The cheapest places to buy luggage right now

Inexpensive luggage is easiest to find at discount retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco, which stock basic hard-shell and soft-sided bags year-round at prices between $40 and $150 for a full set. Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay often have the lowest per-item prices because sellers compete directly on cost. Off-price stores like TJ Maxx, Ross, and Marshalls sell overstock and last season's brand-name luggage at 30 to 50 percent below retail—but inventory changes weekly and you cannot order online for most locations. Luggage-specific retailers like Luggage Pros and Samsonite's outlet site sometimes run sales, though their regular prices are higher than discount stores.

Timing matters. Luggage prices drop most sharply after major travel seasons—late August through September after summer travel ends, and early January after the holiday rush. Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales in November can offer 20 to 40 percent discounts, but selection shrinks as stock sells out. If you need luggage when ready, Walmart and Target have the most consistent inventory and the fastest shipping options.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart, Target, and Costco stock basic luggage sets for $40 to $150 and have inventory available in-store and online.
  • Off-price stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls sell brand-name luggage at steep discounts, but you must shop in person and selection varies by location and week.
  • Amazon and eBay often have the lowest prices because multiple sellers compete, though you should check return policies before buying.
  • Luggage prices drop most in late August and early January, so waiting a few weeks can save 20 to 40 percent.
  • Luggage-specific retailers rarely beat discount stores on price unless running a seasonal sale.

What to expect at each type of store

Discount retailers like Walmart and Target carry house brands (Walmart's Mainstays, Target's Up & Up) alongside budget lines from established makers like Samsonite and American Tourister. Prices range from $50 for a single carry-on to $150 for a three-piece set. These bags are lighter-duty than premium luggage—zippers may wear faster, and wheels are plastic rather than rubber—but they handle normal trips without breaking. Both stores let you return luggage within 30 to 90 days, which matters if a bag fails during your first trip.

Off-price stores like TJ Maxx, Ross, Marshalls, and HomeGoods buy overstock from major luggage makers, so you might find Delsey, Samsonite, or Travelpro bags at 40 to 60 percent off their original price. The catch: you cannot search their websites for specific items, and what is in stock depends on what the store received that week. You have to visit in person or call ahead. Return policies are stricter—usually 30 days with a receipt, and some stores do not accept returns on luggage at all. Check the tag before you buy.

Costco and Sam's Club stock a rotating selection of luggage, usually two or three options at any given time. Prices are competitive with Walmart, and both stores have generous return policies (Costco accepts returns anytime). The downside is you need a membership, and once an item sells out, it may not come back for months.

Online shopping for the lowest prices

Amazon has the widest selection and often the lowest prices because third-party sellers compete directly. Search for "luggage set" or specific brands and sort by price. Read the reviews carefully—look for mentions of zipper durability, wheel quality, and whether the bag arrived damaged. Check the return window: Amazon's standard return period is 30 days, but some sellers offer longer windows. Avoid sellers with fewer than 100 reviews or ratings below 4 stars.

eBay works similarly, with new and used luggage from multiple sellers. New luggage is usually cheaper than Amazon for the same model because eBay sellers often have lower overhead. Used luggage can be much cheaper, but inspect the photos for damage and read the condition description carefully. eBay's return policy varies by seller, so confirm the return window before buying. Shipping costs are higher on eBay than Amazon, so factor that into your total price.

Luggage brand websites sometimes run sales on their outlet pages. Samsonite, American Tourister, and Delsey all have outlet sections where you can find previous-season models at 30 to 50 percent off. These sales are not as frequent as discount stores, but the selection is larger and you know exactly what you are getting. Sign up for email alerts on brand websites to catch sales before inventory runs out.

Comparing price across stores before you buy

The same luggage model can cost $20 to $40 more at one store than another, so a quick price check saves money. Use Google Shopping to search a specific model number and see prices across retailers side by side. If you find a lower price at a competitor, many stores will match it—Walmart, Target, and Best Buy all have price-match policies, though the rules vary. Walmart matches prices from Walmart.com, Target.com, and a few other major retailers. Target matches most major retailers. Call the store or check their website for the current policy before you shop.

Factor in shipping costs and return policies when comparing online prices. A bag that costs $10 less but has a $15 shipping fee and a 14-day return window is not a better deal than one that costs $10 more with free shipping and 90-day returns. Add up the total cost including shipping, then subtract the value of the return policy (a longer window is worth money if the bag fails).

What to look for in inexpensive luggage

Cheap luggage fails most often at the zippers, wheels, and handles. Before you buy, check the reviews for mentions of these three parts. Zippers should be metal or reinforced plastic, not thin plastic that splits after a few trips. Wheels should be rubber or polyurethane, not hard plastic—plastic wheels crack and make the bag impossible to roll. Handles should be padded and attached with stitching, not just glued. If reviews mention "zipper broke after one trip" or "wheel fell off," skip that model.

Size matters for price. A single carry-on costs $30 to $60, a checked bag costs $50 to $100, and a three-piece set (carry-on, medium, and large) costs $80 to $150. Buying a set is usually cheaper per bag than buying pieces separately. If you only need one bag, buy one rather than a set—you will save money and storage space.

Seasonal sales and when to buy

Luggage goes on sale at predictable times. Late August through September is the best window—travel season is ending, stores need to clear inventory, and prices drop 20 to 40 percent. Early January is the second-best time, after the holiday travel rush. Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November offer discounts, but selection shrinks fast and you may not find your size or color. Avoid buying luggage in June and July when prices are highest and selection is picked over from summer travel.

Sign up for price alerts on Amazon and Google Shopping if you are not in a hurry. Set an alert for the specific model you want, and you will get an email when the price drops. This takes 30 seconds and can save you $20 to $50 if you can wait a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is luggage from Walmart or Target as good as luggage from luggage stores?

No, but it is good enough for occasional trips. Discount-store luggage uses lighter materials and cheaper zippers than premium brands, so it wears out faster with heavy use. If you travel once or twice a year, it will last several years. If you travel monthly, you will get more durability from a mid-range brand like Samsonite or American Tourister, even if you buy it on sale at an off-price store.

Can I return luggage if a wheel breaks after my first trip?

Yes, if you buy from Walmart, Target, or Costco—all three accept returns within 30 to 90 days with a receipt, even if you used the bag. Off-price stores like TJ Maxx are stricter and may not accept returns on luggage. Amazon and eBay returns depend on the seller, so check their policy before you buy. Keep your receipt and do not throw away the packaging until you have used the bag once.

Is used luggage worth buying on eBay?

Used luggage is worth buying if the price is at least 50 percent below new and the photos show no damage to zippers, wheels, or the shell. Inspect the photos carefully for stains, dents, or broken parts. Ask the seller questions about how many trips the bag took and why they are selling. Avoid bags with visible wear on the wheels or zippers, since those parts are hardest to repair.

Do luggage brand websites ever have better prices than stores?

Rarely. Brand websites usually charge full retail price or run sales that match what off-price stores offer. The advantage of buying from a brand website is a longer warranty and easier returns, not a lower price. Check an off-price store first, then compare the brand website if you want extra warranty coverage.

What is the difference between hard-shell and soft-sided luggage at budget prices?

Hard-shell bags protect contents better and resist punctures, but they are heavier and take up more space when empty. Soft-sided bags are lighter and pack flatter, but they offer less protection and zippers are more likely to fail. For inexpensive luggage, hard-shell is usually the better choice because the shell protects the cheaper zippers inside from damage.