The 10 Best Places to Buy Luggage in 2021

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The Rundown

Best Overall: Walmart

"Specializes in affordable American brands."

Runner-Up, Best Overall: Away

"Has become the go-to brand among stylish jetsetters in-the-know because of its lifetime warranty."

Best Budget: Target

"Especially great for families, with dedicated categories for kids travel bags."

Best for Customization: Zazzle

"Suitcases can be customized with your initials, name, or personal photos."

Best Variety: Amazon

"The website's comprehensive luggage department offers a full range of brands."

Best Style: Nordstrom

"Delivers luggage items just as stylish as its shoes and clothing."

Best Luxury: Bloomingdale's

"You'll find splurge-worthy brands such as Coach, Gucci, and Marc Jacobs."

Best for Adventure Travel: L.L. Bean

"Focuses on sturdy duffles, rugged pullmans, and ski bags."

Runner Up, Best for Adventure Travel: REI

"A one-stop-shop for all things outdoors that stocks a range of different brands, including industry leaders."

Best for Everyday Use: eBags

"Has shipped over 32 million bags to customers all over the globe."

Whether you’re an adventurer in need of a sturdy expedition pack or a trendsetter with a penchant for designer duffle bags, luggage is a necessity for all kinds of travelers. However, with so many different brands, styles, and sizes on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start when shopping for a new bag. In this article, we look at a few of the best places to buy luggage online, from budget superstores to quirky custom shops.

Read on to learn more about the best places to buy luggage online.

Our Top Picks

01 of 10

Best Overall: Walmart

American Tourister 5-Piece Luggage Set — Walmart

From home decor to hunting accessories, there’s very little you can’t buy from Walmart. The superstore has an impressive Luggage & Travel department that specializes in affordable American brands such as Rockland, Olympia USA, and American Tourister. The user-friendly website splits products into helpful categories ranging from carry-on suitcases to complete luggage sets, which you can then filter according to customer rating, price range, and more.

A highlight of buying luggage at Walmart is the website’s Special Offers filter, which allows you to quickly view clearance, reduced price, and on sale items in order to ensure that you get the best deal possible. Walmart offers free two-day shipping on all orders of $35 or more. Alternatively, some items are eligible for free in-store pickup, while the ability to return items in-store saves you from having to arrange postage.

02 of 10

Runner-Up, Best Overall: Away

4.2

Away Carry-On Review

For frequent travelers, there’s almost no better luggage brand than cult-favorite Away, which has quickly become the go-to brand among stylish jetsetters in-the-know. Famously, every piece of luggage that the brand sells comes with a lifetime warranty, so that you feel confident investing in their products. But chances are that you’ll never even need to use that warranty, because their luxury suitcases are sleek, sturdy, and genuinely fashion-forward, with thoughtful design features—a battery comes built into both carry-on options, for example, so you can charge your phone.

Their hardshell carry-on pieces and larger suitcases are crafted from a durable polycarbonate shell that’s as resilient as they come, and the wheels couldn’t be more smooth-rolling. And, with four sizes—two carry-on sizes and a medium and large for full-size suitcases—you have plenty of options. And, the millennial color palette was basically designed to look good on Instagram. If you travel a ton for work, play, or somewhere in between, an Away suitcase is worth the hype.

03 of 10

Best Budget: Target

American Tourister 28-Inch Checkered Hardside Suitcase — Courtesy of Target

Target is America’s second-largest discount store retailer and has an excellent luggage section featuring brands such as Skyline, American Tourister, and Swiss Gear. You can shop by category (with options including checked luggage, hardside luggage, and spinner luggage) and by a detailed filter. Target's luggage is especially great for families, offering dedicated categories for kids’ travel bags and character-themed luggage.

Make sure to check the Deals category for the latest discounts; and the Travel Accessories section for add-on items, including luggage tags, and support pillows. Target also offers helpful packing tips and travel guides, including lists of must-pack items for beach vacations, music festivals, and more. All shoppers are eligible for free two-day shipping on orders over $35, while REDcard holders get a five percent discount on most purchases and an extra 30 days to return unwanted items.

