Roberta Aguirre
It is possible to buy a suitcase at the airport, and many travellers do so. There are a few reasons why someone might want to buy a suitcase at the airport, including a broken bag, a bag being overweight, or simply because they like the look of a suitcase in an airport store. Airports are smart business locations for travel retailers, as travellers are more likely to notice what other travellers are rolling or carrying, and they have time to kill.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Suitcases available at airports | Yes |
| Suitcases available pre-security | Yes |
| Suitcases available post-security | Yes |
| Reasons for buying a suitcase at the airport | Last-minute realisation of need for a new suitcase, dissatisfaction with current suitcase, broken suitcase, overweight luggage, impulse purchase |
| Suitcase retailers at airports | Hudson, Tumi, Samsonite, Target, Macy's, Travel + Leisure Travel Store |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Suitcase stores at airports are high-end retail shops
Additionally, travellers may be more inclined to purchase a suitcase at the airport if they find themselves in need of a last-minute replacement due to a broken bag or if they have accumulated more items during their trip than they anticipated and require an extra bag to avoid overweight charges. In these cases, the convenience of being able to immediately acquire a new suitcase or carry-on bag may outweigh the higher prices typically associated with airport retail shops.
The availability of well-known brands, such as Samsonite and Tumi, at airport retail shops also contributes to their high-end nature. These brands often cater to a more affluent customer base and may appeal to travellers who prioritise quality and brand recognition when making luggage purchases.
Furthermore, the very presence of suitcase stores at airports can influence purchasing decisions. Travellers who frequently pass by these stores may be more inclined to consider buying a new suitcase, even if they do not immediately make a purchase. The constant exposure to the products and the association with travel can create a sense of familiarity and brand awareness that may lead to future sales.
While the primary focus of suitcase stores at airports may be on high-end retail, it is important to recognise that they also provide a practical solution for travellers facing luggage-related challenges. Whether it is a matter of convenience, necessity, or impulse, suitcase stores at airports cater to a specific market and play a unique role in the travel retail landscape.
Traveling with Doritos: What's the Big Deal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airports provide a captive audience with time to kill
Indeed, the airport environment can influence travellers' purchasing decisions. With luggage on their minds, travellers may be more susceptible to buying suitcases. Seeing others with stylish or functional luggage may also inspire travellers to make a purchase. Moreover, the inconvenience of a broken suitcase or excess baggage fees may prompt travellers to buy new luggage at the airport.
For example, a passenger at Tucson International Airport chose to buy an inexpensive carry-on bag to avoid a $100 overweight baggage fee. Similarly, a traveller at Chicago's O'Hare Airport bought a leather tote bag after her original bag broke. In another instance, a passenger at San Francisco International Airport inquired about buying a suitcase at the airport after their luggage was damaged during a previous flight.
While some travellers may find airport suitcase prices exorbitant, others view the convenience of buying luggage at the airport as justifying the cost. Additionally, travellers may be more inclined to purchase luggage from well-known brands at airports, associating these brands with safety and familiarity.
In summary, airports offer a unique setting where travellers have time to kill and are surrounded by other travellers with luggage, influencing their purchasing decisions. This captive audience, combined with the specific needs and mindset of travellers, contributes to the demand for suitcases at airports.
Airport Vaping: Can I Juul Before Takeoff?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Last-minute luggage buyers are often those with broken bags
Last-minute luggage buyers at the airport are often those with broken bags. A broken zipper, a damaged suitcase that won't close, or a bag that's too heavy and will incur extra fees are all reasons travellers might need to buy luggage at the airport. Airports are smart to sell luggage as they have a captive audience with time to kill, and travellers with "luggage on the brain".
Indeed, some travellers may be more inclined to purchase luggage at the airport simply because they are dissatisfied with their current luggage. After packing and lugging their bags to the airport, they may realise their suitcase is too big, too heavy, or doesn't hold enough. They may also decide they want a new bag after seeing a stylish option in an airport store.
Additionally, travellers may need to purchase extra luggage to accommodate all their belongings. This could be due to overweight bag fees, buying too many souvenirs, or realising they need a different type of bag, such as a carry-on, for their trip.
While it may not be the most cost-effective option, buying luggage at the airport can be a convenient solution for travellers facing last-minute baggage issues.
Air Force One: Can it Land at Morristown Airport?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Some travellers buy luggage at airports for convenience
There are also travellers who buy luggage at airports because they have "luggage on the brain", according to Michele Marini Pittenger, president of the Travel Goods Association. She says that while travellers are satisfied with their suitcases when they are sitting in their closets, once they have packed them and lugged them to the airport, they may realize they are too big, too small, too heavy, or they may dislike the wheels.
Additionally, some travellers may need to purchase another bag at the airport because they have bought too many things on their trip and need an extra bag to carry them all home. This is especially true of international travellers who have bought items that they cannot get in their home countries.
Finally, some travellers may buy luggage at the airport because they have had their locks broken by customs officers and need a new one.
Melbourne Airport: Where to Buy a SIM Card
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Airports sell luggage to those who need more space for shopping
Airports sell luggage, and there are several reasons why travellers may opt to purchase luggage at an airport. One of the main reasons is the convenience of being able to buy a new suitcase on the spot if your existing luggage is damaged or too small for all your belongings. For example, if you are informed that your suitcase is overweight and will incur an extra fee, you may decide to buy an additional carry-on bag to avoid the overweight charge. Similarly, if your luggage is damaged or the zipper breaks, you may need to purchase a new suitcase to securely pack your belongings. Airports also tend to target a high-wealth demographic, and travellers may be more inclined to make impulse purchases, such as an attractive suitcase, while waiting for their flight.
Additionally, travellers may find themselves needing more luggage space for shopping, especially if they are returning home from a vacation and have bought several souvenirs or items that cannot be easily found in their home country. In such cases, purchasing an extra suitcase at the airport can be a practical solution to accommodate all their purchases. This is a common occurrence, and many airports have recognised the demand for luggage among travellers, leading to the availability of suitcases for sale within airport terminals.
Furthermore, the availability of high-end retail options at airports, including well-known luggage brands, can appeal to travellers who want to take advantage of the convenience and selection offered at airport stores. Some travellers may also have a preference for purchasing luggage at airports due to the specialised nature of these stores, which often cater specifically to the needs of travellers. The ability to compare different luggage options and make a well-informed purchase decision can be advantageous, especially for travellers who may not have the time or inclination to shop for luggage elsewhere.
While some travellers may view the prices of airport luggage as inflated, others may prioritise convenience and the ability to resolve last-minute luggage issues over cost considerations. Ultimately, the decision to purchase luggage at an airport depends on individual needs and preferences. However, for travellers who find themselves in need of extra luggage space, airport stores can provide a timely solution to ensure they can comfortably transport all their belongings, including shopping items, during their journey.
Fresh Cut Fruit: San Diego Airport Rules
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy suitcases at the airport. Many airports have luggage stores or gift shops that sell suitcases and other types of bags.
Airports sell luggage to target a specific demographic, i.e., high-wealth/frequent travellers. Airports are also one of the few places where people are dissatisfied with their current luggage, especially if it is broken or overweight.
The availability of luggage stores depends on the airport. Some airports have pre-security luggage stores, while others may have them post-security. Some airports with luggage stores include JFK Terminal 2, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Chicago's O'Hare Airport, and San Francisco International Airport.
If you are looking for cheaper alternatives, you can try buying luggage from stores near the airport, such as Target, Walmart, or Macy's. Alternatively, you can try packing your belongings in a large garbage bag or using duct tape to hold your current suitcase shut.
