Samsonite Freeform Hardside Spinner vs Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner

Both are the same Freeform design, so the real choice is size, not quality. The Carry-On Spinner is a 21-inch cabin bag at 6.5 lbs with 1 inch of expansion, built to fit overhead bins. The Hardside Expandable Spinner listing is a checked 28-inch large at 9.6 lbs with 1.5 inches of expansion and 114 litres of storage. Owners rate both 4.3 out of 5, and the common complaints are the same: scuffs on the polypropylene shell and wheels that loosen over years of hard use. Buy the carry-on for short trips and the large for long ones.

• Choose the Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable Spinner if you need a checked bag for week-long trips, family travel or cold-weather clothing, and want the extra 1.5 inches of expansion.
• Choose the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner if you fly carry-on only, want to skip baggage claim, and need a bag that fits overhead bins at 6.5 lbs.