Plan ahead to get the best deals on luggage

There is never a wrong time to travel, but there is a wrong time to buy luggage. Prices vary throughout the year, so knowing when and where to shop can help you save money that you can put toward your adventures.

Strategies for choosing the best time to buy luggage include everything from marking your calendar for holiday discount sales to knowing the best times of year for suitcase shopping.

Regardless of whether you’re a frequent flier or want to score a great deal on the best luggage set for a family vacation, this luggage shopping guide has all the money-saving tips you need to make an informed purchase. We cover the major sales and promotions to look for, important factors to consider before buying and additional ways to save money. 

Best times of the year to buy luggage

When the demand for luggage peaks, so do luggage prices. Spring break, summer break and winter break are some of the busiest travel times, meaning luggage prices are going to be higher and popular suitcases may be out of stock. Luggage prices also tend to soar during major events like the Olympics and FIFA World Cup. If you’re planning to travel during one of those times, purchase new luggage well ahead of time.

To get the best deal, a great time to shop for luggage is during major holiday sales like Labor Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, the day after Christmas and Memorial Day. We also saw substantial deals on luggage during Travel Tuesday 2023, a new sales event taking place on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Prices were slashed on flights, car rentals and hotels, and there were significant discounts to be had on travel bags from respected brands like Samsonite, Travelers Club and Monos, to name a few. 

Speaking of respected brands, Away luggage is one brand you’ll want to keep your eye on during the holiday season. It has a reputation for rarely being on sale, but during Black Friday 2023, all Away suitcases were 20% off. The popular luggage brand also held a Labor Day sale in 2023 with discounts up to 35% off.

In addition to the holiday sales, another great time to find discount luggage deals is at the end of peak travel times. The suitcase or luggage set you’ve had your eye on will likely be marked down during off-seasons, especially right after summer ends and after the winter holidays. 

Although it requires more effort, your bank account will thank you if you refrain from buying your favorite luggage set simply when it’s convenient. 

Sales events and promotions to watch for

Another great way to save on suitcases is to keep an eye on the dates when retailers kick off their major sales events and promotions. 

For example, the Amazon Prime Day shopping event in July is an excellent time to score affordable travel bags. Last year, the massive two-day sale had luggage deals as good as 70% off, and Delsey Paris, Samsonite, Rockland and American Tourister were just a few of the popular brands that were marked down. Amazon also has another big two-day sale in October and debuted its Big Spring Sale earlier this year. However, you do need to be an Amazon Prime member to take advantage of the discounts. 

Many other retailers also have their own sales around the same time as Prime Day (in the summer, these may kick off around Independence Day) in order to compete with Amazon. Walmart, outdoor retailer Backcountry and, yes, even Best Buy are just a few that sell luggage at a discount.  

Retailers often offer coupons and promotional codes to unlock special deals as well as hold regular flash sales throughout the year. To stay in the loop, sign up to receive promotional emails to avoid missing a great deal. And always check for loyalty programs or cashback offers. Walmart, for instance, has a Walmart+ membership program that helps you save even more on travel, including discounts on gas, flights and hotels. 

Factors to consider before buying luggage

Size 

An important question to ask before buying luggage is if the suitcase you want will fit the size restrictions of the airlines you frequently fly. For many domestic airlines, 22 by 14 by 9 inches is the typical size allowed for a carry-on bag, but others are different; plus international standards differ from domestic ones. This is why it’s important to confirm these dimensions before you buy luggage. You can confirm most baggage requirements directly from the airline’s website. After all, there’s nothing worse than paying an avoidable bag charge at the airport.

Soft-sided vs. hard-shell luggage 

A big advantage of soft-sided luggage over hard-shell luggage is that it weighs less and can squeeze better into tight spaces. Soft-sided bags often come with exterior pockets, so you can easily reach your essentials without opening the suitcase, and they are also less expensive. 

That said, if you plan on packing anything fragile, hard-shell suitcases offer the best protection for your belongings. They’re also much more challenging to break into. 

Carry-on vs. checked bags 

While you may think you need to purchase a larger suitcase for a weeklong trip, some carry-on bags with helpful organizational features might have more than enough space if you’re willing to pack light. Bringing just one carry-on also avoids the possibility of the airline losing your bag. And if you’re on a low-cost airline, it might be wiser to not check a bag at all to avoid those high baggage fees.

However, if any of your toiletries are over 3.4 ounces, you’re going away for longer than a week or you’re in need of extra outfits and shoes or bulky items (such as ski apparel), the bigger suitcase is a must. You may, in fact, want to consider purchasing a matching luggage set, which can save you some money compared to buying a few different single pieces of luggage. 

New releases 

Also, consider if a suitcase brand has just released a brand-new collection. These new collections are typically upgraded versions of previous ones — and they’re almost always going to be more expensive. Decide if the new collection being advertised is really worth more money than the old version. 

Smart shopping strategies 

Before you make a purchase, check your bag’s warranty and return policy. Some luggage brands allow you to buy their suitcases and return them within a certain amount of time, no questions asked. Other bags offer lifetime warranties, which is a guarantee that a manufacturer will repair any defective parts of the bag at no additional cost to you. Having a lifetime warranty or risk-free trial increases the value of your bag. Double-check if the policy requires your returned bag to still be in its original packaging or if you’re allowed to return it used.  

Reading luggage reviews is a great way to help you decide if the suitcase you want is worth the money. And in our digital age, it’s easy to browse several suitcases at once and compare specs and prices. At the end of the day, the quality and functionality of a suitcase are the most important factors. While it might be tempting to purchase the trendiest new suitcase, you can potentially save hundreds of dollars by doing your homework first. 

Additional money-saving tips

Looking for more ways to save? You might want to consider buying secondhand luggage. Brand-new luggage only looks pristine right before you take it to the airport for the first time. After that, your bag will likely experience plenty of wear and tear. 

Take a look at Facebook Marketplace to find used or new luggage in your area. Amazon also has a section for used luggage, which is always discounted. Etsy is another e-commerce website where you can find unique and possibly discounted luggage. 

If you don’t want to commit to buying a suitcase, you can also rent luggage online. Depending on what you’re looking for and where you’re renting from, you can find perfectly good luggage for around $10 to $15 a day or less. 

Final thoughts on buying luggage

Finding a great deal on luggage helps save you money for your next adventure. To save the most, remember to buy during a holiday sale or other major sales event, such as Amazon Prime Day. Buying luggage off-season is also a great way to save. Keep track of the promotional deals and flash sales retailers are offering. And before you buy, make sure to read reviews and do some research so you know exactly what you need for your next trip. As always, safe travels! 

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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