If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Travel Products Luggage + Bags Flight Attendants Swear by This Affordable Luggage Set — and It's Only $40 Today The expandable duo has "so much room" — even for overpackers. By Olivia Young Olivia Young Olivia Young is a freelance journalist and slow travel advocate. Her favorite travel days usually involve vegan food, wildlife sightings, and an occasional liability waiver. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on December 11, 2023 05:00AM EST Photo: Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington When it comes to luggage, you get what you pay for. In our experience, it's usually the higher-priced suitcases and travel bags that make quality buys — but that doesn't mean that every affordable luggage piece will fall apart on you. In fact, there's a budget-friendly luggage set that comes recommended by the pros, and it's less than $100. Say hello to the U.S. Traveler’s Rio Luggage Set. The two-piece carry-on luggage set — which has garnered more than 17,000 five-star ratings — is a great value on its own, but it's worth mentioning that it's currently 43 percent off at Amazon. With this mega discount, the U.S. Traveler’s Rio duo's price tag is starting at $40, making it one of the cheapest things you'll probably buy for your trip. U.S. Traveler Rio 2-Piece Softside Carry-On Luggage Set Amazon Buy on Amazon $70 $40 The set includes a 21-inch softside, expandable carry-on suitcase with two skate wheels and a matching 14-inch boarding bag, which can be used as a personal bag on your next flight (or a useful weekender, gym bag, or commuter bag). So if you think about it, with this duo, you're getting two travel bags for the price of one. Inside of the wheeled suitcase is a large compartment with elastic straps and a mesh zippered pocket. The two additional zipper pouches on the front of the suitcase are gusseted, allowing the carry-on to expand up to 1.75 inches — did someone say more luggage space? The boarding bag, on the other hand, is small enough to slip under a plane seat for easy, in-flight access. It has a shoulder strap, handles, and a back strap for stacking it on top of the suitcase. Both bags are made with densely woven polyester, which gets a boost in durability thanks to its foam padding. U.S. Traveler Rio 2-Piece Softside Carry-On Luggage Set Amazon Buy on Amazon $70 $40 Over in the review section, the U.S. Traveler’s Rio Luggage Set has received high praise from several flight attendants. One wrote, "As a new flight attendant, I couldn't afford the Travelpro line, but this set has been absolutely great. It fits perfectly on the 200 CRJs” — a type of regional jet — “and [is] not showing any signs of wear and tear.” Vouching for the set's durability, a reviewer said that they’ve been traveling with their Rio carry-on for 15 years. Chiming in, another flight attendant shared, “I am shocked at how durable and dependable this set is. I have received multiple compliments on this luggage from other flight attendants, and that’s very telling in itself." They also mentioned that "the expandable feature on the suitcase is superb, and I still have so much room in it even when I overpack.” U.S. Traveler Rio 2-Piece Softside Carry-On Luggage Set Amazon Buy on Amazon $70 $40 The set also earned a stamp of approval from a former travel agent, who has "traveled the world for over 30 years" and said, "I've seen my expensive bags ripped apart by rough baggage handlers and bag conveyor belts as many times as I've seen cheap bags ripped apart. I highly recommend this superb set of low-priced carry-on bags for anyone who travels at all." Shoppers have their choice of 11 colors, ranging from basic black and light pink to easy-to-spot orange and camo print. So, if your go-to suitcase is in need of an upgrade, don't miss this chance to score the U.S. Traveler’s Rio Luggage Set for 43 percent off. And, while you're at it, keep scrolling to check out the other on-sale luggage sets that travelers are loving. More Luggage Set Deals at Amazon: Wrangler 2-Piece Carry-On Set Amazon Buy on Amazon $75 $63 Coolife 3-Piece Carry-On Set Amazon Buy on Amazon $300 $110 Rockland 2-Piece Carry-On Set Amazon Buy on Amazon $95 $39 American Tourister Fieldbrook II 2-Piece Carry-On Set Amazon Buy on Amazon $60 $46 At the time of publishing, the price started at $40. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Shop More T+L-Approved Picks REI Is Dropping Memorial Day Discounts Early This Year — Shop the 50 Best Outdoor Deals From Just $5 The First Thing I'm Packing for My Trip to Italy Is This Comfy Linen Set, Starting at $18 This Celeb-loved Brand Just Released the Comfiest Shoes for Summer — and We Are Racing to Buy Them