This article is a part of CNN Underscored’s Summer Travel Week, a weeklong focus on how to travel smarter and save money during one of the busiest travel seasons of the year.
The sleek and lightweight Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner is exceptionally resilient. Designed to fit the overhead compartments of most airlines, it has been a mainstay in Samsonite’s luggage collection for years.
Plus, the bag’s expandable design and 360-degree spinner wheels contribute to its excellent value as a stylish and sturdy piece of carry-on luggage. Let’s take a closer look at the Samsonite Freeform carry-on and why you might consider it as your next carry-on bag.
This carry-on bag is an affordable option in the ever-crowded sea of hard-shell carry-on bags. It will fit most airlines' overhead bins and should fit three to four days' worth of clothes, even if you pack heavily. Add in its sleek design and you have a great piece of luggage for under $150.
What I liked about it
The Samsonite Freeform carry-on is a popular choice among travelers, consistently ranking as one of Samsonite’s top-selling luggage options. Samsonite’s Freeform Hardside Luggage collection includes expandable spinner bags in sizes 21, 24 and 28 inches.
Here’s what we liked about the Samsonite Freeform when testing it across a handful of trips.
It looks great
The Samsonite Freeform’s sleek lines and modern design components give it a sophisticated and stylish air that sets it apart from other bland luggage designs.
And it’s durable too. The Samsonite Freeform’s lightweight polycarbonate shell is designed to be long-lasting, which offers a nice balance between style and practicality. And if there are any defects, the bag is backed by Samsonite’s 10 year global warranty.
It’s easy to pack and maneuver
With zippered sections and elastic cross straps, the Samsonite Freeform was crafted to help you organize your belongings. These compartments ensure that your clothes and other personal items are safe.
Plus, the built-in TSA-approved lock ensures that your items will remain secure throughout your journey.
The 360-degree spinner wheels allowed for easy maneuverability as we swiftly navigated through the airport, making it a highly efficient luggage option for bustling airports or uneven surfaces.
In addition, its handles are designed for comfort, and the lightweight construction allows for easy adaptability.
The bag is expandable
The Samsonite Freeform carry-on provides extra packing space whenever necessary, as it can be expanded to accommodate more items.
During a recent weekend getaway, my wife and I efficiently packed enough clothes for two people for two nights into our Samsonite Freeform. We were pleased to find that even when expanded, it fit in the overhead bin space of our low-cost carrier’s flight.
The price is right
The Samsonite Freeform also stands out for its affordable price point, starting at $145. This makes it a terrific option for budget-conscious travelers looking for durable and stylish carry-on luggage.
This low price tag puts it over $100 cheaper than much of its direct competition, such as the Away Carry-On ($275).
What I didn’t like about it
Although the Samsonite Freeform has many redeeming qualities, it is vital to be aware of any potential drawbacks in order to make a well-informed decision about this durable carry-on luggage.
Limited color options
One aspect that could be improved is the limited color options available in Samsonite’s Freeform collection. It would be great to see a broader range of colors. There are several color options available for the Samsonite Freeform carry-on, including Navy, Black, Purple, White and Gray/White.
In comparison, competitor Away offers a wider range of colors, with up to nine options for its carry-on luggage, in addition to seasonal colors. Having a limited selection may not be ideal if you like having various options to suit your taste.
It scratches easily
Another drawback of the Samsonite Freeform is that, depending on the color you select, it may show scratches quickly. Scratches are more likely to be visible in dark colors like black, navy and purple.
If you value a clean and polished appearance, you should be aware of this common issue with hard-shell luggage.
How it compares
| Weight (empty) | 6.5 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Interior measurements | 20.5 x 14.5 in. |
| Exterior measurements | 22.8 x 14.8 x 9.7 in. |
| Warranty | Limited 10-year global warranty |
| Colors | White/Gray, Navy, Black, White and Amethyst Purple |
| Price | $140 |
| Weight (empty) | 7.1 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Interior measurements | 20 x 13.5 in. |
| Exterior measurements | 21.7 x 13.7 x 9 in. |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Colors | Black, Navy, Coast, Olive, Seafood, Navy (Gloss), Wave (Gloss) and Garnet (Gloss) |
| Price | $275 |
| Weight (empty) | 7.01 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Interior measurements | 20 × 13.5 in. |
| Exterior measurements | 22 × 14 × 9 in. |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Colors | Desert Taupe, Rose Quartz, Olive Green, Blue Haze, Ocean Blue, Storm Gray, Stellar White and Midnight Black |
| Price | $240 |
| Weight (empty) | 6.6 lbs. |
|---|---|
| Interior measurements | 20 x 14.5 in. |
| Exterior measurements | 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 in. |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime warranty |
| Colors | Moss, Navy, Charcoal, Forest, Sand, Clay, Shadow Lavender |
| Price | $275 |
Bottom line
The Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner is a fantastic option for travelers who want a stylish and durable bag for $150. This luggage is a solid choice for all your travel plans, whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or an extended trip.
With its durable polycarbonate shell and attractive price point, it fulfills every need for a sturdy carry-on bag that fits in the majority of overhead bins.