Flight Attendants and Pilots Swear by These Top-rated Suitcases and Travel Bags — and They’re Starting at $10

As much as accessories like packing cubes and luggage straps make travel a bit easier, they can't perform without a great suitcase. And if you’re in need of a luggage upgrade, you’re in luck because Amazon has massive, wide-spread discounts on some of its top-rated and best-selling carry-ons, weekenders, and checked bags. 

When choosing the perfect bag for your next trip out of the countless deals, brands, and features, the options can feel quite overwhelming. My secret? I turn to flight attendants and pilots for expert advice on the best luggage on the market. With their extensive experience of navigating busy airports and packing for long-haul flights, they have insider knowledge on what works (and what doesn't). But if you don’t have a trusty cabin crew member on speed dial, no worries. I’ve curated a list of the best deals on flight attendant- and pilot-approved luggage and travel bags during this limited-time sale (think: Samsonite, Travelpro, and more up to 57 percent off).

Samsonite Winfield 2 Hardside 20-inch Carry-on

If you’re looking for a suitcase that is not just flight attendant-approved but also loved by Travel + Leisure editors, then this Samsonite carry-on should absolutely be on your radar. According to one flight attendant, its “smooth rolling” wheels and sleek construction “holds up during [their] daily travels.” And with a generous 44 percent discount this week, this deal is simply too good to pass up.

Delsey Paris Titanium Hardside 25-inch Checked-medium Suitcase

On their personal time, flight attendants use this "great quality bag" from Delsey Paris. In fact, it earned a stamp of approval from one cabin member, who said they "consider myself a luggage expert as I have basically been living out of suitcases and hotels for 28 years." Get it for $70 off this weekend during Amazon's flash luggage sale.

AmazonBasics Hardside Spinner 20-inch Carry-on Suitcase

Are you a frequent traveler on a quest to find a durable bag to accompany on your adventures?  This flight attendant found themselves on a similar journey — until they discovered the ideal bag: the AmazonBasics Hardside Carry-on. Taking to the review section, they were happy to report that it “rolls with complete ease and is sturdy, too. My arms and back feel absolutely zero stress… It feels like it's floating.” Between its smooth-rolling wheels and lightweight build, it's a must-snag bag, especially while it's only $72.

Ibfun Weekender Bag

Pro tip: If a flight attendant ever deems something perfect, consider that a sign that you need it in your travel repertoire. It just so happens that this lightweight weekender bag has been dubbed “perfection for frequent travelers” by flight attendants for its spacious yet compact build that can “easily fit two to three pairs of shoes in the bottom compartment, and enough things to be comfortable on a two-day trip.” As if it couldn’t get any better (aside from its $34 price tag), this bag also comes with a crossbody and toiletry pack, which are super handy for packing all of your additional personal belongings.

Level8 Store Rolling Carry-on 20-inch Suitcase

This sleek suitcase is made with an ultra-durable hardshell, eight silent 360-degree spinning wheels, and spacious compartments. In fact, one pilot said they have “used it for over 100 flights” and absolutely love how it “fits perfectly in the overhead compartment of regular and regional jets, the wheels are solid, and it glides easily through the airport.” If you want to give this pilot-approved suitcase a try for yourself, be sure to clip the on-site coupon for $15 off.

Hanke Multifunctional Hardshell 26-inch Suitcase

Prime members are privy to particularly great deals this weekend, including this Hanke medium-checked suitcase that’s on exclusive sale for $192. Aside from its stellar deal, one flight attendant said that, after “searching for the perfect work bag for years, [they’ve] finally found it.” They also mentioned that this bag “exceeded [their] expectations” and that their “coworkers are now asking where to find this little suitcase.”

Tprc Smart Underseat Carry-on Suitcase

I am absolutely smitten with my underseat carry-on. I traveled with one for the first time this year and was blown away by its seamless transportability, and that it fit perfectly under the airplane seat in front of me. Flight attendants seem to agree, and are especially loving this underseat carry-on from Tprc. Despite its size, the bag is able to fit "sneakers, my service shoes, extra uniform, jeans, two shirts, and yoga pants just in the main compartment,"one flight attendant shared, adding, "With the pockets, there's still plenty of room for some toiletries, makeup, and some other essentials.”

U.S. Traveler Store Expandable Carry-on and Duffel Set

This luggage set instantly caught my attention with its remarkable $20 discount and 18,000-plus five-star ratings — many of which are from cabin members. Flight attendants “absolutely love this luggage set” and gushed that it's “durable and dependable," and offers "so much room" when they overpack. Even more, one chimed in to share that this two-for-one set is “absolutely great” and hasn’t shown a single sign of wear and tear (which means a lot considering how much flight attendants travel).

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Carry-on 21-inch Suitcase

If you’re jet-setting around the world, you'll need a bag that can withstand the stress of travel. This suitcase has been praised as the “best lightweight suitcase” by flight attendants for its expandable design and sleek, lightweight exterior. But they aren’t the only ones who love it, as pilots have also raved about its quality and convenience in the review section. One added that “this bag is great quality and just the right size… The rollers are smooth and it is easy to drag through the airport.” And as a treat, it's discounted to $145 today.

SwissGear 1900 Scansmart Travel Backpack

If you’ve never used a travel backpack in lieu of a carry-on, you don’t know what you’re missing out on. They’re surprisingly spacious — so much so that I routinely pack them for weekend trips — while remaining easy to carry around because of their ergonomic design. One longtime fan raved that they have been using this bag “several times a month" on flights and "never have issues with TSA.” They also mentioned that it’s been approved by their flight attendant friend, who has been using it for the last three years. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.