Packing for a 7 day tour

[a&p cfiguy]

I've been looking into applying to the fracs soon, and was wondering about how / what you guys pack for a 7 day trip. Do you carry 7 uniforms?? Do you do laundry every night / other night? I assume a laptop is a given. Do all the hotels you stay in have wireless internet in the rooms? Where do you carry all this stuff? Isn't baggage space in most of the airplanes pretty limited and first reserved for the pax? What do you do if there's not enough room for the crew and the pax bags?

 

[mainiac]

Purdyneat 22" roller leftover from regional packed with:
Socks,skivies,t-shirts for 7-8 days
2 pairs uniform pants
3-4 Uniform shirts (4 in summer)
1 pr jeans
1 pr shorts
1 pr white sox
1 t-shirt
1 polo ( so you can commute out of uniform)
sneakers

Laptop bag with all your other stuff

NO flight kit! (Don't need it!)



Rarely do any laundry on the road, wireless is 99.9% at hotels, never an issue on pax/crew bags. If there ever were, crew bags would always stay on.

Good luck

 

[Twotter76]

Pretty much the same as the above except I use a 27" PNS bag so it has some room left over for the freebies I inevitably end up with each tour (shirts, wine, whatever). I carry only the one bag, laptop goes in the pocket in the back and I don't want to have 2 bags. The only time that bag gets left behind is when the airlines lose it. In my plane if I am there then so is my luggage - end of story. If the pax have too much baggage then you help them to fedex it to their destination.

 

[a&p cfiguy]

Purdyneat 22" roller leftover from regional packed with:
Socks,skivies,t-shirts for 7-8 days
2 pairs uniform pants
3-4 Uniform shirts (4 in summer)
1 pr jeans
1 pr shorts
1 pr white sox
1 t-shirt
1 polo ( so you can commute out of uniform)
sneakers

so you wear the same pair of uniform pants 3-4 times without being washed?? Same shirt 2-3 times? Are you encouraged to pack lightly? How many uniforms does the company provide?

 

[DirtyBeech]

Wearing pants 2-3 times is pretty normal. Press them at night and they look fine. You've got to figure that usually your first and last days will be somewhat light work so those shirts can be worn twice, and in the winter all shirts can be worn twice. However, if you perspire a lot and it's summer time then you should probably plan a new shirt for everyday ro hope to launder somewhere along the way.

 

[NJA bound]

$29. Walmart 24" carry on bag (just get a new one every 6 months), 2 pair blue pants, 7 pitot shirts one for every day summer and winter, some frootalooms, and levis, couple black t-shirts, most of my weeks are airline 1st day and go to hotel, work 5 days and airline home last day, about 25% of the time I've worked on the 1st and last days.

 

[glasspilot]

Those purdyneat bags are great. Cheaper than the Walmart bag in the long run. (I've had mine for 7 years now.)

Speaking of "having mine for 7 years now", I've heard that they will refurbish your bag for not too much money and even send you a replacement while they do it. Anyone have any experience with this?

 

[learflyer]

when I was at flops, i atleast had a new t-shirt for each day. (8). when your done with your underwear/t shirts/shirts etc, I used to roll them up so I could tell what's clean/dirty. If you like to exercise alot, lay your sweaty azz gym clothes over the wing, (if you are on crew rot at fbo) they'll dry nicely. If you are assigned an acft with exterior baggage, make sure your socks are completely dry, or the'll freeze to your pax luggage! True story, funniest thing i've ever seen! Imagine some nasty azz sock stuck frozen solid to John McCains bag?

 

[Twotter76]

Oh yeah that reminds me, gotta have space for a pair of flipflops and a pair of trunks - most important for cruising the beach at Cabo or St. Martin or just lounging at the hot tub...

 

[stingray]

Oh yeah that reminds me, gotta have space for a pair of flipflops and a pair of trunks - most important for cruising the beach at Cabo or St. Martin or just lounging at the hot tub...

"This is one of the most important things to have."

I would also add to the list above in the second post. bring atleast enough uniforms and other clothing for 8 days (yes we get home for the most part on day 7 but accasionaly you don't make it). and unless you are a "slam and clicker" one t shirt is not going to cut it, you will start to smell after a couple days.

 

[gunfyter]

$29. Walmart 24" carry on bag (just get a new one every 6 months), .

$99 COSTCO bag. TravelPro knockoff. It is awesome.. and if something happens to it ... I am rarely in a city that does not have CostCo to replace it. This may be the last time I ever have to purchase a bag. Plus COSTCO is a union shop ... Walmarts is not.

Kirkland Signature™​

Executive 22" Rolling Carry-on...​

Every Kirkland Signature product is guaranteed to meet or exceed the quality standards of the leading national brands. If you are not completely satisfied, your money will be refunded.​

Costco.com products can be returned to any of our more than 400 Costco warehouses worldwide.​

Those PNS bags weigh a ton. I hate loading my partners bag into the Falcon. This COSTCO bag is light and STRONG.

