TRAVEL PLANNING
In search of cabin luggage light enough for me to lift into an overhead bin
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When you tend to overpack as I do, choosing ultra lightweight luggage is a savvy start to smarter packing. I wanted to find the best lightweight carry-on bag, so matched up Delsey vs Samsonite. Was there a clear stand-out in budget-friendly lightweight luggage?
I’d had my existing carry-on bag for eight years, a soft-sided Samsonite with lots of pockets and the ability to expand, which I liked. It was still in good condition, but it was too heavy, almost 10 pounds, empty.
I was increasingly struggling with this heavyweight carry-on. It seemed imprudent to rely on strangers to assist me, when my bag teetered precariously as I struggled to get it into the airplane overhead bin. It was time for some ultra lightweight luggage.
Lightweight Luggage Options
I wanted a hard-sided carry-on this time and it had to be a four-wheel spinner (much easier to move around than two-wheels), and some interior pockets would be nice. I needed a durable bag but didn’t want to invest in top-of-the-line luggage, so I set a budget of US$250 and less would be great as well.
I had no idea what the lightweight options were in and was pleasantly surprised to find there are several carry-on bags that hover around 6 pounds.
I originally planned to compare the four biggest luggage companies, but decided to leave out American Tourister and Travelpro. American Tourister has great price points, but I don’t like their styles as much. And Travelpro is better known for soft-sided bags. That left Delsey vs Samsonite.
Samsonite & Delsey Compared
Samsonite
Delsey
HISTORY
Samsonite was founded in Denver, USA in 1910 by the Shwayder brothers who saw the need for durable, well-constructed travel trunks.
HISTORY
Delsey was founded in Paris in 1946 by Emile DeLahaye. Initially it was a producer of hand-made camera cases.
KNOWN FOR
A huge variety of durable and affordable luggage. Samsonite is the world’s largest luggage company and also owns Tumi and eBags.
KNOWN FOR
Hard-sided bags and interesting styles with a European flair.
The Lightweight Carry-On
The Lightweight Carry-On
KEY FEATURES
- 6.5 pounds
- 23″ x 15″ x 10″
- Black, Navy, Purple, White, White/Grey
- Made of polycarbonate
- 10-year warranty
KEY FEATURES
- 7.2 pounds
- 22″ x 14″ x 9.5″
- Blue, Brick, Grey, Black
- Made of Polycarbonate
- Laptop compartment
- 10-year warranty
PROS
- Color Choice
- Easy to maneuver
- Smooth Zipper
- Security Feature
- 1″ expansion
PROS
- Sleek style
- Laptop pocket
- Security Feature
CONS
- Slightly heavier than Delsey
CONS
- Zipper stuck
- Slightly Heavier
Lightweight Carry-On Bags - Size Limits
It turns out not all lightweight carry-on bags fall within airline size limits, which vary quite a bit. In Europe, permitted carry-on sizes are often smaller.
I live in Denver and United Airlines has a hub here, so it’s the one I fly most often. United’s carry-on limit is 22” high x 14” wide x 9” deep and I find they don’t typically check bag size. Since I also fly Air Canada (I’m from Toronto), Lufthansa and Air France, I checked their dimensions as well. They were similar to United. Note that Air Canada do tend to check and be sticklers about size limits.
TIP: Check carry-on luggage size limits with the airline(s) you fly most often, when considering a new luggage purchase.
Delsey vs Samsonite
Delsey - Lightweight luggage
Delsey is a French company that dates to 1946; it began as a manufacturer of leather camera cases. It’s based in Paris and second in the global luggage market, behind Samsonite. I was aware of Delsey but have never owned one of their bags.
I pulled up the Delsey website and immediately noticed the Chatelet Air. Named after a district in Paris, it has a pretty two-tone exterior and I thought the off-white with a contrasting tan accent was tres, tres chic. However, it weighed almost 8 pounds, so the pretty Paris bag was a “non”. I might consider it another time.
The Delsey Turenne 2.0
Retail $225 – $299
I looked next at Delsey’s ultra lightweight carry-on: The Turenne. It was introduced in 2018 and appeared to have everything I was looking for: a sleek design, double spinner wheels and most importantly, it was light and durable. It’s made of impact-resistant polycarbonate, which is apparently the gold standard.
