WesternSkies

Alright, just to show variety, my luggage works metal wheel flange snapped (green tag!) and the stitching is coming apart...I can stick my finger in the bag from the outside. There are many good options.

Mine has pockets on the side, someday I'll find something to put in them. Dirty roos?

RedGuy

I just bought a Luggage Works bag, I was hesitant it is expensive for a bag, but after thinking about it I've been through at least 4 "cheap" bags in the last decade. Usually I break the handle, which they've made very simple on the Luggage Works bag, so I hope it holds up. Plus it's what all the "cool kids" are using

As for head sets I plan on using my Bose X's that I've been using for the last 10 years. Used them jump seating this past weekend and they were virtually silent in the CRJ. I don't find the CRJ loud at all, but I also flew twin pistons and turbo props for a long time before this.

Blackwing

Not sure which Costco bag you have, but mine doesn't even come close to fitting in a CRJ overhead. Maybe if you don't pack much and leave the front pockets completely empty. I tend to overpack a bit, which is compounded by the fact that I lose a third of the available space in my bag to the stupid CPAP machine I have to haul around with me (thanks, FAA!). I'm seriously considering getting one of those 26" "international" LW bags just to get that space back.


I tried this, couldn't get enough volume out of the radios or intercom. Even tried it with Surefire Sonic Defenders with the caps out (my go-to hearing protection when jumpseating), still no dice. I'm planning on using a chunk of my signing bonus on a new headset. Probably be either the DC Pro-X or the Bose QC15/UFlyMike combo.



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FirstClass

Most bags are 8" wide and that is fine. But do not get an 8" expandable. It will be too wide for the 200 but fit ok in the 700/900.

iFlyRC

Even the luggage works bags fall apart. The key is to tell the AA gate agent to F off when they suggest you check it. Never check your bags. The metal screws on the luggage works bags are crappy sheet metal screws that should be replaced with either machine screws and lock nuts or rivets. The aluminum rails will cave in if the bag falls off the belt loader from 15 ft up. With this said, anything else will fail far worse. Consumer grade luggage is overpriced rolling dung with cheap plastic wheels.

daOldMan

I understand that some people want to save money and buy the Costco bags, and go with a junk bag that has a "lifetime" guarantee, but most people that have been in the industry for awhile will advise against it.

Picture this, you are on day 1 of a 4 day trip. You have a zipper pop so you either can't get into your bag, or can't close it anymore. You end up getting a roll of tape from maintenance and have to tape your bag up for the rest of the trip. Then, a wheel breaks, or the handle, or something else. You have to put up with this piece of garbage for 3 more days. To me, it is just not worth it.

You spent a ton of money and time becoming a pilot, do not skimp on a good bag that will last you 10 years.

PotatoChip

The metal corner bracket on my LuggageWorks was destroyed this week on JetBlue after being gate checked; completely bent at a 45 degree angle and two bolts stripped out. I was on a full fare ticket and went to their baggage office to file it. They would not offer any replacement or repair, only a $50 voucher towards air fare which I negotiated up to $100.

Bottomed line, even the LW will get destroyed, but still don't go cheap, you'll regret it.

iFlyRC

There's a Mesa CA that rebuilt his LW bag, bought new Aluminum Angle, rivets, etc. He even made a new foam padded hand grip. It's better than new in terms of durability. Point being, if you are handy, you can rebuild a LW Bag.

PotatoChip

Good to know. So, in other words, buy a $300 bag and then buy $50 in materials and completely rebuild it. If, that is, you are capable.

iFlyRC

Not until you have to rebuild it. If you never check it, may last 5 years before the screws become loose.