Packing the right items in an airline pilot’s bags is essential to ensure they have everything they need for a successful and smooth work trip. While both flight bags and carry-on bags serve important roles in an airline pilot’s travel routine, they have distinct purposes and contents.
A flight bag is specifically designed to carry all the essential items a pilot needs to perform their duties in the cockpit, such as personal documents, navigation charts, safety tools, etc. Flight bags are usually smaller, more structured, and packed with compartments to ensure easy access and organization of critical flight related items.
A carry-on bag, on the other hand, is more focused on personal comfort and includes items meant for layovers or long-haul flights away from home. These items include spare clothes, toiletries, entertainment devices, etc.
There are a lot of options for flight bags, and we did not have the opportunity to review them all. But we did choose these four to showcase. Understanding the specific roles of each bag can aid pilots in packing strategically and ensuring all their needs are met both in the air and on the ground.
Now, let’s explore both bag options and what to pack in each one.
Best Airline Pilot Flight Bags
Choosing a flight bag is an important decision for any airline pilot, as the right bag can make the organization of and accessibility to essential items much more manageable. Let’s take a look at some of the best flight bags for airline pilots on the market today.
Quick Look: 4 Best Airline Pilot Flight Bags
- Best for durability: ASA AirClassics Crew Trip Bag
- Best for comfort: ASA AirClassics Crew Pack
- Best for compact size: Flight Outfitters Lift 2.0 Flight Bag
- Best for comprehensiveness: BrightLine B7 Flight Bag
ASA AirClassics Crew Trip Bag
Best for: Durability
The ASA Crew Trip Bag is a briefcase-style flight bag meticulously crafted with both durability and functionality in mind. Constructed from high-quality materials, it is designed to withstand the rigors of frequent travel. The sleek, professional appearance of the flight bag complements its practical design. The bag can be stowed under airline seats, in the overhead bins, or in the cockpit, making it easily accessible mid-flight.
Key features and specifications
- Size: 14” W x 11.5″ H x 7.5″ D
- Weight: 2.45 pounds
- Materials: Durable, weather-resistant ballistic outer material and tear-resistant ripstop nylon interior
- Additional features: YKK heavy-duty, high-quality zippers; two outer metal D-rings to attach to roller bag; adjustable, nonslip, padded shoulder strap; sizable water bottle pocket; padded magnetic handles; inner and outer padded electronics pouches hold up to 13-inch devices; front organizer pocket with key lanyard, pen slot, and organization pockets; large main compartment; multiple small inner and outer pockets; durable plastic bottom; bottom grips; magnetic luggage pass-through
- Warranty: No. Item can be returned in unused, unopened, and in resalable condition.
Disadvantages
- The crew trip bag does not have a dedicated compartment for a headset. However, there is plenty of space in the main compartment to freely fit multiple headsets.
- The crew trip bag is on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Price: $199.95
ASA AirClassics Crew Pack
Best for: Comfort
The ASA Crew Pack is a backpack-style flight bag structured with a keen focus on functionality and comfort. The pack can also be carried as a briefcase with its side handle. The generous size and storage capability of the ASA AirClassics Crew Pack makes it suitable for multi-day layovers. The pack can be stowed under airline seats, in the overhead bins, or in the cockpit, making it easily accessible mid-flight.
Key features and specifications
- Size: 13″ W x 19″ H x 7” D
- Weight: 2.95 pounds
- Materials: Durable, weather-resistant ballistic outer material and tear-resistant ripstop nylon interior
- Additional features: YKK PU-coated heavy-duty zippers; padded and adjustable shoulder and sternum straps; straps stow in streamlined pocket when not in use; ventilated and padded pads; top and side handles; luggage pass through; padded tech area includes space for up to a 16-inch device; padded tablet pocket; zippered pocket for accessories; padded headset pocket with battery storage; water bottle and sunglasses pockets; luggage-style main compartment unzips on three sides to open fully; interior elastic straps; four zippered, mesh interior pockets; zippered pocket for passport or phone; large, front, multi-purpose pocket with key lanyard and additional storage areas for pens, phone, and more
- Warranty: No. Item can be returned in unused, unopened, and in resalable condition.
Disadvantages
- The crew pack can be bulkier and heavier compared to some alternatives when it is fully loaded.
