Description
Samsonite Airea review summary
Key points at a glance
One of the lightest suitcases on the market
With just 1.8 kg (S), 2.7 kg (M), and 2.8 kg (L), the Samsonite Airea ranks among the lightest suitcases in the world. That’s a major advantage when flying with strict baggage weight limits. The low weight gives you more room for your actual luggage and makes the case much easier to carry and roll.
Spacious interior, smart features, and elegant design
The Samsonite Airea offers an exceptionally high capacity across all sizes. The generous main compartment is easy to pack and cleverly organised: cross ribbons, separate zip compartments and a sleek lining help you stay neat and organised. In sizes M and L, an expandable zip section allows you to increase the volume – ideal for extra space on the return journey.
Spacious interior, smart features, and elegant design
The Samsonite Airea offers an exceptionally high capacity across all sizes. The generous main compartment is easy to pack and cleverly organised: cross ribbons, separate zip compartments and a sleek lining help you stay neat and organised. In sizes M and L, an expandable zip section allows you to increase the volume – ideal for extra space on the return journey.
Quiet and stable rolling performance
The Airea glides smoothly and comfortably – even on uneven or bumpy surfaces. The double wheels feel sturdy, run quietly and are easy to steer. In size S, the wheels are slightly smaller than on other top models, which can make a small difference on rougher terrain. In return, this size is lighter and offers slightly more packing space than many comparable suitcases.
Extremely practical exterior pockets
The Samsonite Airea features two practical access points: a spacious front pocket that’s ideal for a laptop, travel documents or a light jacket, and a discreet side pocket for a water bottle or other small essentials. Especially for carry-on use on short trips, this kind of easy access is a real advantage over traditional hard-shell suitcases.
Available in these sizes
Last update on 2025-06-02 at 10:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
Full review
My detailed Samsonite Airea test results
Features & handling
Look & design: The Samsonite Airea makes a great first impression with its elegant, minimalist design. Clean lines, a subtle colour scheme and refined detailing give this case a premium, professional look. The nylon fabric feels high-quality and well made – perfect for business travellers or frequent flyers who value a polished appearance.
Wheels: The Samsonite Airea features large, rubberised double wheels that feel stable and well made. On the cabin-size version (S), the wheels are slightly smaller than on the larger models, though this doesn’t have any real impact on functionality.
Roll performance: In use, the Samsonite Airea delivers excellent rolling performance. The wheels run smoothly, quietly, and with great stability. Thanks to 360° rotation, the case is highly manoeuvrable, even in tight or crowded spaces. The generous wheel size also allows for comfortable pulling over longer distances when tilted – and it handles slightly uneven surfaces like cobblestones with ease.
Teleskopstange: Die Teleskopstange lässt sich sehr gut verstellen und in verschiedenen Höhen angenehm anpassen. Die Mechanik wirkt stabil und zuverlässig, ohne zu wackeln – auch bei voller Beladung. Insgesamt macht sie einen wertigen Eindruck und trägt spürbar zum komfortablen Handling des Koffers bei.
Handles: The handles blend seamlessly into the Airea’s sleek design and feel comfortable in the hand. For the check-in sizes (M and L), a side handle is also included, making it easier to lift the case into car boots or off luggage belts. The hand luggage size (S), however, does not have a side handle, which can slightly limit handling in certain situations.
Grab loop:Â A practical grab loop is located on the underside of all sizes, allowing the case to be lifted or pulled from overhead compartments and luggage belts with ease. Especially when a side handle is missing, this well-thought-out feature proves very useful in everyday travel.
Side pocket: A barely noticeable yet highly practical feature is the discreetly integrated side pocket. It’s perfect for storing items you need quick access to while on the go – such as a water bottle, umbrella or travel documents. The pocket blends in nicely with the overall design and adds extra storage without making the suitcase look bulky.
Name tag: Located on the side of the suitcase is a retractable name tag, subtly built into the shell. It complements the minimalist design while offering a clear practical benefit. Several interchangeable stickers are included, allowing you to update your address easily when needed.
TSA lock: The TSA lock is integrated into the top of the suitcase and is easy to use and set. It feels sturdy and is conveniently positioned for quick access. A TSA lock is particularly useful when travelling to the USA or Canada, where security authorities may need to open your suitcase without causing damage.
