Last Updated: July 3, 2023
Why Is Luggage So Expensive? (8 Reasons)
Luggage is available in many different price ranges. Shop around long enough and you’ll see everything, from a $50 suitcase to one that costs more than $1,000. If you don’t understand why some luggage is expensive and what the differences are between cheap and luxury bags, you’re in the right place because that’s what I’m discussing in this guide!
Quality is the main difference between a cheap and expensive piece of luggage, and that entails everything from the materials used in the manufacturing process to the finishing touches on the accessories. Part of the price is also just for the logo on the luggage, as is the case with virtually every other item that can be purchased.
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Materials
Some luggage materials are more expensive to produce than others, so naturally the cases themselves are sold for higher prices. Polycarbonate is a good example of this – it’s a pricey luggage material, and most suitcases that are made from polycarbonate tend to be quite expensive.
Brands that offer cheap luggage will often mix polycarbonate with ABS plastic, in order to reduce the price point but still attract customers who want the durability and impact resistance associated with PC.
Soft-side luggage is generally cheaper to manufacture than hard-side luggage, which is why nylon and polyester suitcases are usually more affordable. Polycarbonate luggage is expensive to manufacture, but they’re the most durable suitcases you can buy, apart from aluminum luggage.
Although suitcases cost more money when they’re made from durable and quality materials, I have to point out that it’s possible to purchase a high-quality suitcase for a reasonable price. Look for online deals or exclusive collections with supermarkets, because that’s how you find excellent luggage with a very attractive price point.
Also, it’s not only about the material of the shell. It’s also about the types of wheels, the brand of zippers, the manufacturer of the lock, and all the materials used to equip the interior of the luggage.
Branding
As is the case with everything else, branding is a huge part of the expensive luggage price tag. It’s usually the high-end and luxury luggage brands that use the absolute best materials in their luggage, equip the cases with a plethora of features to justify the luggage cost, and then slap exorbitant prices on them.
If you’re only looking at premium luggage brands, you might be thinking that you’ll need to save for months in order to buy a brand-new suitcase. But that’s not really the case; it’s all about looking for the best deals and taking advantage of sales. You can find Samsonite luggage with a 70% discount on Amazon, so if you’re willing to set apart some time and look for a good deal, you’ll eventually find it.
Features
The cost of luggage very much depends on the type and amount of features that are incorporated in its design. Basic luggage without any special features is usually inexpensive, while suitcases that have a bunch of convenient features generally sport higher price tags.
This is particularly true with companies like Briggs & Riley, Rimowa, and other luggage brands, which invest a lot of money into research and development of luggage features. If you notice that a brand includes a feature that they patented, expect that luggage to be pricey.
The cheapest suitcases you can buy usually don’t have any locks or pockets inside. They rarely even have a zippered divider, and in most cases, they’ll include just a pair of elastic straps to keep the clothing in place. Also, in-line wheels and single-spinner wheels are cheaper than double-spinner wheels, which offer the best performance.
Some standard features of a quality suitcase include double spinner wheels, a height-adjustable wheel handle, a TSA-friendly lock, and at least one zippered divider inside, as well as a few pockets. High-end luggage can also include features like USB ports for charging, low-profile grab handles, and an extra handle at the bottom, and all of those features cost money to add to the luggage.
Sizing
The sizing of suitcases impacts luggage prices, but not quite as much as you’d think. More often than not, a massive checked bag is just $100 or so more expensive than a carry-on bag, but that’s because there are additional costs associated with checked baggage.
Carry-on luggage is cheaper to manufacture because fewer materials are necessary. It takes more materials, parts, and labor to make a checked case, so naturally it’s going to be priced higher than a very small bag.
However, it’s also necessary to consider that, although a 28” suitcase might not cost twice as much as a 20” carry-on, most airlines will charge you a fee for checking a large suitcase. You’ll have to pay even more fees if that case weighs more than 50 lbs, which is why it’s generally cheaper to travel with carry-on bags only.
