American Tourister produces some of the best luggage on the market today. Did you know that American Tourister and Samsonite are actually the same company?
Let’s face it. Buying luggage today can be very frustrating and complicated. With so many different brands, styles, and several other things to consider, it’s not easy to decide what is best for you and your family.
In this article, having been a pilot for many years, I will review several of the most popular American Tourister bags, point out the things I think matter the most when buying any luggage, and answer a few questions I get a lot about American Tourister bags.
Hopefully, this will be a helpful guide for you; it will cover many topics including quality, durability, and cost.
My favorite thing about American Tourister luggage is that the quality of all the bags is great for the price you pay. They offer amazing value. You will find that many brands on the market offer good quality, but the luggage will cost more than American Tourister.
If you don’t want to read the whole thing and just want to see how they stack up, here you go.
- American Tourister Luggage Fieldbrook II
- American Tourister Belle Voyage Spinner
- American Tourister Splash 2 Upright
- American Tourister Ilite Xtreme Spinner
Other cheaper luggage bags are exactly that. Cheap — and poor quality. But American Tourister offers great quality for a great price. That can be hard to find in today’s marketplace. Everyone is trying to cut corners to make a buck, not American Tourister.
Some other things about American Tourister luggage that you should know:
Very durable and long lasting
These luggage bags are built with materials designed to stand up to all kinds of travel conditions. Traveling can really show the wear and tear on luggage over time, so you need something durable and built to last.
So many options
With most American Tourister suitcases, you will have many options for colors, materials, and features. Different handles, wheels, pockets, zippers, sizes, and designs to name a few.
Colors can range from common black to bright orange and pink. There is even a luggage bag made out of denim material, which is pretty cool. I am reviewing it here today. It’s a really good bag.
Stylish Designs
American Tourister has done a great job of keeping up with the times. All their luggage is very stylish, modern, and convenient to bring with you anywhere you travel.
Expandable and Adaptable
Most American Tourister bags have plenty of room for expansion which is always a huge bonus. Whether you have a 3 or 4 piece set, they are fully functional together and easy to use as a family set.
What to Look For When Purchasing Luggage – Must-Have Items
There are some must-haves you need to consider before buying your luggage. This goes for any luggage, regardless if it’s a carry-on bag, roller bag, or a full set.
- Quality
- Warranty
- Size and Weight
- Features
- Great Reviews
1. Quality
This is a no-brainer really. As with many things, you get what you pay for. But you don’t need to spend a fortune to still get quality luggage and American Tourist proves that.
If you purchase a poor-quality luggage bag, you will be very disappointed with your choice. Paying for a cheap bag is never ideal. It will cost you more in the end as you will either end up returning the bag for something else or simply throwing it away and having to spend more money on another one that costs more which you could have bought in the first place.
Things like zipper quality, handle quality, wheel quality…these are all things you need to make sure are there in any luggage you buy. I spent many years with roller bags during my travels, and the wheels were always something I struggled with: poor bearings, the material would always cause the wheels to fail, causing me to carry the bag instead of rolling it. Very frustrating!
Buying a cheap and poor-quality luggage bag just never works out. I recommend you make quality a must-have item. Avoid the frustration and buy something decent upfront.
I’m not saying you need to break the bank though. All of the luggage options in this article are very well priced and provide great quality.
2. Warranty
Does the luggage have a warranty? This is something you definitely want. I would not buy a product that the company doesn’t stand behind and isn’t confident in.
Samsonite and American Tourister put their products through rigorous tests of strength, durability, and dependability that represent the environmental demands of frequent travelers.
They pay attention to quality and detail so that every customer is happy with their purchase. They offer a limited three-year and 10-year global warranty which you can learn more about on their website.
This is very important to me and you should make it a must-have item.
Check out this video that shows how American Tourister tests their luggage.
3. Size And Weight
If you are an avid traveler, then you know how important size and weight are when it comes to your luggage. Airlines today have strict luggage rules for both carry-on and checked luggage.
You must follow the airline’s guidelines to avoid paying hefty excess baggage fees or perhaps not having the bag allowed on board.
It is always recommended that you check with each airline that you are traveling on to confirm their rules with regards to luggage sizes and weights.
According to the United Airlines website, most travelers can bring on board one full-sized carry-on bag plus one personal item free of charge. You must make sure the bags follow the size guidelines.
The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm), including handles and wheels. The maximum dimensions for your personal item that fits under the seat in front of you, such as a shoulder bag, purse, laptop bag, or another small item, are 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches (22 cm x 25 cm x 43 cm).
If you are traveling on a Basic Economy ticket, your personal item will be the only item you can bring on board.
According to the TSA, “Size dimensions of carry-on baggage allowed in the cabin of the aircraft vary by airline. Contact your airline to ensure what can fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.”
4. Features
I was a bit hesitant to list this as a must-have. But the more I think about it, I realized that for all the years of traveling with so many different bags, the features of the bag were actually very important.
Here are the main features to look for:
- Lots of packing space
- Internal and external pockets
- 2 or 4 wheels – Are they spinnable?
