Choosing the right luggage can be crucial for any traveler, especially for those who travel frequently. Two popular brands that often come up in conversations are Samsonite and Travelpro. While Samsonite is a well-established name with a significant market presence, Travelpro has carved out a niche for itself among avid travelers, despite being a smaller company.
This article will provide a comparison of Travelpro vs Samsonite, examining which brand offers more durable luggage, better materials, superior packing features, and overall value for money. Both brands have their strengths, but a detailed evaluation will help determine which one is better suited to meet various travel needs.
A Brief Summary of Samsonite
Samsonite is renowned for its comprehensive range of mid-priced luggage, including suitcases, duffels, backpacks, and totes. Established in 1910, this brand has maintained a significant presence in the luggage market, commanding nearly one-sixth of global sales. Samsonite’s acquisition strategy has enhanced its portfolio, incorporating brands like American Tourister, Tumi, Speck, High Sierra, Hartmann, and Lipault, among others. Despite these acquisitions, Samsonite remains their flagship brand, contributing almost half of the company’s revenue. Samsonite’s long-standing reputation and diverse product offerings make it a dominant player in the luggage industry.
A Brief Summary of Travelpro
Travelpro, which began operations in 1979, is a smaller luggage brand when compared to giants like Samsonite. The brand’s annual revenue ranges from $10 million to $100 million, a fraction of Samsonite’s $1712 million in 2018. Travelpro is renowned among frequent travelers, business professionals, flight crews, and pilots.
Their popularity stems from producing highly durable suitcases at reasonable prices. Over 90 airlines rely on Travelpro luggage for their flight crews. This focus on durability and affordability has solidified Travelpro’s reputation in the travel industry despite its smaller market share.
When considering other high-end options, travelers often compare brands like Rimowa vs Tumi or Away vs Rimowa. While these luxury brands offer exceptional quality, they come with a higher price tag. For those seeking a balance between durability and affordability, the comparison of Lucas luggage vs Samsonite or American Tourister vs Samsonite might be more relevant. Ultimately, the best luggage choice depends on individual travel needs and preferences.
What luggage do pilots use is a question frequently asked by travelers seeking durable and reliable options. Both Travelpro and Samsonite are popular choices among flight crews, but there are other brands to consider as well.
Key Differences Between Travelpro vs Samsonite
Is Travelpro Lighter Than Samsonite?
Travelpro generally manufactures slightly lighter luggage than Samsonite. When comparing the average weights from numerous suitcase brands, Travelpro ranks higher for lightweight options. Not all pieces are lightweight, though. Among other lightweight options you can find Tumi in the top ranks. Here is how Tumi vs Samsonite compare
Among the lightest fabric carry-ons, the Samsonite Upright weighs about 4.4 lbs, while the Travelpro Maxlite 5 spinner weighs around 5.3 lbs. For hardside options, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 hardside spinner is around 5.5 lbs, and the Samsonite S’Cure is about 6.4 lbs. While yes these options will do well with most age groups, we know grey nomads need a bit more attention while choosing options. Consider going through out best lightweight luggage for seniors to find the right one.
Is Travelpro More Durable Than Samsonite?
Travelpro’s affordability doesn’t compromise durability, particularly in higher-end models like the Versapack and Platinum Elite. These models use materials such as nylon and ballistic nylon for superior scratch and tear resistance. On the other hand, Samsonite offers consistent durability across its range but occasionally presents less dependable models. For hardside luggage, Travelpro employs durable polycarbonate across all models, while Samsonite reserves it for their pricier items, using polypropylene and ABS for more economical versions. Here is a comparison between polycarbonate vs propylene luggage. And not only that let’s also consider the difference in polycarbonate vs aluminum luggage.
Consistency with Airline Size Restrictions: Which Brand Performs Better?
Both brands slightly exceed typical airline size limits for carry-ons and checked luggage, but Travelpro does a marginally better job. Standard restrictions for carry-ons are 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and 62 linear inches for checked bags. Samsonite carry-ons average about 1.81 inches over the limit, with 78% of checked bags also exceeding it. Travelpro’s carry-ons exceed by an average of 1.52 inches, and 60% of their checked bags go over the limit by approximately 2.1 inches.
Please Note
Some people often confuse the term carry-on and personal items as the same, whereas they’re not. Here is a breakdown on carry-on vs personal item to avoid any confusion.
Comparing Customer Reviews for Travelpro and Samsonite
On popular retail platforms like Amazon, the average ratings for both brands are very similar. Samsonite luggage generally scores around 4.64 out of 5, while Travelpro is slightly higher at 4.67. This indicates that customer satisfaction is virtually identical. However, Samsonite’s ratings might be affected by a number of poorly reviewed lower-end models. For your convenience let’s compare two widely popular models of the Samsonite brand. This includes Samsonite Omi PC vs Samsonite Omni PC2.
