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Best Flight Bags for Airline Pilots

Find the ideal flight bag for your unique needs with our comprehensive guide.

Pilot holding the Flight Deck Pro bag

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.

Quick Look: 8 Best Flight Bags for Airline Pilots

AirClassics Crew Trip Bag

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.

Key features and specifications:

  • Size: 14 inches (width) by 11.5 inches (height) by 7.5 inches (depth)
  • 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 inches 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: Five-year limited warranty, including repairs or replacements for defects in material or workmanship only

Disadvantages:

  • The AirClassics Crew Trip Bag is on the pricier side of flight bags.
  • For pilots seeking more space, the AirClassics Crew Pack ($299.95) is an excellent backpack-style alternative solution.

Price: $199.95

PRO EFB + Cooler II

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.

Key features and specifications:

  • Size: 15 inches (width) by 12 inches (height) by 9 inches (depth)
  • Weight: 2.50 pounds
  • Materials: Durable, water-resistant polyester and nylon outer fabric and leak-resistant, insulated interior
  • Additional features: Ergonomic interlocking snap handle; quick access sunglass compartment; upper organizational accessory compartment; main leak-resistant, insulated compartment; expandable bottom storage compartment; durable and water resistant material construction; two front storage compartments with organizer sleeves; two side storage compartments; rear EFB compartment; crew card holder; detachable shoulder strap; roller bag attachment; YKK zippers
  • Warranty: One-year limited warranty, including repairs or replacements for defects in material or workmanship only

Disadvantages:

  • The PRO EFB + Cooler II does not have a built-in water bottle or headset holder. However, these attachments can be purchased separately—Water Bottle Attachment ($39.95) and Headset Attachment ($39.95).
  • Some pilots have reported issues with the compact size of the PRO EFB + Cooler II flight bag and not being able to fit all their personal items.

Price: $150.00

B7 Flight Bag

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.

Key features and specifications:

  • Size: 13 inches (width) by 14 inches (height) by 10.5 inches (depth)
  • Weight: 6 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; the 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, logbooks, kneeboards, and even a change of clothing; can fit two full-sized aviation headsets; can store a 13 inches laptop and many smaller personal items like cables, a digital camera, snacks, etc.
  • Warranty: Three-year manufacturing warranty, including repairs or replacements for defects in material or workmanship only

Disadvantages:

  • At 6 pounds, the B7 Flight Bag is on the heavier end and can become even heavier, especially when fully loaded.
  • The B7 Flight Bag is on the pricier side of flight bags.

Price: $287

Stealth Premier Multi-Purpose Cube

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.

Key features and specifications:

  • Size: 16 inches (width) by 12 inches (height) by 9 inches (depth)
  • Weight: 4.25 pounds
  • Materials: Durable, weather-resistant outer nylon and polyurethane fabric; tear-resistant, insulated interior
  • Additional features: Headset, cooler, laptop, and iPad/tablet padded compartments; reinforced padding on all pockets and seatbelt webbing handles; all-metal zipper pullers and metal snap-on handles; removable tension hooks on shoulder strap; LuggageWorks flashlight included
  • Warranty: Three-year manufacturing warranty, including repairs or replacements for defects in material or workmanship only

Disadvantages:

  • Some pilots find the cooler compartment of the Stealth Premier Multi-Purpose Cube a bit small for extended trips.
  • For pilots seeking a more straightforward, stand-alone flight bag, the Stealth Premier Electronics Cube ($109.99) is an excellent alternative solution.

Price: $139.99

Flight Deck Pro

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.

Key features and specifications:

  • Size: 21 inches (width) by 15 inches (height) by 5.5 inches (depth)
  • Weight: 4.5 pounds
  • Materials: Durable, weather-resistant outer tarmac fabric; tear-resistant interior fabric
  • Additional features: 30 pockets; dual main compartments; flexible main cavity; quick-access pockets; padded handle and shoulder strap; all-black design; embroidery available; J-hook ready for easy hanging on rollaboard
  • Warranty: Five-year manufacturing warranty, including repairs or replacements for defects in material or workmanship only

Disadvantages:

Price: $129.95, plus $8 for up to 11 characters of personalized text

FlightCrew 5 Flight Tote

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.

Key features and specifications:

  • Size: 15 inches (width) by 11.5 inches (height) by 10 inches (depth)
  • Weight: 3 pounds
  • Materials: Durable, weather-resistant outer ballistic nylon fabric; tear-resistant interior fabric
  • Additional features: Padded laptop interior slot; adjustable, padded and removable neoprene shock-absorbing shoulder strap; large accessory organizer front pocket, which includes key attachment clip and multiple slots for accessories; multiple interior mesh and zippered sections, which includes two main compartments; legal size paper slot; quick loop on back attaches to rollaboard; large interior wet pocket; large interlocking zippers for added security; protective corner guards; skid guard bottom feet
  • Warranty: Three-year manufacturing warranty, including repairs or replacements for defects in material or workmanship only

Disadvantages:

  • Some users have reported the water bottle holder on the FlightCrew 5 Flight Tote is too small to accommodate a reusable water bottle.
  • Some users have reported being disappointed with the placement of the interior pockets and the lack of quick-access compartments in the FlightCrew 5 Flight Tote.

Price: $95

FL390S Flight Bag

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.

Key features and specifications:

  • Size: 14.25 inches (width) by 11 inches (height) by 8 inches (depth)
  • Weight: 2.05 pounds
  • Materials: Durable, weather-resistant outer ballistic nylon fabric; tear-resistant interior fabric
  • Additional features: Rare Earth Magnetic closure; Molle attachment system; YKK zippers; 6.5-inch wide main storage area; durable handles; extra thick padding protects valuable electronics; holds 13 inches laptops; iPad pocket counts as secure stowage for EFBs
  • Warranty: Three-year manufacturing warranty, including repairs or replacements for defects in material or workmanship only

Disadvantages:

  • The FL390S Flight Bag does not have a designated water bottle holder.
  • For pilots seeking a bigger flight bag, the FL410P Flight Bag ($259.95) is an excellent alternative solution.

Price: $129.95

Flight Bag PLC Commuter

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.

Key features and specifications:

  • Size: 14 inches (width) by 11 inches (height) x 6 inches (depth)
  • Weight: 2.05 pounds
  • Materials: Durable, weather-resistant outer nylon fabric; tear-resistant interior fabric
  • Additional features: YKK zippers; free-standing shell with upgraded padding; soft leather top handle; quick grab exterior pockets for water bottle; main compartment holds one headset; laptop and iPad storage in a separate compartment; interior mesh pockets; water-resistant
  • Warranty: Three-year manufacturing warranty, including repairs or replacements for defects in material or workmanship only

Disadvantages:

  • Some users have reported that the Flight Bag PLC Commuter flight bag’s nontraditional design may not be suitable for airline operations.
  • For pilots seeking more space, the Flight Bag PLC Pro ($299) is an excellent backpack-style alternative solution.

Price: $99

Key Features to Consider When Selecting a Flight Bag

As you explore the ideal flight bag for your needs, make sure to consider the following key features:

Durability

Flight bags should be made of high-quality, water-resistant materials like ballistic nylon. They should also feature reinforced stitching and heavy-duty zippers.

Capacity and organization

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)

Comfort

Flight bags should be ergonomically designed with features such as well-padded and contoured shoulder straps and handles.

Professional appearance

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.

Price

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.

Choose the Right Flight Bag for Your Needs

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.

 

AirlineGeeks.com Staff
Latest posts by AirlineGeeks.com Staff (see all)

Author

  • 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.

    View all posts

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