The Best Places to Find Budget Carry-On Bags

Cheap carry-on luggage is easiest to find at discount retailers, warehouse clubs, and online marketplaces where you can compare prices across brands in one place. The lowest prices usually appear at Walmart, Target, Costco, and Amazon, where basic hard-shell and soft-sided bags often cost $40 to $80. Department store sales at Macy's and Kohl's happen several times a year and can drop mid-range bags by 30 to 50 percent. Off-price retailers like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross stock overstock and last-season luggage at steep discounts, though selection changes weekly and you cannot order online for most locations.

Timing matters more than location when hunting for low prices. Luggage sales spike after major travel seasons—right after Christmas, in late August before back-to-school travel, and during Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November. Buying a bag in January or September typically costs 20 to 40 percent less than buying in May or July. If you are not in a rush, setting up price alerts on Amazon or checking TJ Maxx weekly can save you $30 or more on the same bag.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart, Target, Costco, and Amazon stock basic carry-on bags for $40 to $80 and let you compare multiple brands without leaving home.
  • Off-price stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross sell last-season luggage at 40 to 60 percent off retail, but you must shop in person and selection varies by week.
  • Luggage prices drop 20 to 40 percent after Christmas, in late August, and during Black Friday, so timing your purchase can save more than choosing a cheaper brand.
  • Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's run sales several times yearly that can cut mid-range bag prices in half, and you can check sale dates online before visiting.

Discount Retailers and Warehouse Clubs

Walmart and Target both stock carry-on bags year-round in their luggage sections, online and in stores. Walmart's house brand, Better Homes & Gardens, and Target's brand, Room Essentials, offer hard-shell bags in the $50 to $70 range that meet standard carry-on dimensions. Both stores run sales on luggage several times a year, and you can check their websites for current prices before shopping. Target's RedCard gives an extra 5 percent off, which adds up on a $60 bag.

Costco and Sam's Club sell carry-on luggage only during certain months, usually spring and fall, and stock fewer options than year-round retailers. When they do carry luggage, prices are competitive—often $60 to $100 for decent hard-shell bags—and the return policy is generous if the bag fails. You need a membership to shop at either warehouse, but if you already belong, it is worth checking their websites or visiting during luggage season.

Online Marketplaces and Price Comparison

Amazon has the widest selection of carry-on bags under $100 and makes it straightforward to filter by price, material, and customer reviews. You can read what real travelers say about durability and whether a bag actually fits in overhead bins. Amazon Prime members get free two-day shipping on most luggage, which saves you a trip to a store. Watch for Amazon Warehouse Deals, which are open-box or returned items sold at 15 to 30 percent off—the bags are usually fine, just not in original packaging.

eBay and Facebook Marketplace sometimes have used carry-on bags in good condition for $20 to $40, though you cannot return them if there is a problem. Buy only from sellers with high ratings and ask for photos of any damage before committing. New bags on eBay from third-party sellers are often the same price as Amazon, so there is no advantage unless you find a used option.

Off-Price and Outlet Stores

TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross are the fastest way to find name-brand luggage at 40 to 60 percent below retail price. These stores buy overstock from manufacturers and last season's colors, so you might find a $150 bag for $60. The catch is that you must shop in person, selection changes constantly, and you cannot order online. Visiting weekly or calling ahead to ask if they have carry-on luggage in stock saves time.

Outlet malls sometimes have luggage brand outlets like Samsonite or American Tourister, where prices are lower than department stores but higher than TJ Maxx. Outlet prices are usually 20 to 35 percent off retail. These stores are worth visiting if one is near you, but do not make a special trip—the savings are smaller than off-price retailers, and you can often find the same brands cheaper online.

Department Store Sales and Clearance

Macy's and Kohl's run luggage sales tied to major shopping events: Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Black Friday, and after-holiday clearance in January. During these sales, mid-range bags drop from $120 to $150 down to $60 to $75. Both stores let you check sale dates and prices online before visiting, and Kohl's Rewards members get an extra 10 to 15 percent off sale prices. Sign up for their email lists to get advance notice of luggage sales.

Macy's Backstage and Kohl's Clearance sections online sometimes have carry-on bags marked down 50 to 70 percent, though selection is limited and sizes sell out fast. Check these sections weekly if you are flexible about color and brand.

What to Look for in a Budget Carry-On Bag

The cheapest bags are not always the worst value. A $50 hard-shell bag from Walmart that lasts three years is better than a $30 soft-sided bag that tears after one trip. Read customer reviews before buying, especially comments about zipper durability, whether wheels roll smoothly, and if the bag actually fits in overhead bins. Avoid bags with only two wheels—four-wheel spinners are easier to maneuver and cost only slightly more.

Check the dimensions against your airline's carry-on limits before purchasing. Most airlines allow 22 by 14 by 9 inches, but some budget carriers like Spirit and Frontier are stricter. A bag that is one inch too large will be gate-checked, which defeats the purpose of buying carry-on luggage. The product listing should state exact dimensions; if it does not, search the brand name and model number online to find them.

Timing Your Purchase for the Best Price

Luggage prices follow predictable seasonal patterns. January and February see the deepest discounts as retailers clear holiday inventory. Late August through early September is the second-best time, when back-to-school and early fall travel deals overlap. Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November bring 30 to 50 percent off at most retailers. Avoid buying in May, June, and July when prices are at their highest—summer travel demand drives prices up across all retailers.

If you need a bag when ready and it is not a sale season, buying from Walmart or Amazon at $50 to $70 is still reasonable. The difference between a budget bag bought in July and the same bag bought in January might only be $15 to $20, so do not wait months if you have a trip planned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth buying a used carry-on bag?

Used bags from Facebook Marketplace or eBay can cost $20 to $40 and work fine if the wheels, handle, and zippers are intact. Inspect photos carefully for cracks, stains, or broken parts before buying. New bags from budget retailers cost only $40 to $60, so a used bag saves money only if it is in very good condition and priced under $35.

Do budget carry-on bags have warranties?

Most budget bags from Walmart and Target come with a one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, but not normal wear. Costco and warehouse clubs offer longer return windows—usually 90 days—even without a formal warranty. Check the product listing or ask the retailer before buying if warranty coverage matters to you.

Can I return a carry-on bag if it does not fit in the overhead bin?

Yes, if you buy from Walmart, Target, Amazon, or a department store and the bag does not match the stated dimensions, you can return it. Keep the receipt and original packaging. If you buy from an off-price retailer like TJ Maxx, return policies are stricter—usually 30 days with tags attached—so measure the bag in the store before purchasing.

What is the difference between hard-shell and soft-sided budget bags?

Hard-shell bags protect contents better and are harder to overpack, but they are heavier and take up more space when empty. Soft-sided bags are lighter and more flexible, letting you squeeze them into tight overhead bins, but they offer less protection and zippers can fail faster. For budget bags under $80, hard-shell usually lasts longer, but soft-sided is better if you prioritize weight and packability.

Are store-brand carry-on bags as good as name brands?

Store brands like Walmart's Better Homes & Gardens and Target's Room Essentials are made by the same manufacturers as mid-range name brands, just without the brand markup. They typically last two to four years with normal use. If you travel frequently or need a bag to last five-plus years, spending $100 to $150 on a name brand like Samsonite or American Tourister is worth it, but for occasional trips, store brands are fine.