The best time to buy luggage is late summer and early fall, when retailers clear inventory before the winter holidays
Luggage prices drop most noticeably in August and September. Retailers need shelf space for holiday shopping season, so they mark down spring and summer travel gear. You'll find the deepest discounts on carry-ons, checked bags, and travel accessories during these months. The second-best window is January through early February, when stores clear holiday inventory and winter travel demand drops.
Avoid buying luggage in November and December unless you need it when ready. Prices rise sharply as holiday shoppers buy gifts, and selection shrinks because popular items sell out. Similarly, March through May sees higher prices as people plan summer vacations and retailers know demand is climbing.
Key Takeaways
- August and September offer the deepest discounts because retailers clear inventory before the holiday shopping season.
- January and February are the second-best time to buy, when stores mark down unsold holiday merchandise.
- Avoid November through December unless you need luggage when ready, as prices peak and selection shrinks.
- Spring and early summer (March through May) see rising prices as travel season approaches and demand increases.
- Online sales and flash promotions happen year-round, but the percentage discount is usually smaller than seasonal clearance sales.
Why August and September Offer the Lowest Prices
Retailers operate on a seasonal buying calendar. They stock luggage heavily in spring and early summer for the peak travel season (June through August). By late August, they have leftover inventory that didn't sell, and they need the warehouse and shelf space for back-to-school items and holiday merchandise arriving in September.
This creates a natural clearance window. A carry-on that cost $120 in May might be marked down to $75 or $85 in late August. Hard-sided suitcases, soft-sided bags, and travel organizers all follow this pattern. The discount applies across most brands and price points, though mid-range luggage (around $100 to $300) typically sees the sharpest percentage reductions.
Selection is also at its best during this window. You're choosing from the full range of colors, sizes, and styles that retailers stocked for summer travel. Once clearance ends and holiday inventory arrives, your options narrow to whatever the store decided to keep in stock.
January and February as a Secondary Buying Window
After the holiday shopping rush ends on December 26, retailers begin clearing unsold gift merchandise. Luggage that didn't sell as Christmas or Hanukkah gifts goes on clearance in January. Prices typically drop 20 to 40 percent, though not as steeply as the August-September clearance.
This window works well if you missed the summer sales or if you need luggage for a winter trip or early spring vacation. The downside is that popular colors and sizes may already be gone, since holiday shoppers bought the most appealing options. You might find yourself choosing from remaining stock rather than the full range.
When Prices Rise and Why
Luggage prices climb in three predictable periods. The first is March through May, when people begin planning summer vacations and retailers know demand is increasing. A bag that was $80 in February might be $110 by April. The second is November and December, when holiday shopping drives demand and retailers reduce discounts to maximize profit during the busiest retail season.
The third period is less obvious: late May through early July, right before peak summer travel. Procrastinators buying luggage for trips departing in June or July pay full or near-full price because retailers know they have no choice. If you need luggage for a June trip, buying in April or early May is smarter than waiting until May 20.
How to Find Sales Outside the Main Clearance Seasons
Flash sales and online promotions happen throughout the year, but the discounts are usually smaller than seasonal clearance. Retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart run periodic sales on luggage, often tied to events like Prime Day (mid-July) or Black Friday (late November). These sales typically offer 15 to 30 percent off, which is less than the 30 to 50 percent you'll see in August or January.
Sign up for email alerts from luggage retailers and major department stores if you're flexible about timing. You'll see notifications when sales begin, which helps you catch deals outside the main windows. Outlet stores and discount retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshalls carry luggage year-round at lower prices, though selection varies and you can't count on finding a specific style or size.
What to Consider When Timing Your Purchase
If you have a trip planned, work backward from your departure date. Buying luggage two to three months before you travel gives you time to find a sale without rushing. If your trip is in June, buy in April or early May. If it's in September, buy in July or early August—before the late-August clearance, but early enough to get a good selection at regular prices.
If you don't have an when ready travel need, waiting for August or January is worth the delay. The price difference between buying in May and buying in August can be $30 to $50 on a single bag. If you need multiple pieces or a full luggage set, the savings add up quickly.
Consider also that luggage is durable. A suitcase bought on sale in August will last for years of travel. Buying when prices are lowest doesn't mean sacrificing quality—the same brands and models are on sale; only the price changes.
Luggage Sales at Different Retailers
Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's follow the seasonal clearance pattern closely because they stock luggage heavily for summer travel. Their August and January sales are reliable. Specialty luggage retailers like Luggage Pros and eBags run sales year-round but often honor the same seasonal patterns—their August sales are deeper than their May sales.
Online retailers like Amazon have more flexibility with pricing and run sales more frequently, but the percentage discount is usually smaller than in-store clearance. Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club carry a limited luggage selection that rotates seasonally; their best deals appear when they're clearing seasonal stock, usually in the same August-September and January-February windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is luggage cheaper online or in stores?
Prices are usually similar, but online retailers sometimes offer slightly better discounts during flash sales. The advantage of buying in-store during clearance is that you can see and touch the luggage before buying. Online shopping is faster if you know exactly what you want and don't need to inspect it first.
Should I buy luggage as a gift if I see it on sale, even if I don't need it yet?
Yes, if the sale is significant (30 percent or more off) and you're confident the person will use it within a year. Luggage doesn't expire, and you'll save money compared to buying at full price later. Store it in a closet or under a bed until you need it.
Do luggage brands go on sale at different times?
Most brands follow the same seasonal pattern because they sell through the same retailers. Samsonite, American Tourister, and Delsey all see their deepest discounts in August and January. Luxury brands like Rimowa may have smaller discounts, but they still follow the seasonal cycle.
Is Black Friday a good time to buy luggage?
Black Friday (late November) offers discounts, but they're usually 15 to 25 percent off—less than the 30 to 50 percent you'll find in August or January. If you need luggage for a December trip, Black Friday sales are worth checking. Otherwise, waiting for the January clearance saves more money.
What if I need luggage urgently and can't wait for a sale?
Check outlet stores and discount retailers like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross first. They carry luggage year-round at lower prices than full-price retailers, even when sales aren't happening. You'll have less selection, but you'll pay less than buying at a department store during a non-sale period.