04 of 10

Best for Customization: Zazzle

Custom cat photo luggage suitcase for animal lover — Zazzle

For something completely different, head to Zazzle, a website that allows you to personalize everything from wedding invitations to iPhone cases. The site’s luggage department offers one simple suitcase design: a wheeled hardshell that comes in small, medium, or large. There is a multitude of out-of-the-ordinary colors, patterns, and logos to choose from, many of which can be customized with your initials, name, or personal photos.

To ensure that your luggage is never confused with anyone else’s, opt to design your suitcase from scratch. Choose the size and the color of the shell, handles, wheels, and bumper; then add your own photos and/or images. Alternatively, Zazzle also stocks a series of officially licensed themed luggage from brands such as Harry Potter and My Little Pony. Returns within 30 days are eligible for a replacement or refund.

Continue to 5 of 10 below.

05 of 10

Best Variety: Amazon

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside Luggage — Courtesy of Amazon

Excellent customer service, helpful buyer reviews, and an easy returns policy help to make Amazon the world’s favorite online retailer. The website’s comprehensive luggage department offers a full range of brands, including top names such as Samsonite, Kenneth Cole REACTION, and Briggs & Riley. To avoid excess luggage fees at the airport, use the unique Carry-On Guide to shop for bags that comply with the size restrictions of 24 specific airlines.

You can shop by category (think travel duffels, backpacks, or laptop bags), and filter results according to your favorite brand, preferred color and material, or budget. Pair your suitcase with packing organizers or a luggage lock from the website’s Travel Accessories section. You can also add items to a wish list to help your friends choose the perfect gift.

06 of 10

Best Style: Nordstrom

Leading fashion retailer Nordstrom delivers luggage items just as stylish as its shoes, clothing, jewelry, and other accessories. Expect top brands like Calpak, Longchamp, Herschel Supply Co., Tumi, and Tory Burch, as well as the company's own brand, Nordstrom Made, a more budget-friendly option. Either way, you have over a thousand different items to choose from, including carry-ons, toiletry bags, duffel bags, jewelry cases, briefcases, and more.

Scour through Nordstrom's travel section by filtering through luggage or bag type, size, material, color, brand, and price (ranges from under $25 to over $1,000). Most items will also ship anywhere for free in the U.S., even to Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Or, if you're itching to travel soon, you can schedule a pick-up at your nearby Nordstrom store.

07 of 10

Best Luxury: Bloomingdale's

For high-end shoppers, look no further than luxury department store Bloomingdale's. You can find all the major luggage item brands, including Rimowa, Bric's, Delsey, and Hartmann, along with designer brands like Coach, Gucci, and Marc Jacobs. The iconic retailer carries spinners, luggage sets, backpacks, and tote bags, among many other travel items. Shop conveniently by filtering your selection through luggage/bag type, size, features (TSA-integrated lock, RFID-blocking tech, etc.), colors, brands, price, and offers/sales. You can even filter through same-day delivery or pick-up in-store options.

If you're part of the Loyallist program, a rewards program that allows you to earn points on Bloomingdale's purchases, you get free shipping every day and free returns (no minimum). All other customers get free shipping on purchases over $150—though, with a selection that ranges to $5,000, it's easy to splurge at Bloomingdale's.

08 of 10

Best for Adventure Travel: L.L. Bean

L.L. Bean Approach Rolling Gear Bag — Courtesy of L.L. Bean

If you want an adventure travel bag, consider going directly to the source. L.L. Bean specializes in outdoor clothing and recreation equipment, and as a result, the company’s luggage line focuses on sturdy duffles, rugged pullmans, and ski bags. You can refine your search according to style, pattern, fabric, and color, while a features filter lets you choose specifics such as a drop bottom or detachable shoulder strap.

The results can be ranked by price, customer rating, or newness. If you want more than one bag, try browsing the collections for matching sets. L.L. Bean also sells adventure backpacks, travel totes, and useful accessories such as travel pillows or RFID-blocking wallets. Purchases of $50 or more are shipped free of charge to addresses in the U.S. and Canada and may be returned for a full refund within one year.

