There’s a specific kind of dread that sinks in as you stand at the baggage carousel. You’re not just waiting for your bag; you’re hoping it survived the journey in one piece. I’ve been there—my old soft-shell suitcase emerging with a torn pocket, or worse, a wheel missing, forcing me to drag it awkwardly through the terminal. The search for the perfect luggage set feels endless: you need something tough yet lightweight, nimble enough to navigate crowded airports, and stylish enough that you’re proud to pull it along. That’s the exact problem I aimed to solve when I got my hands on the Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX 2-Piece Expandable Luggage Set.
- Set includes 20" Carry On (meets carry-on size restrictions for those traveling domestically and looking to stay light) and 25" Spinners (maximize your...
- Industry leading expanded capacity in all sizes.
What to Consider Before Buying a Hardside Luggage Set
Before you invest in a new luggage set, it’s crucial to know what you need. A hardside set like this one is ideal for travelers who want superior protection for their belongings against the rough-and-tumble of baggage handling. The polycarbonate shell is designed to absorb impact and prevent crushing. This particular 2-piece set, featuring a 20-inch carry-on and a 25-inch checked bag, is perfect for the versatile traveler—someone who takes short business trips as often as they embark on week-long vacations. Key factors to consider are wheel quality (spinners are a must for mobility), interior organization, security features like a TSA lock, and of course, durability. While Samsonite is a legacy brand with a reputation for quality, it’s important to weigh that against real-world performance. This set is for the traveler who values a sleek design and smart packing features, but they must also be aware of the potential trade-offs in ruggedness that come with any lightweight hardside case. If that sounds like you, this Samsonite set might just be the upgrade you’ve been looking for.
While the Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX 2-Piece Expandable Luggage Set is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- ALL-IN-ONE SET: Includes carry-on, medium checked, and large checked suitcase to suit every travel need; carry-on measures 14.8 x 10 x 21.7 inches; medium...
- 【5 Piece Luggage Set】Luggage sets include a 28-inch large suitcase, 24-inch medium checked luggage, 20-inch carry on luggage, an extended duffel bag,...
- Sleek Durability: Crafted with a high-performance polypropylene shell and sandy-smooth texture for superior impact resistance and long-lasting protection.
First Impressions: Sleek, Smart, and Ready to Roll
Unboxing the Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX 2-Piece Expandable Luggage Set, the first thing that struck me was the stunning Ombre Green finish. It has a subtle shimmer that looks even better in person than online and is distinctive enough to spot easily on a crowded luggage carousel. The 100% polycarbonate shell has a textured, scratch-resistant finish that feels both lightweight and sturdy to the touch. The four oversized spinner wheels are immediately impressive, allowing both the 20″ carry-on and the 25″ checked bag to glide effortlessly in any direction. Opening it up reveals a thoughtfully designed interior. Unlike many hardside cases with a simple 50/50 split, this one features a reversible packing divider and a multitude of zippered pockets, promising a place for everything. The integrated TSA lock and low-profile, self-retracting handles round out a design that feels premium and well-considered right out of the box.
What We Like
- Exceptional maneuverability thanks to four oversized spinner wheels.
- Excellent interior organization with multiple pockets and a full divider.
- Lightweight design that doesn’t sacrifice packing capacity, especially when expanded.
- Stylish, scratch-resistant exterior in an easy-to-spot color.
- Includes an integrated TSA-approved lock for added security.
What We Didn’t Like
- The polycarbonate shell’s long-term durability is a significant concern, with reports of cracking.
- The telescopic handle can feel wobbly and less sturdy when fully extended.
- Can show scuffs and marks after just one trip with airline handlers.
A Deep Dive into the Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX’s Performance
A suitcase can look great, but its true test is in the trenches of travel—the airports, the overhead bins, and the baggage claims. We put the Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX 2-Piece Expandable Luggage Set through its paces on a cross-country trip to see how it held up.
Mobility and Handling: A Smooth Operator
This is where the Winfield 3 DLX truly shines. The four multi-directional oversized spinner wheels are a dream. We effortlessly glided the cases through the airport terminal, switching from pushing them upright beside us to pulling them behind with zero resistance on smooth floors. This level of mobility reduces travel fatigue significantly. As one user noted, it does require a bit more effort on thick airport carpets, which is common for spinner wheels, but it was never a major struggle. The telescopic handle locks into place at multiple heights, which is great, but we did notice it felt a bit shaky when fully extended and under a heavy load, a sentiment echoed in some user feedback.
Durability and Materials: A Mixed Bag
Herein lies the biggest point of contention. The 100% polycarbonate shell is marketed as scratch-resistant and durable. In our initial handling, it felt resilient, flexing to absorb impact as expected. However, after just one checked flight, the 25-inch bag returned with a noticeable corner dent that wouldn’t fully pop back out. This experience aligns with a concerning number of user reports. Many travelers who loved the bag initially found that after a handful of trips, cracks appeared, often near the high-stress areas like the base of the pull handle. While some scuffing is inevitable with any hardside luggage, the frequency of reports about significant cracks after minimal use is a serious drawback. While the 10-year warranty offers some peace of mind, and some users have reported excellent customer service, others have found the warranty process complicated. This is a crucial factor to consider if you’re a frequent or aggressive traveler.
