The cheapest places to buy a suitcase right now

The lowest prices on suitcases come from Walmart, Target, and Amazon, where basic hard-shell luggage runs $40 to $80 for a carry-on. Costco and Sam's Club stock mid-range suitcases at member prices, usually $60 to $120 for a checked bag. TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross sell overstock and returned items from major brands at 30 to 50 percent below retail — a $200 suitcase might cost $100 to $140 there. If you need a suitcase in the next few days, these brick-and-mortar stores let you inspect the bag before paying. Online, Amazon often has the fastest shipping, sometimes next-day delivery with Prime membership.

Off-season shopping saves money. Suitcases cost less in September through November (after summer travel ends) and January through February (after holiday trips). Buying in these months can cut prices by another 20 to 40 percent. Avoid buying right before major holidays or school breaks, when demand pushes prices up.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart, Target, and Amazon stock basic carry-on suitcases for $40 to $80, making them the fastest way to find a cheap option.
  • TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross sell brand-name suitcases at 30 to 50 percent off because they carry overstock and returned merchandise.
  • Costco and Sam's Club offer mid-range suitcases at member-only prices, usually $60 to $120 for a full-size checked bag.
  • Buying in September through February costs 20 to 40 percent less than buying before summer or winter holidays.

Discount retailers that carry luggage year-round

TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross are the best places to find brand-name suitcases at steep discounts because they buy overstock from manufacturers and returned items from department stores. You will see brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, and Delsey at prices 30 to 50 percent below what you would pay at Macy's or Kohl's. The catch is that inventory changes weekly and varies by location — a suitcase you see one week may be gone the next. Visiting in person lets you check the wheels, zippers, and handle before buying, which matters because discount retailers usually do not accept returns on luggage.

Costco and Sam's Club require a membership fee ($60 to $130 per year), but the savings on a single suitcase often cover part of that cost. Both warehouses stock a rotating selection of luggage, usually 2 to 4 options at any time. Prices run $60 to $200 depending on size and material. The advantage is a generous return window — both warehouses let you return luggage for a full refund within a year, even if you have used it. This makes them a safer choice if you are unsure whether a particular bag will hold up.

Online retailers and when to check them

Amazon, Walmart.com, and Target.com all stock suitcases in the $40 to $150 range. Amazon often has the widest selection and fastest shipping — Prime members can get delivery in one or two days on many models. Walmart.com and Target.com sometimes match or beat Amazon's prices, especially on their own-brand luggage (Walmart's Mainstays line and Target's Up & Up line). Check all three before buying because prices shift daily and one site may be $20 cheaper than the others on the same bag.

Set up price alerts on Amazon and Camelcamelcamel (a free price-tracking tool for Amazon) if you have a specific suitcase in mind. The alert will notify you when the price drops, which happens regularly on luggage. Avoid buying from third-party sellers on Amazon unless they have at least 95 percent positive feedback and ship from the United States — counterfeit luggage is common on the platform.

What to look for in a cheap suitcase that will last

The cheapest suitcases ($40 to $60) are usually made of polypropylene plastic and weigh 5 to 6 pounds. They work fine for one or two trips but often fail within a year because the wheels crack, zippers jam, or the handle breaks. If you travel more than twice a year, spending $80 to $120 on a suitcase with a reinforced frame and metal zippers will save you money in the long run because it will last 3 to 5 years instead of 1.

Check the warranty before buying. Most suitcases under $100 come with a one-year manufacturer warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship but not damage from use. Samsonite and American Tourister, both available at discount retailers, offer longer warranties (up to 10 years on some models) even on budget lines. A longer warranty does not mean the bag will not break, but it does mean the company will replace it if it does.

Warehouse clubs versus discount stores: which saves more

Warehouse clubs (Costco and Sam's Club) save more money per suitcase if you buy a mid-range or premium bag, but they require membership. A $200 suitcase at Costco might cost $150 to $170, saving you $30 to $50. If you are buying a basic $50 suitcase, the savings are smaller. Discount retailers like TJ Maxx do not require membership and sometimes undercut warehouse prices on brand-name luggage, especially on overstock items.

The real advantage of warehouse clubs is the return policy. If a suitcase fails after six months, Costco and Sam's Club will refund your money without questions. TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross typically do not accept returns on luggage at all. For a first-time buyer unsure what features matter, the return window at a warehouse club is worth the membership fee.

Timing your purchase to catch sales

Suitcase prices drop predictably after major travel seasons. In late August and September, retailers clear out summer luggage to make room for fall inventory. In late December and January, they mark down holiday travel bags. In these windows, you will see 20 to 40 percent discounts on last season's models. Avoid buying in May, June, July, and November, when prices are highest because demand is strong.

Black Friday (late November) and Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving) bring discounts on luggage, but they are not always the best deals of the year. Prices on suitcases during these sales are typically 15 to 25 percent off, which is less than the 30 to 50 percent discounts you can find at TJ Maxx or Marshalls in January. If you can wait until January, you will usually pay less.

Buying used suitcases and when it makes sense

Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay sell used suitcases for 50 to 70 percent below retail. A $150 suitcase might cost $50 to $75 used. This works well if you need a suitcase for a single trip and do not care about appearance. Inspect the wheels, zippers, and handle in person before buying — used luggage with broken wheels or jammed zippers is not worth the savings.

Avoid buying used suitcases online from sellers you cannot meet in person, because you cannot test the wheels or zippers before paying. Shipping a suitcase is expensive (often $15 to $30), which cuts into the savings. Buy used only from local sellers where you can pick up the bag yourself and inspect it thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth buying the cheapest suitcase I can find?

Only if you travel once or twice a year and do not mind replacing it after one or two trips. Suitcases under $50 often have weak wheels and zippers that fail quickly. Spending $80 to $120 on a bag with a reinforced frame and metal zippers will last three to five years and cost less per trip in the long run.

Do I need to buy a suitcase before my trip, or can I wait?

If your trip is more than two weeks away, wait. Prices drop regularly, and you may find a better deal. If you are leaving in the next few days, buy from Walmart, Target, or a local TJ Maxx or Marshalls so you can inspect the bag before paying and avoid shipping delays.

What brand of cheap suitcase lasts the longest?

Samsonite and American Tourister hold up better than no-name brands, even at discount retailers. Both offer warranties of five to ten years on some models and are available at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Costco. Expect to pay $80 to $150 for a durable bag from either brand.

Should I buy luggage at an airport?

No. Airport shops charge 50 to 100 percent more than retail stores because they know travelers are in a hurry. A $100 suitcase at Target might cost $150 to $200 at an airport shop. If you forgot your suitcase, buy one online and have it shipped to your hotel, or rent a suitcase from a luggage rental service instead.

Can I return a suitcase if the wheels break after a few months?

It depends on where you bought it. Costco and Sam's Club accept returns within one year, no questions asked. Amazon and Walmart accept returns within 30 days. TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross do not accept returns on luggage. Check the return policy before buying, especially if you are concerned about durability.