Samsonite vs Travelpro (2026)
These are both official expandable carry-on spinners, not a two-wheel-to-spinner match. Samsonite’s Freeform Carry-On Spinner was $149.99 on the official U.S. product page checked November 10, 2026 (a $219.99 comparison value is also listed), at 6.5 lb, with official exterior dimensions of 23 × 15 × 9.75 in and a 1-inch expander. Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 21" Expandable Carry-On Spinner was $148 on sale / $160 regular, at 5.4 lb and 46 L, with official overall dimensions of 23 × 14.5 × 9 in and up to 2 inches of expansion. Both official overall heights sit over United’s published 22 × 14 × 9 in box. This is not a sizer test, and official Samsonite depth wording is not identical on the same product page (9.75 in vs 9.8 in).
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How this page was made: this is a research-based guide built from manufacturer spec pages, official prices and published lab measurements from the outlets we name and link. We haven’t tested these products ourselves, and we don’t invent scores. Our methodology.
Quick answer
Choose Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner ($149.99) if you want a polypropylene hardside spinner with a listed TSA lock and a 1-inch official expander at $149.99. Choose Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Expandable Carry-On Spinner ($148) if you want the lighter official 5.4 lb bag, a listed 46 L capacity, and up to 2 inches of official expansion.
Last updated Prices checked Nov 10, 2026
Check Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner price (opens in a new tab)Check Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Expandable Carry-On Spinner price (opens in a new tab)
Key facts at a glance
| Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner | Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Expandable Carry-On Spinner | |
|---|---|---|
| Official price | $149.99, with a listed comparison value of $219.99 (32% savings). Official category page listed the same $149.99 / $219.99. | $148 sale / $160 regular |
| Official size and weight | Exterior features: 23"H × 15"L × 9.75"W; 6.5 lb. Specifications table on the same page: 23in H × 15in L × 9.8in W; linear 47.8; 6.5 lb. Interior features: 20.5"H × 14.5"L × 9.75"W; specifications table: 20.5in H × 14.5in L × 9.8in W. The official page lists both depth figures, and we quote both. Material: hardside (polypro). SKU 78255E050 on the official page. | Overall 23 × 14.5 × 9 in, including wheels and handles; case (packing body) 21 × 14 × 9 in. 5.4 lb; 46 L. |
| Expansion, as written | Official features: “Unzip the expansion zipper to increase packing capacity by an extra inch instantly.” Specifications: expandable, yes; expansion 1". Official copy: “Pro tip: save the expansion for the return trip.” | Official 2 in tapered zippered expansion. Official pages: a fully expanded bag may not meet airline restrictions or fit a strict sizer. |
| Vs United 9 × 14 × 22 in including handle and wheels | Official height 23 in and width 15 in sit over the published 22 in and 14 in. Official depth 9.75 in (or 9.8 in on the specifications table) sits over the published 9 in, even before the 1-inch expander. Official Samsonite language: carry-on size and weight allowances vary by airline. | Official overall height 23 in and width 14.50 in sit over the published 22 in and 14 in; unexpanded depth 9 in matches. Official Travelpro language: board unexpanded if the airline enforces a sizer. We have not used a sizer. |
| Wheels, lock, extras | Double-wheel design; TSA 3-dial combination recessed lock; built-in ID tag; recessed metal logo plate; cross ribbon and divider; multiple interior pockets. | Softside polyester with DuraGuard coating. Official product page for this model does not list a built-in TSA lock (a buyer review on that page notes that). Official 100-day trial with free return shipping. |
We compared an official U.S. Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner product page and the official Samsonite carry-on category page, both checked November 10, 2026, with official Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Expandable Carry-On Spinner and Platinum Elite warranty pages and United’s published carry-on limit, all checked November 10, 2026. We have not put these bags in a sizer, and we do not invent scores. This is a spinner-to-spinner comparison. Travelpro also sells a two-wheel Platinum Elite 22" Rollaboard; that is a different SKU and is covered in Travelpro vs Briggs & Riley.
