Why Is Luggage So Expensive?

If you’re like most travelers, when you look at the price tag on a suitcase or piece of luggage, you may do a double take. A rolling bag is one of the most common travel items, yet it can feel oh-so-expensive.

The answer to the question of why luggage is so expensive lies in a variety of factors: choice materials, innovative design and brand reputation all play a role. Moreover, the suitcases we choose reflect on our demand for durability, aesthetics and a sense of social responsibility.

A quality piece of luggage should last a lifetime or at least ten years for frequent travelers and can include features that make it easy to open, close, handle and maneuver. All of those details require significant research and development. Plus, the most expensive brands offer warranties that protect your investment and a hefty customer service department that can help you get your luggage back should something go wrong.

However, if you’re simply looking for a suitcase that holds your clothes and does the job well, there are options that are much cheaper. A $40 Kmart carry-on case, for example, can weigh the same as a more expensive Samsonite case. And a brightly colored or distinctive suitcase is easier to spot in a sea of baggage at the airport.