The main places to buy luggage are department stores, luggage specialty shops, big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and secondhand sellers—each with different prices, selection, and return policies
You can buy luggage at department stores like Macy's or Nordstrom, which carry mid-range brands and let you see bags in person before buying. Luggage specialty shops—either independent stores or chains like Luggage Pros or Away—stock deeper selections and staff who know the difference between hard-shell and soft-sided construction. Big-box retailers like Costco, Sam's Club, and Walmart offer budget options, though selection changes seasonally. Online marketplaces like Amazon, Zappos, and brand websites give you the widest choice and often the lowest prices, but you cannot inspect the bag before it arrives. Secondhand options through Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Goodwill, and thrift stores let you save money if you are willing to accept wear.
The right place depends on what matters most to you: seeing the bag in person, getting informed information, finding a specific brand, paying the lowest price, or buying used. Each route has different return windows and policies, so knowing what you need before you shop saves time and frustration.
Key Takeaways
- Department stores and luggage specialty shops let you handle bags before buying, but typically charge more than online retailers.
- Online marketplaces and brand websites offer the widest selection and lowest prices, but you cannot see or feel the luggage until it arrives.
- Big-box retailers like Costco and Walmart stock basic luggage at low prices, though their selection is limited and changes by season.
- Secondhand luggage from thrift stores and online marketplaces costs less but may show wear and usually cannot be returned.
- Return policies vary widely—department stores often allow 30 to 60 days, while online sellers may have shorter windows or charge restocking fees.
Department Stores and Luggage Specialty Shops
Department stores like Macy's, Nordstrom, Dillard's, and Kohl's carry luggage from brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, and Delsey in the $80 to $400 range. You can touch the handles, roll the bags, and check the zippers before you buy. Staff can answer basic questions about materials and warranty, though they may not have deep informed. Return policies are usually 30 to 60 days with a receipt, and many allow returns by mail.
Luggage specialty shops—either independent local stores or chains like Away, Luggage Pros, or Briggs & Riley—focus entirely on bags and travel gear. Staff know the weight of each model, which ones have lifetime warranties, and how different materials hold up over years of travel. You pay more here than online, but the information is worth it if you are buying a bag you plan to use for a decade. Many specialty shops offer repair services and will adjust zippers or replace wheels under warranty. Return windows are typically 30 days, and some offer exchanges if a bag does not fit your needs after you take it home.
Online Marketplaces and Brand Websites
Amazon, Zappos, Target.com, and Walmart.com stock thousands of luggage models from budget to premium brands, often at 10 to 30 percent below retail prices. You can read customer reviews, compare dimensions side by side, and filter by price, material, and warranty. Shipping is usually free or low-cost, and many sellers offer 30-day returns. The downside is you cannot feel the weight or test the wheels before the bag arrives.
Brand websites like Samsonite.com, Away.com, and Rimowa.com let you buy directly from the maker, sometimes at lower prices than third-party sellers. They often run sales during holiday weekends and back-to-school season. Direct purchases sometimes come with extended warranties or repair credits. Return policies vary—Away allows 100 days, while Samsonite typically allows 30 days. Check the return shipping cost before you buy; some brands charge you to ship a bag back if you change your mind.
Online-only luggage brands like Away, Coolife, and Rockland sell through their own websites and Amazon. They cut costs by skipping retail stores, so prices are lower than traditional brands. Many offer lifetime warranties on wheels and zippers. Read reviews carefully, because you cannot test the bag before it arrives, and some budget brands have quality issues that only show up after a few trips.
Big-Box Retailers and Warehouse Clubs
Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's Wholesale carry luggage at the lowest prices—often $50 to $150 for a carry-on or checked bag. Selection is limited and changes with the season; you might find a good deal one month and nothing the next. Quality varies; some warehouse luggage is solid, while other pieces are made specifically for these stores and may not last as long as name brands.
Walmart and Target stock basic luggage year-round in the $40 to $200 range. Walmart's in-store selection is small, but Walmart.com has more options. Both allow returns within 30 days with a receipt. These retailers are good for budget travel bags or backup luggage, but not for a primary bag you plan to use for years.