Continue to 9 of 10 below.

09 of 10

Runner Up, Best for Adventure Travel: REI

Patagonia Black Hole Duffel — Courtesy of REI

A one-stop-shop for all things outdoors, REI is another great choice for adventure-oriented luggage. The website stocks a range of different brands, including industry leaders such as Eagle Creek, The North Face, and Patagonia. Whether you’re looking for an expedition pack, a waterproof duffle, or a wheeled suitcase, you’ll find it here. Products can be sorted by a variety of filters e.g. gear capacity, unique features, and price.

One particularly clever feature is the “Best Use” filter, which assigns luggage to specific pastimes ranging from paddling to camping. Those on a budget should browse the used gear page for impressive discounts. All second-hand bags are inspected for quality before being uploaded. Other perks of shopping at REI include the option for one-day express shipping and a return policy that offers replacements on faulty items within one year of purchase.

10 of 10

Best for Everyday Use: eBags

Samsonite Mobile Solution Deluxe Backpack — Courtesy of eBags

Colorado-based online retailer eBags specializes in luggage and backpacks and has shipped over 32 million bags to customers all over the globe. You can shop for international brands such as Samsonite, Victorinox, and Travelpro or browse a range of eBags luggage exclusives that can only be purchased on this site. Products are conveniently grouped by size and divided into categories such as designer, kids, checked, and lightweight.

Steals of the Day (a constantly changing list of luggage deals on limited-quantity items) is a particular eBags highlight. Other hallmarks include the GiveBackBox scheme and the eBags Connected Luggage Tag. The former allows you to donate old luggage items to those in need in exchange for a $25 eBags voucher. The latter uses an app to register your luggage tag, making it easier to find your bag if it gets lost in transit.

Final Verdict

Maybe surprisingly to some, Walmart is a solid choice for picking out luggage. They carry reputable American brands like Olympia USA and Rockland, among others, and you always get the best deal possible, thanks to the site’s Special Offers filter (plus free two-day shipping on orders of $35 or more).

What to Look for in Luggage Stores

Price

You certainly don’t have to break the bank when it comes to picking out the right luggage. Some of the most solidly constructed, durable suitcases are some of the most affordable options. With that being said, you don’t want to get stuck replacing a cheaply made suitcase every couple of years, so pay close attention to the brand, materials, and reviews over price. Also look for stores that offer luggage in a range of prices and offer the ability to sort products by price brackets.

Warranty

If a brand promises a lifetime warranty, they’re all the more likely to have high-quality products. Also, make sure to check the retailer's return policy so you can have confidence in your purchase in case it gets damaged.

Versatility

Your ideal luggage should be versatile enough to use on all kinds of trips (or at least as many as possible), and on all types of terrain. Look for a bag with multiple interior compartments, smooth-rolling wheels, and telescopic handle—and something that’s a sleek, manageable size—to ensure that you’ll get ample use out of it. Places that sell different luggage types make the shopping experience more streamlined.

FAQs

Should I get hard-sided or soft-sided luggage?

Both have their benefits and drawbacks. Hardsided luggage generally provides better protection for your belongings (an important consideration if you’re carrying valuables, like an expensive camera) and better water-resistance, but a hardshell exterior tends to show visible wear over time and is more prone to chipping and breaking. Softsided luggage is a good option for over-packers since it can accommodate more stuff, but your belongings don’t have the same level of protection.

Is most luggage designed to adhere to airline weight requirements?

Most luggage should be, but it’s not a guarantee, mostly because every airline has its own set of requirements. (Most airlines do impose a 50-pound weight limit.) Large capacity suitcases, in particular, are easy to overpack, so tread carefully—and always double-check requirements and weigh your bag beforehand.

Do all bags come with handles and wheels?

Most bags these days do come with telescoping handles and built-in spinner wheels. Even if you’re buying a duffel or backpack, it’s always nice to get something with wheels and handles. Easy maneuverability across all types of terrain is important.

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