It’s a classic scene: travelers hustling through airport terminals with bags in tow, each with their own story and journey. But who would buy luggage at an airport of all places? It might seem like an unusual place to purchase a suitcase or tote, yet airport luggage shops thrive. From broken bags to impulse buys, there are plenty of reasons why travelers end up purchasing luggage mid-trip. Let’s dive into the interesting world of airport luggage shoppers.
1. The Case of the Broken Bag
Traveling can be rough on luggage. Suitcases take a beating from airport handling, moving through conveyor belts, and being tossed into overhead compartments. It’s not uncommon for a bag’s zipper, wheel, or handle to give out at the worst possible time—right in the middle of a journey. When Los Angeles-based freelance writer Sue Facter’s tote bag zipper broke, she initially planned to make it home without replacing it. But a chic leather tote with multiple pockets caught her eye in the airport gift shop. Not only was it stylish, but it was on sale. Today, it’s still her favorite bag, proving that an unfortunate mishap can sometimes lead to a fortunate find.
Airport shops cater to this exact need, with many stores offering in-store luggage repairs or replacements on the spot. In Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, staff will even help travelers repack their belongings in their new bag, readying them for the next leg of their trip.
2. The Overweight Baggage Fix
Many airport luggage shoppers are trying to solve a weight problem—their bag’s weight, to be precise. Airlines are strict when it comes to baggage weight limits, and the penalties for overweight bags can be steep. To avoid these charges, some travelers opt to buy an additional bag instead of paying a hefty fee.
Meteorologist Lindsey Slater faced this situation at Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport. Her checked bag was just over 50 pounds, pushing it into an expensive surcharge. Rather than paying $90 for the overweight fee, she purchased a smaller bag for $30 and packed it with some items to avoid the penalty. In a way, the airport luggage shop saved her both money and hassle.
3. The Impulse Buy: When Style Strikes
While practical needs drive many airport luggage purchases, sometimes it’s all about spotting a stylish piece. Travelers often have time to kill before boarding, and browsing airport shops can lead to tempting finds. Earlyne Alexander, for instance, couldn’t resist a colorful suitcase with a design by artist Romero Britto. She already had a carry-on but was captivated by the art on the new piece. She ended up buying it, putting her current luggage inside, and checking the new one.
For many, airports become an unexpected shopping destination where they find designer bags and high-quality luggage brands like Tumi and Travel + Leisure, often leading to unplanned yet delightful purchases.
4. Travelers in Need of Extra Space After Shopping Sprees
It’s common for travelers—especially international tourists—to find themselves in need of extra luggage to haul home their vacation purchases. Popular shopping destinations like Orlando and New York attract travelers from all over the world who come to buy items they can’t easily find at home. This shopping habit has created a unique market for luggage sales at airports, where travelers pick up an additional bag to accommodate all their newly acquired treasures.
Orlando International Airport, for example, has a shop called Bags 4 Travel, which opened to cater to travelers returning home with a bounty of new items. The shop’s bestsellers include duffel bags, Pan Am vintage luggage, and suitcases large enough to pack everything from clothes to electronics—even flat-screen TVs.
5. Practical Solutions for Lost or Stolen Luggage
Not every traveler loses a bag, but it happens. When luggage goes missing, travelers often find themselves in need of essentials to carry them through their trip. While they wait to see if their original bag turns up, buying a smaller suitcase or tote bag at the airport can be a lifesaver. An inexpensive carry-on can hold all the essentials needed for a short trip, allowing the traveler to carry on while the airport handles the lost luggage search.
6. Airport Luggage Shops: A Smart Business Move
For airport retailers, selling luggage is not only smart but highly profitable. Michele Marini Pittenger, president of the Travel Goods Association, highlights that airports are a strategic location to sell travel gear because travelers are in a “travel mindset.” When passengers see others with new or trendy bags, they’re reminded of their own needs. Airports serve as mini marketplaces with a “captive audience” that often has time to browse. Brands like Tumi and Hudson News recognize this, offering a range of bags to appeal to travelers with different needs, from last-minute repairs to stylish splurges.
In Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, traveler Benjamin Pendry makes regular stops at the Tumi store on Concourse E. For him, buying luggage at the airport is more convenient than shopping elsewhere because he’s already in travel mode. And he’s not alone; many travelers find that it’s simply easier to buy travel items while traveling, rather than making a separate trip to a luggage store.
7. Solving the Unexpected Need for a Carry-On
Sometimes, the most common reason for buying luggage at an airport is the simplest one: convenience. Traveling requires being prepared for the unexpected, and having a reliable carry-on or extra bag can make a huge difference. Whether they’re picking up a tote for a short overnight trip, a duffel bag to accommodate last-minute items, or simply looking to upgrade their travel style, travelers find airport luggage stores a surprisingly useful resource.
Even travelers who might never think of buying luggage mid-trip can find themselves tempted by the convenience and variety of options. Airport luggage shops offer high-end selections that appeal to both fashion-conscious and practical travelers.
Conclusion
Who buys luggage at an airport? More people than you might think. From travelers with broken bags to those needing extra space for shopping finds, airports offer a convenient place to buy last-minute luggage. With airport shops carrying a range of options from inexpensive totes to high-end designer suitcases, it’s no wonder these shops thrive. Airports have become more than just a place to catch a flight; they’re a destination for solving travel dilemmas and indulging in stylish purchases. Whether it’s out of necessity or simply an impulse, buying luggage at the airport often becomes part of the journey itself, meeting the needs of travelers who, for one reason or another, find themselves in search of a new bag.
