For pilots who spend much of their working life in the air, having the right luggage is crucial. With frequent flights, often to multiple destinations in a single trip, pilots need luggage that is durable, lightweight and that makes organization easy.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll reveal everything you need to know about the luggage pilots trust to meet their unique travel demands.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Pilots often opt for rollaboard suitcases and flight bags from brands like Travelpro and Briggs & Riley due to their durability, ease of mobility through airports, and specialized features to keep pilots’ gear well-organized.
The Unique Luggage Needs of Pilots
Being a pilot comes with its own set of unique challenges, including the need for specialized luggage. Pilots have distinct requirements when it comes to their travel gear due to their frequent flying, special equipment, and the need for quick airport navigation.
Frequent flying to multiple destinations
One of the key factors that sets pilot luggage apart is the frequency of travel to multiple destinations. Pilots often find themselves on the go, flying to different cities or countries on a regular basis. As a result, their luggage needs to be durable, lightweight, and easy to maneuver.
Many pilots opt for carry-on bags that meet airline restrictions, allowing them to keep their essentials close at hand during their flights. Additionally, pilots often require larger checked-in suitcases to accommodate their clothing, personal items, and any necessary paperwork or manuals.
Special gear and equipment
Pilots carry more than just clothes and toiletries in their luggage; they also have specialized gear and equipment that they need to bring along. This can include items such as aviation headsets, flight charts, navigation tools, and even portable oxygen systems.
These specialized items require carefully designed compartments and padding to ensure their safety during transport. Many pilots invest in luggage specifically designed for aviation professionals, which often includes dedicated compartments and pockets for their gear.
Quick airport navigation
Airport navigation is another area where pilot luggage needs to excel. Pilots often have tight schedules and need to move quickly through airports to catch their flights. Therefore, their luggage should be designed to facilitate easy and efficient navigation.
Features such as spinner wheels, telescoping handles, and lightweight materials are essential for pilots to move swiftly through crowded airport terminals. Additionally, easy access pockets and compartments can help them quickly retrieve their travel documents, electronic devices, and other essentials at security checkpoints.
Top Luggage Brands Used By Pilots
Travelpro: Well-known for pilot luggage
When it comes to pilot luggage, one brand that stands out is Travelpro. Known for its durability and functionality, Travelpro has been a favorite among pilots for many years. With features such as expandable compartments, built-in garment holders, and spinner wheels, Travelpro luggage provides the convenience and ease of use that pilots need during their travels.
The brand’s reputation for quality and reliability has made it a go-to choice for many pilots around the world.
Briggs & Riley: Rugged and reliable
Another top brand that pilots trust is Briggs & Riley. Known for its ruggedness and reliability, Briggs & Riley luggage is designed to withstand the demands of frequent travel. The brand’s patented Outsider handle system allows for a flat packing surface, maximizing the space inside the bag.
In addition, Briggs & Riley offers a lifetime warranty on all its products, giving pilots peace of mind knowing that their luggage will be taken care of in case of any issues. With a wide range of options to choose from, pilots can find the perfect Briggs & Riley bag to suit their needs.
Tumi: Sophisticated pilot picks
For pilots looking for a more sophisticated and stylish option, Tumi is a brand that delivers. Tumi is known for its sleek and luxurious designs, making it a popular choice among pilots who value both function and fashion.
Tumi luggage is made with high-quality materials and features innovative design elements such as integrated USB ports and TSA-approved locks. With a wide range of styles and sizes available, pilots can find a Tumi bag that matches their personal style while still meeting their professional needs.
When it comes to choosing the right luggage for pilots, these three brands – Travelpro, Briggs & Riley, and Tumi – are highly recommended. Each brand offers a unique set of features and designs that cater to the specific needs of pilots.
Whether it’s durability, reliability, or sophistication, these brands have proven themselves to be the top choices among pilots worldwide.
Best Bags for Pilots: Our Recommendations
When it comes to choosing the best bags for pilots, there are a few factors to consider. The bag should be durable, spacious enough to hold all necessary equipment, and easy to carry. Here are our top recommendations for pilot bags:
Rollaboards/Carry-ons
Rollaboards, also known as carry-ons, are a popular choice among pilots. These bags are designed to fit in the overhead compartments of most airplanes, making them convenient for frequent travelers. They typically have wheels and a retractable handle, allowing pilots to easily maneuver through airports.
Some recommended brands for rollaboards include Travelpro, Samsonite, and Briggs & Riley.
Flight Bags
Flight bags are specifically designed for pilots and are often equipped with compartments and pockets to organize essential items such as charts, headsets, and logbooks. They come in various sizes and styles, depending on the pilot’s needs.
Some popular brands for flight bags include Lightspeed, MyGoFlight, and Jeppesen.