Secondhand Luggage from Thrift Stores and Online Marketplaces
Thrift stores like Goodwill, Salvation Army, and local consignment shops often stock used luggage for $5 to $30. You can inspect the bag in person and spot damage, broken zippers, or stains before you buy. The downside is selection is random and unpredictable; you might find a great deal one week and nothing the next. Most thrift stores do not accept returns, so you are buying as-is.
Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay let you search for specific brands and models secondhand. Prices are typically 40 to 60 percent below retail for bags in good condition. You can message the seller to ask about damage, missing parts, or how many trips the bag has taken. Meet in person if possible so you can inspect the luggage before handing over money. Online secondhand sales usually have no return option, so ask detailed questions and request photos of zippers, wheels, and any worn spots.
Comparing Price, Selection, and Return Policies
| Where to Buy | Price Range | Selection | Return Window | See Before Buying |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department stores | $80–$400 | Moderate | 30–60 days | Yes |
| Luggage specialty shops | $100–$600 | Large | 30 days | Yes |
| Online marketplaces | $40–$500 | Very large | 30 days | No |
| Brand websites | $60–$800 | Large | 30–100 days | No |
| Big-box retailers | $40–$200 | Small | 30 days | Yes |
| Secondhand (thrift) | $5–$30 | Random | None | Yes |
| Secondhand (online) | $20–$300 | Moderate | None | Photos only |
What to Check Before You Buy
Whether you shop in person or online, inspect the bag's construction. Look for straight seams, smooth zippers that glide without catching, and wheels that spin freely. Check the handle for cracks or loose stitching. If you are buying online, read customer reviews that mention durability—people who have traveled with the bag multiple times will tell you if wheels fail or zippers jam after a few trips.
Confirm the dimensions match your airline's carry-on limits if that matters to you. Most airlines allow bags up to 22 by 14 by 9 inches, but some are stricter. Check the warranty; many luggage brands cover wheels and zippers for life, while others cover only the first year. If you are buying secondhand, ask the seller how many trips the bag has taken and whether any parts have been replaced or repaired.
When to Buy and Seasonal Sales
Luggage prices drop during back-to-school season (July and August), after the winter holidays (January), and during Black Friday and Cyber Monday (late November). Department stores and online retailers run sales during these windows, sometimes offering 20 to 40 percent off. Warehouse clubs like Costco rotate their luggage selection seasonally, so if you see a bag you like, buy it then—it may not be back for months.
If you are not in a hurry, waiting for a sale can save you $30 to $100 on a mid-range bag. If you need luggage soon, buy from a retailer with a long return window so you can return it if you find a better price later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth buying luggage online if I cannot see it first?
Yes, if the retailer has a long return window (30 days or more) and free return shipping. Read customer reviews that mention durability and weight, and check the dimensions against your airline's limits. If the bag does not work when it arrives, you can send it back.
What is the difference between luggage at Costco and luggage at a specialty shop?
Costco luggage is cheaper but often made specifically for Costco and may not last as long. Specialty shops carry established brands with longer warranties and repair services. If you travel frequently, the specialty shop bag will likely outlast the Costco bag by years, making it worth the higher upfront cost.
Can I return luggage to a department store without a receipt?
Most department stores will not process a return without a receipt, but they can look up the purchase if you used a credit or debit card. Bring your card and a photo ID. If you paid cash, keep your receipt or ask the store to email it to you at the time of purchase.
Is secondhand luggage a good deal?
Yes if the bag is structurally sound and the price is low enough that wear does not matter to you. Inspect wheels, zippers, and seams in person at a thrift store, or ask the online seller for detailed photos. Avoid bags with broken zippers or cracked wheels unless you plan to repair them.
What should I do if luggage I bought online arrives damaged?
Contact the seller or retailer when ready with photos of the damage. Most will send a replacement or issue a refund without requiring you to return the damaged bag. Keep the original packaging and photos as proof. If the retailer refuses, contact your credit card company to dispute the charge.