Evaluating Features: Travelpro vs. Samsonite
In the mid-range category, both brands offer standard features such as TSA-approved locks, spinner wheels, and expandable zippers. Travelpro, however, excels in their premium models by including features like USB ports, wet pockets, TSA pouches, and improved compression systems—features that are often not found in Samsonite’s high-end models. This makes Travelpro a more feature-rich option for higher-end consumers. Get a comparison between Samsonite vs Rimowa and Samsonite vs Away to learn how the former is better. In the case of Travelpro, their focus on innovation is what sets it apart.
Determining Value in Luggage: Travelpro vs Samsonite?
While Travelpro’s suitcases tend to be roughly 15% more expensive than Samsonite’s, they offer better overall value through models like the Maxlite 5 and Crew Versapack. These models are lighter, more durable, and made from superior materials. On the budget side, Samsonite’s Upright offers a solid value, but Travelpro’s suitcases often justify their higher prices through enhanced longevity and better warranty terms.
You should know that there are other brands that also focus on this feature, such as Travelers Choice, however the above two brands compete for a different segment of the market.
Warranty Comparison: Travelpro vs Samsonite
Travelpro’s warranty covers manufacturing defects for the lifetime of the suitcase and includes the cost of shipping if registered within 120 days. Samsonite offers a similar warranty for a period of 10 years, excluding shipping costs. Samsonite customers can, however, choose to deliver the suitcase to the repair center themselves. Both brands receive favorable customer support reviews, but Travelpro’s slightly better warranty terms give it a small edge in this area. While some travelers prefer the classic look of 2-wheel carry-on luggage, both brands primarily focus on spinner models, offering greater maneuverability and convenience.
Conclusion: Should You Get a Suitcase From Samsonite or Travelpro?
Both Samsonite and Travelpro offer reliable suitcase options, each excelling in different areas. Travelpro suitcases stand out due to their higher durability, lighter weight, superior materials, and practical features. Many airline crews favor Travelpro for these exact reasons.
Samsonite, on the other hand, presents a wider range of models. While their suitcases like the Winfield 2, Centric, Omni PC, and Freeform are commendable, the fabric upright suitcase is particularly recommended for its durability, lighter weight, and affordability.
Key Points
- Travelpro: Known for durability, lightweight design, and better materials.
- Samsonite: Offers a variety of models with some being more durable and affordable.
Frequently Asked Question’s
Which is more durable, Travelpro or Samsonite softside luggage?
Travelpro softside luggage is known for its sturdy materials and robust construction which makes it highly durable. Samsonite also offers strong durability with advanced fabric technology and reinforced corners. Both brands provide quality and durability, though Travelpro may have an edge for frequent travelers.
How does the Travelpro Platinum Elite line compare to similar Samsonite offerings?
The Travelpro Platinum Elite line is designed with premium materials and advanced features such as an adjustable PowerScope handle and a built-in USB port. Comparable Samsonite products, like their high-end spinner luggage, offer innovative polycarbonate cases and integrated locks. Each brand targets travelers seeking premium quality and advanced functionality.
What are the main differences between Travelpro and Samsonite’s latest luggage features?
Travelpro focuses on practicality with features like self-aligning magnetic wheels and external USB ports on many models. Samsonite integrates high-tech features such as smart tracking devices and better organizational compartments. Both are pioneering in their own ways, catering to different preferences.
Which brand offers better value for money, Travelpro or Samsonite?
Travelpro often offers competitive pricing, especially considering the lifetime limited warranty that covers airline handling damages within the first year. Samsonite provides a wider range of prices, from affordable to luxury, with diverse features across their collections. For the budget-conscious traveler, Travelpro might offer more consistent value.
How does Delsey fit into the comparison between Travelpro and Samsonite?
Delsey, another reputable luggage brand, is known for its lightweight and stylish designs. It sits somewhere between Travelpro and Samsonite in terms of pricing and features. Delsey offers innovative security features and aesthetic appeal, making it a solid alternative to both Travelpro and Samsonite.
In terms of customer satisfaction, how do Travelpro and Samsonite rank against each other?
Both Travelpro and Samsonite receive high marks for customer satisfaction, though preferences can vary based on specific needs. Travelpro is often favored by frequent flyers due to its ergonomic design and durability. Samsonite excels in offering a wide variety of stylish options and innovative features, appealing to a broad audience.