Backpacks
Backpacks are a versatile option for pilots, providing comfort and functionality. They can easily be carried on the back, leaving the hands free for other tasks. Backpacks designed for pilots often have dedicated compartments for laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices.
Some recommended brands for pilot backpacks include Oakley, SwissGear, and Osprey.
Ultimately, the best bag for a pilot will depend on their individual preferences and needs. It’s important to consider factors such as durability, storage capacity, and ease of use when making a decision.
Additionally, it can be helpful to read reviews and seek recommendations from other pilots to find the perfect bag for the job.
Key Features to Look for in Pilot Luggage
Durability for frequent use
When it comes to pilot luggage, durability is a crucial factor to consider. Pilots often find themselves on the go, traveling frequently and handling their luggage in various environments. Therefore, choosing luggage that can withstand the wear and tear of constant use is essential.
Look for materials such as ballistic nylon or polycarbonate, which are known for their strength and resistance to scratches and tears. Additionally, reinforced corners and sturdy zippers are important features to ensure the longevity of your luggage.
Lightweight materials
Pilots already have enough to carry with them, so it’s important to prioritize lightweight luggage. Opting for materials like aluminum or lightweight nylon can significantly reduce the overall weight of the bag without compromising durability.
This allows pilots to pack more efficiently and avoid exceeding weight restrictions imposed by airlines. Remember, every pound counts when you’re constantly on the move!
Wheels and handles for mobility
Maneuverability is another crucial aspect of pilot luggage. Look for luggage with sturdy wheels that can handle different terrains, including airport floors and uneven surfaces. Spinner wheels, which can rotate 360 degrees, offer excellent mobility and make navigating through crowded airports a breeze.
Additionally, telescopic handles that can be adjusted to your preferred height will ensure comfort while pulling or pushing your luggage.
Organizational compartments and pockets
Pilots need to keep their belongings organized and easily accessible during their travels. Look for luggage with multiple compartments and pockets that can accommodate various items such as laptops, tablets, documents, and personal belongings.
Having designated spaces for different items will help you stay organized and save time when you need to retrieve something quickly.
Easy access to essentials
In the fast-paced world of aviation, pilots often need quick access to essential items such as passports, boarding passes, and electronic devices. Look for luggage with external pockets or compartments designed specifically for easy access to these essentials.
This will save you time and frustration, especially during security checks or when you need to present your travel documents.
Remember, investing in high-quality pilot luggage is not only about convenience and functionality but also about ensuring the safety and security of your belongings. By considering these key features, you can choose luggage that meets your needs as a pilot and enhances your travel experience.
Luggage Policies for Pilots Across Airlines
Weight limits
When it comes to weight limits for pilot luggage, each airline has its own policies. Typically, airlines have specific weight restrictions for carry-on and checked-in luggage. For example, some airlines allow pilots to carry up to 15 kilograms (33 pounds) of hand luggage on board, while checked-in luggage may have a weight limit of 23 kilograms (50 pounds).
It is important for pilots to familiarize themselves with their airline’s weight limits to avoid any inconvenience or additional charges.
Dimension limits (carry-on vs check in)
In addition to weight limits, airlines also impose dimension restrictions on pilot luggage. Carry-on luggage is usually subject to stricter limits compared to checked-in luggage. This is because carry-on bags need to fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of the pilot.
Airlines typically specify maximum dimensions for carry-on bags, such as 22 inches x 14 inches x 9 inches. Checked-in luggage, on the other hand, can be larger and bulkier, as it will be stored in the aircraft’s cargo hold.
Extra allowances for crew luggage
Many airlines provide extra allowances for crew members, including pilots. These allowances are designed to accommodate the needs of pilots who often travel for work. Some airlines may allow pilots to carry additional bags or provide them with larger weight and dimension limits.
These extra allowances enable pilots to carry necessary equipment, uniforms, and personal items during their flights. However, it is important for pilots to check with their specific airline to understand the extent of these allowances and any potential restrictions.
It is worth noting that luggage policies can vary between airlines and may change from time to time. Therefore, it is always recommended for pilots to stay updated with their airline’s policies and guidelines regarding luggage.
Airlines usually provide this information on their official websites or through internal communication channels for crew members.
Conclusion
For pilots who live life in the skies, having the right luggage is a job requirement rather than a luxury. Brands like Travelpro and Briggs & Riley deliver luggage made specifically for pilots’ needs with durability, smart organization to keep gear accessible, and mobility for navigating busy airports.
Focusing on the right features like weight, dimensions and compartments will ensure pilots select luggage that maximizes function while minimizing hassle. With the right luggage, pilots can focus on travels and flights ahead rather than struggling with bags.
No matter where your travels take you, the right pilot luggage helps you feel prepared for any flight ahead.
