Customer Reviews

Samsonite Solana 22" Upright, Black

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have been a loyal samsonite customer for years but their quality is slipping (so is the price so I can not really complain - just replace more often). I travel almost every week and needed a replacement roll on.

Pros:
- This is the biggest carry on that will fit in a deep bin. The shape helps it fit in.
- It has a reasonable set of compartments, though I have preferred the arrangements in other bags.
- It rolls well and the wheels have held up well.

Cons:
- My handle has constantly been "problematic". Wont always retract and extend. I usually get it to work eventually but it can be a pain.
- As noted elsehwere the name plate will rip off. No big deal. let it go.
- The built in lock failed the first time I use it. Just used a regular lock - no big deal.
- Technically it is too large. I've only been challenged once but they let it on. I have yet to see if it fits in the "official" guide. I suspect it does not. LAX is the worst US airport for policing carry on size - yet to try taking it through there.

A sophisticatedly stylish piece of luggage with clever design details such as a tethered combination lock for the main zipper that can never be lost. The wheels are smooth and quiet. Both the cobblestone color and the fabric shimmer help differentiate it at baggage claim, but the shade is light enough to show scuffing after a couple of check ins. At 22" this is probably the largest size to fit in all overhead compartments and best used exclusively as carry-on. While it does look noticeably larger than a 20", I had no trouble bringing it on board American, Delta, Mexicana, and Continental in the last 6 months. However the nice expandable feature (activated by red zipper pull) that lets you pack an extra 2" of stuff could make it a troublesome fit in smaller overhead compartments.

My only frustration is with the inexplicably impractical luggage tag. It is a stamped aluminum rectangle secured by an elastic tether to a sheath on the suitcase itself. Samsonite provides a cheap looking sticker for it that is really too small to write one's name/address/phone. The aluminum rectangle is smaller than a standard business card, so business travelers can't tape the latter to the former. And because the sheath has its opening facing down, you can't insert your business card and expect it to stay in place.

This Solana line sells at a premium and I have no qualms about my purchase. To Samsonite I say, even though you own American Tourister, try not to make it so obvious that similarly sized models selling for about half the price use the same retractable handle!

This bag is durable, has a lot of pockets, moves easily and looks amazing. I always get compliments on my carry-on! The cobblestone color glistens and makes the bag very attractive.

Love it. Used it on my 5 day trip to Sydney. Easily accomodated all my stuff - a suit, two change of clothing, toiletry kit, and with space to spare. The design is sensible with a top cover that is the same size as the base. Material seems tough and big handy zippered pockets on the top cover provides additional storage. Only drawback is the flimsy lock for securing the cover. looks like an aftertought. would prefer the usual combination-type lock found on the spinner model.

Quality is great, and price is reasonable.
I think this is a good luggage!