15 Amazon Black Friday Deals That Aren’t Worth Buying and What to Shop Instead

After countless airport sprints and overstuffed carry-ons, I’ve learned to be a bit picky about what travel essentials make it into my cart—no matter how tempting the Amazon deals may look. A deep discount means nothing if your suitcase cracks mid-trip or your so-called comfy travel outfit makes a long flight feel even longer. This Black Friday, I’m skipping certain markdowns and focusing on true travel upgrades that actually make a difference, like durable Samsonite luggage, podiatrist-approved sneakers, and cozy matching lounge sets that look polished but totally feel like pajamas. 

Amazon’s Black Friday sale is the perfect time to shop smarter, not harder. From Apple AirTags that keep tabs on your luggage to well-designed toiletry bags and packing cubes that bring order to your suitcase, these are the Amazon travel essentials worth buying—and the deals you can confidently skip. 

Best Amazon Black Friday Deals

Don’t buy: Sweatshirts and sweatpants

Do buy: Cozy matching set

Your go-to travel outfit deserves an upgrade from the tired sweatshirt and sweatpants combo. This best-selling matching wide-leg lounge set nails that sweet spot between cozy and chic, with a soft half-zip top and flowy drawstring pants that feel like pajamas, but look totally pulled together. It’s the kind of outfit that says “I have my life together,” even when you’re sprinting through TSA with a latte in hand. 

Don’t buy: Flimsy suitcase

Do buy: Durable luggage

Nothing kills the travel vibe faster than noticing your suitcase is cracked once it comes around on the baggage carousel—trust me, I’ve been there. The Samsonite Freeform Hardside Carry-on is the upgrade every frequent flyer needs in their arsenal. It’s crafted with all the features you need to travel smoother, including a durable exterior, smoother spinner wheels, and a TSA-approved lock. And with Amazon’s Black Friday deals, there’s no better time to snag a suitcase that can withstand travel chaos at a major discount before your next adventure. 

Don’t Buy: a Shoulder Bag

Do Buy: an Anti-theft Crossbody Bag

If you’re shopping for an upcoming trip, ditch the shoulder bag in your shopping cart and opt for this Travelon Anti-theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag instead. This compact crossbody packs serious security, thanks to its slash-resistant straps, lockable zippers, and RFID-blocking pockets, so you can explore without clutching your bag for dear life. It’s lightweight, easy to organize, and a favorite among travelers who want to enjoy their trip without worrying about pickpockets. 

Don’t Buy: Pepper spray

Do Buy: a Personal Safety Alarm

If you like to keep a little extra protection on hand when you travel, it’s time for a safer and TSA-approved swap. The She’s Birdie Personal Safety Alarm packs a powerful siren and flashing light to draw attention fast—no permits, no restrictions, and no risk of accidental mishaps. You can clip it to your keys or bag, and actually take it everywhere, including airports and public areas. 

Don’t Buy: Traditional Luggage Tags

Do Buy: Apple AirTags

Forget the flimsy luggage tag. Apple AirTags are the real MVP of modern travel. Slip one into your checked bag and you’ll know exactly where it is, even if the airline doesn’t. If you snag this four-pack while it’s on sale during Black Friday, you can also keep tabs on everything from your purse to your pet’s collar—because peace of mind shouldn’t end when your flight does. 

Don’t Buy: Bulky Toiletry Travel Kits with Single-use Bottles

Do Buy: Refillable Travel Toiletry Kit

Ditch the bulky pre-filled toiletry kits and level up your travel game with the Tocelffe 18-piece Travel Bottles Set. With four soft silicone squeeze bottles, four mini cream jars, spray bottles, a funnel, a TSA-approved bag, and more, you get total packing flexibility. Plus, the leak-proof, reusable design means no more one-time throw-away plastic bottles or surprise shampoo explosions in your suitcase. It’s truly a win-win for you and the environment.

