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

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

Amazon’s Black Friday sales aren’t too hard, but it’s the perfect time to make the most of your purchases. From Apple Air Tags 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 accessories worth buying—and the deals you can skip with confidence.

The best Amazon Black Friday deals

Don’t buy: sweatshirts and sweatpants

Buy: Comfortable matching sets

Your travel outfit deserves an upgrade from a tired sweatshirt and sweat combo. This best-selling wide-leg lounge set nails the sweet spot between casual and chic, with a soft half-zip top and fluffy drawstring pants that feel like pajamas, but are perfectly pulled together. It’s the kind of dress that says “I have my life together,” even when you’re splashing through the TSA with a latte in hand.

Don’t buy: flimsy suitcases

Buy: Durable goods

Nothing kills the travel vibe faster than having your suitcase explode once it comes around on the luggage carousel – trust me, I’ve been there. The Simsnite Freeform Hardside Carry-On is an upgrade every frequent flyer needs in their arsenal. It’s built with all the features you need for a smooth ride, including a durable exterior, smooth 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 the travel chaos at a big discount before your next adventure.

Don’t Buy: A shoulder bag

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 Travellon 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 find your bag without holding on 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

Buy: Personal Security Alarm

If you want to have a little extra protection on hand when you travel, now is the time to get a secure and TSA-approved exchange. That Birdie Personal Safety Alarm packs a powerful siren and flashing light to attract attention—no permits, no restrictions, and no risk of accidental accidents. You can clip it to your keys or bag, and practically take it everywhere, including airports and public areas.

Don’t buy: Traditional luggage tags

Buy: Apple Ear Tags

Forget flimsy luggage tags. Apple Ear Tags are the real MVP of modern travel. A slip in your checked bag and you’ll know exactly where it is, even if the airline doesn’t. If you snag this four-pack when it’s on sale during Black Friday, you can keep tabs on everything from your purse to your pet’s collar—because peace of mind doesn’t have to be lost when you fly.

Don’t buy: Large toiletry travel kits with single-use bottles

Buy: Refillable Travel Toiletry Kit

Ditch the big fairy-filled toiletry kits and up your travel game with the Tolf 18-piece travel bottle 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 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 bag

Buy: Compression Packing Cubes

If you’re an overpacker, Bagel Compression Packing Cubes are going to change your life. And the way you pack. These cubes help compress your clothes down, so you can squeeze in “just” arrangements without bulking up your bag. They’re lightweight, durable, and ideal for both carry-on and checked luggage. Once you try them, you’ll wonder if you ever traveled without them.

Don’t buy: Uncomfortable tennis shoes

Buy: Timeless, podiatrist-approved shoes

Long travel days call for shoes that actually last. Dr. Scholl’s time away from the shoe is a podiatrist—and the Oprahs are approved for their cushioned insoles and arch support that make every step feel effortless. I own them myself and can attest that they are a wardrobe staple, supportive and perfect for long days of exploring. With great Black Friday deals like these, now’s the time to grab a pair — your feet will thank you later.

Don’t buy: Single-device power banks

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 and ditch the clunky, single-use power bank 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

Buy: Noise-cancelling earbuds

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

Don’t Buy: A Chunky Novel

Buy: An Amazon Kindle

If lugging around a 600-page novel is your weight (literally), trade it in for the sleek and travel-friendly Amazon Kindle Paperwhite. With a featherlight build that slips easily into your carry-on and a glare-free screen designed for hours of reading in any light, it’s made for commuters. Instead of opting for a bulky book, you can carry a library’s worth of titles in a compact device.

Don’t buy: Corded headphones for in-flight entertainment

Buy: A wireless Bluetooth transmitter

Corded headphones may be having a moment among Gen Z, but they’re a total nuisance 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, connect your wireless earbuds, and enjoy confusion-free entertainment. Even better? It can connect to two sets of headphones at the same time, so you and your seatmate can watch the same movie without sharing headphones.

Don’t buy: A regular bag

Buy: One that doubles as a carry-on

Compact backpacks are great for quick trips, but a carry-on bag like the Tiger Travel Bag takes things to the next level. With a 27-liter capacity, tons of interior organization, and a sleek design that slips easily under an airplane seat, it’s made for travelers who want to pack smart, not too heavy. Some shoppers have even said it’s worth a week’s worth of wear, making it an impressive alternative to bulky weekender bags or overstuffed totes.

Don’t buy: Uncomfortable, tight travel pants

Buy: Relaxed, wide-leg yoga pants

Skip the restrictive athletic leggings and jeans this Black Friday, and instead, grab these popular Copleaf wide-leg pants that are comfortable enough for a flight but still pulled together for sightseeing when you land. They’re currently 40 percent off, and just over 2,000 pairs have already been snapped up this month. It’s an easy way to feel more comfortable during your trip.

Don’t buy: A large toilet kit

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 valuable counter space. Clear zippered pockets make it easy to see everything at a glance. There’s no more digging in the pouch for your moisturizer or toothbrush. It’s compact, practical, and makes unpacking (and repacking) a total breeze.

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