Which suitcase?

[kansas]

Hello everyone-

I am headed off to class for my new regional job in a couple of weeks. What do you recommend for a good, lasting suitcase that won't totally break the bank? What do you carry?

Thanks for your help-
Kansas

 

[Coool Hand Luke]

Luggage Works makes the best bags, but you will pay for it:

http://www.luggageworksonline.com/

Travelpro, while not as good, isn't bad and is much cheaper:

http://www.travelpro.com/


Cheers!

 

[V1Cutt]

Costco bag - $90
Stay away from TravelPro!

 

[SPilot]

Seems like the opening question is well answered allready, so let me throw another question: For pilots living out of their suitcases working contracts or staying at locations for 3-6 months or maybe longer, but without a permanent place to live: how much "stuff" is practical to bring along?

I'm looking at all the "stuff" I've accumulated while living at one location for a couple of years, and even if I throw away everything that isnt cool and fun, I still have like 15-20 cubic feet worth of electronics and other "necessary" gadgets. Do you guys ship it all with moving truck companies, or do you only bring along essentials? What about offshore locations?

 

[Gorilla]

I like Tumi. I'd also consider a wheeled kit bag for turns, if you end up doing them.

As for what stuff you need, only you can answer that! In my younger days just starting, a compact pickup was absolute greatness for doing the kind of moving and traveling you seem ready to do.

Good luck in your new job!

 

[FN FAL]

I saw one the other day that was made out of polypropylene laminated corrugated box, for durability and weather proofing. It had sturdy rope handles on it and because it could unfold into sleeping quarters it made a great impromptu crash pad.

 

[siucavflight]

Costco bag - $90

Thats too much for a new regional pilot.

 

[tracearabians]

Orvis. Bullhide

 

[jetalc]

Costco bag - $90
Stay away from TravelPro!

Amen - Costco bag is the only way to go! I've been through a couple of them in the past couple of years, and at the sign of any problem (noisy wheel, etc - minor stuff) I take it back and they have given me a brand new one. Just hang on to the receipt, and I've never had any problem. It holds up much better than TravelPro.

An interesting point about the TravelPro bags' warranty - a luggage repair company asked if I was a crewmember...I said 'yes' (stupidly) and he stated that the warranty wasn't valid for a crewmember because of the increased use. He then presented a bill for $76.20...I told him to keep the bag (spare parts?) and I went and picked up a Costco bag. Been using it ever since!

 

[Groundpounder]

I have a costco bag too, and love it. I haven't had any problems with it, but I think I'm a little bit easier on it then you regional guys.

 

[Coool Hand Luke]

Yea, Travelpro has gone way downhill. Guess I am sorry I recommended it earlier. It's what I use, but only because I get a new one every year for free. Notice I said every year, cuz that is about as long as it lasts. Otherwise, the Flight Works are by far the best. Kind of what Travelpro used to be back in the day when it was started by an airline pilot out of FLL. Since that guy sold out it's been down hill. The last couple of years they are just plain cheap. Get yourself a good one. You will come out ahead in the long run.

 

[FL420]

22 inch Kirkland from COSTCO. Allowed as carry-on. If you get a job flying long haul, out for 2-4 weeks, get 2 of them and piggyback them. As a former commuter for a supplemental, I gave my luggage a real workout.

On 2 of the 3 occasions I have had to check bags not allowed as carry-on, the airlines lost them. Delta lost a bag of donated baseball equipment for 3 weeks in MIA that I was trying to take to kids in Venezuela. United lost my son's catcher's bag on a non-stop from LAS to DEN. Thank God it was after the Legion regional tournament, not before.

Regardless, I appreciate all the fine folks at DAL and UAL. I just don't check bags with anyone if at all possible.

 

[Huggyu2]

I've used one from Purdy Neat Stuff (I think that's the spelling). It takes a beating, and is very solid. I'll take a look at in a few days and post the phone number for the company that's inside of it.

 

[dingo222]

You don't need a suitcase....... get a backpack like some of the other regional guys......one of those big ones with wheels and a handle................


Honestly, just stay away from travelpro

 

[FlightTraker]

I have had two Travelpro bags break on me. Try Delsey-I have had no problems with it.

http://delsey.fanaticalbags.com/20236.html


FlightTraker

 

[colejer]

I use Briggs and Riley. Kind of pricey $230ish, but lifetime warranty. I've had mine for 6 and a half years. You can get it repaired locally most of the time. I lived in Dallas and got it repaired there in a week each time I had something fixed. I did not have to send it to the manufacturer (California). No questions asked and free every time.

 

[1973Arrow]

Rockn' the Luggage Works Purdy Neat bag. Check out the Stopover Store. They had the best prices/service, from what I've foud.