 

[FLYLOW22]

27" Travel Pro Bag

7 Underwear
7 black socks
2 white socks
2 work shirts (winter) 3 (summer)
Toiletry bag
board shorts
2 casual t-shirts
1 collared shirt
1 pair of jeans
1 pair tennis shoes
1 pair flip flops
1 ball cap
1 brown belt
1 pair work out shorts
1 work out t-shirt

Luggage Works Executive Tote Model 304A "goodie bag"
http://www.luggageworksonline.com/product.asp?CatID=3

We don't carry "flight kits" so I carry this bag for my FOM, computer, camera, other electronics.

Luggage Works Executive Duffel Model 202A "TSA Bag"

If you get called "not a real pilot" at TSA, your liquids and gels fit easily into this bag to get checked. Some pilos check all of their luggage, personal choice I guess. "TSA bag" rolls up and fit in 27" Luggage Works bag.

I prefer to know I have my gear with me since:

-the ramp monkies bang the hell out of luggage
-airlines really won't cover ANY damage to the bag these days
-the large bag wheels easy so I don't have to carry the "goodie bag" (save a rotator cuff)
-you won't get into the pilot/ACP "I don't have my clothes, can't fly" argument
-even if the Luggage Works bag has a warranty, damage effects are cumulative and will add up to long term damage extending past the warranty period.

 

[FRLWD]

so you wear the same pair of uniform pants 3-4 times without being washed?? Same shirt 2-3 times? Are you encouraged to pack lightly? How many uniforms does the company provide?

When you're on the road for extended periods you'll learn to wear the same shirts or pants multiple times. Under garments and socks are the only thing I refuse to wear twice.

 

[blueridge71]

7 Underwear
7 black socks
2 white socks
3-4 work shirts
Toiletry bag
1 casual shirts
1 workout shirt
1 pair of jeans
1 pair tennis shoes
1 pair flip flops
1 ball cap
1 pair work out shorts

I also carry a backpack for shoes and reading material. I typically wind up picking up a couple of extra FBO shirts and stuff, so it helps to have extra space.

 

[Usual Suspect]

Those purdyneat bags are great. Cheaper than the Walmart bag in the long run. (I've had mine for 7 years now.)

Speaking of "having mine for 7 years now", I've heard that they will refurbish your bag for not too much money and even send you a replacement while they do it. Anyone have any experience with this?

I've had my 26" stealth bag for 5 years and finally got tired of pounding the frame back into shape. (I check it normally). I sent the bag back for refurbishing and they replaced the long parts of the metal frame, 2 zippers, the metal plate at the bottom rear, and repaired several tears that had started. It was out of warranty, so it cost about $100.

 

[glasspilot]

I've had my 26" stealth bag for 5 years and finally got tired of pounding the frame back into shape. (I check it normally). I sent the bag back for refurbishing and they replaced the long parts of the metal frame, 2 zippers, the metal plate at the bottom rear, and repaired several tears that had started. It was out of warranty, so it cost about $100.

How long did it take them and did they give you a "loaner" bag while they had yours?

 

[Ultra Grump]

2 work shirts (winter) 3 (summer)

That's just nasty. You might be able to get away with 2 days per shirt, once in a while, but never 3.

Skip packing the "workout shirt." Just wear your undershirt from the day. Less stuff to pack.

If you like to exercise alot, lay your sweaty azz gym clothes over the wing, (if you are on crew rot at fbo) they'll dry nicely.

Nice, you must be a redneck. Just the kind of image we should be projecting to owners.

 

[gunfyter]

Bring 2 White UnderArmor shirts instead of 7 cotton t-shirts.
They can be washed in the shower or the sink every night. Hang them up and they are dry in the morning.

Uniform shirts -- 4 SS shirts dry cleaned with light starch. Can be worn in the hotel shower and washed while wearing with the shampoo and soap. Hang up and the shirt is Dry next morning. Need very little ironing. So one shirt can last 2 days.

 

[Usual Suspect]

How long did it take them and did they give you a "loaner" bag while they had yours?

I didn't use a loaner bag because I did this during vacation, but they would have sent one. In fact, they'll assume you need one if you don't tell them. It took them about three weeks. Their excuse was that 2 of their employees that rebuild the bags were in a car wreck together and out of commission for a while. Otherwise it would have been 5-10 business days.

 

[Usual Suspect]

As for what to pack, I need a fresh uniform shirt and undershirt every day, so there's 14 shirts right there. That's just me. I only take 2 pair of uniform pants, but those aren't up near my face, so I can wear them for a few days in a row. Then of course fresh undies and dark socks for every day, plus whatever civvies the time of year requires and I need the 26" bag.

