The cheapest places to buy suitcases right now

The lowest prices on suitcases come from warehouse clubs, discount retailers, and online marketplaces — not from luggage specialty stores. Costco and Sam's Club stock rotating suitcase inventory at 20 to 40 percent below department store prices, though selection changes by season. Target, Walmart, and Kohl's keep budget lines in stock year-round and run frequent sales on luggage sections. Online, Amazon and eBay let you compare dozens of brands at once, and both have used and open-box suitcases at steep discounts.

The timing of your purchase matters more than the store. Suitcase prices drop sharply after major travel seasons — late August through September (after summer travel), early January (after holiday trips), and May through June (after spring break). Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales typically cut 30 to 50 percent off mid-range luggage. If you can wait, buying during these windows saves more money than hunting for the cheapest retailer during full-price season.

Key Takeaways

  • Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club offer the steepest discounts on suitcases, but inventory rotates and membership is required.
  • Discount retailers like Target, Walmart, and Kohl's stock budget suitcases year-round and run regular sales on luggage.
  • Amazon and eBay let you compare prices across brands and find used or open-box suitcases at significant markdowns.
  • Buying after travel seasons (late August, early January, May through June) saves more money than shopping at any single store during peak pricing.
  • Department store clearance sections and outlet malls carry last-season luggage at 40 to 60 percent off, but selection is limited.

Warehouse clubs: highest discounts, limited selection

Costco and Sam's Club rotate suitcase stock every few months, which means prices are lowest but you cannot count on finding the same model twice. Both clubs typically stock two to four suitcase brands at any given time — usually a budget hard-shell option, a mid-range spinner, and occasionally a premium brand. Prices run $80 to $250 for carry-on and checked bags, which is 25 to 40 percent cheaper than the same models at Target or Macy's.

The catch is membership cost: Costco charges $60 per year for a Gold Star membership, and Sam's Club charges $50 to $110 depending on the tier. If you are buying one suitcase, the membership does not pay for itself. If you shop at either club regularly for groceries or household goods, the luggage discount is a bonus. Both clubs accept returns on suitcases within 90 days, even if you have used them, which makes them safer than buying from an unknown online seller.

Discount retailers: consistent stock, moderate savings

Target keeps suitcases in stock year-round across three price tiers: budget hard-shell bags ($40 to $80), mid-range spinners ($80 to $150), and higher-end luggage ($150 to $300). Their house brand, Room Essentials, is the cheapest option and comes with a one-year warranty. Target runs suitcase sales roughly every six weeks, usually cutting 15 to 25 percent off the listed price.

Walmart stocks similar price ranges and updates inventory frequently. Kohl's carries more mid-range and premium brands (American Tourister, Samsonite, Delsey) and runs deeper discounts — often 30 to 40 percent off — because they use luggage sales to drive store traffic. All three retailers accept returns within 30 to 90 days, so you can test a suitcase and send it back if the wheels fail or the handle feels flimsy.

Online marketplaces: price comparison and used options

Amazon lists suitcases from dozens of brands and sellers, which lets you compare prices when ready. New suitcases on Amazon range from $30 to $400, and the site's price-tracking tools show whether the current price is near the historical low. Amazon's return window is 30 days, and many suitcases ship free with Prime membership. The risk is that some sellers list counterfeit luggage, so check the seller's rating and read reviews that mention durability.

eBay has a large used and open-box suitcase section. Open-box means the suitcase was returned to a retailer after being opened but not used — these typically cost 20 to 40 percent less than new. Used suitcases vary widely in condition, so read the description carefully and ask the seller about damage before bidding. eBay's buyer protection covers most luggage purchases, but shipping costs can be high because suitcases are bulky.

Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist connect you with local sellers of used suitcases. Prices are often lower than eBay because there is no shipping cost, and you can inspect the bag in person before paying. The downside is no buyer protection if the suitcase has hidden damage, so meet in a public place and test the wheels and zippers before handing over money.

Outlet malls and clearance sections: last-season inventory

Department store clearance sections — the back corner of Macy's, Dillard's, or Nordstrom Rack — stock last season's luggage at 40 to 60 percent off. These are full-price returns or overstock, not damaged goods. Selection is unpredictable because clearance inventory depends on what did not sell, but if you find your size and color, the savings are substantial.

Nordstrom Rack (Nordstrom's outlet) and Saks OFF 5TH (Saks Fifth Avenue's outlet) specialize in clearance luggage from premium brands like Delsey and Samsonite. Prices are higher than Walmart but lower than full-price department stores. Outlet malls sometimes have dedicated luggage outlets — check whether one is near you before making the trip, because selection varies by location.

Timing your purchase: seasonal price drops

Suitcase prices follow travel patterns. In late August and September, retailers clear summer inventory to make room for fall stock, and prices drop 20 to 35 percent. Early January sees another dip as holiday travel ends and New Year's resolutions fade. Late May through June is the third window — schools are closing, summer travel is ramping up, but retailers have already stocked for the season and begin discounting to move inventory before July.

Black Friday (the Friday after Thanksgiving) and Cyber Monday (the Monday after) are the year's biggest luggage sales. Expect 30 to 50 percent discounts across most retailers, though popular models sell out quickly. If you wait until December, prices climb back up as holiday travelers buy last-minute luggage. The worst time to buy is March through April, when spring break travel is happening and retailers raise prices.

What to look for when buying cheap suitcases

The cheapest suitcase is not always the best value. A $40 hard-shell bag with plastic wheels may need replacement wheels within a year, while a $100 suitcase with metal wheels and a better warranty lasts longer. Read reviews that mention wheel durability, handle strength, and whether zippers jam. Check the warranty — budget brands often offer one year, while mid-range luggage includes two to five years.

Size matters for price. Carry-on suitcases (22 inches or smaller) cost less than checked bags (28 inches), but a checked bag is cheaper per trip if you travel frequently. If you fly once a year, a cheap carry-on makes sense. If you travel four times a year, spending more on a durable checked bag saves money over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to buy suitcases in person or online?

Online is usually cheaper because you can compare prices across retailers when ready and find sales that local stores do not advertise. Warehouse clubs and outlet malls sometimes beat online prices, but only if you have a membership or live near one. Shipping costs can offset online savings for heavy suitcases, so calculate the total before ordering.

What brands are cheapest without being terrible?

American Tourister, Delsey, and IT Luggage offer good durability at budget prices — typically $80 to $150 for a checked bag. Target's Room Essentials brand is the absolute cheapest and works fine for occasional travelers. Avoid no-name brands on Amazon with fewer than 100 reviews, because you cannot tell if the wheels will last.

Should I buy a used suitcase?

Used suitcases are worth buying if the wheels, zippers, and handle all work smoothly. Inspect them in person if possible, or ask the seller for photos of the wheels and interior. Avoid bags with cracked shells or stuck zippers, because repairs cost as much as a new budget suitcase. Used luggage saves 40 to 60 percent if you find one in good condition.

Do suitcase sales happen on specific dates?

Sales are heaviest after travel seasons (late August, early January, May through June) and during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Presidents' Day (February) and Memorial Day (May) sometimes trigger sales, but not consistently. Sign up for retailer emails to get notified when luggage goes on sale, rather than checking the store every week.

Is it worth buying from a luggage specialty store?

Luggage specialty stores charge full price or close to it, so they are not the cheapest option. They are useful if you need informed information on durability or want to test a bag in person before buying. If you know what you want, buy from a discount retailer or warehouse club instead.