Top 10 Samsonite Vintage Carry-On Luggage

Vintage is in these days. But not just with clothes or home decorations. Vintage luggage is a great way to add personal style to your travels and while also gaining the practical benefit of standing out from the crowd on the checked baggage conveyor belt.

Samsonite is one of the best brands to consider when looking for vintage carry-on luggage. Not only have they been around long enough to have vintage models, but their durable designs ensure that even decades later the luggage is in excellent condition.

Vintage can be hard to find online. So I have compiled a list of the 10 Samsonite Vintage Carry-On Luggage to help you find the perfect travel companion.

Also I did a list of the top 9 regular-sized vintage luggage from Samsonite.

This vintage Samsonite goes back to the 1960’s Pan Am era. It’s a Biscayne Blue and amazingly has never been used. The case measures 15.5″ by 12″ by 5.5″ so you should have no problem bringing it as a carry-on. The dedicated holders for a brush, mirror, and toiletries makes me wonder why there are not modern suitcases that have this feature!

FEATURES

• Measures 15.5″ by 12″ by 5.5″
• Recessed locks
• Molded, hard-sided case with Samsonite’s patented magnesium frame
• Interior is lined with Blue satin and has two zippered pockets
• Case is fitted with a two-way Vanity Mirror, Hair Brush and Comb, and 2 plastic bottles

Tweed really has made a come back in recent years. You see it with shoes, bags, and other accessories. Grey tweed patterns are even more popular, combining the popular greys that we see today with texture. The silver hardware also adds a more modern twist to this vintage piece, as silver is usually favored over gold-colored metal today.

One of the great things about this Samsonite carry-on is that tweed fabrics are unisex. So it can work for a variety of people.

FEATURES

• Measures 13″ long x 8″ tall x 7″ deep
• Grey tweed material
• Interior features pale gray blue plastic like material
• Two interior pockets
• Original mirror

Hat boxes are good for more than just hats. They also make great carry-on luggage or even decorative storage bins at home! I absolutely love the marbled green texture this vintage Samsonite has. The metal pieces add all that more of a rustic, vintage flair.

FEATURES

• Measures 16 1/2′ high, 18″ wide, and 7 1/4″ deep
• Marbled green exterior
• Lined with beige taffeta
• Swivel handle

Hat boxes are good for more than just hats. They also make great carry-on luggage or even decorative storage bins at home! I absolutely love the marbled green texture this vintage Samsonite has. The metal pieces add all that more of a rustic, vintage flair.

FEATURES

• Measures 15 in. W x 8 in. H x 8 in. D
• Includes mirror and tray
• Light red / hot pink color
• Lightweight magnesium frame covered in soft textured vinyl
• Interior pink polka dot lining
• Elastic pockets, bottle holders, and one removable zippered compartment

This throwback goes way back. All the way back to the 1930s. The vintage texture is beautiful and works perfectly as the antique showcase in a room, perhaps to hold some precious antiques of yours.

FEATURES

• Measures 12 in. W x 9 in. H x 8 in. D
• Light beige with brown trim and handle
• Interior is lined in a yellow tan marble pattern
• Bottle strap holders in the interior

Suitcases like this are so versatile. It works perfectly as a travel case, whether by car or a carry-on. But it works equally as well as a vintage storage container. The distressed brown leather look goes for quite a price these days. Buying a 50+ year old Samsonite gets the same look at a cheaper price. And with a cool story behind it!

FEATURES

• Measures 13″ x 8″ x 9″ tall
• Includes original original plastic tray
• Interior mirror
• Great brass hardware

Ok. So this case is not what you would really consider a carry-on or even for travel suitcase. Going back to the 1940s, this Samsonite leather case is so rustic and charming.

Since it includes the original glass jars, I would set this piece aside as a decorative antique. It would add great depth and textured variety to a room.

FEATURES

• Measures 14 in. W x 8 in. H x 6.5 in. D
• Pebbled top grain cowhide leather
• Brass tone hardware
• Lined in brown with eight original glass bottles and jars held in place by straps
• Full size mirror

Of course we can’t overlook some briefcases as a carry-on option, especially for the business men out there.

The Samsonite Diplomat attache is a sophisticated vintage briefcase option. It’s a nice saddle tan color with modern looking chrome trim.

FEATURES

• Measures 18″ x 13.25″ x 3.5
• Chrome trim for a new look with a retro style
• Patterned interior lining
• Standard briefcase pockets
• Includes key

The Train Case style suitcase was exceptionally common 50+ years ago. It still works well today as a carry-on or for light travel. The light grey exterior matches well with the modern subtle style of today with a vintage the metal hardware.

FEATURES

• Measures 13.25″ x 8.5″ x 9″
• Light gray/blue exterior
• Yellow interior
• Interior elastic pocket
• Includes original mirror

So this isn’t exactly a vintage piece, as it is modified (modded). But I think it is a fantastic idea, to take retro luggage and mod it. Not only does it make it unique, the vintage luggage will last longer with a more durable and fresh exterior wrap.

FEATURES

• Measures 15″ x 8″ x 9″
• Sailor Jerry fabric wrap
• This case is treated with multiple layers of mod podge and hard coated
• Includes mirror and tray
• Lined pocket and zipper enclosure