The best places to buy cheap suitcases

Discount retailers, warehouse clubs, and online marketplaces offer the lowest prices on suitcases. Target, Walmart, and Costco stock basic luggage at $40 to $80 for a carry-on and $60 to $120 for a checked bag. Amazon and eBay have wider selection and often run sales on mid-range brands like Samsonite and American Tourister. Off-season buying — suitcases cost less in September and January than in May and November — cuts prices by 20 to 40 percent.

Outlet malls and clearance sections online move last season's stock at steep discounts. Macy's, Kohl's, and Bed Bath & Beyond clearance pages regularly mark down luggage 30 to 50 percent. TJ Maxx, Ross, and Burlington sell overstock and returned items from major brands at 40 to 60 percent below retail. Thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace sometimes have used suitcases in good condition for $10 to $30, though you should inspect wheels and zippers before buying.

Key Takeaways

  • Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club offer suitcases for $40 to $120 with return policies that let you test them before committing.
  • Off-season shopping in September and January saves 20 to 40 percent compared to peak travel months.
  • Discount retailers like TJ Maxx and Ross stock brand-name luggage at 40 to 60 percent below department store prices.
  • Used suitcases from thrift stores and online marketplaces cost $10 to $30 but require inspection of wheels, zippers, and frame integrity.

What to check before you buy a cheap suitcase

Low price does not mean low quality if you know what to inspect. Spin the wheels on a hard surface — they should roll straight without wobbling or dragging. Open and close the zippers several times; they should glide smoothly and not catch fabric. Press the frame with your palm; it should flex slightly but not feel hollow or cracked. Check that the handle extends and retracts without grinding or sticking.

Lightweight materials like polycarbonate and ABS plastic cost less than aluminum but dent more easily. Hard-shell suitcases protect contents better than soft-sided ones but weigh more. For a carry-on, aim for 6 to 8 pounds empty; for a checked bag, 8 to 10 pounds. Read the reviews on the retailer's page — if more than 10 percent mention broken wheels or zippers within a year, move to another option. A suitcase that costs $50 but fails after two trips costs more than one that costs $100 and lasts five years.

Warehouse clubs and membership stores

Costco and Sam's Club rotate luggage inventory seasonally, usually stocking suitcases from March through May and August through October. Prices run $50 to $150 for a single bag, and both clubs let you return items within a year if they fail. You need a membership to shop in-store, but Costco's online site allows non-member purchases with a 5 percent surcharge. Sam's Club offers a free trial membership that lasts 14 days.

BJ's Wholesale carries luggage year-round and often marks down sets of two or three bags together, which costs less per piece than buying individually. Membership costs $55 per year, but the store refunds your fee if you are not satisfied within 30 days. These stores typically stock fewer brands than department stores but focus on models that survive heavy use.

Online retailers and flash sales

Amazon lists thousands of suitcases and updates prices daily. Set up price alerts on individual products so you know when the model you want drops in cost. Slickdeals and RetailMeNot aggregate coupon codes and sales across retailers; search "suitcase" to see current discounts. Rakuten gives cash back on purchases at major retailers — typically 1 to 5 percent — which stacks with sales.

Wayfair, Overstock, and Bed Bath & Beyond run flash sales on luggage every few weeks, usually lasting 24 to 48 hours. Sign up for their email lists to get notified before sales begin. eBay auctions sometimes close at 50 to 70 percent below retail, but shipping costs can offset savings; check the total before bidding. Refurbished suitcases sold directly by manufacturers like Samsonite and Away cost 20 to 40 percent less than new ones and come with the same warranty.

Outlet stores and clearance sections

Physical outlet malls in your region carry luggage year-round at lower prices than department stores. Samsonite and American Tourister run their own outlet stores in most states; call ahead to confirm they stock carry-on and checked sizes. Macy's Backstage and Kohl's Clearance online sections update daily with marked-down luggage. Prices drop further as items sit unsold; a bag marked down 30 percent in week one may drop to 50 percent off by week three.

