Originally Posted by daOldMan

The problem with the cheaper ones is that they will break at some point. They are less expensive, so you can just buy another one. This sounds like a good plan.

A great plan, right up to the point that you are on day 2 of a 4 day trip and your bag breaks. Have you ever seen a pilot carrying their bag through the terminal because the handle has broken completely off? I haven't. But I have seen many passengers and flight attendants carrying their bags because their handles have broken off of cheaper bags.

If you are going to be a professional pilot, get a professional bag.