Pilots and flight attendants are experts at what they do, with their decades of experience, I trust that they know what type of luggage works best.
Generally, pilots and flight attendants use soft sided luggage that is durable, high-quality designed for frequent, heavy-duty travel, with Travelpro (particularly the Crew and FlightCrew series) and LuggageWorks being the most popular choices.
These suitcases have sturdy, replaceable wheels, strong handles, and often include a metal J-hook for stacking bags.
So whether you are a flight crew member or you want to get a new bag that pilots and flight attendants use, right here, we’ve compiled the best luggage pieces and brands flight crews prefer.
Well!! Enough rumbling.
Let’s dive right in…
TL;DR
- Pilots and flight attendants usually travel with one carry-on suitcase and one smaller pilot bag.
- Thye use luggage from brands like Travelpro, LuggageWorks, Briggs & Riley, Rimowa, and Tumi.
- They prefer durable, high-quality luggage built for frequent travel.
- Crew luggage typically has strong wheels, sturdy handles, expandable soft sides, and stacking hooks so they can move easily through airports and store bags in tight cockpit spaces
What Luggage Do Pilots Use?
Most pilots take one bag filled with clothes and other essentials, in addition to one small personal item called a “pilot bag.” It fits beside the pilot’s chair and carries items like electronics (headsets, a torch, etc.) and toiletries.
Usually, the first bag is larger and can hold all the clothes and shoes needed for the journey.
For example, pilots who fly longer routes will need more items in their suitcase.
This is why a pilot’s carry-on bag needs to be spacious and able to hold everything they need to fly safely and comfortably during the trip.
It should contain items such as clothes, a laptop, cell phone, passport, medications, and other necessary documents.
Usually, pilots prefer high-value luggage brands like Briggs & Riley and TravelPro, but most of the time it comes down to each pilot’s personal preference.
| Luggage Brand | Why pilots like it | Why flight attendants like it |
|---|---|---|
| Rimowa | Made from strong aluminum shell protects gear like iPads and documents during your trip. | Stylish and durable hard-shell luggage that handles constant airport movement. |
| Briggs & Riley | Lifetime repair warranty makes it ideal for pilots who travel constantly. | Softside design with many compartments for organizing clothes and essentials. |
| TravelPro | Designed by a pilot, lightweight and reliable for everyday travel. | Smooth spinner wheels make it easy to move quickly through airports and terminals. |
| Tumi | Quality materials and organized compartments for electronics and documents. | Sleek design with useful features like USB ports and easy-access pockets. |
| Delsey | Durable hard-shell luggage that protects items during frequent trips. | Lightweight design and stylish look, popular with many cabin crew members. |
| Samsonite | Affordable and durable option for pilots starting their careers. | Widely available and lightweight, making it convenient for frequent travelers. |
| Luggage Works | Designed specifically for cockpit storage and heavy-duty airline use. | Extremely durable but heavier, so used less frequently by flight attendants. |
| Strong Bags | Reinforced construction built for heavy daily airline use. | Sometimes used by senior crew members who want extra durability. |
| Level8 | Lightweight aluminum and polycarbonate construction for durability. | Modern design and smooth spinner wheels ideal for airport navigation. |
| Zero Halliburton | Made in aluminum and have maximum protection for important equipment. | Luxury and durability, though less common due to higher price and weight. |
What Luggage Do Flight Attendants Use?
Flight attendants bring the same number of luggage pieces as pilots: one bag and one small additional item that holds toiletries and electronics.
It doesn’t matter if it is a duffle bag or a backpack, but most prefer wheeled suitcases.
Flight attendants also need to consider the weight and size of their luggage, as they will be carrying it frequently.
Flight attendants prefer the same luggage brands pilots use, like Rimowa, Briggs & Riley, and TravelPro, which we will discuss more below.
Here Are the 11 Popular Luggage Brands and Suitcases Pilots and Flight Attendants Use
Airline crew members need luggage that is durable, sturdy, and stylish, as they travel frequently for a living.
Pilots and flight attendants need their luggage to be:
- Very light
- 4-wheel for smooth maneuverability
- Covered by a good warranty or at least easily replaceable parts
- Expandable
1. Briggs & Riley
Briggs & Riley is the first luggage brand on the list and is preferred by pilots and flight attendants.
Their suitcases are built to last, with a wide range of lightweight and durable options.
What makes the brand remarkable is their unconditional lifetime warranty, which covers any defect or type of damage.
Even though their prices are high, pilots and flight attendants still prefer the brand, as the warranty gives them peace of mind and allows them to use one bag for a long time.
The Briggs & Riley Baseline-Softside Carry-On is the most preferred piece by pilots and flight attendants.
2. TravelPro
TravelPro is another luggage brand admired by flight crews. Similar to Briggs & Riley, it does not come with a lifetime warranty.
