Researched comparisonLast updated October 2026 · How we review
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Quick Answer
We would start with the Samsonite Freeform Large at $183.45 if you want the lightest suitcase here (9.6 lb) with a 10 year warranty on Samsonite’s page. The Travelpro Maxlite Air V2 at $225.00 lists a limited lifetime warranty, 2 in of expansion and 114 L of capacity. The American Tourister Stratum 3.0 at $120.00 is the lowest price and lists a 10 year warranty.
- Samsonite Freeform Large Spinner: best for travelers who want the lightest suitcase here (9.6 lb) with a TSA lock and a 10 year warranty.
- Travelpro Maxlite Air V2 Large: best for travelers who want a polycarbonate shell with 2 in of expansion and a limited lifetime warranty.
- American Tourister Stratum 3.0 Large: best for travelers who want a 10 year warranty and an ABS hardside with 1.5 in of expansion.
Prices as of October 16, 2026, 11:38 pm CT.
A checked bag is the large suitcase that goes in the hold, and the 28-inch size is the one most shoppers compare for longer trips. We put three 28-inch hardside spinners from Samsonite, Travelpro and American Tourister side by side on size, weight, material, expansion, wheels and warranty.
How We Chose
We compared one 28-inch hardside spinner each from Samsonite, Travelpro and American Tourister. They are not identical: the shells are polypropylene, polycarbonate and ABS, and the manufacturers measure exterior size on different bases (Travelpro includes wheels and handles, while Samsonite and American Tourister do not say), so we do not rank them on size. Airline weight and size limits for checked bags vary, so check yours before you fly. We take specs from each manufacturer’s page where it gave one, and each cell names its source. Warranty terms come from the manufacturer’s own website where it names the model or product line, then from the Amazon listing, and we say so where neither gave a length. Prices are Amazon prices checked in October 2026 and can change.
The Lineup
Specs come from each manufacturer’s own pages. Prices as of October 16, 2026, 11:38 pm CT. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Amazon may show a different seller than the brand or Amazon.com. Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
Samsonite Freeform 28-Inch Large Spinner (78257)
$183.45 as of Oct 16, 2026, 11:38 pm CT on Amazon · lightest, 10 year warranty
Best for: travelers who want the lightest suitcase here (9.6 lb) with a TSA lock and a 10 year warranty.
We like the Freeform for its weight. Samsonite’s page for the Freeform Large Spinner (78257) lists 31.1 x 20.9 x 13.8 in outside, 9.6 lb, a hardside polypropylene shell, 1.5 in of expansion, double wheels, a TSA 3-dial combination recessed lock, and a Limited 10 Year Global Warranty. The page does not say whether the exterior size includes the wheels. Amazon’s listing is the 78257-1596 color.
Warranty: Limited 10 year global
Check Price on Amazon →Travelpro Maxlite Air V2 Large Check-In Hardside Spinner
$225.00 as of Oct 16, 2026, 11:38 pm CT on Amazon · limited lifetime warranty, 114 L
Best for: travelers who want a polycarbonate shell with 2 in of expansion and a limited lifetime warranty.
We like the Maxlite Air V2 for its warranty and expansion. Travelpro’s page lists 30.5 x 19.5 x 12 in overall including wheels and handles, 10.9 lb, a capacity of 114 L, a 100% polycarbonate shell, 2 in of expansion, eight 360° spinner wheels, an integrated TSA-approved lock and a Built For a Lifetime Limited Warranty. It also offers a 100-day return window. Amazon’s listing for the black 28-inch size is model 401259901.
Warranty: Limited lifetime
Check Price on Amazon →American Tourister Stratum 3.0 Large 28-Inch Spinner
$120.00 as of Oct 16, 2026, 11:38 pm CT on Amazon · lowest price, 10 year warranty
Best for: travelers who want a 10 year warranty and an ABS hardside with 1.5 in of expansion.
We like the Stratum 3.0 as the lowest price option. American Tourister’s page for the Stratum 3.0 Large (item 1561651041) lists 32.5 x 19.5 x 12 in, 11 lb, an ABS shell, 1.5 in of expansion, wide-set dual spinner wheels and a Limited 10 Year Global Warranty. The page does not describe the lock. Amazon’s listing for this color is model 156165-1041.
Warranty: Limited 10 year global
Check Price on Amazon →Our Take
We would start with the Samsonite Freeform Large at $183.45 for most travelers: it is the lightest here and carries a 10 year warranty. We would pick the Travelpro Maxlite Air V2 at $225.00 if you want a polycarbonate shell, 2 in of expansion and a limited lifetime warranty. We would pick the American Tourister Stratum 3.0 at $120.00 if price matters most. Weigh the empty bag against your airline’s limit, since a heavier suitcase leaves less room for your belongings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best checked luggage?
We would start with the Samsonite Freeform Large for most travelers: it lists the lowest weight here (9.6 lb), a TSA 3-dial lock and a 10 year warranty on Samsonite’s page, at $183.45. We like the Travelpro Maxlite Air V2 for its limited lifetime warranty and the American Tourister Stratum 3.0 as the lowest price option.
What size is checked luggage?
Checked bags are usually the medium and large sizes, and 28 inches is a common large size. The three here list exterior heights of 30.5 to 32.5 in, and airline size and weight limits differ, so check your airline’s rules before you pack.
What warranty do these suitcases have?
We take these from the manufacturers: Samsonite and American Tourister both list a Limited 10 Year Global Warranty, and Travelpro lists a Built For a Lifetime Limited Warranty. Terms can differ by seller and region, so we suggest you confirm before you buy.