Packing and Organization: An Organizer’s Dream
Samsonite nailed the interior design. We loved the full-zip, reversible packing divider that allows you to separate the two halves of the suitcase completely. This keeps everything secure and organized. One side has the traditional cross-straps, while the other is a fully enclosed compartment with multiple zippered pockets for smaller items. This is a massive improvement over basic hardside interiors. As one user smartly pointed out, with a 50/50 split design, you have to be strategic about closing it when fully packed to prevent small items from falling out of the strapped side. The expandable zipper provided a surprising amount of extra space, which was perfect for souvenirs on the return trip. The excellent packing features of the Winfield 3 DLX make it a joy for anyone who likes a tidy suitcase.
Security and Features
The built-in, TSA-approved combination lock is a fantastic feature, providing security without the hassle of losing a tiny key. It was easy to set and gave us confidence that our belongings were secure. The self-retracting carry handles are also a nice touch, maintaining the luggage’s sleek profile when not in use. The 20-inch carry-on met domestic airline size restrictions without issue and fit into the overhead bin of a standard jet, though as one traveler noted, it may be required to be gate-checked on smaller regional planes.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings are strongly reflected in the broader user experience. The sentiment is split. On one hand, many users praise the set for its beautiful appearance, lightweight feel, and smooth wheels. One traveler noted, “I love how easily the luggage maneuvers plus the gorgeous blue color which made it very easy to spot.” Another had a positive experience with the brand’s support, stating that after their bag cracked, “Samsonite read my review and… were able to overnight a brand new one.”
However, the praise is often overshadowed by significant durability complaints. A common and concerning story comes from a user who said, “I purchased this suitcase about a year ago and have only used it twice. To my disappointment, I discovered a large crack after picking it up from baggage claim.” Another simply stated, “Within 3 years of purchasing all bags have cracked and need to be replaced.” These recurring issues are hard to ignore.
Alternatives to the Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX 2-Piece Expandable Luggage Set
While the Samsonite has its merits, it’s wise to consider other options, especially if durability is your absolute top priority.
1. Travelers Club Midtown 4-Piece Hardside Luggage Set
- 26" Spinner suitcase: 26" H x 17. 5" L x 11" W, 8. 4 lbs.
- 20" Carry-on spinner luggage: 20" H x 13" L x 9. 5" W, 7. 2 lbs.
If sheer value is what you’re after, the Travelers Club Midtown set is hard to beat. It offers four pieces—often including a travel tote or duffel—for a price that is frequently less than the 2-piece Samsonite set. While it may not have the same premium feel or advanced interior organization as the Winfield 3 DLX, it provides a complete luggage solution for families or travelers who need multiple bag sizes. It’s a budget-friendly choice for those who travel less frequently.
2. LARVENDER 3-Piece Expandable Hardshell Luggage Set
- Expandable Carry on Luggage with Backpack: 3-piece set includes 20inch expandable carry on luggage 22x14x9 airline approved (Expands for extra 25% packing...
- Luggage with TSA Lock for Secure Travel: Stay safe and hassle-free with our TSA-approved combination locks. Zippers are not easy to be pierced by sharp...
The LARVENDER set competes by offering a 3-piece collection that includes a matching travel backpack, adding significant versatility. It shares key features with the Samsonite, such as a hardshell design, spinner wheels, and a TSA lock. For travelers who want a cohesive look that extends from their checked bag to their personal item, this set is an attractive and practical alternative that often comes in at a competitive price point.
3. Joyway 5 Piece Hardshell Carry-On Suitcase Set
- 5 Piece Luggage Sets - The luggage set of 5 pieces offers 20" carry on luggage, 24" medium checked luggage, 28" large check-in suitcase, expandable duffel...
- TSA Lock & Spinning Wheels - Our luggage sets include TSA-approved locks for secure travel protection. Opt for our 360° silent universal wheels for a...
For the ultimate organizer or family packer, the Joyway 5-piece set is a compelling option. This set typically includes multiple suitcase sizes along with smaller packing cases or toiletry bags. The focus here is on providing a comprehensive system for your travels. While the material might not be the same grade as Samsonite’s polycarbonate, the sheer number of pieces makes it an economical choice for those who need to outfit multiple people or prefer to have a specific bag for every purpose.
The Final Verdict: Is the Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX Worth It?
The Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX 2-Piece Expandable Luggage Set is a beautiful, lightweight, and intelligently designed luggage set that makes navigating airports a breeze. Its spinner wheels are top-notch, and its interior organization is among the best we’ve seen in a hardside case. We would recommend it to the style-conscious traveler who primarily uses the carry-on and only occasionally checks the larger bag, or for those who are particularly gentle with their luggage. However, the consistent and widespread reports of the shell cracking after minimal use prevent us from recommending it to frequent flyers or anyone who needs a truly bombproof checked bag. The risk of it failing mid-trip is just too high based on our testing and extensive user feedback.
If you’ve decided the Samsonite Winfield 3 DLX 2-Piece Expandable Luggage Set is the right fit for your travel style and you love its features and aesthetics, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API