-on suitcase may be a bit too big. Be sure to look up the guidelines of your particular airline so you don’t get stuck having to check your coveted carry-on at the last minute. A good rule of thumb is to choose a bag that is 22″ or less, being sure to measure by its exterior dimensions including handle and wheels.
- Checked Luggage for International Travel – With international trips typically being longer than one week, you may not be able to fit everything you’ll be needing into a carry-on bag. But be aware that most airlines now charge fees for checking more than one bag, and additional fees for checking one bag that exceeds a specified weight. The best checked luggage is lightweight to help minimize checked luggage fees, and efficiently designed for maximum capacity and organization.
Samsonite has you covered with top quality, lightweight, feature-rich options for both of these. Below are the highest rated, best Samsonite luggage for international travel.
Samsonite Luggage Inova HS Spinner Collection
The Samsonite Inova Spinner Collection is Samsonite’s lightest weight polycarbonate luggage. The Inova HS Spinner comes in three sizes:
- Inova HS Spinner 20 Carry-on – Body dimensions: 20″ x 15″ x 7.5″ Exterior measurements: 22″ x 15″ x 7.5″ Weight: 5.94 lbs.
- Inova HS Spinner 28 Upright – Body dimensions: 27.75″ x 20″ x 11″; Exterior measurements: 29.75″ x 20″ x 11″ Weight: 9.46 lbs.
- Inova HS Spinner 30 Upright – Body dimensions: 30″ x 21.25″ x 12″; Exterior measurements: 32″ x 21.25″ x 12″ Weight: 11.44 lbs.
As its name implies, the Inova collection is an innovative line made of exceptionally impact resistant Makrolon polycarbonate. It features a straightforward design with clean lines and few frills. The focus of this line is on providing a lightweight solution with maximum packing area.
The top half and bottom half of these bags are equipped with zipped curtain dividers and cross straps to keep clothing in place when the bag is transported and opened. Other than that, don’t expect to find any extra zipper compartments or pockets inside or out to take up space. Your organization options are left up to you.
The mono-tube pull handle takes up less interior space than dual tube styles. Plus the squared off shape gives you the most capacity for the dimensions. All of these things result in being more room for packing your items.
Exterior carrying handles retract flat, and a TSA approved 3-digit combination lock is build-in for added security of your items. And the 4 dual spinner wheels provide smooth pivoting and maneuverability.
The exterior has a textured metallic finish which minimizes visibility of scratches or scrapes. Depending on the duration of your planned travels, you can get a carry-on and an upright or two for the perfect matching set ready for your next destination, wherever that may be. Because of their ultra lightweight, durable construction, together with their spacious capacity, these uprights are among the best Samsonite checked luggage for international travel. Choose from gray or blue colors.
Samsonite Luggage Lift2 Collection
For those who prefer the flexibility of soft sided bags, the Lift series by Samsonite is an excellent choice for travel abroad. Soft sided bags have the benefits of being more pliable and expansive, and they have more pockets and compartments inside and out for greater packing organization options. They also tend to stack more easily and more “forgivingly” when being transported. Plus, they are often easier to store when not in use, since they can be collapsed or nested one inside the other. The Samsonite Lift2 comes in multiple sizes, including:
- Lift2 21″ Spinner Carry-on ** – Body dimensions: 21″ x 15″ x 8″ Exterior measurements: 24.5″ x 15″ x 8″ Weight: 6.5 lbs.
- Lift2 25″ Upright Spinner – Body dimensions: 25″ x 15.8″ x 9.5″ Exterior measurements: 27.75″ x 18″ x 11.75″ Weight: 8.5 lbs.
- Lift2 29″ Spinner Upright – Body dimensions: 30″ x 20″ x 11″ Exterior measurements: 32″ x 20″ x 11″ Weight: 10 lbs.
These bags are constructed of a tough ripstop polyester, designed to withstand the most rugged of handling. Spinner wheels turn 360 degrees and allow you to glide smoothly through the airport and down your hotel hallway. The upright bags can be expanded by 2 inches in depth when additional capacity is needed (like after your souvenir shopping spree).
Choose from black, blue, teal, red, or orange.
** Note that the 21″ carry-on size actually has an outside length of 24.5 inches when wheels and handle are included. While this may be a good size for many domestic airlines, it is likely too large to carry-on many international flights. But no worries, because the Lift collection offers an alternate, and even better, carry-on solution for those needing a smaller bag. This is the Lift Wheeled Boarding Bag:
Samsonite Luggage Lift Wheeled Boarding Bag – Whether traveling for work or leisure, our pick for one of the best Samsonite carry-on luggage for international travel is this Lift Wheeled Boarding Bag. Body dimensions: 17.5″ x 13″ x 5.75″ Exterior measurements:17.5″ x 14.5″ x 10″ Weight: 7 lbs.
Among the reasons we love this bag are its padded laptop compartment that carries up to a 15.6″ laptop computer, large main compartment for a change of clothes, toiletries, and other travel necessities you want close at hand, and the huge front pocket for ideal for glasses, books, smartphone, and anything else you want quick access to. And it has two integrated inline skate wheels for quick and easy handling through tight spaces. The size of this bag is great to use on its own as an overnight tote bag, or along with other pieces in this matching set for longer trips.
Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion Spinner Series
With the elegant lines and thoughtfully designed details of this luggage collection, it’s no surprise that these hard cased Winfield 2 Fashions Spinners are among the most popular sellers in the entire Samsonite line-up. Whether you are headed overseas or overland, choose one or more of these bags to increase the efficiency of your travel experience:
- Winfield 2 Fashion 20″ Carry-on – Body dimensions: 20″ x 13.5″ x 9.5″ Exterior measurements: 21.5″ x 13.5″ x 9.64″ Weight: 6.7 lbs.
- Winfield 2 Fashion 24″ Upright – Body dimensions: 24″ x 16.5″ x 11″; Exterior measurements: 26″ x 16.5″ x 11.75″ Weight: 9.3 lbs.
- Winfield 2 Fashion 28″ Upright – Body dimensions: 28″ x 19.75″ x 12.5″; Exterior measurements: 30″ x 20″ x 12.5″ Weight: 11.5 lbs.
The 100% polycarbonate shell provides maximum durability while being deceptively lightweight, and has a brushed finish for hiding scrapes and scuffs. The integrated retractable handle, four fully directional spinner wheels, and TSA approved lock all provide the ease of use and comfort you deserve, taking the stress out of travel.
These fashion minded, state of the art hardshell bags are available in charcoal, purple, deep blue, and orange.