Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope recently announced that the company has rolled out the last of its 787 aircraft undergoing “join verification."
787 aircraft in storage (Photo: Shutterstock | cpaulfell)
Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope recently announced that the company has rolled out the last of its 787 Dreamliner aircraft undergoing “join verification” at its facility in Everett, Washington.
In a social media post, Pope said the Boeing team examined the fuselage of over 100 aircraft “for possible imperfections that measured the width of a human hair.” While noting these imperfections “did not affect the safety of the airplane,” she said they did not meet Boeing’s engineering standards.
Boeing engineers completed the exhaustive work on 122 airplanes inspected over several years as deliveries plummeted.
“I am incredibly proud of our teams in Everett and North Charleston for completing this work over the past two and a half years … quietly, methodically and focused on delivering safe, quality airplanes to our customers,” Pope said in the post.
Workers who supported the 787 join verification are now moving onto new assignments. Pope said many of them would be helping the company advance its 777X program.
“This is what we mean when we said we would shut down the ‘shadow factories’ and turn our full attention to building all-new airplanes,” she said.
AirlineGeeks.com was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.
Aircraft landing at Reagan National Airport (Photo: Shutterstock | Ceri Breeze)
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a multitude of Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alerts near Reagan National Airport in Washington. Multiple aircraft from different air carriers reported the alerts Saturday while on the River Visual approach.
Despite these alerts, no other aircraft were detected nearby. Many aircraft received resolution advisories (RAs), directing the crew to maneuver away from a potential collision.
“Several flight crews inbound to Reagan Washington National Airport received onboard alerts Saturday indicating another aircraft was nearby when no other aircraft were in the area. Some of the crews executed go-arounds as a result of the alerts,” an agency spokesperson said in a statement. “The FAA is investigating why the alerts occurred.”
One Republic Airways crew reported an RA at around 1,200 feet, adding that “there was something diving straight onto us,” per air traffic control audio recordings. Another PSA Airlines crew said they got two traffic advisories (TA), which warn of a non-imminent collision.
Controllers continuously advised pilots that no conflicting traffic was detected on their radars. The D.C. airport is facing arrival rate caps and ground stops following January’s mid-air collision involving a CRJ-700 and Black Hawk helicopter.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 airplanes at Dallas Love Field. (Photo: Shutterstock | Markus Mainka)
Southwest has filed an amended legal complaint against the City of San Antonio and its airport director, Jesus Saenz, further elaborating on its prior allegations regarding the decision to deny the airline a lease at the new $1.4 billion Terminal C at San Antonio International Airport.
In September, Southwest claimed that the defendants’ actions violated the Supremacy Clause and the Airline Deregulation Act, which prohibits local authorities from basing airport gate allocations on subjective criteria related to airline service routes and offerings.
In the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Southwest’s amended complaint alleged that the gate allocation process unfairly excluded the airline based on subjective factors.
The airline alleged that the city favored carriers that provide premium services and hold international routes. The complaint argues that this violates federal law designed to prevent local biases. The carrier also seeks injunctive relief, including a temporary restraining order to halt the execution of these lease agreements.
The amended legal complaint reveals internal communications that suggest the city’s preference for airlines catering to business travelers, offering first-class services, and having VIP lounges.
The documents indicate that verbal assurances were made to Southwest regarding its inclusion in Terminal C, but these were later undermined by the city’s decision-making process, which was influenced by factors such as the presence of airline clubs.
“Even though VIP airline clubs rank near the bottom of the list of airport amenities that are important to taxpayers, the City’s documents reveal that Defendants prioritized VIP clubs above everything else when designing and assigning gates in the new terminal,” the amended complaint stated.
The complaint alleged that the city instructed its master architect of the new terminal to begin by including tens of thousands of square feet of VIP clubs in its initial design.
“By insisting that the new terminal include substantial space for VIP lounges, Defendants stacked the deck against low-cost carriers that do not offer VIP lounges,” the complaint added.
The complaint alleged that the city then instructed the master architect “to make gating recommendation based on its insistence that the new terminal have large VIP lounges.”
“Third, and confirming its bias, the City agreed to assign Delta to the new terminal only if Delta agreed to build a VIP club,” it continued.
The Dallas-based airline is the city’s largest with a 37% share of passenger traffic at the airport. Southwest has asked the court to declare the city’s criteria void and unenforceable, and has asked for damages and additional legal relief.
AirlineGeeks.com was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.
An Alaska 737-900ER in Phoenix (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Bailey)
After over two years of negotiations, flight attendants at Alaska Airlines have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new three-year contract. The agreement, which was approved by 95% of voting members, provides significant pay increases and other improvements for the airline’s 6,900 flight attendants.