It has a combination lock which allows you to set your own three-digit code, and it’s TSA-friendly; it can be opened by the TSA using a universal key. I don’t usually bother with locks but liked the idea of having one built in and since I am hoping to do more international travel, the lock seemed like a good feature.
The handle moved up and down easily and it was a nice angled handle to hold; my smallish hand fit perfectly around it.
Delsey uses what they call a Zip SECURITECH™ making zippers that are apparently highly durable. Unfortunately, I found the zippers challenging. I had to pull forcefully to get it to move and and it kept catching.
The Delsey Turenne has two equal-sized compartments with netted fabric covers. I liked the fabric because I could see what was underneath without having to zip it open. It comes with two detached fabric bags: one for shoes and one for laundry.
There were no other internal compartments. Perhaps because extra fabric pockets and zippers add to the weight, so I could live without them to get a lighter bag. Also, it doesn’t expand but I am ok with that as well. Although it’s hard-sided, it had some flex to it; apparently a little flex in this rigid material is what you want.
I quite liked the Delsey Turenne. It was very light and had great color options. It’s very attractive. But the zippers were a concern. Would they loosen up? Well functioning zippers seem like an essential feature.
Ultra Lightweight - The Best Samsonite Carry On
Retail $199
NOTE: As of early 2025,the Samsonite NeoPulse that I originally tested and reviewed is hard to find. I am now comparing a similar option, the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner. It weighs just 6.5 pounds and has similar dimensions. It has fantastic reviews and is a Travel & Leisure best carry-on bag. $199.
Samsonite is the current leader in the luggage business and was founded in Denver in 1910. The Samsonite Freeform Carry-On Spinner comes in five colors and is 6.5 pounds, which is still considered a lightweight bag. The height is 23”, width is 15” and depth is 10”. This is slightly bigger than United Airlines dimensions but compatible with other, like Southwest Airlines (24x16x10).
I have found most U.S. airlines don’t measure roller bags so the slightly larger size of the Samsonite is likely not be an issue, within the US. And the bins that airlines use to check your luggage size, are slightly bigger than their stated limit.
A quick trip around my living room found that it moved easily on the spinning wheels and the extendable handle seemed sturdy. The zipper also worked really well, opening and closing it was easy and smooth. The interior was divided into equal-sized compartments, each with a zipper closure to keep things contained. Like the Delsey, it had no interior pockets. In fact, they were virtually identical inside.
Delsey vs Samsonite - Packing a Carry-On for Paris
To compare Delsey vs Samsonite in action, I packed each of them for a fall weekend in Paris, an imaginary dry-run for a future holiday. I would pack a wardrobe for three nights/four days: Two pants, three blouses, two sweaters, one blazer, pajamas and toiletries. And I’d pack one pair of boots. I’d take one warm coat and wear it on the plane.
Despite my tendency to overpack, I do strive to pack as light as possible for Europe travel. Carry-on bags are much easier than larger bags when you are riding trains and subways which are more the norm in Europe, versus North America, where we tend to take taxis.
I’ve gone to France for a week, with only a carry-on, and while I did have fewer outfit options, the convenience of a smaller bag was great. For more packing tips see: Smart Pack Hacks: A Guide to Avoid Overpacking.
Packing for My Imaginary Trip to Paris
I packed the Delsey bag first and because it is deeper there were a few different ways that my bulky toiletry bag and boots could fit in. Everything fit quite easily, which made me wonder what I was forgetting. I added an umbrella and a scarf and was satisfied that I had everything. Pretend packing is much less stressful than real packing.
I took everything out and re-packed it into the Samsonite NeoPulse. The only difference in the interior was the stretchy strap that held things in. This seemed unnecessary given the compartments had covers that zipped closed, like the Delsey.
The packing experience was similar and I was able to fit everything I wanted to take. Note the Samsonite Freeform has a slightly different interior than the NeoPulse that I orignally tested. One side has a fully enclosed zip cover and the other has a stretchy strap but no cover. See image below.
Delsey vs Samsonite - Compared
And so, Samsonite vs Delsey, how do they compare? The Samsonite is lighter and I found Samsonite’s top and side handles a little more comfy to hold. But I found maneuverability was similar.
The interiors were similar, although I like that Delsey has a second side with a zippered cover. They are both made of polycarbonate and have a 10-year warranty. It’s hard to know which would hold up better. The reviews I read were good on both although a few people complained of the telescoping handles breaking, in both cases.
