Open Story Luggage Review 2026: Worth Your Money?

Are you searching for affordable luggage that looks premium and performs like a champ? Open Story luggage has been making waves in the travel world, and for good reason.

This Target exclusive brand delivers hardside suitcases, travel backpacks, and accessories at prices that won’t empty your wallet.

In this detailed Open Story luggage review for 2026, we break down every feature, size option, material quality, and real user experience.

We also share honest pros and cons so you can decide if this brand deserves a spot in your travel gear collection. Stick around because the details might surprise you.

Key Takeaways

• Open Story is a Target owned travel brand that sells hardside suitcases, softside bags, backpacks, and travel accessories. Most products are priced under $130, making them a budget friendly alternative to premium brands like Away and Samsonite.
• The Signature Hardside Carry On is the most popular item in the lineup. It features a polycarbonate shell, TSA approved lock, eight spinner wheels, and a 10 year limited warranty. It weighs just 6.5 pounds.
• Travelers consistently praise the durability and value. Reviews on Target and Amazon highlight the water resistant exterior, smooth rolling wheels, and spacious interior with mesh compartments and cross straps.
• Open Story luggage is now available on Amazon in addition to Target stores and Target.com. This gives shoppers more flexibility with Prime shipping and easy returns.
• Color options are plentiful. You can choose from classic black, navy, matte atmosphere, muddy aqua, and several seasonal shades that rotate throughout the year.
• The 10 year warranty on Signature models sets Open Story apart from many budget luggage brands. This warranty covers manufacturing defects and gives buyers extra confidence in their purchase.

Open Story Signature 21 Inch Hardside Carry On Luggage

The Open Story Signature 21 Inch Hardside Carry On is the flagship product of this brand. It measures 21.5 x 14.5 x 9.75 inches with wheels, and it fits in most domestic airline overhead bins. The suitcase weighs only 6.5 pounds, which gives you more room within airline weight limits.

This carry on features a scratch resistant, textured polycarbonate shell that handles bumps and scrapes during travel. The exterior is water resistant, so a sudden rainstorm on the tarmac will not soak your belongings. Four oversized multidirectional spinner wheels provide smooth, 360 degree movement across airport floors.

Inside, you will find mesh compartments, cross straps, and a zippered divider that keeps your items organized. The built in TSA approved combination lock lets you secure your suitcase without carrying extra keys. A retractable telescoping handle locks at multiple heights for comfortable rolling.

Build Quality and Materials

Open Story uses polycarbonate for its hardside shell construction. This material is known for being lightweight yet impact resistant. It flexes under pressure instead of cracking, which means your suitcase can absorb rough handling from airport baggage systems.

The zipper quality on Open Story suitcases is solid for this price range. Users report smooth operation even after months of regular use. The zip around expansion feature adds about two inches of extra depth for those trips where you need a little more space.

Stitching and interior lining meet expectations for a mid range product. The Signature line uses 100% recycled polyester lining, which adds a sustainable touch. Handle connections feel sturdy, and the wheel housings are reinforced to prevent wobble or breakage over time.

Top 3 Alternatives for Open Story Luggage

Spinner Wheels and Maneuverability

One of the standout features of Open Story luggage is its eight spinner wheel system. These wheels rotate a full 360 degrees, which makes it easy to roll your suitcase beside you, push it in front, or pull it behind.

Travelers on Reddit and Target reviews describe the wheels as “smooth” and “effortless” on airport tile, carpet, and even outdoor sidewalks. The wheel bearings hold up well over time, and the rubber coating provides grip without scuffing floors.

Compared to four wheel designs, the eight wheel system distributes weight more evenly. This reduces strain on individual wheels and extends the overall lifespan of the suitcase. The low profile wheel housing also prevents snagging on escalator steps or car trunk edges.

TSA Approved Lock System

Every Open Story Signature suitcase comes with a built in TSA approved combination lock. You set your own three digit code without needing any keys. TSA agents can open the lock during inspections using a master key, so your suitcase stays intact.

Setting up the lock takes less than a minute. You simply follow the reset instructions printed near the lock mechanism. Once set, the lock clicks firmly into place and stays secure throughout your journey.

This feature eliminates the need for separate padlocks or cable locks. It also gives you peace of mind during checked baggage situations where your suitcase is out of sight for extended periods.

Interior Organization and Packing Space

The interior of Open Story hardside suitcases uses a clamshell design that opens flat. This gives you two distinct packing sections. One side features cross straps that hold folded clothes in place. The other side has a zippered mesh divider for smaller items.

Mesh pockets along the interior walls provide spots for toiletries, chargers, socks, and other small accessories. These pockets prevent items from shifting during transit. One reviewer on Travel and Leisure called the storage “compact yet spacious” with no risk of items falling out.

The expandable zipper adds roughly two extra inches of depth. This is enough room for a few extra outfits or souvenirs on the return trip. Even when fully expanded, the suitcase still fits within most airline carry on size limits.

Size Options Available

Open Story offers suitcases in three main sizes to cover different travel needs. The Carry On size works for weekend trips and short business travel. The Medium Checked size suits one to two week vacations. The Large Checked size handles extended trips or family packing.

The Carry On measures around 21.75 x 14.75 inches. The Medium Checked suitcase adds several inches in every direction and holds significantly more clothing. The Large Checked model is the biggest option, rated for up to 150 pounds of weight capacity.