- The crew pack is on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Price: $299.95
Flight Outfitters Lift 2.0 Flight Bag
Best for: Compact size
The Flight Outfitters Lift 2.0 Flight Bag is a compact size flight bag, making it easy to fit in various cockpit spaces. The flight bag offers easy access to multiple compartments, including a padded headset section, a dedicated iPad pocket, and ample storage for smaller items. The updated design of the flight bag includes modern enhancements while retaining some classic elements from the original Lift Flight Bag.
Key features and specifications
- Size: 7.75” W x 15” H x 10” D
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Materials: Durable, weather-resistant outer tarmac fabric; tear-resistant interior fabric; fleece-lined headset pocket
- Additional features: Comfort carry handle; rugged metal hardware; padded iPad pockets; high visibility interior; protective headset pocket; quick access back and front pockets; external radio pocket; keyring clip; 14 internal organization pockets; flashlight, fuel tester, and water bottle pockets on outside
- Warranty: 5-year manufacturing warranty. Not covered under this warranty is normal wear and tear. Unused merchandise may be returned within 30 days from the order date.
Disadvantages
- While compact, the flight bag might not have enough space for pilots who carry a lot of gear.
- The modern design and layout of the new Lift 2.0 Flight Bag. might not appeal to those who have grown used to the original Lift Flight Bag.
Price: $99.95, plus $8 for embroidery
BrightLine B7 Flight Bag
Best for: Comprehensiveness
The BrightLine B7 Flight Bag’s modular design allows pilots to add or remove sections of the flight bag to fit their specific needs. The bag is made from durable materials that can withstand demanding conditions. The color-coded compartments help pilots in quickly accessing their gear, while the numerous pockets are ideal for efficient organization.
Key features and specification
- Size: 13″ W x 14″ H x 10.5″ D
- Weight: 6.00 pounds
- Materials: Durable, weather-resistant outer nylon fabric; tear-resistant interior fabric
- Additional features: Pocket cap front acts like the hub for the entire flight bag; side pocket echo is an insulated adjustable water bottle pocket; side pocket foxtrot is a large fully zipper-enclosed pocket that can hold even large handheld radios; main handle is included; shoulder strap is included; center section four (CS4) offers a generous amount of storage in a compact space with top and full front access; center section three (CS3) provides room for iPads, documents, kneeboards, and even a change of clothing; can fit two full-sized aviation headsets; can store a 13″ laptop and many smaller items like cables, a digital camera, snacks, etc.
- Warranty: 3-year manufacturing warranty; not covered under this warranty is normal wear and tear; unused merchandise may be returned within 30 days from the order date
Disadvantages
- At six pounds, the flight bag is on the heavier end and can become even heavier especially when fully loaded
- The flight bag is on the higher end of the price spectrum
Price: $287
Airline Pilot’s Flight Bag Packing List
The following list provides a wide array of essential items to pack in a flight bag, which can be personalized to meet each pilot’s unique travel needs:
Personal and Aircraft Travel Documents
Personal and aircraft travel documents are important documents for any pilot to carry and thoroughly check before every trip. These documents include, but are not limited to:
- Pilot’s license
- Medical certificate
- Passport and visas
- Permits
- Identification badges
- Aircraft documents
- Logbook
Flight Navigation Tools
Flight navigation tools are essential items that pilots rely on to ensure they can navigate the skies safely and efficiently. These tools can be in both paper and/or electronic formats and include, but are not limited to:
- Flight manuals
- Navigation charts
- Performance tools
- Weather data
Must-Have Tools and Supplies
Essential tools and supplies are a critical part of a pilot’s flight bag, ensuring readiness for any situation during a flight. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Headset
- Corrective lenses (if required by medical certificate)
- Safety items (i.e., hearing protectors, safety vests)
- Flashlight
- Spare batteries/chargers
- Watch
- Sun protection (i.e., sunglasses, sunshades)
- Writing tools/paper
- Reusable water bottle and snacks
- Personal wallet/keys
- Personal phone/phone charger/headphones (items are not to be used from the time of plane door closure until landing)
- Other personal items (e.g., hand sanitizer, lip balm, Band-Aids, toothbrush, toothpaste, menstrual health kit)
FLYING may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