For a polycarbonate non-expandable spinner, see best carry-on luggage. For bag type, see hardside vs softside. For how official expansion changes airline-fit language, see best expandable carry-on.
Choose Samsonite’s Freeform Carry-On Spinner ($149.99, 6.5 lb) for a polypropylene hardside with a 1-inch expander and a built-in TSA lock. Choose Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 21" spinner ($148 sale / $160 regular, 5.4 lb) for a lighter softside, 2 inches of official expansion, a 100-day trial, and lifetime functional-defect coverage — register within 120 days if you want airline-damage repairs. We have not used a sizer.
Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner vs Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Expandable Carry-On Spinner: side-by-side
| Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner | Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Expandable Carry-On Spinner | |
|---|---|---|
| Official price | $149.99, with a listed comparison value of $219.99 (32% savings). Official category page listed the same $149.99 / $219.99. | $148 sale / $160 regular |
| Official size and weight | Exterior features: 23"H × 15"L × 9.75"W; 6.5 lb. Specifications table on the same page: 23in H × 15in L × 9.8in W; linear 47.8; 6.5 lb. Interior features: 20.5"H × 14.5"L × 9.75"W; specifications table: 20.5in H × 14.5in L × 9.8in W. The official page lists both depth figures, and we quote both. Material: hardside (polypro). SKU 78255E050 on the official page. | Overall 23 × 14.5 × 9 in, including wheels and handles; case (packing body) 21 × 14 × 9 in. 5.4 lb; 46 L. |
| Expansion, as written | Official features: “Unzip the expansion zipper to increase packing capacity by an extra inch instantly.” Specifications: expandable, yes; expansion 1". Official copy: “Pro tip: save the expansion for the return trip.” | Official 2 in tapered zippered expansion. Official pages: a fully expanded bag may not meet airline restrictions or fit a strict sizer. |
| Vs United 9 × 14 × 22 in including handle and wheels | Official height 23 in and width 15 in sit over the published 22 in and 14 in. Official depth 9.75 in (or 9.8 in on the specifications table) sits over the published 9 in, even before the 1-inch expander. Official Samsonite language: carry-on size and weight allowances vary by airline. | Official overall height 23 in and width 14.50 in sit over the published 22 in and 14 in; unexpanded depth 9 in matches. Official Travelpro language: board unexpanded if the airline enforces a sizer. We have not used a sizer. |
| Wheels, lock, extras | Double-wheel design; TSA 3-dial combination recessed lock; built-in ID tag; recessed metal logo plate; cross ribbon and divider; multiple interior pockets. | Softside polyester with DuraGuard coating. Official product page for this model does not list a built-in TSA lock (a buyer review on that page notes that). Official 100-day trial with free return shipping. |
| Official warranty, as written | Specifications table: “Limited 10 Year Global Warranty.” Samsonite’s official product page labels a Limited 10 Year Global Warranty; it doesn’t spell out exclusions, inbound-shipping rules, or airline-damage coverage, so we don’t add those details from another site. | Built For A Lifetime limited warranty on functional defects (wheels, zippers, handles) for the original purchaser or gift recipient, with proof of purchase. Airline and common-carrier damage is excluded from that base warranty unless you register within 120 days for the Trusted Companion Promise, which adds airline-damage functional repairs. 100-day trial with return shipping covered. Professional flight-crew use is limited to 3 years on the related Platinum Elite warranty terms. |
What are the pros and cons?
Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner: pros
- Official $149.99 sale price and a published 1-inch expander on a polypropylene hardside
- A built-in TSA combination lock is listed on the official product page
- Official empty weight is 6.5 lb — still in a similar price band to the Maxlite, with a hardside shell
Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner: cons
- Official 23 × 15 × 9.75 in (or 9.8 in) exterior sits over United’s published 22 × 14 × 9 in box on all three sides, even unexpanded
- Heavier than the official Maxlite 5.4 lb empty weight, and no official liter capacity is listed on the Freeform page
- We could not confirm the official U.S. Samsonite warranty-detail page, so airline-damage and shipping terms are not listed beyond the “Limited 10 Year Global Warranty” label
Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Expandable Carry-On Spinner: pros
- Lighter official empty weight (5.4 lb) and a listed 46 L capacity, with official expansion of up to 2 in
- A written 100-day trial with return shipping covered, plus lifetime functional-defect coverage
- Unexpanded official depth of 9 in matches United’s published 9 in, unlike Freeform’s 9.75 / 9.8 in
Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Expandable Carry-On Spinner: cons
- Official overall size of 23 × 14.5 × 9 in still sits over United’s published 22 × 14 × 9 in box on height and width
- Softside, and the official Maxlite 5 21" page we checked does not list a built-in TSA lock
- Airline-damage repairs require Trusted Companion registration within 120 days; otherwise that damage is excluded
Which should you choose: Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner or Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Expandable Carry-On Spinner?
Choose Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner if…
- You want a polypropylene hardside spinner with a listed TSA lock and a 1-inch official expander at $149.99.
- You accept official unexpanded dimensions of 23 × 15 × 9.75 in (or 9.8 in) and will still check the airline’s sizer.
- You are willing to rely on the official “Limited 10 Year Global Warranty” label, knowing the official product page doesn’t spell out the detailed warranty terms.
Choose Travelpro Maxlite 5 21" Expandable Carry-On Spinner if…
- You want the lighter official 5.4 lb bag, a listed 46 L capacity, and up to 2 inches of official expansion.
- You will register within 120 days if airline-damage coverage matters, and you want a 100-day trial with return shipping covered.
- You accept official overall dimensions of 23 × 14.5 × 9 in and Travelpro’s own warning to board unexpanded if a sizer is enforced.
Official size, price and the published box
On the official Freeform product page checked November 10, 2026, Samsonite listed $149.99, a $219.99 comparison value, 6.5 lb, and exterior dimensions of 23"H × 15"L × 9.75"W, with a specifications table on the same page that lists 9.8 in for the same width. We are citing both official figures. Official Travelpro figures for the Maxlite 5 21" spinner, checked the same date, were $148 sale / $160 regular, 5.4 lb, 46 L, and overall 23 × 14.5 × 9 in.
United’s official carry-on limit is 9 × 14 × 22 in including handle and wheels. Neither official overall size matches that box on paper. Freeform’s official 23 × 15 × 9.75 (or 9.8) in sits over all three published sides, even before the 1-inch expander. Maxlite’s official 23 in height and 14.5 in width sit over the published 22 in and 14 in; its unexpanded 9 in depth matches. Official Travelpro language says a fully expanded bag may miss a sizer. Official Samsonite language says allowances vary by airline. We have not repeated a sizer test.
Who should skip this comparison
- Shoppers who want a two-wheel Rollaboard or a lifetime airline-damage guarantee with no registration window. See Travelpro vs Briggs & Riley.
- Anyone who needs a confirmed fit in United’s 22 × 14 × 9 in box. Both official overall sizes sit over that box on at least two sides.
- Readers who want a scored “better bag” or a wrinkle, drop, or wheel test. We have not packed or rolled these bags.
Frequently asked questions
Which carry-on is lighter?
Do these bags meet United’s published carry-on size?
Which warranty is longer?
Sources
Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Nov 10, 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor’s site before you buy.
- Samsonite: official Freeform Carry-On Spinner product page — $149.99, 23 × 15 × 9.75 in (also 9.8 in), 6.5 lb, 1-inch expansion, Limited 10 Year Global Warranty (checked Nov 10, 2026) (shop.samsonite.com)
- Samsonite: official U.S. carry-on luggage category — Freeform listed at $149.99 / $219.99 (checked Nov 10, 2026) (shop.samsonite.com)
- Travelpro: Maxlite 5 21" Expandable Carry-On Spinner — $148 sale / $160 regular, 23 × 14.5 × 9 in overall, 5.4 lb, 46 L, 2 in expansion (checked Nov 10, 2026) (travelpro.com)
- Travelpro: Platinum Elite Softside Warranty — base exclusions and Trusted Companion 120-day registration (checked Nov 10, 2026) (travelpro.com)
- United Airlines: Carry-on bags — 9 × 14 × 22 in including handle and wheels (checked Nov 10, 2026) (united.com)
Related
The Best Carry-On Luggage for Holiday Travel
If you need a bag that matches United’s published 9 × 14 × 22 in limit (wheels and handle included), Monos’ official Carry-On dimensions do. Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 is much lighter and cheaper, and Away’s The Carry-On sits slightly over that published box on two dimensions — confirm with a sizer.