The most significant difference was the zippers: the Samsonite was easier to open and close, while I struggled with the zipper on the Delsey Turenne.
Delsey vs Samsonite - The Lightweight Champion
Winner - Samsonite
The truth is, I wanted to buy the Delsey. I liked the look of it and was keen to try a new brand. But the zipper was too big of an annoyance for me. I was afraid it might get worse with use, not better.
So the Samsonite Freeform Carry-On gets my vote in the Delsey vs Samsonite matchup. The price seems very reasonable for the quality and I’m confident it will last. And best of all, at 6.5 pounds I can lift it into an overhead bin by myself.
I’m thinking I might leave it packed for Paris.
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More Carry-on Luggage Recommendations
Another great hard-sided option is the AWAY Carry-On. My son owns it so I’ve tried it out. It rolls like a dream and comes in 9 colors. It’s the New York Times Best Carry-On Pick. It weighs 7.5 pounds.
I also like Monos luggage. You can read my full review here: Monos Luggage Review.
If you want a soft-sided bag: Budget-Friendly Soft-Sided Carry On – Travelpro Maxlite 5 21”
If a soft-sided bag is your preference, the TravelPro Maxlite Spinner is a winner. It’s well-reviewed, expandable and weighs only 5.4 lbs. It also comes in 7 colors. I love the slate green. If I was looking for a budget-friendly soft-sided bag, this would be my pick. $169.99
The Luxe Bag – Rimowa Essential Lite
If you’re wanting an upgraded pick that is made for a lot of miles, consider Rimowa. They are hand-made in Germany, weigh 5 pounds, and come in lovely colors. The green is gorgeous. At $900, I would be too upset every time my expensive suitcase got a scuff or dent. But it may be the perfect luggage for you.
7 Responses
I have the same bag and Delsey will not respond to customer service requests. After many attempts, I have given up. Stay away, far, far away!!!
Hi there. I am sorry to hear you’ve had a bad experience with Delsey customer service. How incredibly frustrating.
Hi! I just purchased the monos plus in light blue. It’s beautiful but scuffs so easy. I was test packing it and I guess it hit the table and scuffed. Yes it came out with an eraser but this seems like “work” to keep it clean. And it’s heavy to lift over my head when filled. It’s pretty, rolls nice and packs well. I’m used to my 28 year old samsonite soft. No maintenance. Also I considered the Travelpro maxlight but thought the monos was prettier and does it hold more? Sometimes I do a 5 night trip and only bring carry on. Which is your favorite?Should I exchange for darker color or deal with scuffs or travelpro soft- but will it hold as much clothes as the monos? . I got the monos cover but this seems like a lot of “work”. And what’s the point of pretty if I have to cover it. I am also super hesitant to get the larger monos bc of the scuffs and dents. But I really want a matching set. Ugh. Would love your opinion!!!
Hi there – I was able to clean my beige Monos bag with a solution of baking soda and soap. I love the Monos but think you can’t go wrong with either. If you decide to stick with Monos I would choose a darker color, so the scuffing isn’t such as issue, especially for a checked bag. (but check, there may be a shipping fee to return the one you have; maybe not if you are buying a new one. I have done a week in Europe with my Monos carry-on only. Either should work for that. The Monos is 7 pounds, so slightly heavier. You can double-check the capacity in liters on each website. Hope that hopes; happy travels!
I’m so jealous — how are you able to fit all those and still be at 15lbs?? I’m also shopping around for lightweight luggages so I’ve been searching for reviews. I’m also transitioning to hardcase luggages but a little skeptical thinking it might crack easily when checked in =/
I think a lot depends on number of shoes or boots, which are heavy. I always wear my heaviest ones on the plane. Same with a coat, if relevant. Hardshell cases should not crack (that would be covered in a warranty) but they certainly do scuff. I suggest you buy a dark color. Susan
I made one trip to Hong Kong and found that the zipper of the Delsey Paris hardcase spinner was out of alignment and unable to correct and the hard case had a 3″ crack. I then purchased a new case at the airport and disposed of the damaged case as i was only allowed one baggage check.
I wish I could post the photo of the crack the company told me was not sufficient damage and that if your case breaks while away they want you to fly the broken case home and the ship to them. I threw it in the rubbish.