TJ Maxx, Ross, and Burlington do not advertise their inventory online, so you have to visit in person to see what is in stock. These stores receive shipments multiple times per week, so checking back every few days increases your chances of finding a specific size or color. Return policies vary — TJ Maxx allows returns within 30 days with a receipt, while Ross has a 14-day window. Inspect the suitcase carefully before leaving the store because return processes are stricter than at department stores.

Used suitcases and secondhand options

Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Goodwill sell used luggage for a fraction of retail price. Prices range from $10 to $50 depending on brand, age, and condition. Meet the seller in a public place and test the wheels, zippers, and handle before handing over money. Ask how many trips the bag has taken and whether it has been repaired; a suitcase with a replaced wheel may fail again soon.

Pawn shops sometimes stock luggage, though selection is unpredictable. Estate sales and auctions occasionally include vintage suitcases in good condition, often at $5 to $20. Check EstateSales.net to find upcoming sales in your area. The trade-off with used luggage is that you lose the manufacturer's warranty and cannot return it if something breaks within weeks. Buy used only if you can inspect it thoroughly and accept the risk.

Brands that offer the best value at low prices

Samsonite and American Tourister (owned by Samsonite) make suitcases that survive multiple years of travel and are widely available at discount retailers. Entry-level Samsonite models cost $60 to $100 and typically last three to five years with normal use. IT Luggage and Delsey offer lightweight hard-shell bags at $50 to $120 that weigh less than competitors' models of the same size. Coolife and Rockland are budget brands sold mainly on Amazon; they cost $40 to $80 but have higher failure rates after two years.

Avoid the cheapest no-name suitcases on Amazon and eBay — those under $30 often have wheels that fail within months. Mid-range brands like Calpak, Travelpro, and Spinner cost $80 to $150 but offer better durability and warranties. If you travel once or twice a year, a $60 suitcase from Samsonite or American Tourister will likely outlast your need for it. If you travel monthly, spending $120 to $150 on a more durable model saves money over time because you will not replace it as often.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a carry-on and a checked suitcase?

Carry-on suitcases fit in airplane overhead bins and are typically 22 inches tall, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches deep. Checked bags are larger — usually 28 inches tall — and go in the cargo hold. Airlines charge fees for checked bags, so carry-on luggage is cheaper to use if you can pack light. Checked bags need stronger wheels and frames because baggage handlers throw them; carry-on bags can be lighter.

Should I buy a suitcase set or individual bags?

Sets cost less per bag than buying individually but lock you into one style and size. A two-piece set (carry-on plus checked) costs $80 to $150, while buying the same bags separately runs $60 to $100 each. Buy a set only if both sizes match your travel needs. If you travel light, a single carry-on for $50 to $80 is better than a set you will not use.

Do expensive suitcases last longer than cheap ones?

Not always. A $100 Samsonite suitcase often outlasts a $200 designer bag because durability depends on materials and construction, not brand prestige. Mid-range suitcases ($80 to $150) offer the best balance of price and longevity. Bags under $40 fail more often, and bags over $200 usually cost extra for design rather than durability.

Can I return a suitcase if the wheels break after one trip?

Yes, if you buy from a retailer with a return policy. Costco, Sam's Club, and most department stores accept returns within 30 to 90 days. Amazon allows returns within 30 days for most items. Discount stores like TJ Maxx have shorter windows, usually 14 days. Keep your receipt and do not damage the bag beyond normal use, or the store may refuse the return.

What weight should I aim for in a suitcase?

A carry-on suitcase should weigh 6 to 8 pounds empty so you have room for clothes without exceeding airline weight limits. Checked bags can weigh 8 to 12 pounds empty because airlines allow 50 pounds total. Lightweight hard-shell suitcases cost more but save weight; soft-sided bags are heavier but pack more efficiently. Weigh the empty suitcase before buying if weight matters for your trips.