Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Checked vs Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside
Both made our Best Luggage for International Travel shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Checked Spinner if you want 8-wheel design tracks straighter through crowded international terminals than 4-wheel competitors. Choose the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner if you'd rather have hardshell handles wet climates and rough tarmac loading better than softside at this price. Overall we rank the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Checked Spinner higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Luggage for International Travel list.
Winner overall: Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Checked Spinner
Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Checked Spinner vs Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 4 in Best Luggage for International Travel | #3 of 4 in Best Luggage for International Travel |
| Pick label | Top pick | |
| Brand | Travelpro | Samsonite |
| Key features | 29-inch expandable softside shell; 8 MagnaTrac spinner wheels; Tip-resistant tapered expansion, up to 2 inches more capacity | 24-inch expandable polypropylene hardshell; Dual 360-degree spinner wheels; TSA-approved combination lock |
| Biggest strength | 8-wheel design tracks straighter through crowded international terminals than 4-wheel competitors | Hardshell handles wet climates and rough tarmac loading better than softside at this price |
| Main trade-off | Softside shell offers less rain protection than a hardside competitor | Polypropylene shell scratches and shows scuffs more visibly than textured competitors |
| Best for | international travel | international travel |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Top pick
Choose the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Checked Spinner if…
- 8-wheel design tracks straighter through crowded international terminals than 4-wheel competitors
- Expansion panel adds real packing room for the return trip's souvenirs
- Lifetime warranty covers common carrier damage, useful for bags that see rough international handling
Best for: international travel
Prefer the alternative? See the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner section.
#3 pick
Choose the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner if…
- Hardshell handles wet climates and rough tarmac loading better than softside at this price
- 8.5-pound empty weight leaves more of the checked weight limit for actual belongings
Best for: international travel
Prefer the alternative? See the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Checked Spinner section.
Pros and cons of each
Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Checked Spinner
Pros
- 8-wheel design tracks straighter through crowded international terminals than 4-wheel competitors
- Expansion panel adds real packing room for the return trip's souvenirs
- Lifetime warranty covers common carrier damage, useful for bags that see rough international handling
- Fold-out suiter keeps business attire wrinkle-resistant on multi-city trips
Cons
- Softside shell offers less rain protection than a hardside competitor
- 29-inch size exceeds some international carriers' checked weight-friendly proportions when packed full
Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner
Pros
- Hardshell handles wet climates and rough tarmac loading better than softside at this price
- 8.5-pound empty weight leaves more of the checked weight limit for actual belongings
Cons
- Polypropylene shell scratches and shows scuffs more visibly than textured competitors
- Single-caster style wheel housing wears faster than the double-swivel wheels on premium bags
- 10-year warranty is limited, not the unconditional coverage of Briggs & Riley
Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Checked Spinner vs Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner: common questions
Which is better, the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Checked Spinner or the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner?
Choose the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Checked Spinner if you want 8-wheel design tracks straighter through crowded international terminals than 4-wheel competitors. Choose the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner if you'd rather have hardshell handles wet climates and rough tarmac loading better than softside at this price. Overall we rank the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Checked Spinner higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Luggage for International Travel list.
What is the difference between the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Checked Spinner and the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner?
The Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Checked Spinner stands out because 8-wheel design tracks straighter through crowded international terminals than 4-wheel competitors, while the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner stands out because hardshell handles wet climates and rough tarmac loading better than softside at this price. The trade-offs differ too: the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Checked Spinner's main caveat is that softside shell offers less rain protection than a hardside competitor, and the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner's is that polypropylene shell scratches and shows scuffs more visibly than textured competitors.
Is the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Checked Spinner worth it over the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner instead if softside shell offers less rain protection than a hardside competitor is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner instead of the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Checked Spinner?
The Samsonite Freeform 24-Inch Medium Hardside Spinner suits international travel, while the Travelpro Platinum Elite 29-Inch Checked Spinner is best for international travel.