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

December 12, 2025

By Luggage Direct Team | Updated April 2026

TL;DR:

Samsonite Lite-Shock Sport (75cm): Best if you want the lightest premium check-in suitcase at just 2.5kg.
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.

Not sure where to start?
Take our 2-minute luggage quiz for a personalised recommendation → /pages/luggage-quiz

Samsonite vs Antler vs American Tourister: Quick Comparison

Feature	Samsonite Lite-Shock Sport (75cm)	Antler Icon Stripe (66cm)	American Tourister Applite 5 EXP (72cm)
Shell type	Hard-shell	Hard-shell	Soft-shell
Weight	2.5kg	3.9kg	2.6kg
Capacity	98.5L	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 February 2026 product listings)

Is the Samsonite Lite-Shock Sport Worth It?

Samsonite is well known for lightweight hard-shell options designed for frequent travellers. At just 2.5kg for the 75cm size, this is the ultimate pick for long-haul flyers who want high-end durability without the weight penalty.

Best for: Frequent flyers, long-haul international check-in travel, and anyone wanting the absolute lightest premium hard case.

Key features

Ultra-lightweight 2.5kg shell — Allows you to pack more within your 23kg Economy limit without risking excess baggage fees.
Frequent-flyer durability — Designed to withstand repeated travel and harsh baggage handling across the globe.
98.5L Capacity — Provides ample space for longer international trips.
TSA locks — Keeps your belongings secure while ensuring hassle-free airport security checks.
Smooth-rolling wheels — Helps you handle your bag more comfortably during stopovers and hotel transfers.

Shop Samsonite Lite-Shock Sport at Luggage Direct → /products/Lite-Shock-Sport

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 → /products/Antler-Icon-Stripe

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 → /products/Applite-5

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 all accessories at Luggage Direct → /collections/accessories

The Verdict: Which Lightweight Suitcase Should You Buy?

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

Choose the Samsonite Lite-Shock Sport if you are a frequent flyer heading on long-haul trips. It's the definitive choice for anyone who needs the lightest possible premium hard case (2.5kg).
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

Shop the full range at Luggage Direct → /collections/Shop-All

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 2.5kg Samsonite Lite-Shock allows you to pack more gear without risking excess baggage fees, and makes it easier to handle during transfers.

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

The Samsonite Lite-Shock (2.5kg) 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 Samsonite Lite-Shock Sport Spinner 75cm is the lightest of the three, weighing an incredible 2.5kg. This is due to its premium, advanced hard-shell construction.

Are soft or hard suitcases lighter?

Historically, soft suitcases were lighter, but modern materials have changed this. While the soft-shell American Tourister Applite 5 is very light at 2.6kg, the hard-shell Samsonite Lite-Shock Sport beats it at 2.5kg due to its advanced materials.

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.