Last Updated: March 6, 2023
Why Are Samsonite Suitcases So Expensive? (Top 5 Reasons)
Interested in Samsonite luggage but you’re not sure if they’re worth the higher price tag? Then you’re definitely in the right place because this detailed guide explores why Samsonite suitcases are so expensive and whether they’re worth the money.
Samsonite is a mid-range luggage brand. Even though they’re quite expensive compared to other luggage brands like American Tourister and Rocklife, they’re still fairly cheap compared to luxury luggage brands like Tumi and Rimowa.
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History of Samsonite
The Samsonite brand was founded back in 1910 in Colorado by a luggage salesman, Jesse Shwayder. He was a rather religious man and he decided to name one of the first suitcases they produced Samson, after a Biblical character. Shortly after that, he trademarked the word Samsonite, and the brand as we know it today was born.
With a history of more than a century, it’s not surprising that the brand has gained international renown. Samsonite’s suitcases are sold in most countries in the world, and they’re used by travelers from every corner of the planet. And it’s not just the suitcases that people buy – Samsonite’s laptop bags, backpacks, and all other travel accessories are equally popular among travelers.
How Much Does Samsonite Luggage Cost?
Samsonite manufactures luggage in many different price ranges. Depending on the materials and sizes of the suitcases, you can spend as little as $99 for a suitcase, or north of $1,000 for a luggage set.
Their softshell suitcases are usually more affordable than the hardshells, but that’s because nylon and polyester are more widely available and easier to produce than polycarbonate and polypropylene. Samsonite even manufactures some affordable suitcases with a hard shell, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend buying these.
The cheapest hardside cases manufactured by this brand are made from a mixture of ABS and polycarbonate. This material composite is used by many other, more affordable brands, and if you’re already buying a cheap suitcase that’s made with subpar materials, you can get it for a lot less money than Samsonite’s asking for it.
Is Samsonite A Good Brand?
Yes, Samsonite is absolutely a good luggage brand. They’ve been around forever, and they’re one of the pioneers in the luggage market. The vast majority of their product range is manufactured from premium materials, and they usually equip the luggage with as many useful extras as it’s possible.
Samsonite is also quite innovative with their luggage, but the latest innovations have a steep price. Their lightest and most durable suitcases are generally the most expensive, as are the cases with unique and innovative features.
One thing to note is that Samsonite will often put out special collections that feature unique shell designs. In my opinion, these are the most skippable collections because they only differ from their basic cases by the design of the shell. Instead of spending money on a Van Gogh-inspired Samsonite suitcase, look at similarly priced basic bags that offer better value for money.
Why Is Samsonite Luggage So Expensive?
Expensive Materials
Most hardside Samsonite suitcases are manufactured from Polycarbonate, which is a pricey material to produce. It’s the most expensive type of plastic used in luggage manufacturing, and PC suitcases are generally quite pricey regardless of the brand.
But it’s worth noting that this isn’t the only material hardside Samsonite suitcases are made from; the brand also uses polypropylene and even ABS plastic in manufacturing.
Samsonite is synonymous with durable luggage, and that extended to their softside luggage as well. Their softshell luggage is made with durable polyester, ballistic nylon, and even post-consumer recycled PET, but that’s a fairly new addition.
Premium Features
If you buy a Samsonite suitcase, you don’t have to worry whether it will have the features that you are used to having in quality luggage. A TSA lock, double spinner wheels, internal dividers, and a height-adjustable handle are features that are present on almost every Samsonite suitcase.
Also, the brand uses the highest-quality materials for all the other parts of the luggage. You’ll get the best quality zippers, lightweight aluminum handles, soft-touch grab handles, and smooth wheels. That’s another reason why their suitcases tend to be so expensive.
A Wide Product Range
No matter what precisely you’re looking for in the ideal luggage for you, there’s at least one good option within Samsonite’s product range. Whether that’s a sleek carry-on or a massive checked garment bag, Samsonite has manufactured it at one point.
The brand invests a lot of money into research and development, and they truly try to manufacture a case for every specific traveler’s need.
Extensive Testing
Before Samsonite luggage is put out on the market, it undergoes extensive and rigorous testing. This is to ensure that the suitcases are up to the brand’s standards and that no items with manufacturing defects make it into the hands of customers.
That being said, even the best of us make mistakes, and defective luggage sometimes gets shipped to customers’ homes. When this happens, know that you can immediately get a replacement if you contact Samsonite and inform them that you received a defective suitcase.
Good Warranty
Samsonite offers three types of warranties for their products, but all of their luggage is covered with a Limited 10-Year Global Warranty. The warranty is the same whether you purchased the cheap ABS suitcase or the expensive C-Lite, and it covers any manufacturing defects that you might notice on your luggage.
Samsonite will fix or replace any parts of the luggage that are deemed to have a manufacturing defect. If they cannot replace the part, they will gladly send you a brand-new suitcase.
Samsonite’s warranty, however, does not cover any damage inflicted by regular wear and tear or misuse by airline personnel. You can still send the luggage in for servicing and repairs to licensed Samsonite repair shops, but the repairs won’t be entirely free of charge.
Is Samsonite Luggage Worth It?
In my opinion, Samsonite luggage is usually worth the money. It might be expensive luggage, but it’s also extremely durable, equipped with all the features you would expect premium suitcases to have, and covered with a great warranty.
Samsonite is the preferred brand among frequent travelers, especially people who need high-quality luggage but don’t want to pay exorbitant amounts of money for brands like Rimowa and Bric’s.
On the other hand, it’s always good if you can pay less for identical quality. Samsonite luggage is often discounted at various retailers, and it’s smart to wait for special sales to snag an excellent piece of luggage for less money.
Additionally, you can always go for American Tourister, if Samsonite is out of your price range. The company is owned by Samsonite, so you’re getting luggage of comparable quality, but it’s cheaper because it lacks the Samsonite logo, which accounts for a good chunk of the luggage prices.
About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
