Best Lightweight Suitcases for International Flights: Samsonite vs Antler vs American Tourister

December 12, 2025

By Luggage Direct Team | Updated October 2026

TL;DR:

Samsonite C-Lite (75cm): A premium lightweight hard-shell suitcase weighing 2.8kg, with 94L of packing capacity.

Antler Icon Stripe (66cm): Best if you want stylish hard-shell durability and expandable space at 3.9kg.

American Tourister Applite 5 (72cm): Best if you want value and a lightweight soft-side (2.6kg) that expands for extra space.

When you're flying internationally, every kilo counts. Choosing a lightweight suitcase means you can pack more without tipping over airline limits, and it reduces the risk of excess baggage fees. This guide will help you decide which lightweight luggage option is best for your next international trip.

It depends on your priorities: choose Samsonite if you want the lightest high-end hard case for frequent-flyer durability, Antler if you want a stylish hard-shell with a solid build, and American Tourister if you want a flexible, soft suitcase that offers great value for family travel.

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Samsonite vs Antler vs American Tourister: Quick Comparison

Feature	Samsonite C-Lite (75cm)	Antler Icon Stripe (66cm)	American Tourister Applite 5 EXP (72cm)
Shell type	Hard-shell	Hard-shell	Soft-shell
Weight	2.8kg	3.9kg	2.6kg
Capacity	94L	Up to 90L	Up to 82L
Expandable	No	Yes	Yes
TSA locks	Yes	Yes	Yes
Best for	Frequent flyers, long-haul	Style + protection	Families, value trips

(Verified from October 2026 product listings)

Samsonite C-Lite 75cm: Lightweight Hard-Shell Luggage

The Samsonite C-Lite 75cm combines a lightweight Curv® shell with 94L of packing capacity. At 2.8kg empty, it offers a spacious option for travellers choosing hard-shell checked luggage.

Empty weight: 2.8kg.
Capacity: 94L.
Dimensions: 75 × 51 × 31cm.
Features: Double wheels, a dual-tube trolley handle and an integrated TSA lock.

Your checked baggage allowance includes the suitcase and its contents. Check your airline’s weight and size limits before travelling.

Shop the Samsonite C-Lite 75cm suitcase

Is the Antler Icon Stripe Worth It?

If you want stylish hard-shell durability, the Antler Icon Stripe Medium (66cm) is a strong pick. It offers a clean, stylish look with robust protection for your belongings, making it ideal for longer trips where aesthetics and durability are equally important.

Best for: Style-conscious travellers, those needing hard-shell protection, and trips requiring expandable capacity.

Key features

Stylish design — Features a clean look with standout colour options so your bag is easy to spot on the carousel.
Hard-shell protection — Built to handle heavier handling on longer trips and protect fragile items in the hold.
Expandable zip — Gives you the flexibility to pack up to 90L, perfect for bringing home souvenirs.
Solid build — Provides peace of mind that your gear is safe, even on multi-stop itineraries.

Shop Antler Icon Stripe at Luggage Direct

Is the American Tourister Applite 5 Worth It?

For travellers wanting a lighter, flexible suitcase at a sharper price point, the American Tourister Applite 5 EXP Medium (72cm) is exceptional value. At just 2.6kg, it brings soft-side flexibility and expandability to family holidays or value-conscious trips.

Best for: Families, value trips, and travellers who prefer soft-shell flexibility for awkward items.

Key features

Super lightweight (2.6kg) — Exceptionally light for a check-in size, leaving plenty of room for your actual packing.
Soft-side flexibility — Helpful when you're packing awkward items or squeezing bags into tight car boots.
Expandable design — Gives you extra space when you inevitably need more room on the return trip.
Security features — Equipped with a TSA lock and security zip for peace of mind while flying.

Shop American Tourister Applite 5 at Luggage Direct

Complete the Set: Accessories to Go With Your Lightweight Luggage

Make the most of your lightweight suitcase with accessories designed to complement your travel setup.

Packing Cubes — Faster packing and better organisation, keeping your clothes neat and compressed.
Digital Luggage Scale — Avoid overweight surprises at the airport by verifying your weight before you leave.
Luggage Tags & Straps — Adds an extra layer of security and makes your bag instantly recognisable.

Browse travel accessories

The Verdict: Which Lightweight Suitcase Should You Buy?

All three suitcases are genuinely excellent. The choice comes down to how you travel.

For a lightweight premium hard-shell option: Choose the Samsonite C-Lite 75cm, weighing 2.8kg with 94L capacity.
Choose the Antler Icon Stripe if you want a balance of robust protection and aesthetics. It's the smart pick for style-conscious travellers who need expandable hard-shell durability.
Choose the American Tourister Applite 5 if you are travelling with family or are on a budget. It's the smart pick for soft-side flexibility and incredible value at just 2.6kg.

Still deciding?
Compare more brands in our Hard vs Soft Luggage Guide → Choosing the Best Hard vs Soft Luggage
Read our Australian Airline Baggage Guide → Australian Airline Baggage Guide

Why buy from Luggage Direct?
Free standard shipping on orders over $100 | Afterpay & PayPal Pay | Lifetime & 10 Year Warranty on top brands | 30+ years of expertise | In-store advice at Kedron, Carina Heights, Woolloongabba & Macgregor

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Frequently Asked Questions About Lightweight Luggage

Why does lightweight luggage matter for international flights?

When flying internationally, every kilo counts toward your airline limits (often around 23kg for Economy). A lighter suitcase like the 2.8kg Samsonite C-Lite leaves more of your baggage allowance available for your belongings. Your packed suitcase must still meet your airline’s weight and size limits.

What is the difference between the Samsonite, Antler, and American Tourister models?

The Samsonite C-Lite (2.8kg) is an ultra-light, premium hard-shell for frequent flyers. The Antler Icon Stripe (3.9kg) is a stylish, expandable hard-shell offering robust protection. The American Tourister Applite 5 (2.6kg) is a budget-friendly, expandable soft-shell perfect for flexible packing.

Which of these suitcases is the lightest?

The American Tourister Applite 5 72cm is the lightest of these three models at 2.6kg, followed by the Samsonite C-Lite 75cm at 2.8kg and Antler Icon Stripe 66cm at 3.9kg. These models have different dimensions and capacities, so compare packing space alongside weight.

Are soft or hard suitcases lighter?

Weight depends on the individual model, materials and size. In this comparison, the soft-sided Applite 5 weighs 2.6kg, while the hard-shell C-Lite weighs 2.8kg. Compare each suitcase’s empty weight and capacity rather than choosing by shell type alone.

Where can I buy these lightweight suitcases in Brisbane?

You can buy them online at Luggage Direct with free standard shipping on orders over $100, plus in-store at our Kedron, Carina Heights, Woolloongabba and Macgregor locations.