The main places to buy travel bags
You can buy travel bags at department stores, luggage specialty shops, sporting goods retailers, online marketplaces, and directly from manufacturers. Each route has different prices, selection, and return policies. The best choice depends on whether you want to see and touch the bag before buying, how much you're willing to spend, and whether you need it quickly.
Department stores like Macy's, Kohl's, and Target stock travel bags in their luggage sections, usually at mid-range prices. Luggage specialty stores like Luggage Pros or local independent shops let you handle multiple bags and often have staff who know the differences between brands. Big-box retailers like Costco and Sam's Club carry a smaller selection but sometimes at lower prices if you have a membership. Online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and eBay offer the widest range and often the lowest prices, but you can't inspect the bag before it arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Luggage specialty stores let you handle bags in person and get informed information, but usually charge more than online retailers.
- Department stores and big-box retailers offer mid-range prices and the chance to see bags before buying, with standard return policies.
- Online marketplaces have the lowest prices and widest selection, but require you to return items by mail if they don't fit your needs.
- Manufacturer websites sometimes offer sales and exclusive colors, and let you contact customer service directly if something breaks.
- Checking return policies and shipping costs matters as much as the bag price, especially for heavier items.
Luggage specialty stores and what they offer
Luggage specialty shops focus only on bags, so staff typically know the construction, warranty, and real-world durability of each brand they carry. Stores like Luggage Pros, Samsonite Company Stores, and independent local shops usually stock 20 to 50 brands and let you open bags, test zippers, and compare weight. Many will also repair bags they sell, which can save money if a wheel breaks or a handle tears years later.
The trade-off is price. Specialty stores rarely discount below manufacturer's suggested retail price, so a bag that costs $120 online might cost $160 in the store. Some specialty shops offer price matching if you show them a lower online price, so it's worth asking. Return windows are usually 30 to 60 days, and many will accept returns even if you've used the bag briefly, as long as it's not damaged.
Department stores and general retailers
Macy's, Kohl's, Target, and Walmart all carry travel bags in their luggage sections, with prices typically 10 to 30 percent lower than specialty stores. You can see and handle the bags, and return them to the store if they don't work out—no shipping required. These retailers often run sales during holiday weekends, back-to-school season, and after Christmas, when luggage prices drop noticeably.
The downside is selection. A department store might stock 8 to 15 brands and a narrower range of sizes and colors than a specialty shop. Staff usually know less about luggage construction and warranty details. Return policies vary by store but are typically 30 to 90 days with a receipt. Check the store's website before visiting to see what's in stock, since travel bags don't always sit on shelves year-round.
Online marketplaces and direct manufacturer sales
Amazon, Walmart.com, eBay, and other online retailers offer the lowest prices and the widest selection of brands, colors, and sizes. You can read customer reviews, compare prices across sellers in seconds, and often find bags on sale. Shipping is frequently free or low-cost, especially if you have a Prime membership or the retailer offers free shipping over a certain amount.
The catch is that you can't touch the bag before it arrives, and returns require you to ship it back at your own cost or use a return label the retailer provides. Read the product photos carefully, check the dimensions against your needs, and read reviews that mention durability and how the bag feels in person. Many online retailers offer 30-day returns, but some charge a restocking fee or don't accept returns on final-sale items.
Manufacturer websites like Samsonite.com, Away.com, and Rimowa.com sometimes offer exclusive colors, sales, and direct customer service. Buying directly from the maker can be useful if you want a specific color that's sold out elsewhere or if you need to contact someone quickly about a defect. Shipping and return policies vary by brand, so check before you buy.
Warehouse clubs and discount retailers
Costco and Sam's Club carry a rotating selection of travel bags at prices 15 to 40 percent below retail, but only if you have a membership. Selection is limited—usually 3 to 8 options at any given time—and inventory changes seasonally. The bags are often house brands or well-known brands sold exclusively through the club, so you won't find the exact same model elsewhere.
Return policies at warehouse clubs are generous: Costco accepts returns on most items indefinitely, and Sam's Club allows returns within 90 days. If you already have a membership and don't mind limited choice, warehouse clubs can be the cheapest option. Check the club's website or app to see what's currently in stock before making a trip.
What to compare when choosing where to buy
Price is only one factor. Before deciding where to buy, compare the return window (how many days you have to send it back), whether returns are free or cost you shipping, and whether the retailer accepts returns by mail or requires a store visit. A bag that's $20 cheaper online might cost $15 in actual savings after you factor in return shipping if it doesn't work out.
Check whether the retailer sells the exact model you want in the color and size you need. A bag listed as "in stock" online might ship from a warehouse in two weeks, while the same bag at a local store is ready to take home today. If you're traveling soon, in-store pickup or next-day shipping matters more than saving $10. If you have time, online shopping usually wins on price.
Warranty coverage is another detail worth checking. Some brands offer longer warranties if you buy directly from them or from authorized retailers, while others honor warranties equally everywhere. If a bag breaks and you need it repaired under warranty, knowing whether the retailer or the manufacturer handles claims can save time and frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy travel bags online or in a store?
Online is usually cheaper, especially on Amazon and Walmart.com, where prices are often 15 to 30 percent lower than in-store. Warehouse clubs like Costco are also very competitive. However, factor in return shipping costs if the bag doesn't work out—that can erase the savings.
Can I return a travel bag if I've used it?
Most retailers allow returns on lightly used bags within 30 to 90 days, as long as the bag isn't damaged. Specialty stores are often more flexible than big-box retailers. Always check the return policy before buying, especially online, since some sellers mark items as final sale.
Should I buy from the manufacturer's website or a retailer?
Manufacturer websites sometimes have exclusive colors and sales, and customer service is direct. Retailers usually have lower prices and faster shipping. If you want a specific color or need quick support, buy from the maker. If you want the best price, buy from a retailer.
What if a travel bag breaks after I buy it?
Most travel bags come with a warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, usually for one to five years depending on the brand. Contact the retailer or manufacturer with photos of the damage. Many will repair or replace the bag at no cost if the damage is a manufacturing defect, not wear and tear.
Is it worth buying from a luggage specialty store?
Yes, if you want informed information, the chance to handle multiple bags, and repair services after purchase. You'll pay more upfront, but the staff knowledge and repair access can save money over the bag's lifetime. For budget shopping, online or warehouse clubs are better.