Highlights of the new agreement include:
Immediate pay increases of 18.6%-28.3%, with additional 3% raises in 2026 and 2027.
“Industry-leading” boarding pay of 0.5 trip for pay (TFP) per departure, a 19% increase from the previous tentative agreement.
Increased 401(k) company match, rising to 8.5% by 2026.
Improvements to scheduling, sick leave, and holiday pay.
The new pay rates will make Alaska flight attendants among the highest paid in the industry. By the end of the contract in 2027, top-of-scale flight attendants will earn $78.77 per TFP, a 30.6% increase from current rates.
“This contract will immediately and significantly improve the lives of Alaska Flight Attendants,” said Jeffrey Peterson, Association of Flight Attendants Alaska MEC President, in a news release. “Alaska Flight Attendants’ solidarity pushed management to recognize our critical role to the safety and success of this airline.”
The ratification ends a prolonged period of labor negotiations at the Seattle-based airline. It is the eighth ratified labor contract between Alaska Air Group and its represented workgroups in the past three years.
“One of the many reasons our guests choose to fly Alaska is our flight attendants and the warm welcome, fantastic service and commitment to safety they provide onboard. I’m glad to have them working under a new contract that values their contributions to Alaska, and I’m grateful to our colleagues at AFA who bargained with determination and fierce dedication for our flight attendants,” Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci said in a news release.
With this contract now in place, attention will turn to upcoming joint contract negotiations following Alaska’s recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. Union leaders see the new Alaska agreement as setting a strong foundation for those talks.
The new contract took effect on Sunday. Flight attendants will receive retroactive pay increases dating back to December 2022, when their previous contract became amendable.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
An Air China 747-8i (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
Air China plans to deploy its Boeing 747-8i on another route to the U.S. in the coming weeks. The carrier’s 747 fleet has flown to a handful of U.S. markets in the past but only regularly serves New York-JFK at the time of writing.
In an X post, the airline announced that the Queen of the Skies will replace the 777-300ER between Washington Dulles and Beijing. This change is slated to take effect on March 11.
The Washington-Beijing service will also no longer make a stop in Los Angeles.
According to Cirium Diio schedule data, Air China’s fleet of seven Boeing 747-8i aircraft operate to just a handful of destinations, including some domestic flights. Starting next month, the aircraft will begin serving Frankfurt, Germany.
The airline’s 747-8i has served Washington in the past but not on a regular basis. A handful of flights were scheduled with the jet in 2017, 2019, and 2020.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
Southwest’s top cargo executive is leaving the company after a 33-year career that started as a customer service agent at the Dallas Love Field home base.
A Southwest Boeing 737-700. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)
Southwest Airlines’ top cargo executive is leaving the company after a 33-year career that started as a customer service agent at the Dallas Love Field home base and helped cement the carrier’s strong reputation for customer service in the logistics community.
Wally Devereaux, the vice president of cargo and provisioning at Southwest, announced on LinkedIn Thursday that he will retire at the end of March. He transitioned to the cargo department 26 years ago, moved up to director of sales in 2007 and was promoted to cargo chief three years ago.
During Devereaux’s tenure, Southwest Airlines was named Domestic Airline of the Year by the Airforwarders Association for at least 15 consecutive years. Southwest is a favorite of many air forwarders for domestic air transport because of its reliability, speed, thousands of daily flights and extensive point-to-point network. In 2020, he was instrumental in the company’s launch of a new cargo tracking system that uses bar coding to confirm the onboard status of shipments and provide timely updates during the journey.
“On February 2, 1992, I got my first job out of college with Southwest Airlines as a Customer Service Agent at Dallas Love Field. A little over 33 years later I’ve decided it’s time to call it a career. I am beyond thankful for the amazing opportunities Southwest Airlines has provided me for all these years. One in particular led me to the Cargo Team in 1999 where it felt like I found my calling,” Devereaux wrote. “I have loved the business of Cargo, and I have absolutely loved being part of this incredible Team for over 25 years. I’ve also been lucky enough along the way to spend time with our Charters and Provisioning Teams which I’m incredibly thankful for as well. Thank you sincerely for the time together and the great memories!”
Wally Devereaux (Photo: Southwest Airlines)
“Wally is a leader in the U.S. air cargo market and leads a team that treats their customers like family.
During his time at Southwest has seen it grow from 200 aircraft to over 800 aircraft. Wally is known for his ‘ ‘let’s get it done’ attitude, but he always recognizes the coworkers that make cargo move,” said Michael White, an air cargo expert with years of experience at United Airlines and various trade associations, said in an email message. “His spirit to always be there for his coworkers and customers is what makes the Southwest Spirit so strong.”
