The best places to buy carry-on luggage depend on what you prioritize: price, durability, brand selection, or speed of delivery
You can buy carry-on luggage at big-box retailers like Target and Walmart, department stores like Macy's and Kohl's, luggage specialists like Luggage Forward and eBags, and online marketplaces like Amazon. Each route has a different mix of price, selection, and return policy. Brick-and-mortar stores let you handle the bag before buying; online retailers often have lower prices and wider inventory but require shipping time. The right choice depends on whether you need the bag when ready, want to compare many brands at once, or are looking for the lowest price.
Key Takeaways
- Big-box retailers like Walmart and Target stock basic carry-on bags at low prices, but selection is limited to popular brands and styles.
- Luggage specialists like eBags and Luggage Forward carry dozens of brands and often have sales, but you cannot touch the bag before purchase.
- Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's offer mid-range bags with frequent sales and coupons, plus the option to see the bag in person.
- Amazon has the widest selection and often the lowest prices, but return policies vary by seller and shipping takes several days.
- Outlet stores and clearance sections online can save 30 to 50 percent, but selection changes constantly and return windows may be shorter.
Big-Box Retailers: Fast, Affordable, Limited Selection
Walmart and Target stock carry-on bags in their luggage sections, both in-store and online. Prices typically range from $40 to $150 for a basic hard-shell or soft-sided bag. You can see and handle the bag before buying, and returns are straightforward — most allow returns within 30 to 90 days with a receipt. The trade-off is selection: both stores carry only the most common brands and styles, usually their own house brands or a handful of major names like American Tourister.
If you need a bag today or tomorrow, these retailers are your fastest option. Most Walmart and Target locations have carry-on bags in stock, and online orders can often be picked up the same day or next day. Prices are competitive but not the lowest you will find online. Sales happen regularly, especially during back-to-school season and the winter holidays.
Luggage Specialists: Widest Brand Selection and informed Information
eBags, Luggage Forward, and Away are online retailers that focus entirely on luggage. They stock 50 to 200 carry-on models from brands like Samsonite, Delsey, Calpak, and smaller makers you will not find at Walmart. Prices range from $60 to $400 depending on the brand and material. These sites often have sales sections where bags are marked 20 to 40 percent off, and they run seasonal promotions.
The advantage is selection and depth: you can read detailed specifications, compare weight and dimensions across models, and see customer reviews specific to each bag. Many luggage specialists offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount and have return windows of 30 to 60 days. The disadvantage is that you cannot touch the bag before it arrives, so sizing and feel are guesses based on photos and measurements. Shipping typically takes 5 to 10 business days unless you pay for expedited delivery.
Department Stores: Mid-Range Prices with Frequent Sales
Macy's, Kohl's, and Dillard's carry carry-on luggage in their home goods or accessories sections. Selection is moderate — usually 10 to 30 models from brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, and their own house brands. Prices run from $60 to $250. The real advantage is that these stores run constant sales and accept manufacturer coupons, which can drop the final price 20 to 40 percent below the listed price.
You can see the bag in person at most locations, and return policies are generous — typically 60 to 90 days. Both Macy's and Kohl's offer free shipping on online orders over $25 to $35, and many locations allow you to order online and pick up in-store within a day or two. If you have a Kohl's Cash or Macy's Star Rewards account, you can stack discounts further.
Online Marketplaces: Lowest Prices, Widest Inventory, Variable Returns
Amazon stocks thousands of carry-on bags from dozens of brands at prices that often undercut other retailers by 10 to 30 percent. You can filter by size, weight, material, and price, and read hundreds of customer reviews. Shipping is often free for Prime members and arrives in 1 to 2 days; non-Prime orders ship in 5 to 10 days. The return window is typically 30 days, though some sellers offer longer windows.
The catch is that return policies vary by seller. Amazon's own inventory has straightforward returns, but third-party sellers may have stricter rules or charge return shipping. Always check the return policy before buying from a third-party seller. Also, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming — filtering by brand and reading reviews carefully is essential to avoid low-quality knockoffs.
Outlet Stores and Clearance Sections: Deepest Discounts
Luggage outlet stores, often located in outlet malls, sell overstock, discontinued models, and slightly damaged bags at 30 to 60 percent off retail price. Brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, and Delsey run their own outlet locations in many regions. You can see the bag in person and often negotiate on price if the bag has minor cosmetic damage.
Online clearance sections on retailer websites and luggage specialist sites also offer steep discounts on bags that are being phased out or overstocked. The downside is that selection is unpredictable — you cannot browse by style or feature, only by what is currently marked down. Return windows at outlet stores are often shorter (15 to 30 days instead of 60 to 90), and some outlets do not accept returns at all, only exchanges. Check the return policy before you buy.
Comparing Price, Speed, and Return Policy
| Retailer Type | Price Range | Delivery Time | Return Window | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big-box (Walmart, Target) | $40–$150 | Same day to 2 days | 30–90 days | Speed and low price |
| Luggage specialists (eBags, Away) | $60–$400 | 5–10 days | 30–60 days | Brand selection and detail |
| Department stores (Macy's, Kohl's) | $60–$250 | 1–2 days in-store pickup | 60–90 days | Sales and coupons |
| Online marketplaces (Amazon) | $40–$300 | 1–10 days | 30 days | Lowest price and variety |
| Outlet stores | $30–$150 | Same day | 15–30 days | Deepest discounts |
What to Check Before You Buy
Before purchasing, confirm that the bag meets your airline's carry-on size limits. Most U.S. carriers allow bags up to 22 by 14 by 9 inches, but some budget airlines are stricter. The retailer's product page should list dimensions; if not, contact customer service. Also check the bag's weight — lighter bags leave more room in your luggage allowance for clothes and other items.
Read customer reviews on the retailer's site, paying attention to comments about durability, wheel quality, and whether the bag actually fits in overhead bins. Look for reviews from people who have used the bag on multiple trips, not just first impressions. If the bag is on sale, check the original price to confirm the discount is real — some retailers inflate the original price to make the sale look bigger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a carry-on bag if I have used it?
Most retailers allow returns of used bags within their return window as long as the bag is not damaged and has not been altered. Big-box stores and department stores are most lenient. Luggage specialists and outlet stores may require the bag to be unused or in original condition. Always read the return policy before buying, especially at outlet stores.
Is it cheaper to buy carry-on luggage online or in a store?
Online retailers like Amazon and luggage specialists usually have lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores, but department stores like Macy's and Kohl's can match or beat online prices when you stack sales and coupons. Big-box stores are competitive on basic bags. Outlet stores offer the deepest discounts but have the smallest selection.
What is the difference between hard-shell and soft-sided carry-on bags?
Hard-shell bags protect contents better and resist punctures, but they are heavier and less flexible in tight overhead bins. Soft-sided bags are lighter and more compressible, making them easier to squeeze into small spaces, but they offer less protection. Your choice depends on what you pack and how roughly your bag is handled.
Do I need to buy from a luggage specialist, or is a bag from Walmart just as good?
A basic bag from Walmart or Target will work for occasional trips, but luggage specialist brands like Samsonite, Delsey, and Calpak typically last longer and have better wheels and zippers. If you travel more than twice a year, investing in a mid-range bag from a specialist or department store usually pays off in durability. For one trip every few years, a budget bag is fine.
What should I do if a carry-on bag arrives damaged?
Contact the 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 first. Keep the original packaging and shipping label in case the retailer asks you to return it. If the retailer refuses, contact your credit card company to dispute the charge.