Choosing a carry-on bag is an important decision for any airline pilot, as the right bag can make the organization of and accessibility to go-to items much more manageable. Let’s take a look at some of the best carry-on bags for airline pilots on the market today.
Quick Look: 4 Best Airline Pilot Carry-On Bags
- Best for warranty: Briggs & Riley Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner
- Best for dependability: Travelpro 22” Expandable Rollaboard Flight Crew 5
- Best for affordability: Loomis 21” Softside Spinner Carry-On Travel Bag
- Best for security: MyGoFlight Aviator Pro AL20
Briggs & Riley Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner
Best for: Warranty
The Briggs & Riley Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner is a high-end piece of carry-on luggage that comes with unmatched quality and lifetime warranty. Despite its compact size, the carry-on offers a surprisingly large amount of space and organization capabilities. Additionally, the carry-on suitcase has a classic, understated look with thoughtful and effective features that are ideal for professionals on the go.
READ MORE: Best Flight Bags for Airline Pilots
Key features and specifications:
- Size: 14” W x 22” H x 9” D
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Materials: Durable, weather-resistant ballistic outer material; tear-resistant interior; sturdy steel components
- Additional features: Integrated bottom fabric handle and retractable, low profile side carry handles; removable SmartLink™ strap; substantial corner-guard protection; large front pocket; two mesh lid zip pockets; premium garment panels; interior straps; shock absorbing spinner wheels; YKK RC zippers
- Warranty: Lifetime
Disadvantages
- The carry-on bag is on the higher end of the price spectrum.
- Some users find the bag slightly heavier compared to other carry-on options.
Price: $729
Travelpro 22” Expandable Rollaboard Flight Crew 5
Best for: Dependability
The Travelpro 22” Expandable Rollaboard Flight Crew 5 is a well-regarded choice among pilots and frequent travelers due to its dependability. Made from high-density 1682d ballistic nylon fabric with a water, stain, and abrasion-resistant Duraguard coating, this bag is built to last. Despite its robust construction, the carry-on bag weighs just under ten pounds, making it relatively lightweight for its size.
Key features and specifications
- Size: 14” W x 22” H x 9” D
- Weight: 9.90 pounds
- Materials: High-density 1682d ballistic nylon fabric with water, stain, and abrasion resistant Duraguard coating
- Additional features: Reinforced, gusseted back pocket; high-impact, sealed ball-bearing inline skate wheels; superior screw construction; protective crash-guard wheel housings, corner guards, side feet, and rubber skid guards; extension handle with innovative anti-crush technology; rugged extension handle system; strong #10 zipper system; recessed push button; add-a-bag strap with aluminum J-hook; padded laptop pocket and separate tablet sleeve; 2″ expansion on main body
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
Disadvantages
- The internal organization might not be as comprehensive as some users would like, requiring additional packing cubes or organizers.
- Some users have reported that the wheels can squeak, which might be a minor annoyance.
Price: $254.95
Loomis Spinner Carry On and Check-in Suitcase Combo
Best for: Affordability
The Loomis 21” Softside Spinner Carry-On Travel Bag and Suitcase Combo is a smart blend of style and durability, designed to enhance the travel experience without breaking the budget. Weighing only 7 pounds, the carry-on bag allows for increased packing capacity without exceeding weight limits. The bag’s whisper-quiet wheels and a robust telescopic handle make navigating airports and crowded terminals a breeze.
Key features and specifications
- Size: 13.2″ W x 22″ H x 8.9″ D
- Weight: 7 pounds
- Materials: High-density nylon; Duraguard coating
- Additional features: 360-Degree spinner wheels; expandable soft body; multiple front panel pockets; built-in ID tag
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
Disadvantages
- The internal organization might not be as comprehensive as some users would like, requiring additional packing cubes or organizers.
- Users have reported the baggage handle showing signs of wear and tear over time.
Price: $260
MyGoFlight Aviator Pro Fusion 20
Best for: Security
The MyGoFlight Aviator Pro Fusion 20 reflects a combination of advanced engineering and design, made with the highest level of attention to detail, function, and style. Built with aircraft-grade aluminum shell and frame, this hand luggage is any pilot’s perfect carry-on companion. With responsive 360-degree wheels, telescoping handle, and TSA-approved locking system, this carry-on luggage is a must-have for any trip.
