The cheapest luggage comes from discount retailers, warehouse clubs, and end-of-season sales — not from luggage specialty stores

The lowest prices on luggage appear at Walmart, Target, and Costco, where a basic carry-on suitcase runs $30 to $60 and a checked bag costs $50 to $90. Amazon carries budget brands like Coolife and Rockland at similar prices, with the advantage that you can read damage reports in customer reviews before buying. TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross stock overstock and returned items from major brands at 30 to 50 percent below department store prices — a Samsonite or American Tourister bag that costs $150 at Macy's might be $70 to $90 there. The catch is inventory changes weekly and sizes sell out fast.

Timing matters. Luggage goes on clearance in September (after summer travel) and again in January (after holiday travel). A $120 suitcase marked down 40 percent costs $72. Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club rotate luggage stock seasonally and offer return windows of 60 to 90 days, which means you can test a bag on a trip and return it if the wheels fail or the handle breaks.

Key Takeaways

  • Discount retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco sell new luggage for $30 to $90 per bag, undercutting luggage stores by 40 to 60 percent.
  • Off-price stores such as TJ Maxx and Marshalls carry overstock from major brands at roughly half the original price, but selection changes weekly.
  • Luggage clearance happens in September and January, when prices drop another 30 to 50 percent on remaining stock.
  • Amazon and Walmart let you read customer reviews that mention wheel durability and handle strength before you buy, which matters more than brand name at this price point.
  • Warehouse club return policies allow 60 to 90 days to test a bag, so you can bring it on a trip and send it back if it fails.

What to look for in budget luggage under $100

At this price, you are not paying for a brand name or a lifetime warranty. You are paying for wheels that roll straight, a handle that does not collapse, and fabric that does not tear in a month. Read the reviews on Amazon or Walmart for mentions of "wheel broke after one trip" or "handle snapped" — these are the two failures that make a cheap bag worthless. A bag with 200 five-star reviews saying the wheels held up is a better bet than an unknown brand with no reviews, even if it costs $10 less.

Size matters for price. A carry-on bag (22 by 14 by 9 inches) costs $30 to $60. A checked bag (28 by 20 by 12 inches) costs $50 to $100. A two-piece set (carry-on plus checked) costs $80 to $150 at discount stores, which is cheaper per bag than buying them separately. If you only travel once a year, a single carry-on is the smarter buy than a set.

Material affects durability and price. Soft-sided bags (polyester or nylon) weigh less and cost $10 to $20 less than hard-sided bags (polycarbonate or ABS plastic). Hard-sided bags protect contents better and resist punctures, but soft-sided bags fit in overhead bins more easily and are fine for checked luggage. At the budget level, the difference in lifespan is usually one to two years, not ten.

Discount retailers that stock luggage year-round

Walmart carries its house brand (Mainstays) and budget brands like IT Luggage and Coolife. Prices start at $30 for a carry-on. Stock varies by location, so check the website for availability before driving to the store. Target stocks its house brand (Up) and brands like American Tourister. Carry-ons run $40 to $70. Both stores offer free shipping on orders over $35 to a store or your home.

Costco and Sam's Club rotate luggage stock every few months and often feature sets at $100 to $150 for two bags. You need a membership (Costco is $65 per year, Sam's Club is $50 per year), but the return policy is generous — you can return luggage within 60 to 90 days for any reason. Amazon stocks dozens of budget brands (Coolife, Rockland, Merax, Coolife) with prices from $40 to $100 and customer reviews that detail real-world durability. Prime shipping is free if you have a membership.

Off-price stores and when to shop them

TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross buy overstock and returned merchandise from department stores and sell it at 30 to 50 percent below original price. You might find a Samsonite checked bag marked $89 (original price $180) or an American Tourister carry-on for $49 (original $99). The downside is no two visits are the same — luggage inventory changes as shipments arrive and sell out. If you see a bag you like, buy it then; it will not be there next week.

These stores do not always have luggage in stock, so call ahead or check their website if you need a specific size. Return policies vary: TJ Maxx and Marshalls allow returns within 30 days with a receipt, while Ross allows 30 days but is stricter about condition. None of these stores offer online ordering for luggage, so you have to visit in person.

Seasonal sales and clearance timing

Luggage goes on clearance twice a year. In September, retailers mark down summer travel stock to make room for fall merchandise. In January, they clear holiday travel inventory. Discounts range from 30 to 50 percent off. A $100 bag becomes $50 to $70. This is the best time to buy if you can wait.

Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's also run luggage sales during these windows, but their starting prices are higher, so even with a discount they rarely beat Walmart or TJ Maxx. Watch for email alerts from retailers you shop at — they announce clearance sales to subscribers before the general public sees them.

Outlet stores and online outlet sites

Luggage outlet stores (like those in outlet malls) sell overstock and discontinued models directly from manufacturers. Prices are often 40 to 60 percent below retail. However, outlet stores are not in every town, and you have to visit in person. If you have one nearby, it is worth a trip, but do not make a special drive unless you know they have stock.

Manufacturer websites sometimes run outlet sections. Samsonite, American Tourister, and Delsey all have clearance pages where discontinued colors or last year's models sell at 30 to 50 percent off. Shipping costs $5 to $15, which can offset the savings on a single bag. Check these sites if you want a specific brand but do not want to pay full price.

What to avoid when buying cheap luggage

Do not buy luggage from unknown sellers on Amazon or eBay unless they have hundreds of reviews. Counterfeit luggage exists, and a fake Samsonite bag will fail faster than a genuine budget brand. Stick to Amazon's "Fulfilled by Amazon" listings or buy from the manufacturer directly.

Do not assume a lower price means lower quality. A $50 Coolife bag from Walmart often has the same wheels and handle as a $120 version from a luggage specialty store — the difference is marketing and warranty length, not durability at this price point. Read reviews for the specific model, not the brand.

Do not buy a set if you only need one bag. A two-piece set costs $80 to $150, but a single carry-on costs $30 to $60. If you travel once a year, buy one bag. If you travel four times a year with different people, a set makes sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is luggage from Walmart or Target as good as luggage from a luggage store?

For the price, yes. Walmart and Target luggage fails at the same rate as budget luggage from specialty stores — usually after one to three years of regular use. The difference is you pay $50 instead of $120. If you travel frequently or need a bag to last five years, spend more. If you travel once or twice a year, budget luggage is fine.

Can I return luggage to Costco if the wheels break after one trip?

Yes. Costco allows returns within 60 days for any reason, no questions asked. Some members have returned luggage after using it on a trip if the wheels or handle failed. Sam's Club has a similar policy. This is one reason warehouse clubs are worth the membership fee if you buy luggage there.

What is the difference between soft-sided and hard-sided luggage at budget prices?

Soft-sided bags weigh 2 to 3 pounds less and cost $10 to $20 less. Hard-sided bags protect contents better if your bag gets thrown around. For checked luggage, soft-sided is fine and saves money. For carry-on, hard-sided takes up more overhead bin space. At budget prices, both last about the same length of time.

Should I wait for a sale or buy luggage now?

If you need luggage in the next two weeks, buy now at Walmart or Target. If you can wait until September or January, wait — prices drop 30 to 50 percent. If you travel in August or December, buy in July or November when clearance starts.

Where should I not buy cheap luggage?

Avoid unknown sellers on eBay or third-party Amazon sellers with few reviews — counterfeit luggage is common. Avoid luggage specialty stores if price is your main concern; they mark up budget brands by 50 to 100 percent. Stick to Walmart, Target, Costco, TJ Maxx, or Amazon's main listings.