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Find the ideal flight bag for your unique needs with our comprehensive guide.
The Flight Deck Pro bag has 30 pockets and a five-year warranty. (Photo: Flight Outfitters)
We all know that an airline pilot’s on-the-go lifestyle is fast-paced and at the mercy of the airline’s schedule. Whether your workday is progressing as planned or missed connections and crowded airports are affecting your daily workflow, a well-organized flight bag with quick access to essential items can be lifesaving in either situation.
Likewise, the flight bag is an essential organizational tool for performing your duties while flying. Therefore, when shopping for a flight bag, look for functional features to ensure easy access and organization of your most critical flight-related things.
Please note that each airline may have its own specifications regarding airline uniform standards. Therefore, you should always check with your base administrative offices for approval before purchasing uniform items, including crew baggage.
Let’s explore the top flight bags for airline pilots available on the market and consider adding one to your virtual cart.
Best of: Durable flight bag
The AirClassics Crew Trip Bag by Aviation Supplies & Academics (ASA) is a briefcase-style flight bag thoughtfully designed to be durable and practical. Constructed from high-quality materials, it is made to withstand the rigors of frequent travel. The sleek and professional appearance of the flight bag enhances its functional design. This bag can be easily stowed under airline seats, in overhead bins, or in the cockpit, providing convenient access during flights.
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Price: $199.95
Best of: Comprehensive flight bag
The PRO EFB + Cooler II by Aerocoast is a comprehensive flight bag that combines a cooler with an electronic flight bag (EFB) compartment and additional storage options. This flight bag is specifically designed for pilots tired of lugging around more bags than they must while eating healthy and saving money on the road and in the skies. The Pro EFB + Cooler II features a rigid case construction for enhanced durability and conveniently fits under airline seats, in overhead bins, or the cockpit for easy storage during travel.
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Price: $150.00
Best of: Versatile flight bag
The B7 Flight Bag by BrightLine has a modular design, allowing 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 quickly access their gear, while the numerous pockets are ideal for efficient organization.
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Price: $287
Best of: All-in-one flight bag
The Stealth Premier Multi-Purpose Cube by LuggageWorks is an all-in-one flight bag designed with compartments for headsets, food/drinks, laptops, and iPads/tablets. Many pilots appreciate the flight bag’s high-quality materials and reinforced padding, which enhance its durability. The bag fits well in the storage compartments of smaller regional aircraft like the CRJ, making it a convenient option for airline pilots operating various aircraft.
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Price: $139.99
Best of: Warranty flight bag
The Flight Deck Pro by Flight Outfitters is a well-designed duffel-style flight bag featuring 30 essential pockets. It easily accommodates necessary flight essentials (e.g., iPad, headset) while maintaining a professional look. The padded handle and shoulder strap make it easy to transport the bag through the airport without sacrificing comfort.
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Price: $129.95, plus $8 for up to 11 characters of personalized text
Best of: Affordable flight bag
The FlightCrew 5 Flight Tote by TravelPro is an affordable flight bag with room for every pilot’s travel needs. It features two main sections: one has a packing compartment with a large zippered wet pocket, and the other has a packing compartment with a padded laptop sleeve and multiple smaller pockets. The legendary TravelPro FlightCrew collection is a tried-and-true staple in flight bags for aviation professionals.
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Price: $95
Best of: APA-approved flight bag
The FL390S Flight Bag by Contrail is the Allied Pilots Association (APA) flight bag of choice. It is designed for the aviator who travels with more than the required gear, carries a large headset (e.g., Bose A-20, Clarity Aloft, David Clark), and enjoys space for extra items. Blending quality and purpose-driven design for the modern professional, pilots can be sure their Contrail flight bag is built to withstand life on the road.
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Price: $129.95
Best of: Universal flight bag
The Flight Bag PLC Commuter by MyGoFlight is designed to accommodate the lifestyles of aviators who appreciate both style and durability. This ultimate grab-and-go bag is built to hold all flight essentials securely. The bag’s versatile design enables it to function as a pilot bag, an everyday bag, and a carry-on.
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Price: $99
As you explore the ideal flight bag for your needs, make sure to consider the following key features:
Flight bags should be made of high-quality, water-resistant materials like ballistic nylon. They should also feature reinforced stitching and heavy-duty zippers.
Flight bags should be spacious enough to accommodate every pilot’s essential and personal items. They should also have specialized gear pockets for headsets, iPads, food/drinks, etc.
A pilot waves from an American E190 at LaGuardia.
(Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Flight bags should be ergonomically designed with features such as well-padded and contoured shoulder straps and handles.
Flight bags should reflect the individual pilot’s persona while meeting the overall uniform standards required by airlines. Each airline may have its own specifications regarding airline uniform standards. Therefore, pilots should always check with their base administrative offices for approval before purchasing uniform items, including crew baggage.
Flight bags should be priced based on their features. While affordable options like the FlightCrew 5 Flight Tote offer essential features at a lower price, high-end models such as the B7 Flight Bag provide additional versatility and superior materials, albeit at a greater cost.
Choosing the right flight bag for your unique needs ensures you get the most out of your purchase. Whether you prioritize durability, organization, comfort, or price, flight bag manufacturers like MyGoFlight, Aviation Supplies & Academics, and Flight Outfitters have you covered. We hope you enjoyed our comprehensive guide to airline pilot flight bags and that you add one to your virtual cart.
AirlineGeeks selects products independently. If you purchase something from our articles, we may earn a small commission.
Kasia Szwed-Carlson is an aviation industry expert with 15 years of experience working in flight operations management and training leadership roles at several US-based airlines. She is also a certified commercial pilot and instructor who is passionate about training the next generation of pilots and industry leaders.
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