Warranty And Support
One major difference between cheap and premium suitcases is the warranty offered by the sellers. While most affordable luggage comes with a limited 1-year warranty and horrible customer support, expensive luggage brands usually offer much better warranties and excellent support.
The way I see it, if a brand offers a 10-year warranty or even a lifetime warranty, they’re not afraid to put their money where their mouth is. Or, in other words, they’re confident enough about the quality of their luggage to know that most of their customers won’t need the warranty in the first place.
The guarantee that your suitcase will last at least 10 years, and in case it doesn’t, they’ll replace any faulty parts for free is an important factor in the price of luggage. Don’t expect such a warranty from a cheap suitcase, but demand it from luxury luggage. I would never buy a $500+ suitcase with a 1-year warranty – if the manufacturer can’t vouch for their luggage, why should I trust them with my money?
Celebrity Promotions
Tumi’s collaboration with McLaren
Many high-end and luxury luggage brands partner with celebrities to promote their luggage collections. Sometimes they’ll launch a limited edition collection approved by a specific celebrity, and other times they’ll just sponsor someone to only travel with their luggage for a certain amount of time.
So, when you see Serena Williams with an Away suitcase or Lando Norris carrying a Tumi bag, it’s natural to become curious about the luggage. Celebrity promotions inevitability increase luggage sales, and the brands have to earn back the money they paid to those celebrities somehow.
And it’s not just A-listers that are promoting luggage anymore; mid-range brands often partner with influencers and YouTubers. I can’t even begin to tell you how many “pack with me” videos I’ve come across that are just undisclosed ads for a specific luggage brand. So, the next time you see your favorite celebrity or online persona sporting an interesting suitcase, just consider that they’re most likely being paid to carry it, and they didn’t spend any of their own money on it.
Limited Availability
Whenever I see the phrase “limited edition” in the name of something, I immediately know I’m not going to like the price. Launching a luggage collection with limited availability is an easy way for a brand to slap a higher price tag on it. It’s all about exclusivity and elite status, and the fact that other rich people will recognize your luggage and know you’re one of them.
Exclusive and limited edition luggage is worth it only if you never have to worry about money. More often than not, it boasts an inflated price without offering any real upgrades in terms of features and quality, so it’s generally impossible to justify the cost.
Labor Costs
Some luggage is more expensive because it’s produced locally or even handcrafted, so naturally the labor costs are higher. But this is rarely something that brands advertise, so if you want to know for sure whether you’re paying a higher price because their employees are getting paid a good wage, you’ll need to do some research.
The main giveaway is the location of the brand’s factories. It’s no secret that factories in southeast Asia are generally known for cheap labor costs, so when a luxury brand only manufactures their luggage overseas, you can’t be too confident about the value and quality of the luggage.
But if you see that a brand has factories in EU countries or the United States, you can be somewhat reassured that the higher costs reflect the fair wages and working conditions in the factories.
Is Investing in Expensive Luggage Worth It?
Are you rich enough to buy cheap things? While affordable luggage might be a good quick fix, it will undeniably break or malfunction at one point, and you’ll need to replace it. If you’re a frequent flyer, you’ll have to replace it sooner rather than later, and the costs will add up quite quickly.
You’ll essentially spend more on cheap luggage than you would have spent if you just purchased the premium suitcase immediately, so I’d say that it’s absolutely worth it to splurge on luggage.
But it still depends on a few different things, most importantly how often you travel. If you travel often, expensive luggage is definitely worth it. On the other hand, if you don’t travel too often, or you usually travel by car or train, then spending a small fortune on luggage might not be necessary.
In any case, I would discourage most people from buying very cheap luggage because it’s usually of poor quality and won’t last long. Mid-range luggage is perfectly fine for most people, and luxury luggage is for those who can afford it without breaking the bank.
About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