TravelPro estimated that more than 220,000 pilots and cabin crew members around the world use their luggage every day, across more than 30 airlines.
What is intriguing about TravelPro is that it was created with a pilot in mind—it is a pilot-designed brand and flight crew tested.
The TravelPro Platinum Elite-Softside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage is the popular suitcase used by flight crews.
3. Rimowa
Even though I’m not a pilot or flight attendant, I admire Rimowa luggage.
Their pieces look more like luxury luggage and stand out in design.
The best piece pilots and flight attendants prefer is the Rimowa Topas Titanium Carry-On. It has 4-wheel spinners for smooth maneuverability in any direction.
Moreover, it is made from a robust aluminum-magnesium shell, making it one of the lightest and most stable luggage options in its class.
4. Tumi
Tumi produces high-quality and durable bags, not only for flight crews but also for any traveler.
When pilots or flight attendants choose Tumi luggage, they usually opt for the TUMI Alpha Compact 4 Wheel Briefcase.
The suitcase is durable and has many features: front zipped pockets, USB ports on the side, a sleeve in the back to fasten to a trolley, the Tumi Tracer metal plate, and more.
5. Delsey
Delsey is another popular premium luggage brand that pilots and flight attendants often use.
The DELSEY Paris Chatelet Hardside Luggage with Spinner Wheels is their most commonly used suitcase among flight crews.
6. Samsonite
Samsonite is known for affordable suitcases that do not compromise on quality.
They have a solid warranty, and their suitcases are found worldwide.
Samsonite is mainly known for its sturdy and lightweight hardside suitcases.
For example, the Samsonite Winfield 2 Fashion, preferred by flight crews, comes with four spinner wheels and a TSA-approved lock to ensure security.
The compartments are ample and can hold all necessary essentials.
7. Luggage Work
Like TravelPro, Luggage Work is mainly designed for flight crews.
Some of their suitcases have steel frames, making them stronger and more durable.
They are rigorously built and come with a limited three-year warranty, plus a 30-day return policy.
8. MyGoFlight
If the aluminum is more your style, you’ll love MYGOFLIGHT suitcases.
The MYGOFLIGHT Aviator Pro AL20 Luggage is the most popular suitcase among flight crews.
It is lightweight, spacious, and made from aluminum, making the hard-case strong and sturdy.
9. Strong Bags
Strong Bags are built for extra durability and frequent fliers.
Even though most of the bags are made in China, they are known for their robust construction and are lighter alternatives to Luggage Work.
10. Level8
Level8 makes its suitcases with polycarbonate and aluminum for a modern, stylish, and strong bags.
It’s gaining popularity with flight crews who want lightweight hard-shell luggage with luxury appeal.
11. Zero Halliburton
Zero Halliburton is famous for its high-end aluminum suitcases, including the ones used to carry moon rocks from Apollo 11.
While this brand is not very common among pilots, some like it because it is extremely durable and has a sleek design.
Final Thoughts
Pilots and flight attendants do not choose a specific type of suitcase but focus more on the quality, size, and weight of their luggage.
It mostly depends on how much they are willing to pay: “the more you pay, the better and longer-lasting suitcase you get.”
Even though airline crew need to pick their luggage wisely, the suitcase must be durable and last through long-term use.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
FAQs about pilot and flight attendant luggage
- Why do pilots prefer soft-sided luggage over hard-shell bags?
Many pilots like soft-sided luggage because it can expand slightly and fit better in tight cockpit storage spaces. Soft cases also tend to be lighter and offer external pockets for quick access to travel documents and electronics. - Do airlines give luggage for pilots and flight attendants?
Most airlines do not give luggage. Crew members usually buy their own suitcases based on personal preference, although some airlines may recommend specific brands that work well in cockpit or crew storage areas. - How long does pilot luggage usually last?
High-quality luggage can last for many years. Some pilots said that they use the same suitcase for over a decade, especially when it comes with strong warranties. - Why do pilots attach their smaller bags to their suitcases?
Pilots often strap their smaller pilot bag on top of their carry-on to move easily through airports. This allows them to roll both bags with one hand while navigating busy terminals. - Do pilots use backpacks when traveling for work?
Some pilots use backpacks instead of traditional pilot bags, especially for shorter flights. Backpacks can be useful for carrying laptops, tablets, and personal items while keeping hands free. - What size luggage do pilots usually carry?
Most pilots use a carry-on suitcase that fits standard airline overhead bin limits, usually around 20–22 inches tall, along with a smaller personal item or flight bag. - Why do many pilot bags have metal frames or reinforced corners?
Crew luggage experiences heavy daily use, including frequent rolling, lifting, and storage in tight spaces. Reinforced frames and corners help prevent damage and extend the life of the bag. - Do pilots check luggage when traveling for work?
Pilots rarely check bags during work trips. Carry-on luggage allows them to keep essential items with them and avoid delays or lost baggage during tight flight schedules.
People also ask
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