Key features and specifications
- Size: 14.5″ W x 23″ H x 9.5″ D
- Weight: 9 pounds, 2 ounces
- Materials: Aluminum shell and frame; rip-stop nylon interior fabric
- Additional features: Aluminum telescoping handle; TSA approved locking system; soft-close handles located on top and side; zipper-less to add an extra layer of anti-theft protection and elegance; lightweight; responsive 360 wheels; dual compression straps; MGF deluxe zippers; spacious mesh compartments; clip-in storage panel
- Warranty: 5-year manufacturing warranty. Not covered under this warranty is normal wear and tear.
Disadvantages
- The carry-on bag is on the higher end of the price spectrum.
- The limited warranty is not ideal when compared to other carry-on bags of similar size and price point.
Price: $329, plus $50 for personalization
READ MORE: Best Airplane Camera Gear for Pilots
Airline Pilot’s Carry-On Bag Packing List
The following list provides a wide array of go-to items to pack in a pilot’s carry-on bag, which can be personalized to meet each pilot’s unique travel needs:
Personal Items
Personal items are fundamental components of every pilot’s carry-on bag, serving as essential elements for comfort and practicality during day trips and multi-day layovers. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Packing cubes
- Ziplock bags
- Prescription and basic medications
- Light jacket
- Change of clothes (e.g., undergarments, socks)
- Spare shoes (e.g., tennis shoes, flip-flops)
- Valuables (e.g., camera, jewelry)
Toiletry Bag with Travel-Size Items
Having a well-prepared toiletry bag with travel-size items is essential for any pilot to efficiently handle the demands of travel. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Razor and shaving cream
- Makeup and wipes
- Menstrual health kit
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Hair care products
- Lotion or moisturizer
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Mouthwash and dental floss
- Deodorant
- Nail kit
Entertainment Items
Including entertainment items in a carry-on bag ensures pilots have ways to effectively pass the downtime outside of their work hours. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Reading essentials (e.g., e-reader)
- Personal tablet or laptop
- Chargers
- Backup power bank
- Travel adapter
Comfort Items
For added comfort during a pilot’s trip, packing a variety of items tailored to ensure a restful journey and a pleasant layover experience should be considered. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Food/snacks
- Chewing gum/mints
- Neck pillow/travel pillow
- Eye mask
- Earplugs
- Noise-canceling headphones (e.g., AirPods)
- Compression socks
Let’s Pack Your Bags for Your Next Work Trip
As a professional pilot, there is a need to organize and distinguish between items necessary for your professional duties in the cockpit and personal comforts required for layovers and long flights while commuting to and from work.
By selecting high-quality, durable bags tailored to your specific needs, you can enhance convenience and efficiency during your travels.
We hope our curated list of flight bags and carry-on luggage, as well as comprehensive packing lists have helped you get organized for your next takeoff.
FAQ
What not to put in your bag when flying?
Items like nontravel-sized liquids, sharp objects (e.g., scissors, knives), sporting equipment, self-defense items (e.g., pepper spray, brass knuckles), tools of any kind, as well as flammable and explosive items should not be put in a bag when flying.
What is allowed in a carry-on bag?
Airline and airport security regulations generally allow a wide range of personal items (e.g., toiletry bags, entertainment items, comfort items) in a carry-on bag, as long as they meet TSA size and safety/security check-in requirements.
What is best to pack in carry-on luggage?
When packing a carry-on bag, it is important to focus on essential items that ensure comfort, convenience, and preparedness.
What to carry and what not to carry in flight?
Travelers can carry a wide range of personal items in-flight, including toiletry bags, entertainment items, and comfort items. Items like non-travel-sized liquids, sharp objects (e.g., scissors, knives), sporting equipment, self-defense items (e.g., pepper spray, brass knuckles), tools of any kind, as well as flammable and explosive items should not be carried in-flight.as well as flammable and explosive items should not be carried in-flight.
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