As a flight attendant with over 10 years of experience, Iâve found that the changing of the seasons usually means swapping out some of the essentials I keep packed in my bag. With summer fully behind us and chillier temperatures ahead, Iâm taking out items like summer matching sets and sandals and replacing them with warmer layers and versatile shoes. Now is the time for any traveler to take stock of their go-to items and see what could use an upgrade for fall. Lucky for you, I can help guide you through some of the most important staples for the season, all of which are on sale for Black Friday.
The massive Amazon Black Friday sale offers a great opportunity to upgrade your travel accessories and essentials, from spacious gear, like a carry-on backpack that can hold everything, to versatile clothes, like a stylish matching sweater set youâll wear all fall. After 11 years of packing and unpacking my bags for a living, Iâm confident as a subject matter expert on things that make your life in the air or on the road a little bit easier.Â
Best Overall Amazon Black Friday Deals
Lovevook Travel Backpack
Amazon
Iâm a big fan of traveling with backpacks instead of weekenders or duffels. This particular travel backpack checks all of my most important boxes: it has a compartment for everything (and zippers on the outside pockets for security), it includes packing cubes for extra organization, and it has a sleeve on the back to stack on top of rolling luggage. Available in a variety of trendy colors, this carry-on backpack is cute and practical. My best flight attendant pro tip for traveling with a backpack is to slip it around onto your chest while waiting on the jet bridge for easy access to your essentials when you get to your seat. This also prevents accidental bumping into the folks seated on the aisle if you turn around or have to step back. Â
Fixmatti Matching Set
Amazon
Matching sets are my absolute favorite travel outfits. Now is the time to switch from short-sleeves and lightweight layers to long-sleeved, cozier options with a bit more warmth. This two-in-one matching set from Fixmatti is comfortable, cozy, and effortlessly stylish with details like a mockneck collar, ribbed cuffs, and center front seamâand itâs now 20 percent off. As the weather gets cooler, throw some fleece leggings on underneath the pants for extra warmth.
Narwey Compression Packing Cubes
Amazon
Itâs no secret I love packing cubes. Itâs the first thing I recommend when people ask for packing tips and tricks, and itâs definitely the item that makes living out of a suitcase easier. This set from Narwey is my new favorite because itâs available in darling prints while helping me pack everything I need, thanks to the compressing design. Who says your luggage and accessories have to be boring? Now you can keep your portable closet stylish, too.Â
Eachy Travel Makeup Bag
Amazon
Iâll admit I have two of these Eachy bags: one for makeup and one for toiletries and medications. Its size, shape, and functionality make it an easy must-have pick for meâand itâs no wonder itâs Amazonâs No. 1 best-selling cosmetic bag. Not only do these toiletry bags fit everything I need, but I love their square, sturdy design; I can easily stack the bag at the bottom of my suitcase closest to the wheels so nothing moves around or tips over in transit.
Rockland Melbourne Carry-on
Amazon
Hardside luggage is a good idea for lots of reasons. It offers extra protection from moisture, valuables are more likely to make it in one piece, and it seems less likely to come apart on luggage conveyor belts. Iâm loving this discounted Rockland carry-on for its durable yet spacious design (some travelers say it can fit one weekâs worth of clothing). And for less than $35, itâs a steal for a sturdy carry-on bag.
Suzamed Insulin Cooler Travel Case
Amazon
If you take prescription medications that need to be refrigerated, this Cooler Travel Case will make travel days a lot easier. Rather than having to track down ice at every turn, just pop this case and its TSA-compliant ice packs in the freezer prior to departure to keep your medication safe while in the air. I love the compartments inside, keeping all your accessories organized, and the pack comes in a variety of colors, making it easy to identify in your carry-on. Iâm sending one of these handy cases to my mom right now!
Band-Aid Travel-ready Emergency First Aid Kit
Amazon
Be prepared for any incident or accident with a travel first-aid kit, like this robustâyet packableâoption from Band-Aid with everything you need, from pain relievers to bandages. Itâs designed to be refillable, so you can keep it stocked and then add it to your suitcase for your next trip. Small enough that itâll take up hardly any space in your bag, it may be a lifesaver for you or your traveling companions.
Kidmi Suede Clogs
Amazon
Donât get me wrong, I love beach days, but Iâm ready for cozy nights spent by the fire. These comfy clogs are the perfect transition shoe from living in sandals to needing footwear that will keep your toes warm. Theyâre still just as easy to slide on as your favorite sandals, but they offer more warmth and protection.
Bedsure Travel Blanket With Storage Bag
Amazon
This travel blanket is an in-flight game changer because it has a superconvenient pocket that you can keep essentials in so theyâre close to you while you snooze or get comfy watching a movie. Then, when youâre done with the blanket, it packs into the pocket so itâs compact to pack back in your bag. This set even comes with an eye mask if your neighbor loves looking out the window while youâre trying to get some shut-eye.
Skytrax Travel Pillow With Extra Large Hood
Amazon
Nothing says âDo Not Disturbâ on a flight like this neck pillow with a hood. The pillow is made of memory foam so it will provide plenty of comfort and support to snooze on the plane, while the removable cover is soft and can be zipped off to be washed. The generous hood will cover your head and your peripheral vision so you can sleep unbothered.
Impossibly Compact Travel Wipes
Amazon
Spill your coffee? Tray table messy? Maybe you forgot a napkin when you were rushing to the plane. Disinfectant wipes are often the solution to these issues, but sometimes I donât want to deal with the strong bleach smell and would prefer just a little refresh instead. Enter these travel wipes that are made of mostly water, so you can use them to quickly wipe down a mess or wipe over your face for a pick-me-up during a long flight. The handy, pocket-sized pack takes no extra space in your carry-on, and Amazon gives you eight packs in this box for just $9, so youâll be prepared for any mishap for several trips to come.
Beats Solo 4 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Amazon
Iâve said it before, and Iâll say it againâno one wants to help you find your tiny earbud that fell out while you were sleeping. Airplane floors are dirty and full of tiny crevices that trap food and debrisâand your long-lost earbud will more than likely pick up dirt and germs. Over-ear headphones are the solution, and these Beats Solo 4 headphones will not only feel comfortable for a long-haul flight and stay on, but theyâll also provide high-quality sound.
Flat Plug Power Strip and Extension Cord
Amazon
How many times have you arrived at your destination with five rechargeable devices and only one available plug in your hotel room? Most flight attendants I know carry an extension cord with multiple outlets, much like this simple solution on sale for just $12. It has three outlets and two USB and two USB-C ports, so you can charge everything from your phone to your Apple Watch all at the same time.
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