 

[a&p cfiguy]

Bring 2 White UnderArmor shirts instead of 7 cotton t-shirts.
They can be washed in the shower or the sink every night. Hang them up and they are dry in the morning.

Uniform shirts -- 4 SS shirts dry cleaned with light starch. Can be worn in the hotel shower and washed while wearing with the shampoo and soap. Hang up and the shirt is Dry next morning. Need very little ironing. So one shirt can last 2 days.

You're kidding right? You don't really take a shower with your uniform shirt on, washing it with the shampoo and soap, do you??? What about laundry service at the hotel? Can they take your laundry at night, and have it ready the next morning? Can you expense the charge to the room?

 

[blueridge71]

I have heard about one guy who washes out his clothes in the sink every night. He then hangs them up in the bathroom, turns on the hairdryer, and closes the door. This expedites the drying process.

That's just nasty. You might be able to get away with 2 days per shirt, once in a while, but never 3.

You must be a heavy sweater. I change my undershirt a lot more often than my uniform shirt. I can wear uniform shirts for several days unless I spill something.

Skip packing the "workout shirt." Just wear your undershirt from the day. Less stuff to pack.

Yeah, but you don't look as cool to the chicks in the hotel fitness center.

 

[learflyer]

Nice, you must be a redneck. Just the kind of image we should be projecting to owners.

Nah. I only do this when i'm at an fbo for extended periods, and know when the pax are coming back. I am kinda becoming a redneck as I age I guess.

 

[gunfyter]

You're kidding right? You don't really take a shower with your uniform shirt on, washing it with the shampoo and soap, do you???

Yes I do wash the uniform shirt in the shower. You can do something like that or carry 7 shirts.

 

[DO-82 driver]

I'll stick with carrying 7 shirts...thank you very much.

what I carry in a 22" TravelPro bag:

6 S/S uniform shirts
6 t-shirts
6 pair of black socks
6 underwear
2 polo-type shirts
1 t-shirt for the gym
3 pair gym socks
running shoes
sandels (summer time only)
1 pair jean shorts
1 pair long jeans
shaving kit bag.

It all fits.

 

[Ultra Grump]

You must be a heavy sweater. I change my undershirt a lot more often than my uniform shirt. I can wear uniform shirts for several days unless I spill something.

Nope, but my nose works just fine, and I'm guessing yours doesn't.

 

[FLYLOW22]

That's just nasty. You might be able to get away with 2 days per shirt, once in a while, but never 3.



Skip packing the "workout shirt." Just wear your undershirt from the day. Less stuff to pack.


Nice, you must be a redneck. Just the kind of image we should be projecting to owners.

I didn't say that I WORKED every day dude. Some fleets don't work nearly as hard as others. Believe me, I look good at work.. I have nothing to fear from the Uniform police and I'm not a sweat hog.

This week, flew 3 legs... one revenue. I have shirts to burn.

 

[mushroom]

I work internationally for an ACMI carrier, and have often been on the road for more than 30 days at a time. Since I often had to jumpseat to boot and could not bring a bigger bag and check it, I made a checklist and got down to the bare minimum of what I could cram in my 22" Costco bag and a flight kit.

We generally have free laundry service contracted with our hotels, so that helps a lot. As far as helping to decrease, overall, what you need to pack:

Gunfyter had it right when he talked about bringing Underarmour stuff. But what I bring as opposed to Underarmour are some things made by Ex-Officio (http://www.exofficio.com/). Why are people bringing 6-7 pairs of underwear/socks and multiple casual shirts and taking up all that room in their bags? Bring 2 pairs (3 at most) of Ex-Officio travel underwear instead. They are really comfortable, and when you finish wearing one pair for the day, you wash it in the sink or shower and it dries totally in about 2 hours. They make other nice travel stuff too, which not only look nice but also can really help to save space. Their stuff isn't cheap but I think it's worth it. The stuff I have bought from them has lasted a long time and is still going strong.

$0.02 contribution over now.

 

[fly26]

Don't forget the swimsuit too!

 

[mainiac]

You're kidding right? You don't really take a shower with your uniform shirt on, washing it with the shampoo and soap, do you??? What about laundry service at the hotel? Can they take your laundry at night, and have it ready the next morning? Can you expense the charge to the room?

Never showered with my shirt on myself, but this isn't the first time I've heard it! As to expensing laundry service to your room/company, I don't now that your company will get real excited about that every tour, I guess it depends on your contract?
Regarding your earlier question, "Do the company encourage you to travel light?"
It's not really question of encouragement, purely the available space in your roller. Lots of guys are commuting with the 26", and most airlines are being pretty cool about allowing it as a carry-on,(if you're commuting in uniform), but I personally hate checking my bag at all, so I've stayed with the 22".
And, I agree with many here, 2 days per shirt (obviously with a clean t-shirt) is no problem. Carry some Shout wipes, and a Bleach pen, and iron every night. You'll look fine every AM!