Suggestions for SWA 737 Rolling overnight bag

[johnnyV]

What rolling pilot overnight bags are offered at SWA new hire training & are they the best to go with? Are there any good alternatives ie..better, cheaper, roomier?

Thx, JV

 

[RVR300]

We don't really have a 'regulation' bag. During new hire class you'll see a display in the training center lounge by Purdy Neat Things... those heavy black roller bags with the SWA logo on them as well as your name or monogram. I've had probably 5 of those bags. They have a long handle, so if you're tall, it's a comfortable pull. They're like $270.

Those bags are a little maintenance prone though. The 737-300 bag compartment in the cockpit is about a milimeter too small, so the side pockets tend to get snagged and the side zippers rip easily. Especially if there are any metal nubs or sharp ends in there.

The 737-700 cockpit is not a problem because it's a little bigger.

A lot of the FA's and I'm seeing more pilots now are using the Costco bag. It's like $70 and is warranteed for life.

I have both bags. The PNT bag is a little more useful and generally is stronger, except for the few shortcomings I mentioned. I'm having mine reconditioned and having them replace the thin zippers on the sides and pouches with the big heavy duty zippers on the main part of the bag.

Your bag will get dropped,dragged, piled on, stacked, trampled, sat upon, crushed, and generally abused. If I had to choose one over the other, the PNT bag with the logo would be the one. Just have something in reserve if you have to send yours in for mx.

 

[johnnyV]

Thanks for the reply. Some buddies told me they offer a short & a long version of the Purdy. Do you think the long version would further complicate problems in the -300?

Thx, JV

 

[Lear70]

The PNT bags are warranteed 100% for the first three years. I have three of these bags (two roll-aboards, one laptop bag), one of them I've had since 1995 and it's still kicking.

During the first three years they fixed every single problem I ever had (zippers, handle, everything) and it didn't cost me a dime. After that I've spent about $30 - $50 a year on it, less now that I've invested in the stainless steel handle instead of the black aluminum one (much stronger). Last repair I went to the stopover store in MSP and they replaced / rethreaded three zippers for me and it cost me all of $20 bucks (he said I was in the running for the oldest bag contest).

There's also a new company out that is based (loosely) on the same design, better handles that completely recess into the bag and they're ALL heavy-duty zippers, costs about $100 less... can't remember the name of the bag, if you want to know PM me and I'll ask around (I think they have ads up in our crew room).

Either way, look for what's called the "737" bag or the 13-Inch bag, that's the one that fits in the overheads of even the CRJ and in the 737 flight deck storage bin.

Enjoy training!

 

[FracCapt]

The PNT bag(www.luggageworksonline.com) is the best out there, as far as I'm concerned. I have had one for 8 years now, and it's still working great. I had to have the handle replaced and some of the plastic bumpers(that protect the bags frame when you drag it up a curb). The handle was done for free, even though my bag was a couple years out of warranty.

For SWA type trips(3-4 days), get the normal size(22 or 23" tall). I have the international(27" tall) since I go on 7+ day trips.

 

[viking737]

The travelpro Flight Crew 3422E has lots of room and fits in the 737-800
cockpit. I paid 139.99 at their outlet store in Boca Raton, FL, supposedly
retail is about $ 300.
Don't have their phone number handy, but check their website.

AA 737 pilot

 

[dhampton]

I got the steath ng bag from PNT and the pockets still snagged, as a result I now leave the pockets empty. You'll want the short version of the bag, I think the long one will stick out into the isle. Overall I like the PNT bag even though it's really heavy. I pulled a costco bag for a day and it was a bunch lighter. I will probably just buy the costco bag when the PNT poops out.

 

[RVR300]

Echo that on keeping the side pockets empty.

I spoke to PNT a couple of weeks ago and they're going to replace all those girly zippers with heavy duty ones. Hopefully they will last longer.

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

I have a Stealth NG.

If I had it to do again (I suppose I will in a few years), I'd buy a bag that costs a third as much, weighs a third as much and will last a third as long. In other words, I'd rather have a lower quality bag that doesn't weigh as much as a UAL Transpac F/A, and have to buy three of them over the same life of one of these heavy Luggageworks things. Just my .2

 

[Hugh Jorgan]

And yes, the bag does feel like it weighs 250 pounds late at night.

 

[SWAdude]

I had travelpros, the purty neat bag ( way too heavy), and I have been using a Tumi for about 6 years now. Its light, roomy and expensive. If anything goes wrong, I mean even normal wear and tear, they will fix it. They FED EX a loaner to you and you either use the box to send it back or bring it into a repair facility. My wife the flight attendant is on her second one after 11 years and Tumi replaced the first one for about half the price of a new one recently.

They are pricey but if you spend a third of your life away from home to live out of the little box, it is an excellent tool.

SWAdude

 

[johnnyV]

I buddy of mine flies for a commuter & recommended crewneeds.com. Nice stuff. Thet have a 22" & a 25" bag, both are 13" wide. Lifetime gaurantee as well. Anyone have any info on these folks?

JV

www.crewneeds.com

 

[Mach 80]

PNT now makes an un-advertised version with no sidepockets. Several SWA guys have got them so they no longer have the sidepockets to snag and tear as they are dragged in and out of the cockpit luggage storage area. The only drawback -- no sidepockets! I know some guys get new bags at the drop of the hat but mine is old and looks like heck....I got shoestrings where the zipper broke, lotsa tape...it's got real character now and like an old rusting car, I no longer have to worry about every little tear and scrape.

 

[ivauir]

Try Samsonite!

They make a hard sided that fits perfectly and runs for 100 bucks. Mine is 18 months old and holding up stong. The pluses are: inexpensive, fits, Captain's bag slides easily on hard surface (always nice to please the boss when on probabtion)

The minus is that as a hard sided bag you cannot overstuff it ... but you probably don't want to do that anyway.

 

[737tanker]

I use the Samonsite Hybrid. It is hardsided on the bottom and has a soft top. CrewGear sells it and they offer a SWA discount.

 

[johnnyV]

The only Samsonites I see at Crew gear are 14" wide. Is there a 13" or does the 14" fit ok?

JV

 

[jball2]

I had the PNT bag and just got sick of it falling apart, the weight, and doing the reach around to get it in the cockpit (737 pilots know what I'm talking about). I dug up my 7 year old Costco bag I used at the commuters, took it back to Costco and got a brand new one for free. They have a lifetime warranty, roll easily, are very light and they expand 2 inches (thick way) for a longer trip. Best deal out there, really, and it fits right in the crew bag spot with no fight.

 

[737tanker]

My Samsonite is 14" wide. It fits easily in the 737.