comparisonSamsonite vs Delsey (2026)
These are both official hardside carry-on spinners, not identical SKUs. Samsonite’s Freeform was $149.99 on the official U.S. product page checked November 10, 2026, at 6.5 lb, with official exterior dimensions of 23 × 15 × 9.75 in and a 1-inch expander. DELSEY’s Chatelet Air 2.0 23-Inch in Angora was $244.99 (regular $349.99) on the official U.S. product page checked the same date, at official exterior dimensions of 22.75 × 15 × 10 in. The same official Delsey page lists weight as 7.7 lb in the technical specifications table and as 9.5 lb in the on-page comparison widget — and the official Shopify product JSON lists 4.31 kg, which is 9.50 lb. Official Navy and Light pink 23-inch colors were listed at $209.99, not $244.99. This is not a sizer test.
best ofBest Expandable Carry-On (2026)
There is no single “best” expandable carry-on on the official pages we dated November 10, 2026, and we have not used a sizer. Away’s Carry-On Flex is $325, expands 2.25 in, and goes from 41 L to 47 L. Samsonite’s Freeform Carry-On Spinner is $149.99, expands 1 in, and lists official exterior dimensions of 23 × 15 × 9.75 in. Travelpro’s Maxlite 5 21" Expandable Spinner is $148 sale / $160 regular, expands up to 2 in, and is 5.4 lb. TUMI’s Alpha Dual Access Expandable Carry-On is $950, expands up to 2 in, and lists an official expanded depth of 11.0 in. Official maker language in this set repeatedly warns that a fully expanded bag may miss a carrier sizer. This is not a ranked award.
comparisonTravelpro vs Briggs & Riley (2026)
These are both official two-wheel, expandable 22-inch softside carry-ons, not spinner-to-spinner twins. Travelpro’s Platinum Elite Carry-On Rollaboard is $390, 7.7 lb and 53.5 L, with overall dimensions of 23 × 14.5 × 9 inches including wheels and handles — over United’s published 22 × 14 × 9 in box on height and width, though Travelpro says it is sizer-bin tested. Briggs & Riley’s Baseline Essential 22" is $679, 9.7 lb and 39–51 L, with official unexpanded exterior dimensions of 22 × 14 × 9 inches. The warranty split is sharper than the size split.
guideHardside vs Softside Luggage (2026)
On official pages checked November 10, 2026, Away describes hardside as an impact-resistant polycarbonate shell starting at $275, softside as abrasion- and water-resistant nylon starting at $225, and aluminum as a premium hard shell starting at $625. Monos, which sells polycarbonate and aluminum cases, not a softside line on the official pages we checked, says its German Makrolon polycarbonate flexes under impact and springs back. We compared those written material claims and the conflicting official measurements, not a drop-test scorecard. Confirm dimensions, including wheels, in an airline sizer.
best ofBest Carry-On for Budget Airlines (2026)
This is a size guide, not a ranked test. On official pages checked November 10, 2026, Frontier’s carry-on is 24 × 16 × 10 in (up to 35 lb), Allegiant’s is 10 × 16 × 22 in, and United’s is 9 × 14 × 22 in including the handle and wheels. Monos’ Carry-On lists 22 × 14 × 9 in at $275, which sits inside all three published boxes. Away’s Carry-On lists 22 × 14.4 × 9.1 in at $275 — inside Frontier and Allegiant, over United’s 14 in width. Briggs & Riley’s Baseline Essential 22" lists 22 × 14 × 9 in unexpanded at $679, and 11.5 in deep when expanded. Spirit official bag pages were not available when we checked here, so Spirit sizes are not cited.