The main places to buy luggage

You can buy luggage at department stores like Macy's and Kohl's, specialty luggage retailers like Samsonite and Away, big-box retailers like Target and Walmart, online marketplaces like Amazon, and warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club. Each option has different prices, return policies, and selection sizes. The best choice depends on whether you want to see and touch the bag before buying, how much you want to spend, and whether you have a membership.

Most luggage buyers use a combination of these channels—checking prices online first, then buying in person if they want to inspect the bag, or ordering online if they find a better deal. Some stores offer price matching, which means if you find the same bag cheaper elsewhere, they will match that price.

Key Takeaways

  • Department stores and specialty retailers let you handle luggage in person, but usually charge more than online options.
  • Online marketplaces like Amazon and brand websites often have lower prices and wider selection, but you cannot inspect the bag before it arrives.
  • Warehouse clubs like Costco offer competitive prices and generous return windows, but require a membership and have smaller selections.
  • Big-box retailers like Target and Walmart stock basic luggage at low prices, making them good for budget-conscious buyers.
  • Checking return policies matters more than price—some stores allow returns for 30 days, others for a year or more.

Department stores and specialty retailers

Macy's, Kohl's, and Dillard's carry luggage from brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, and Delsey. You can walk in, see the bags, open them, and feel the weight and handle quality. Staff can answer questions about materials and warranty. Prices are typically 10 to 30 percent higher than online, but you avoid shipping costs and can take the bag home the same day.

Specialty luggage stores like Samsonite outlets, Away showrooms, and independent luggage shops focus entirely on travel gear. They stock more sizes and colors than department stores and often have staff trained specifically in luggage construction. These stores usually offer longer return windows—sometimes 30 to 60 days—and may provide free repairs during the warranty period. Outlet locations of major brands sell previous seasons' styles at discounts of 20 to 40 percent.

Online marketplaces and brand websites

Amazon, eBay, and Walmart.com stock luggage from hundreds of brands. Prices are often 15 to 25 percent lower than in-store, and you can compare dozens of options without leaving home. Read the reviews carefully—they tell you whether zippers fail, wheels break, or handles feel cheap. Most online marketplaces offer free returns within 30 days if the bag arrives damaged or does not match the description.

Buying directly from brand websites like Samsonite.com, Away.com, or Rimowa.com sometimes gives you access to sales or colors not sold elsewhere. Brand websites often have better return policies than third-party sellers—Away allows returns for a year, for example. Shipping is usually free on orders over a certain amount, and you can track your package in real time. The downside is you cannot see or touch the bag before it arrives, so sizing and color accuracy depend on product photos and descriptions.

Warehouse clubs and bulk retailers

Costco and Sam's Club sell luggage at lower prices than most other retailers because they buy in bulk and keep selection small. Costco typically stocks 5 to 10 luggage options at any time, while Sam's Club carries fewer. Both clubs offer competitive pricing on popular brands like Samsonite and American Tourister. You must have a membership to shop, which costs $60 to $130 per year depending on membership level.

The main advantage of warehouse clubs is their return policy. Costco allows returns on most items for up to a year, and Sam's Club allows 90 days. If your luggage breaks or you change your mind, returning it is straightforward. The downside is limited selection—if the warehouse does not stock the size or color you want, you cannot order it. Stock also changes frequently, so a bag you saw last month may not be there next week.

Big-box retailers

Target and Walmart carry basic luggage at the lowest prices you will find in physical stores. A carry-on bag might cost $40 to $80, and a checked bag $60 to $120. Selection is limited to popular sizes and neutral colors, and quality varies—some bags are durable, while others may not survive multiple trips. Both stores stock their own brands (Good & Gather at Target, Mainstays at Walmart) alongside name brands like American Tourister.

Return policies at Target and Walmart are generous for luggage. Target allows returns for 30 days, and Walmart allows 90 days. If a wheel breaks or a zipper fails within that window, you can return it for a refund or exchange. These stores are useful if you need luggage quickly and do not want to wait for shipping, or if you are buying for a child or occasional traveler who does not need premium quality.

Comparing prices and return policies

Before buying, check the same bag at three different retailers. Use a price comparison tool like Google Shopping or CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) to see price history and current offers. Many department stores and specialty retailers will price-match if you show them a lower price from a competitor. This means you can get the in-store experience and the online price.

Return policies vary widely and matter more than a $20 price difference. A bag that costs $10 more but can be returned for a year is a better deal than a bag that costs less but can only be returned for 30 days. Check the policy before you buy—some retailers require you to keep the receipt, while others scan your ID. A few retailers, like Costco, do not ask questions when you return items.

When to buy in person versus online

Buy in person if you are tall or short and need to test whether a carry-on fits your frame, if you have a specific color in mind and want to see it in natural light, or if you want to feel the weight and handle quality before committing. In-person shopping also works well if you are buying a gift and want to choose the exact bag rather than hoping the recipient likes what arrives.

Buy online if you have already researched the exact model and know what you want, if you want to compare prices across multiple retailers quickly, or if you live far from a store that carries the brand you prefer. Online shopping also makes sense if you are buying luggage during a sale—many brands offer discounts during holiday weekends, back-to-school season, or end-of-season clearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is luggage cheaper online or in stores?

Online is usually cheaper by 15 to 25 percent, especially on brand websites and Amazon. Department stores and specialty retailers charge more because of overhead costs. Warehouse clubs like Costco are competitive with online prices and do not charge shipping. Big-box retailers like Target are cheapest for basic luggage, but selection is limited.

Can I return luggage if I change my mind?

Yes, but the window varies. Costco allows returns for a year, Away allows a year, Target allows 30 days, and Walmart allows 90 days. Most online marketplaces allow 30 days. Check the specific retailer's policy before you buy, because some require the bag to be unused and in original packaging.

What if I buy luggage online and it arrives damaged?

Contact the retailer within the return window with photos of the damage. Most online retailers will send a replacement or issue a refund without requiring you to ship the damaged bag back. If the damage is the retailer's fault (poor packaging), they usually cover return shipping. Keep the original packaging for at least 30 days in case you need to return the bag.

Should I buy luggage at an airport?

Airport shops charge 30 to 50 percent more than other retailers because of high rent and captive customers. Buy luggage before you travel unless you have an emergency—a wheel breaks and you need a replacement bag when ready. Even then, check the airport shop's return policy, because some do not allow returns on luggage.

Do luggage sales happen at certain times of year?

Yes. Luggage goes on sale during holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday), back-to-school season (July and August), and end-of-season clearance (January and September). Brand websites often have their own sales independent of retail calendars. Sign up for email alerts from your preferred brand or retailer to be notified when sales start.