The main places to buy a suitcase

You can buy a suitcase at luggage specialty stores, department stores, big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and secondhand shops. Each option has different prices, selection, and return policies. The best choice depends on whether you want to inspect the bag in person, need it quickly, or are looking for a specific brand or price point.

Specialty luggage stores carry the widest range of brands and styles, with staff who know the differences between hard-shell and soft-sided construction. Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's stock popular brands at mid-range prices. Big-box retailers like Costco, Sam's Club, and Walmart offer budget options. Online retailers like Amazon, Zappos, and brand websites often have lower prices and more inventory. Secondhand options—thrift stores, consignment shops, and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and eBay—can save money if you don't mind a used bag.

Key Takeaways

  • Specialty luggage stores let you handle and compare bags side by side, which matters if you care about weight, handle comfort, or wheel quality.
  • Online retailers usually have the lowest prices and the easiest returns, but you cannot inspect the bag before it arrives.
  • Big-box stores like Costco and Walmart stock basic suitcases at the lowest prices, though selection is limited to a few models.
  • Secondhand shops and online resale sites can offer brand-name bags at 40 to 60 percent off retail, but you take on the risk of wear and damage.
  • Return policies vary widely—some stores offer 30 days, others 60 or 90—so check before you buy if you think you might return it.

Specialty luggage stores

Luggage specialty stores are the best place to go if you want informed help and the chance to test a bag before buying. Staff can explain the difference between spinner wheels and two-wheel designs, show you how zippers and handles feel, and let you roll the bag around the store. These stores carry multiple brands—Samsonite, American Tourister, Delsey, Away, Calpak, and others—so you can compare side by side.

The downside is that specialty stores usually charge full retail price. You will pay more than you would online. Many specialty luggage stores are local or regional chains, so availability depends on where you live. If you have a store nearby, it is worth a visit if you are buying an expensive bag or if you are unsure what size or style you need. If you live in a small town without a luggage store, you may have to travel or order online.

Department stores and big-box retailers

Department stores like Macy's, Kohl's, and Dillard's stock suitcases in the luggage section, usually with brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, and store-brand options. Prices are moderate—higher than online, lower than specialty stores. You can see and touch the bags, and return policies are often generous (30 to 60 days). These stores also run sales and accept coupons, so you may find a discount if you time your purchase right.

Big-box retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Sam's Club offer the cheapest suitcases, often their own brands or budget lines from major manufacturers. A basic hard-shell carry-on at Walmart might cost $40 to $80, while the same bag at a specialty store could be $150. The trade-off is limited selection—you get a few models in a few colors, not dozens of options. Costco and Sam's Club require a membership, but members often find good deals on mid-range luggage.

Online retailers and brand websites

Online shopping offers the lowest prices and the widest selection. Amazon, Zappos, Target, and brand websites like Samsonite.com and Away.com let you filter by size, color, price, and customer reviews. Prices are typically 10 to 30 percent lower than in-store. Shipping is often free or low-cost, and return windows are usually 30 to 90 days. Many sites let you read hundreds of customer reviews before you buy, which helps you understand how a bag holds up over time.

The main drawback is that you cannot touch or roll the bag before it arrives. If the handle feels wrong or the wheels are noisier than you expected, you have to return it and order again. This matters less if you are buying a well-known brand with consistent quality, but it matters more if you are trying an unfamiliar brand or a new model. Read the dimensions carefully—a bag that looks compact in a photo might feel cramped in person. Check the return policy before you order, especially if you are buying close to a trip.

Secondhand and resale options

Thrift stores, consignment shops, and online resale sites like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Poshmark, and Mercari sell used suitcases at a fraction of retail price. A Samsonite carry-on that costs $150 new might sell for $50 to $80 used. This is a good option if you travel rarely, want to try a brand before committing to a new bag, or are on a tight budget.

Before you buy a used suitcase, inspect it for damage: broken zippers, cracked wheels, dents in hard-shell bags, or stains and odors in soft-sided bags. Ask the seller how many trips the bag has taken and whether any parts have been repaired. Wheels and handles wear out faster than the shell, so test them if you can. Online resale sites have buyer protection policies, but they vary—eBay and Facebook Marketplace offer some recourse if the bag arrives damaged, while local sales are final. If you buy in person, bring a flashlight and check the interior carefully.

Comparing prices and return policies

Prices for the same suitcase can vary by $50 or more depending on where you shop. A Samsonite Omni spinner carry-on might cost $180 at a specialty store, $140 at Macy's, $120 on Amazon, and $60 used on Facebook Marketplace. Before you buy, search the model number on Google Shopping to see prices across retailers. Check whether the price includes tax and shipping.

Return policies matter if you are unsure about your purchase. Specialty stores often offer 30 to 60 days. Department stores typically allow 30 to 90 days. Online retailers vary—Amazon allows 30 days for most items, Zappos allows 365 days, and brand websites range from 30 to 60 days. Secondhand sales are usually final, though some resale platforms offer limited buyer protection. If you are buying for a trip that is less than two weeks away, choose a retailer with a fast return window in case the bag does not work out.

What to check before you buy

Before you commit to a suitcase, verify the dimensions and weight limit for your airline. Carry-on sizes vary—most U.S. airlines allow 22 by 14 by 9 inches, but some are stricter. Check your airline's website to confirm. Measure the bag or read the product description carefully; a bag that is one inch too long will not fit in the overhead bin.

Look at the warranty. Most suitcases come with a one-year or two-year manufacturer's warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship, but not damage from use or accidents. Read the warranty details on the product page or the manufacturer's website. Some brands like Samsonite and American Tourister offer lifetime warranties on certain models, which is worth the extra cost if you travel often. Check whether the warranty covers wheels and zippers, which wear out first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest place to buy a suitcase?

Walmart and other big-box stores have the lowest new prices, often $40 to $100 for a basic carry-on. Secondhand shops and online resale sites are cheaper if you do not mind a used bag. Facebook Marketplace and eBay often have brand-name suitcases at 50 percent off retail.

Can I return a suitcase if I do not like it?

Yes, but the return window depends on where you bought it. Most retailers allow 30 to 90 days. Zappos allows one year. Secondhand sales are usually final unless the seller explicitly offers returns. Check the return policy before you buy.

Is it worth buying a suitcase online if I cannot see it first?

Yes if you are buying a well-known brand or model with many customer reviews. Read the dimensions and weight carefully, and check reviews for complaints about wheels, zippers, or durability. If you are unsure, buy from a retailer with a long return window like Zappos or Amazon.

What should I look for in a used suitcase?

Check for broken zippers, cracked wheels, dents, stains, and odors. Test the wheels and handle if you can. Ask the seller how many trips the bag has taken. Avoid bags with major damage unless you are comfortable repairing them yourself.

Do I need to buy an expensive suitcase?

Not if you travel occasionally. A $60 to $100 bag from Walmart or Target will work fine for a few trips a year. If you travel frequently or want a bag that lasts 10 years, spending $150 to $300 on a brand like Samsonite or Away is worth it because the wheels and zippers hold up better.