Interior layout: The interior layout of the Airea is clear, elegant and well thought out. The spacious main compartment is easy to pack and keeps everything visible and accessible. The cross strap holds your belongings securely in place during travel and can be fixed to the side walls while packing. The lid features two additional mesh pockets – ideal for smaller items or laundry – adding extra organisation.
Verdict: The Samsonite Airea scores points with its smart interior layout, flush-mounted TSA lock, practical outer compartments and integrated name tag – all discreetly designed yet highly functional. The smooth telescopic handle and high-quality wheels further enhance ease of use. A minor drawback is the lack of a side handle on the cabin-size version, which can make lifting a bit tricky. Overall, the Airea delivers a high-quality, travel-ready feature set tailored to frequent flyers.
Weight & capacity
The Samsonite Airea is available in 3 different sizes:
When it comes to weight, the Samsonite Airea ranks at the very top – it’s one of the lightest suitcases in the world. This impressively low weight is a real advantage in practice, making the case easier to carry, stow and roll. It’s especially beneficial on flights with strict weight limits, as it gives you more allowance for your actual belongings.
This suitcase also impresses with its above-average storage capacity. The cabin size offers 41 litres of space – more than most models in its class – making it ideal for short trips without checked luggage. The M and L sizes are expandable, offering extra flexibility. Even in these larger versions, the case provides plenty of room without appearing bulky.
Material
The Samsonite Airea is made from high-quality nylon, a material that’s rarely used in softshell suitcases. Compared to polyester, nylon is significantly more durable and hard-wearing, but also more expensive to produce. As a result, it’s typically reserved for premium luggage ranges – as seen here.
Advantages: Nylon is especially tear- and abrasion-resistant, has a more refined look and feel, and is softer and more flexible than polyester. It’s also lightweight, contributing to the overall low weight of the suitcase, and offers greater flexibility when packing. In addition, nylon is naturally more water-repellent than untreated polyester – a plus in wet conditions.
Disadvantages: Despite the high-quality material, the Airea remains a softshell suitcase, meaning protection against heavy impact or pressure is more limited compared to hardshell models. While nylon handles moisture better than polyester, it’s not fully waterproof. If you’re travelling with fragile items or frequently encounter wet weather, this is something to consider.
Value for money
The Samsonite Airea clearly ranks among the higher-quality softshell suitcases, yet still offers a fair overall price. Its quality, features and ultra-lightweight design naturally come at a cost – but compared to similarly equipped hardshell models, the Airea is often significantly more affordable. At the same time, the premium materials and solid craftsmanship promise long-lasting durability.
Not a budget option, but a worthwhile investment for frequent travellers and anyone who values comfort, quality and longevity – while still keeping an eye on price.
Test result – Samsonite Airea
Rating: Excellent
My verdict on the Samsonite Airea
The Samsonite Airea impresses with two key qualities that matter most in a travel suitcase: it’s extremely lightweight and offers exceptionally generous storage space. This combination makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to travel light without sacrificing capacity.
When it comes to handling, the Airea performs just as well: the premium nylon fabric, smooth double wheels, sturdy telescopic handle and thoughtful details such as the side pocket, TSA lock and built-in name tag all contribute to comfort and functionality on the go. The interior is clearly laid out and elegantly finished, making packing quick and organised.
Minor weaknesses appear only in the carry-on size, where a side handle is missing – making lifting slightly more awkward. And like all softshell cases, protection against heavy impacts and moisture is limited compared to hardshell models.
All things considered, the Samsonite Airea is an excellent choice for frequent travellers, business professionals, and anyone looking for a durable, lightweight and practical suitcase with a sleek, professional design.
If you’re after a slightly more budget-friendly alternative, take a look at the Samsonite Litebeam. It’s made from polyester rather than nylon, is similarly lightweight, and only slightly smaller in volume. In terms of looks, it’s more casual and playful – designed with leisure and holiday travel in mind.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Samsonite Airea S, available in 3 sizes | £195.00 £129.85 | Buy on Amazon |
Last update on 2025-06-02 at 10:15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Partnernet
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