When I travel, I go out of my way to avoid checking my luggage, as I’m terrified my belongings will get lost en route. For my honeymoon, I was determined to travel with only a carry-on bag, despite the length of our trip—two weeks. I tested the Samsonite Paralux Carry-On Spinner, which fit everything I needed for our Italy honeymoon and traveled smoothly and efficiently with me. My favorite features of the hardside suitcase included its dual-access system (you can open it with the center zipper or through the front pocket) and expandable design.
This suitcase costs $330, putting it slightly above other popular and comparable brands. It’s made with sustainable materials, including post-consumer recycled polypropylene, and also includes packing cubes and AirTag holder, which set it apart from the rest of the line. The full Paralux Collection also includes two larger suitcases (a medium and a large), plus two backpacks and a duffel. If you’re heading on a trip soon and want to explore more options, check out our guide to the best carry-on luggage.
Samsonite Paralux Carry-On Spinner Features
The Samsonite Paralux Carry-On is a durable and lightweight option with a ton of useful extras. I tested the suitcase over the course of weeks; here’s an in-depth breakdown of its features.
Unique Front Opening For Quick Access
Hardside luggage rarely has exterior pockets, so the front door opening is a notable feature that sets the suitcase apart from other similar options. Unzipping the front pocket also gives you access to the interior without requiring unzipping the whole thing, and provides a dedicated sleeve for your laptop (up to 15 inches) or tablet. There’s also a smaller zippered pocket that gives easy access to small essentials. I found this feature extremely useful while traveling, as I was able to remove my Kindle and various chargers from my suitcase without unzipping the entire bag while waiting for our flight.
I typically opt for softside luggage because I love having a convenient front pocket, but I prefer the durability of a hardside suitcase. With the Samsonite Paralux, I don’t have to compromise, because it combines the best features of both hardside and softside bags.
Spacious Interior With The Option To Expand
The interior of the suitcase, which measures 20.8 x 14.5 x 10 inches, was spacious enough to hold two weeks’ worth of clothing. Granted, I was packing for warmer weather, and I didn’t need bulky outerwear or thick sweaters. However, with the help of compression packing cubes and the included compression panel, I was able to maximize every inch of the interior space without issue.
The carry-on also expands by one inch, which was just enough space for me to squeeze in several special items that I picked up, including a stack of postcards and a light shawl. (I knew that I would pick up souvenirs when I was abroad, so it was important that I found a suitcase that expands.) One thing to note: On the flight home, with my suitcase fully expanded, I had to work a bit harder to fit it in the overhead bin. You may not be able to expand your suitcase if you’re flying in a small, crowded plane with limited overhead space.
Useful Extras That Make Traveling Easier
I like that this suitcase has the added convenience of including two packing cubes and a compression panel. I ended up using the compression packing cubes I already owned, but the compression panel was useful and helped me maximize the interior space on a long-haul trip. Other useful features include a TSA-approved dual lock and a built-in holder for your AirTag.
How I Tested The Samsonite Paralux Carry-On Spinner
To evaluate the Samsonite Paralux Carry-On Spinner, I considered its ease of use, durability, material, weight and useful extras over the course of travel.
- Maneuverability and ease of use: Due to its lightweight materials, this suitcase was easy to maneuver across various surfaces, including cobblestone, grass and concrete. Even when packed to the brim with a duffel bag on top, I had no issues wheeling it around Europe. When I was at the airport, I also noticed how the suitcase felt as I took tight turns and dodged other travelers, and it handled everything with ease. The wheels, in particular, took a beating as they were rolled across various terrains in Italy, but they continued to roll smoothly even on the last day of our trip.
- Material and weight: The polypropylene construction was one of the reasons why I was most excited to travel with Samsonite’s Paralux, as it’s lightweight yet sturdy. I knew I would be traversing different terrain, and I wanted something I could wheel around (and lift into the overhead bin) on my own, if needed. Weighing 7.4 pounds, I found the Samsonite incredibly light without compromising durability. Even when it was packed to the brim, it remained stable and easy to maneuver. I also noted the zippers worked smoothly and didn’t snag.
- Durability: During my honeymoon, I hauled this suitcase on and off planes, over cobblestone streets, and through crowded train terminals, and it held up exceptionally well. It was knocked into by other travelers, had luggage thrown on top of it and was repeatedly tossed into taxi trunks, so it really went through aggressive real-world testing. Hardshell suitcases can be prone to scratches and scuffs, but after two weeks of constant travel, my carry-on looked almost brand new. Part of this has to do with the color, as dark colors are less prone to unsightly black scuff marks, but I was very impressed with its durability. I noted the suitcase’s appearance when I unboxed it versus how it looked after my trip, and there were minimal (if any) marks on both the suitcase and the wheels. None of the zippers snagged, and the interior lining and mesh fabric didn’t rip or stain.
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