Don’t Buy: Luggage Organizer Bags

Do Buy: Compression Packing Cubes

If you’re an overpacker, Bagail Compression Packing Cubes are about to change your life—and the way you pack. These cubes help compress your clothes down, so you can squeeze in those “just in case” outfits without overstuffing your bag. They’re lightweight, durable, and ideal for both carry-ons and checked luggage. Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without them in the first place. 

Don’t Buy: Uncomfortable Tennis Shoes

Do Buy: Timeless, Podiatrist-approved Sneakers

Long travel days call for shoes that actually keep up. The Dr. Scholl’s Time Off sneakers are podiatrist- and Oprah-approved for their cushioned insoles and arch support that make every step feel effortless. I have them myself and can confirm they’re a closet staple, supportive, and perfect for long days of exploring. With major Black Friday deals like this one, now’s the time to grab a pair—your feet will thank you later. 

Don’t Buy: Single-device Power Banks

Do Buy: Multitasking Portable Charger

A slim, multitasking portable charger is the ultimate travel hack, especially when it can juice up multiple devices at once. Ditch the clunky, single-use power bank and snag one that comes with built-in cables for your phone, earbuds, and more. The Charmast Portable Charger keeps everything powered without having to lug around tangled cords. Plus, it’s sleek, lightweight, and slips easily into any carry-on or personal bag. 

Don’t Buy: Regular Earbuds

Do Buy: Noise-cancelling Earbuds

There’s no better time to upgrade your in-flight soundtrack than during Amazon’s Black Friday sale. The Apple AirPods Pro are a hot item and finally marked down, making this the perfect moment to swap your basic earbuds for something truly next-level. With crisp noise-cancellation and impressive sound quality, these earbuds are well worth the investment. 

Don’t Buy: a Chunky Novel

Do Buy: an Amazon Kindle

If lugging around a 600-page novel is weighing you down (literally), trade it in for the sleek and travel-friendly Amazon Kindle Paperwhite. With a feather-light build that slips easily into your carry-on and a glare-free screen designed for hours of reading in any light, it’s built for travelers. Rather than choosing one hefty book, you can carry a library’s worth of titles in one compact device.

Don’t Buy: Corded Headphones for In-flight Entertainment

Do Buy: a Wireless Bluetooth Transmitter

Corded headphones might be having a moment among Gen-Z, but they’re a total hassle at 30,000 feet. Between tangled wires and limited space, no one wants to wrestle with a cord mid-flight. The Twelve South AirFly SE Bluetooth Adapter solves that problem—just plug it into the seat jack, pair your wireless earbuds, and enjoy tangle-free entertainment. Even better? It can connect to two sets of headphones at once, so you and your seatmate can watch the same movie without having to share headphones. 

Don’t Buy: a Regular Backpack

Do Buy: One That Doubles as a Carry-on

Compact backpacks are great for quick trips, but a carry-on backpack like the Taygeer Travel Backpack takes things to the next level. With a 27-liter capacity, tons of interior organization, and a sleek design that slides easily under an airplane seat, it’s built for travelers who want to pack smarter, not heavier. Some shoppers have even said that it fits up to a week’s worth of clothes, making it an impressive alternative to bulky weekender bags or overstuffed totes. 

Don’t Buy: Uncomfortable, Tight Travel Pants

Do Buy: Comfy, Wide-leg Yoga Pants

Skip the restrictive athletic leggings and jeans this Black Friday, and instead, grab these popular Copyleaf wide-leg pants that are comfy enough for the flight yet still put-together for sightseeing when you land. They’re currently 40 percent off, and over 2,000 pairs have already been snagged this month alone. It’s an easy way to feel a lot more comfortable during your journey. 

Don’t Buy: a Bulky Toiletry Kit

Do Buy: a Hanging Toiletry Bag

The Bagsmart Hanging Toiletry Bag is a game-changer for organized travelers. Unlike traditional toiletry bags that take up the entire sink, this one hangs neatly from a hook, freeing up precious counter space. The clear zippered pockets make it easy to see everything at a glance—no more digging for your moisturizer or toothbrush in a jumbled pouch. It’s compact, practical, and makes unpacking (and repacking) a total breeze. 

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