The cheapest luggage usually comes from warehouse clubs, off-price retailers, and end-of-season sales at department stores—not from luggage specialty shops or airport kiosks.

Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club stock luggage at 20 to 40 percent below department store prices, though selection changes monthly and membership costs money upfront. Off-price chains like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross carry overstock and last season's models at 30 to 50 percent off retail. Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's run frequent sales and clearance events, especially after holiday travel seasons. Online retailers like Amazon and Walmart often undercut brick-and-mortar prices, but shipping costs and return policies vary. Buying luggage in January or September—after peak travel seasons—gives you the lowest prices because stores are clearing inventory.

Key Takeaways

  • Warehouse clubs offer the lowest per-item prices but require membership and have limited selection that rotates monthly.
  • Off-price retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshalls carry brand-name luggage at 30 to 50 percent off because they sell overstock and previous seasons' styles.
  • Department store clearance sections and post-holiday sales (January and September) have deeper discounts than regular pricing.
  • Online marketplaces undercut retail prices but add shipping costs, so compare the final total before assuming you are saving money.
  • Airport shops and hotel gift shops charge the highest markups and should be your last resort, even for emergency purchases.

Warehouse Clubs: Lowest Price Per Bag

Costco and Sam's Club sell luggage at the lowest absolute prices, typically 20 to 40 percent below what you would pay at Macy's or Target. A mid-range carry-on that costs $120 at a department store might be $70 to $80 at Costco. The catch is that selection is small and changes every few weeks—you cannot count on finding the exact size or color you want.

Both clubs rotate their luggage stock seasonally. Costco tends to stock luggage in spring and fall; Sam's Club carries it year-round but in smaller quantities. If you find a bag you like, buy it when ready rather than waiting, because it will not be there next week. Membership costs $60 to $130 per year depending on the club and membership tier, so the savings need to justify that upfront cost. If you are buying one bag, warehouse pricing might not offset membership. If you are buying multiple bags or plan to shop there regularly anyway, it almost always does.

Off-Price Retailers: 30 to 50 Percent Off Brand Names

TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, and Burlington carry luggage from major brands at steep discounts because they buy overstock, cancelled orders, and previous seasons' inventory directly from manufacturers. You will find Samsonite, American Tourister, and other recognizable names at prices 30 to 50 percent below department store retail. The downside is that selection is unpredictable—you might find exactly what you need or nothing close to it, depending on what the store received that week.

These stores do not order luggage on a schedule the way Costco does, so there is no "best time" to shop. Check in person if you have a store nearby, because online inventory at these retailers is often limited and does not reflect what is actually on the shelf. Return policies are usually 30 days with a receipt, which is shorter than department stores but longer than most online retailers, so keep your receipt.

Department Store Clearance and Seasonal Sales

Macy's, Kohl's, and Dillard's run constant sales on luggage, and their clearance sections offer the deepest discounts outside of warehouse clubs. A bag marked down 40 percent off the original price is common; 60 percent off happens during clearance events. The key is timing: January (after holiday travel) and September (after summer vacation) are when stores need to clear old stock fastest, so discounts are deepest then.

Department stores also run loyalty programs and coupon events that stack on top of sale prices. A Kohl's bag on sale for 30 percent off, combined with a 15 percent loyalty coupon, can bring the final price close to warehouse club levels. Sign up for email alerts from stores where you shop, because they announce clearance events and coupon codes there first. Check the clearance section in person rather than relying on the website, because clearance inventory is not always listed online.

Online Retailers and Price Comparison

Amazon, Walmart, and Target often list luggage below their in-store prices, but you need to factor in shipping costs before assuming you are saving money. A bag priced $10 lower on Amazon but with $15 shipping is actually more expensive than buying it at Target. Free shipping thresholds (usually $35 or $50 for non-members) can push you over budget if you are buying a single bag.

Use a price comparison tool like Google Shopping or CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) to see historical prices and confirm you are actually getting a deal. Many online retailers offer free returns within 30 days, which is useful if the bag does not meet your needs in person, but return shipping is often your responsibility. Read the return policy before buying, because some sellers charge restocking fees or do not accept returns on clearance items.

Timing Your Purchase: When Prices Drop

Luggage prices follow predictable seasonal patterns. January and early February see the deepest discounts as stores clear holiday inventory. September through October is the second-best window, when summer travel season ends and back-to-school shopping winds down. May and June, right before summer vacation, have the highest prices because demand is highest.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday (late November) offer discounts, but they are not always better than January or September clearance. Stores often discount the same items year-round, so waiting for a specific sale event is less important than shopping during the right season. If you need luggage urgently, buy it at an off-price retailer or department store clearance section rather than waiting months for a better sale.

Brands and Quality at Different Price Points

Budget luggage ($40 to $80) from brands like Rockland and IT Luggage is durable enough for occasional travel but may not survive heavy use or multiple trips per year. Mid-range luggage ($80 to $150) from American Tourister and Samsonite offers better durability and longer warranties. Premium luggage ($150 and up) from Delsey and Away includes better materials and customer service, but the price jump does not always justify the cost for casual travelers.

Buying cheaper luggage does not mean buying poor quality—it means buying last season's model or overstock from a brand you trust, not buying an unknown brand at a discount. A $60 Samsonite carry-on from TJ Maxx is a better purchase than a $40 no-name brand, even if the price difference is small. Check the warranty before buying, because budget luggage often comes with shorter warranties (1 to 2 years) than mid-range options (5 to 10 years).

Places to Avoid: High Markups and Limited Selection

Airport shops, hotel gift shops, and luggage specialty stores charge the highest prices because they know you are in a bind. A carry-on that costs $80 at Costco might be $140 at an airport kiosk. Specialty luggage stores sometimes offer better selection and customer service, but their prices are rarely lower than department stores or off-price retailers.

Buy luggage before you travel, not during travel. If you must buy at an airport, use a credit card that offers purchase protection, and check the return policy when ready—some airport retailers have no-return policies or restocking fees of 20 percent or more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is luggage cheaper online than in stores?

Sometimes, but not always. Online prices are often lower, but shipping costs can erase the savings. Compare the final total including shipping before assuming an online purchase is cheaper. Warehouse clubs and off-price retailers in person usually beat online prices when you factor in shipping.

What is the best time of year to buy luggage?

January and September offer the deepest discounts because stores are clearing seasonal inventory. May through August prices are highest because demand peaks before summer travel. Black Friday is not necessarily cheaper than January clearance, so do not wait for it if you need luggage sooner.

Do I need a membership to shop at Costco or Sam's Club for luggage?

Yes, both require membership. Costco membership costs $60 to $130 per year depending on the tier. If you are buying one bag, the membership cost might not be worth it, but if you shop there regularly or are buying multiple bags, the savings usually justify the membership fee.

Is luggage from off-price retailers like TJ Maxx the same quality as department store luggage?

Yes. Off-price retailers sell overstock and previous seasons' models from the same brands and manufacturers as department stores. The only difference is the price and sometimes the color or style options. Warranties and durability are identical.

Should I buy luggage at an airport if I need it in an emergency?

Only as a last resort. Airport prices are 50 to 100 percent higher than retail. If you must buy at an airport, use a credit card with purchase protection and check the return policy when ready, because some airport retailers do not accept returns.