Each size shares the same core features: spinner wheels, retractable handle, water resistant shell, and interior organization system. This means you can buy a matched set without losing any functionality as you scale up.

Warranty and Customer Support

The Open Story Signature line comes with a 10 year limited warranty. This covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. If your zipper fails, a wheel breaks, or the handle mechanism stops working due to a manufacturing flaw, you are covered.

The standard (non Signature) Open Story line offers a 1 year limited warranty. This is shorter but still provides basic protection for initial defects. You can file warranty claims through Target’s customer service channels.

Customer reviews frequently mention positive support experiences. Target’s return policy also adds a safety net. If the suitcase does not meet your expectations within the return window, you can bring it back to any Target store for a refund.

Price Comparison With Competitors

Open Story suitcases sit in the $60 to $130 price range at Target. The Carry On model typically costs around $91 to $100. The Large Checked option runs up to $130. These prices are significantly lower than many direct competitors.

Away’s Carry On starts at around $275. Samsonite Freeform carry ons retail for approximately $150 to $180. Travelpro Maxlite Air V2 models cost around $160 to $200. Open Story delivers many of the same features at half the price or less.

For budget conscious travelers, this pricing makes Open Story an attractive option. You get a TSA lock, spinner wheels, expandable shell, and a 10 year warranty without spending over $100 on a carry on. That is hard to beat in the current luggage market.

Real User Reviews and Feedback

Travelers on Target.com, Reddit, and TikTok have shared thousands of reviews about Open Story luggage. The overall sentiment is strongly positive, especially for the price point. More than 2,000 shoppers bought the Hardside Carry On in a recent month alone.

Common praise includes the lightweight feel, smooth wheel operation, and sturdy shell. One Target reviewer said it was a “great sturdy suitcase” that held a lot without getting too heavy. A Reddit user compared it favorably to Away, saying Open Story offered similar quality at a fraction of the cost.

Common criticisms are minor. Some users mention the telescoping handle feels slightly less premium than high end brands. A few note the color options on the standard line are limited compared to the Signature series. Overall, the value to quality ratio earns strong marks from real travelers.

Color and Style Choices

Open Story suitcases come in a range of color options that change by model and season. The Signature line offers Matte Black and Matte Atmosphere as staple choices. The standard line includes Black, Dark Gray, Muddy Aqua, Pink, and other rotating shades.

Matte finishes on the Signature models hide fingerprints and light scratches better than glossy alternatives. This is a practical benefit for frequent travelers who want their luggage to look fresh after many trips.

The clean, minimalist design appeals to travelers who prefer understated style. There are no large logos or flashy graphics on Open Story suitcases. The branding is subtle, and the overall look is modern and professional.

Who Should Buy Open Story Luggage

Open Story luggage is ideal for budget conscious travelers who want reliable performance without premium pricing. If you fly a few times a year for work or vacation, this brand covers your needs well. College students, young professionals, and families will all find value here.

Frequent flyers who already own high end luggage may use Open Story as a secondary or backup set. It works great for road trips, weekend getaways, or situations where you do not want to risk your expensive suitcase.

If you need a complete luggage set without spending $500 or more, Open Story lets you buy carry on, medium, and large sizes for roughly the same cost as one premium brand carry on. That math makes it an easy choice for many shoppers.

How to Get the Best Deal on Open Story

Target runs frequent sales on Open Story luggage throughout the year. Look for discounts during Target Circle Week, Black Friday, back to school season, and summer travel promotions. Prices often drop 15 to 30 percent during these events.

Amazon now stocks Open Story Signature models as well. This means you can use Prime shipping, subscribe to price alerts, and take advantage of Amazon sales events like Prime Day. Check both retailers before purchasing to find the best current price.

Using a Target RedCard saves you an extra 5% on every purchase at Target. Stacking this with a sale price can bring the Carry On well below $80. That is exceptional value for a hardside spinner suitcase with a 10 year warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Open Story luggage made by Target?

Yes. Open Story is a Target owned brand created exclusively for Target stores and Target.com. The brand launched in 2020 and has since expanded to also sell select products on Amazon. Target designs and oversees the production of all Open Story luggage and travel accessories.

Does Open Story luggage come with a warranty?

The Signature line includes a 10 year limited warranty that covers manufacturing defects under normal use. The standard Open Story line comes with a 1 year limited warranty. You can file claims through Target customer service or the Open Story website.

How heavy is the Open Story Carry On?

The Open Story Signature Hardside Carry On weighs approximately 6.5 pounds empty. This makes it one of the lighter hardside carry ons in its price range. The low weight gives you more packing capacity before hitting airline weight limits.

Can I use Open Story luggage for international flights?

Yes. The Carry On model fits within most international airline size requirements. However, some budget carriers have smaller overhead bins. Always check your specific airline’s size limits before travel. The Medium and Large Checked options work well for international trips that require more clothing.

Is Open Story luggage expandable?

Yes. Most Open Story hardside suitcases feature a zip around expansion system that adds about two inches of extra depth. This gives you room for extra items or souvenirs without needing to upgrade to a larger suitcase size.

How does Open Story compare to Away luggage?

Open Story costs roughly half the price of Away for similar features. Both brands offer hardside shells, spinner wheels, and TSA locks. Away uses slightly more premium materials and offers a built in battery option on some models. For most travelers, Open Story provides comparable everyday performance at a much lower cost.

Last update on 2026-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API