The best places to find affordable suitcases are discount retailers, warehouse clubs, and online marketplaces that sell both new and previous-season stock

You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on a suitcase that will sit in a closet most of the year. Discount chains, warehouse memberships, and online sellers stock suitcases at 30 to 50 percent below department store prices, and many carry the same brands you'd find elsewhere. The catch is knowing where to look and what to check before you buy—a cheap suitcase with a broken wheel or zipper becomes expensive when you're stuck at an airport.

The stores and sites listed here sell suitcases year-round, but prices drop most sharply in January (after holiday travel) and September (after summer vacation). If you're not in a rush, waiting for those windows can cut your cost further.

Key Takeaways

  • Costco, Sam's Club, and Target carry suitcases for $50 to $150, often with return windows that let you test them before committing.
  • Amazon, eBay, and Walmart online stock both new and open-box suitcases, with filters that let you sort by price and material.
  • TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross sell overstock and previous-season luggage from major brands at 40 to 60 percent off original retail.
  • Check the warranty and return policy before buying—a suitcase with no return window and a one-year warranty is riskier than one you can return within 30 days.
  • Read the reviews for the specific model, not the brand, because durability varies widely even within the same manufacturer's lineup.

Warehouse clubs: Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's Wholesale

Warehouse clubs buy in bulk and pass the savings to members. Costco carries 8 to 12 suitcase models at any time, usually priced between $60 and $180 for a carry-on or checked bag. Sam's Club stocks a similar range, often with slightly lower prices on budget models. Both rotate their inventory, so what's in stock in March may be gone by June.

The real advantage is the return policy: Costco lets you return a suitcase within two years if it fails, even if you've used it. Sam's Club offers a one-year return window. This matters because you can actually test the wheels, zippers, and handle before you commit. Membership costs $60 to $130 per year depending on the club and tier, so this route makes sense only if you already belong or plan to use the membership for groceries and other items.

BJ's Wholesale (East Coast only) works the same way, with suitcases typically priced $70 to $160 and a 60-day return window on most items.

Discount chains: Target, Walmart, and Kohl's

Target and Walmart both stock suitcases in-store and online, with prices ranging from $40 for a basic carry-on to $150 for a larger checked bag. Target's house brand, Threshold, offers straightforward hard-shell and soft-shell options at the lower end. Walmart's selection is broader and includes both budget and mid-range brands like American Tourister and Samsonite at lower prices than you'd find at department stores.

Kohl's carries similar brands and price points, and their return window is 60 days, which is longer than Target's (30 days) or Walmart's (15 days for online purchases). If you want time to test a suitcase before deciding, Kohl's is the safer choice among these three.

All three offer free shipping on orders above a minimum (usually $35 to $50), and both Walmart and Target let you pick up online orders in-store the same day, which saves you shipping time if you're in a hurry.

Off-price retailers: TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross

These stores buy overstock and previous-season items directly from manufacturers and sell them at 40 to 60 percent below the original retail price. A suitcase that cost $200 at Macy's might be $80 at TJ Maxx. The downside is that inventory changes constantly—you can't order online and expect the same item to be in stock at your local store.

TJ Maxx and Marshalls (which are owned by the same company) have nearly identical selections and pricing. Ross typically carries budget and mid-range brands, with slightly lower prices but a smaller selection. All three have a 30-day return window if you keep your receipt.

These stores work best if you live near one and can browse in person. The suitcases are genuine, not counterfeit, but you're buying what's on the shelf that day, not shopping by specific model or color.

Online marketplaces: Amazon, eBay, and Walmart.com

Amazon stocks new suitcases from dozens of brands, with prices from $30 to $300. Use the price filter to narrow to your budget, then sort by customer reviews—read the reviews for the specific model you're looking at, not just the brand, because a $50 carry-on and a $150 carry-on from the same manufacturer can have very different durability. Amazon's return window is 30 days for most items, though some sellers offer longer windows.

eBay sells both new and open-box suitcases from individual sellers and retailers. Open-box items (returned or display models) are often 20 to 40 percent cheaper than new, but check the seller's return policy before bidding—some allow returns, others don't. eBay's buyer protection covers most transactions, but read the item description carefully to understand what "open-box" means for that specific suitcase.

Walmart.com has a broader selection than the in-store inventory and often prices items lower online than in stores. The return window is 15 days for online purchases, which is shorter than other options, so make sure you're confident in your choice before ordering.

What to check before you buy

Price alone doesn't tell you whether a suitcase will last. A $40 suitcase with solid wheels and a working zipper is better than a $60 one with reviews full of complaints about broken handles. Read the reviews for the specific model—not the brand—and look for mentions of wheel durability, zipper strength, and how the suitcase held up after multiple trips.

Check the warranty. Most suitcases come with a one-year manufacturer's warranty that covers defects but not normal wear. Some brands (like Samsonite and American Tourister) offer longer warranties if you register the suitcase. A longer warranty doesn't may provide durability, but it's a sign the manufacturer stands behind the product.

Verify the return policy before you buy. A 30-day return window gives you time to test the suitcase on a trip or at least inspect it thoroughly. A 15-day window is tight if you're ordering online and need time for shipping. If the seller doesn't allow returns, the price has to be low enough that you're comfortable taking the risk.

Timing your purchase for the lowest price

Suitcase prices drop most sharply in January and September. January sales happen because retailers are clearing holiday inventory and people are less likely to travel. September sales occur because summer vacation is over and back-to-school shopping takes priority. If you're flexible on timing, waiting for one of these windows can save you 20 to 30 percent compared to buying in peak travel months like March or July.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday (late November) also bring discounts, though they're not always deeper than January or September sales. Sign up for price alerts on Amazon or use a browser extension like Honey or CamelCamelCamel to track price history on specific models—this helps you know whether a "sale" price is actually a discount or just the regular price with a strikethrough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to buy an open-box or returned suitcase?

Yes, if the suitcase is in good condition and the seller's description is honest. Open-box items are usually returned because the buyer changed their mind, not because the suitcase is defective. Check the description for any mention of damage, test the wheels and zippers if you can see photos, and make sure the seller allows returns in case something is wrong.

What's the difference between hard-shell and soft-shell suitcases?

Hard-shell suitcases (plastic or polycarbonate) protect contents better and resist punctures, but they're heavier and show scratches. Soft-shell suitcases (fabric) are lighter and more flexible, so they fit in overhead bins more easily, but they're easier to tear. For frequent travelers, hard-shell is worth the extra weight. For occasional trips, soft-shell is usually fine and costs less.

Should I buy a suitcase set or individual pieces?

Individual pieces are usually cheaper per suitcase and let you buy only what you need. A set of three suitcases might cost $150 total, but you may only use one or two. Buying a single carry-on for $50 and a checked bag for $70 later gives you flexibility and lets you spread the cost.

Do I need to spend more for a well-known brand?

Not necessarily. Samsonite and American Tourister are reliable, but budget brands like IT Luggage and Rockland also have solid reviews at lower prices. The key is reading reviews for the specific model, not trusting the brand name alone. A $60 American Tourister with poor reviews is a worse buy than a $50 lesser-known brand with strong reviews.

What warranty should I look for?

A one-year manufacturer's warranty is standard and covers defects in materials and workmanship. Some brands offer five-year or lifetime warranties, which is a good sign but doesn't may provide the suitcase will last longer—it just means the company will repair or replace it if it fails. A 30-day return window from the retailer is often more useful than a long warranty because you can test the suitcase before committing.