The best time to buy luggage is late January through February or August through September, when retailers clear inventory from holiday and summer travel seasons
Luggage prices drop most sharply in the weeks after major travel periods end. Stores need shelf space for the next season's stock, so they mark down what remains. January and February follow the winter holiday rush; August and September follow summer vacation season. During these windows, you will find discounts of 20 to 40 percent on mid-range and premium brands, and selection is still broad enough that you are not choosing from picked-over inventory.
The worst time to buy is the week before a major holiday or the start of a school break. Prices rise, selection narrows to what did not sell in the previous season, and you are competing with other last-minute shoppers. Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer discounts, but they are rarely deeper than what you will find in the clearance periods above, and the stock is often limited to a few models.
Key Takeaways
- Late January through February and August through September offer the steepest discounts because retailers are clearing seasonal inventory.
- Buying during clearance periods gives you both lower prices and a wider selection than waiting until travel season begins.
- Avoid purchasing luggage in the week before holidays or school breaks, when prices rise and inventory shrinks.
- Black Friday discounts are rarely better than regular clearance sales and often explore to older models with limited color and size options.
- If you need luggage outside clearance windows, online retailers often undercut brick-and-mortar stores by 10 to 15 percent year-round.
Why January and February clearance is the strongest discount period
January is when retailers take inventory after the December holiday travel surge. Families who flew home for the holidays, business travelers heading to winter conferences, and people taking New Year trips all bought luggage in November and December. By mid-January, stores have excess stock and limited floor space. They begin marking down hard-sided carry-ons, checked bags, and luggage sets to make room for spring merchandise.
February extends this window because many stores continue clearance into the second month. At this point, you are not just getting a discount—you are choosing from nearly full inventory. Colors, sizes, and wheel types that sold out in January are often still available. This combination of price and selection makes February one of the year's best buying windows.
August and September clearance for summer inventory
August mirrors January's pattern. Summer vacation season peaks in June and July, so families buy luggage in May and June. By August, retailers have overstock and need to move it before fall merchandise arrives. Discounts run deep on lightweight luggage, expandable bags, and colorful designs that appeal to leisure travelers.
September extends the clearance into the back-to-school period, though selection begins to thin as inventory sells. If you shop early September, you still have good options. By late September, you are down to remaining sizes and colors, but prices may drop further as stores rush to clear the last pieces.
How to find discounts outside the main clearance windows
If you need luggage outside January, February, August, or September, online retailers typically offer better prices than physical stores. Websites like Amazon, Costco, and brand-direct sites often discount 10 to 15 percent year-round because they have lower overhead costs and do not need to clear seasonal inventory as aggressively.
Sign up for email alerts from luggage brands and major retailers. Many send notifications when they mark down specific models or categories. Outlet stores—both physical locations and online outlet sections—sometimes offer deeper discounts than regular retail, though selection is limited to what did not sell at full price.
Avoid buying luggage at airport shops or travel-focused retailers. These locations charge premium prices because they serve travelers who forgot luggage or need a replacement on short notice. You will pay 30 to 50 percent more than you would at a department store or online.
What to look for when buying on sale
Clearance prices mean nothing if the luggage does not meet your needs. Before you buy, check the weight of the bag itself—lighter is better if you are flying, since airlines charge for bags over 50 pounds. Look at the wheel type: four wheels that swivel are easier to maneuver than two fixed wheels, but they are also more likely to break. Read reviews specifically about durability; a discounted bag that fails after two trips costs more in the long run than a full-price bag that lasts ten years.
Check the warranty. Most luggage comes with a one- to five-year manufacturer's warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship, but not damage from rough handling or accidents. A longer warranty is a sign the maker stands behind the product. Verify the return policy before you buy—some clearance items are final sale, meaning you cannot return them if the size or color does not work for you.
Luggage sales during holidays and special events
Black Friday and Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving in the United States) do offer luggage discounts, typically 15 to 30 percent. However, these sales are rarely better than the January or August clearance prices, and the selection is often limited to older models or specific colors. If you are flexible on brand and style, Black Friday can work. If you have a specific bag in mind, you may find it cheaper during the regular clearance windows.
Memorial Day (late May in the United States) and Labor Day (early September in the United States) sometimes trigger luggage sales, but they are inconsistent. Some retailers participate; others do not. These sales are worth checking, but do not plan your purchase around them. The August-September clearance is more reliable.
How to time your purchase if you travel frequently
If you travel multiple times a year, buy luggage during the clearance windows even if you do not need it when ready. A quality bag bought in February at 30 percent off will serve you for years, and you will have paid less than you would have bought it in May at full price. Store it in a closet or under a bed until you need it.
If you travel year-round and your luggage wears out unpredictably, keep an eye on online prices during the off-season. You may find a bag you like at a reasonable discount in April or October, even if it is not the peak clearance period. Having a replacement on hand means you are not forced to buy at airport prices when a wheel breaks mid-trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is luggage cheaper online or in stores?
Online retailers typically offer lower prices year-round, usually 10 to 15 percent below brick-and-mortar stores. During clearance periods (January, February, August, September), physical stores match or beat online prices because they are clearing inventory. If you are buying outside those windows, check both and compare the total cost including shipping.
Should I wait for a sale or buy now if I need luggage?
If you need luggage within the next two weeks, buy now—the cost of waiting for a sale that may not come is higher than the discount you might save. If you can wait two to four months, hold off for the next clearance window. The difference between full price and clearance price is usually $30 to $100 per bag.
Do luggage brands have their own sales?
Yes. Most luggage makers run sales during the same clearance windows as retailers—January, February, August, and September. Some brands also offer discounts on their websites during holiday weekends. Buying directly from the brand sometimes includes a longer warranty or free shipping, which can offset a slightly higher price.
Is outlet luggage a good deal?
Outlet luggage is cheaper than full-price retail, but it is usually older stock or models with minor cosmetic flaws. If you do not care about the exact color or style, outlets can save you 20 to 35 percent. If you have a specific bag in mind, you are unlikely to find it at an outlet.
What if I buy luggage and it goes on sale a week later?
Most retailers offer a price-match may provide for 7 to 14 days after purchase. Keep your receipt and contact the store if the price drops. They will usually refund the difference or let you return and rebuy at the lower price. Check the return policy before you buy.