- Telescopic handle
- Easy to use a TSA luggage lock
- Scratch and stain-resistant
- Reinforced corners
- Hard or soft-sided?
4. Price
American Tourister luggage is a great price for a real quality product. They are priced midway between budget bags and really expensive bags. And they are meant to be used and traveled with. You are paying for a quality product and not extra for a fashion brand. You can’t go wrong with them.
6. Positive Customer Reviews
This could actually be a #1 must-have, but not everyone will look at customer reviews before purchasing an item. For me, I won’t buy anything important without checking the reviews.
Reviews can be found anywhere online by a quick Google search, or my preferred place is Amazon. I buy lots of things on Amazon. They have a great customer review section for every item they sell.
You can read full reviews from actual customers that purchased the item and they will give a rating on a scale from 1-5. Of course, you will want to look for many 4 and 5-star ratings.
With all the American Tourister suitcases I will review here, you will see thousands of different customer reviews by clicking the button below each bag.
Most people are very satisfied with their American Tourister luggage purchase which you will see. They make great bags and can be trusted to provide great quality and price.
Best Overall Picks – American Tourister Luggage
#1. Fieldbrook II – 3 Piece Set – Includes 21″ Upright + 25″ Upright + Carry on bag
Features and Specifications:
✅ Ultra light-weight construction
✅ Reinforced corners
✅ Push-button locking telescopic handle
✅ Smooth-rolling wheels
✅ Strong and durable design
✅ Sizes: Carry on bag – 15″ x 10″ x 8″ – 21 inch Upright – 21″ x 14″ x 7″ – 25 inch Upright – 24.5″ x 16″ x 8″
✅ Weight: 15.87 lbs Total
I listed the Fieldbrook II 3-piece set as my top pick for many reasons. If you are looking for a multi-bag set for a great price, this is it. Most single-piece bags will cost the same or more than this 3 piece set and you will still get great quality.
There are many extra features that this luggage set has, including 3 different sizes that are suitable for all airlines. Several internal and external pouches for extra storage including laptops and tablets.
The material is made from ultra-lightweight 600D shiny polyester. The wheels are tough and roll quietly, with no humming or uneven wear.
The telescopic handle is easy to move up and down using a push-button on top. It is not clunky and the handles move smoothly.
This luggage set is designed to stand up to the harshest travel conditions and has received more than 5 thousand 5-star reviews on Amazon. That’s something I always look for in anything I’m buying. All for an amazing price. This is one luggage set that you should consider for you and your family.
Who should buy the Fieldbrook II 3-piece set?
If you are traveling as a family and in need of a luggage set at a great price, then this is for you. If your plans include air travel, then this luggage set will work for you as they are airline-friendly.
Who should not buy the Fieldbrook II 3-piece set?
If you are expecting this luggage set to be equal in quality and features of the most expensive high-end sets, then this is not for you. Don’t get me wrong, it is a great quality set. This set will cost less than a hundred dollars, not thousands like the others.
#2. American Tourister Belle Voyage Spinner – 25″ Upright Bag
Features and Specifications:
✅ Smooth-rolling wheels
✅ Push-button telescopic handle
✅ Large interior pocket including a shoe pocket
✅ Expandable up to 1.5″
✅ Dimensions: 27.3” x 17.5”x 12”
✅ Weight: 8.8 lbs
The Belle Voyage Spinner is very solid bag! It’s very stylish and most people who own this bag absolutely love it.
It comes with rose gold accents on the logo, zipper pulls push-button locking handle. There is also an option for a floral pattern if you prefer that or a blue denim one.
The pockets are easily accessible, on the interior and exterior. Another great add-on is the interior shoe pocket and blouse pocket on the door.
If you are on a smaller budget, then this bag is for you. You won’t compromise quality and this bag offers many features for the price. It is also airline friendly; just confirm with your airline before you set out on your trip.
Who should buy the Belle Voyage Spinner?
If you are looking for a good quality bag that has many features, stylish and unique, then this bag is for you. You will stand out in the crowd with this bag!
Who should not buy the Belle Voyage Spinner?
If you are looking for a carry-on bag only, then I would look at a different bag as this one may not be suitable for all airlines. If you plan to use it as a checked luggage bag, then you shouldn’t have a problem.
#3. American Tourister Splash 2 – 21″ Upright
Features and Specifications:
✅ Inline skate wheels
✅ Large front pockets
✅ Cross straps for securing items inside
✅ Perfect carry on bag
✅ Dimensions: 21.0 x 14.5 x 8.0 Inches
✅ Weight: 7.1 Lbs
I really like this bag for use as a carry-on. Although there are many other uses, it meets the airline’s regulations for size and weight.
The Splash 2 is another durable bag that is built to last. All its components are heavy-duty and long-lasting, but still a lightweight bag.
The inline skate wheels are made from polyurethane with ball bearings to minimize frictional resistance. This will ensure the wheels last longer and wear evenly.