A Southwest Airlines spokesperson said the company plans to soon name Devereaux’s successor.
“We appreciate Wally’s longstanding support of the Southwest mission and his work to grow the Cargo business into what it is today,” the airline said in a statement provided to FreightWaves.
Devereaux received an outpouring of appreciation on LinkedIn, with nearly 600 likes and more than 180 comments from friends, competitors and industry colleagues who expressed what a positive influence he had on their lives.
“Thank you for the many contributions to build Southwest. You’re a great example of a servant leader,” said Tamra Butler, a senior manager at Southwest. Rob Lewin, who is retired, called Devereaux “one of the great gentlemen of the logistics industry.” Another individual said Devereaux’s most memorable quality is his “ability to bring humor and heart to the table of every effort no matter how big the challenge.”
The cargo chief is expected to receive more well wishes and thanks on Monday and Tuesday from attendees at the Air Cargo 2025 conference, which is being held this year near Southwest’s headquarters in the Dallas suburbs.
Editor’s Note: This story first appeared on FreightWaves.
AirlineGeeks.com was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.
A Fedex 767 in Las Vegas (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
The National Transportation Safety Board said it is investigating an engine fire incident involving a FedEx Boeing 767-300F. The aircraft ‒ registered as N178FE ‒ landed safely back in Newark, New Jersey, Saturday morning.
According to air traffic control recordings, the crew reported a bird strike shortly after departing Newark. The flight was bound for Indianapolis.
The aircraft landed approximately eight minutes later. A fire was indicated in the No. 2 engine, which the crew tried to extinguish with both fire bottles.
However, upon landing, flames were still visible from the engine. Fire crews responded and no injuries were reported among the three crew members.
“Our B767 crew declared an emergency and returned safely to Newark after dealing with the resulting engine damage, including an engine fire,” FedEx said in a statement to NBC News.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the bird strike and subsequent engine damage. In a statement, the agency added that it will also investigate the incident.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
A Mesa Airlines CRJ-900 in Phoenix. (Photo: Shutterstock | Robin Guess)
After a less than three-year stint in the United Express fleet, Mesa Airlines’ CRJ-900s have officially ended revenue service, at least for now. Back in October, the regional carrier said it would phase out the CRJ fleet “at United’s request.”
United reimbursed costs up to $14 million associated with the fleet transition, Mesa said in a news release. The Phoenix-based airline operated its last scheduled CRJ-900 flight on Feb. 28, in line with previously disclosed plans.
A spokesperson from United confirmed to AirlineGeeks that the CRJ-900 will no longer operate within the airline’s regional network. Instead, Mesa will only operate Embraer E175s for United.
The aircraft – which have an average age of 19 years old – joined United’s network in 2023 after American terminated its agreement with Mesa. Some of the jets have a long history, operating under the America West, US Airways, and American brands.
Mesa sold a handful of its CRJ-900s last year. In 2023, American acquired around seven ex-Mesa CRJ-900s, which now operate for its regional subsidiary PSA Airlines.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
Internet access has always come at a cost. But next month, American plans to trial free Wi-FI on three routes.
Per an internal memo from the Fort Worth, Texas-based airline, these routes include Charlotte, North Carolina, to Jacksonville, Florida; Charlotte to Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina; and Miami to Chicago O’Hare.
“Through this test, we’ll be assessing customer take rates for inflight Wi-Fi, evaluating our provider and aircraft capacity, and – perhaps most important – measuring the impact to customer satisfaction via NPS scores,” said Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden in the memo.
The economy cabin on American’s A321neo (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Ryan Ewing)
“With the creation of our new Customer Experience organization led by Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden, American Airlines is more committed than ever to enhancing every aspect of our customers’ travel journey,” an airline spokesperson told AirlineGeeks in a statement. “Staying connected in the skies is critical to today’s passengers and through this limited-time complimentary Wi-Fi test, we are exploring opportunities to build upon our high-speed Wi-Fi offerings to stay competitive in the industry and give our customers what we know they want.”
American’s free Wi-Fi trials are scheduled to begin next week, the carrier said.
Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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.
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.
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
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)
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
TheStealth 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)
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.
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)
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)
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
TheFL390S 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)
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, theFL410P 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)
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 forairline 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 explorethe 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 was founded in February 2013 as a one-person blog in Washington D.C. Since then, we’ve grown to have 25+ active team members scattered across the globe. We are all here for the same reason: we love deep-diving into the fascinating realm of the airline industry.