The retractable handle will lock in place when not in use and is smooth to operate. While some luggage bags don’t offer a top carry handle, this one does. So if the retractable handle were to fail, you still have a handle to carry it.
The cross straps are another nice addition. If you have loose items inside the bag, these will prevent things from moving around keeping them safe. It also keeps things neat and organized.
The additional large front pocket is great to keep a laptop or tablet in. Also, you can keep documents close by and easily accessible by using the front pouch.
Who should buy the Splash 2 – 21″ Upright?
This bag can have many uses for all types of travelers. But I recommend it be used as a carry-on bag as it meets all the airline’s requirements for a carry-on bag.
Who should not buy the Splash 2 -21″ Upright?
If you are looking for a luggage bag that you will be using as a checked bag, then this bag may not work for you for two reasons. Perhaps you have many items to pack and you need a lot of space, you should look at a larger bag like a 25″ or larger. If you are traveling for a long time, you might need a bigger bag.
Also, if you check your luggage bag, it will be more prone to damage as it will be tossed around. This bag does not have reinforced corner protectors so that might not be ideal for you.
#4. American Tourister iLite Extreme 21″ Spinner
Features and Specifications:
✅ Fully lined interior
✅ Expands for additional packing
✅ Multi-directional wheels
✅ Stylish design – Top and side handles integrated into the case
✅ Dimensions: 8 x 14.5 x 21 inches
✅ Weight: 7.1 lbs
The ILite Extreme Spinner is a 21″ roller bag made from 100% polyester. Its design includes a fully lined interior with a large packing area that is expandable.
I really like the design of the top and side handles that are integrated into the bag itself. Not only does this look great, but it also provides extra strength and durability.
The 4 multidirectional wheels are built with new housings and bearings allowing them to roll smoothly and evenly without noise.
One thing I noticed about this bag that not many people consider, is that when it’s fully expanded, it will not fall over. Not many bags can do that!
Who should buy the ILite Extreme Spinner?
If you are looking for a lightweight bag that is convenient and easy to take with you anywhere, then this bag is for you.
Who should not buy the ILite Extreme Spinner?
Like the Splash 2 luggage above, this luggage does not make a great checked bag for the same reasons.
Trivia fact: It’s true. Samsonite bought American Tourister in 1993. Although the Samsonite and American Tourister brands are different, the quality remains the same. Both are top-notch in many ways.
Is American Tourister Luggage good?
I found American Tourister to offer some excellent choices at a reasonable price. In addition to their solid warranty, their suitcases have excellent reviews and are durable enough for most people. The biggest factor for me is their great warranty, which is uncommon among brands of similar quality.
Is American Tourister luggage made by Samsonite?
Samsonite acquired American Tourister for $70 million in 2009. The company was founded in 1933 by Sol and Irving Koffler in Providence, Rhode Island, United States in 1933 by the American Luggage Works.
It has been operating in more than 90 countries since its acquisition.
Is American Tourister luggage Made in the USA?
In an interview, Samsonite’s South Asia Marketing Director Sudip Ghose said all of the American Tourister and Samsonite luggage brands are imported from their Chinese factories.
How much does American Tourister luggage cost?
Depending on the collection and size, American Tourister luggage can range in price. Their kids’ luggage starts at 35 dollars and adult carry-on luggage starts at 50 dollars. Typically, their other bags cost between 80 dollars and 160 dollars USD.
Is American Tourister TSA approved?
American Tourister suitcases are TSA approved and great to fly with! If you want or need a TSA-approved lock to put on your bags, that can be a good idea too.
The TSA-approved 3-dial combination lock keeps your belongings safe and secure. In all commercial airports across the country, TSA baggage screening stations can open the lock.
like this one with them.
Is American Tourister a good luggage brand?
American Tourister has a variety of fun and youthful designs and colors are available in both hard-sided and soft-sided suitcases. They are thoroughly tested and are well-constructed. Their customers have peace of mind as their bags have an extensive warranty, which makes them one of the most attractive luggage options available.
What is the best American Tourister luggage?
Your requirements will determine which American Tourister luggage is best for you. With its combination of hard-side luggage and spinner wheels, the American Tourister Stratum XLT Expandable Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels is an excellent option for carry-on luggage.
Summary
You will probably notice some similarities with most of the American Tourister luggage on the market today, great quality and great pricing being the most common. Also, the luggage features unique styles, sizes, and colors.
Whatever luggage you decide to choose from American Tourister, I’m sure you will be happy with it. Remember that they offer one of the best warranties in the business and have many 5-star customer reviews wherever you find them for sale. You will enjoy your new AT bags.
You may also like:
Your Pre-Trip Checklist: What to Do the Day Before You Travel
The Benefits of Flying First Class
What to Pack in your Carry-On Bag
If you enjoyed our American Tourister luggage guide, have a look at all our travel gear guides here:
- Sound for Travel
- Travel Laptops/Tablets
- Travel Gadgets And Tech
- Travel Photography
- Phones/Sim Cards For Your Trip
Hopefully, you found this helpful. Thanks for reading!
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