There was one DTW FA that I flew with a fair number of times that fit that description. Would always come back with three or four bags that banged and clanged the whole way on the return leg from pickup to deplaning. No idea of the legality of it but this fellow claimed to run an antique shop and would use his trips abroad to acquire pieces to bring back to the states to sell in his shop. Never saw him get more than a cursory second look going through customs/security though.

I’m looking into this bag. On the 330 is there enough room to store the international version of the carryon bag? It appears it’s 1 inch wider.

On the 330, two bags go in the cockpit - but not next to each other, one is in front of the other. The third and fourth (if on a 4 man crew) go in a big closet in the cabin.

I find that I can even fit more stuff in a LW "Aurora" bag (22") than I could in my 26" behemoth bag that weighed a ton. Also I find that the lighter the bag, the less they get destroyed and after tweaking my back once a few years ago, tried the lighter bag and never looked back.

I have the same bag. I’ve been happy with it.

I second the Briggs and Riley recommendation, contact them directly to discuss flight crew discounts. They offer a 20% discount but you need to contact them for a discount code.

Really if you ever flown 3 day trips that start late and finish with a transcon redeye. I’d say that’s a mediocre intro to Europe flying. You actually spend more time in the seat fly domestic. And to prepare for the leg back you will be actually sleeping when it’s dark outside.

For the 330, I just used the standard Cotsco Travel Pro bag (the $99 bag). Especially true if you're not a commuter, but luggage just doesn't really get beat up on international categories. It's more than enough for a 3-day trip and adequate for 6 days, especially through AMS where you can drop laundry at the front desk.

International version is what I have. It’s great.

All good advice and not sure if this has been brought up but it did happen to myself and a few other guys a couple times.

when hanging with “some” FA’s, there is a certain expectation when it comes to the food bill. I was once told by an FA, “you’re on a GS, are you buying tonight?” How did she know this? Her hubby, pilot, looked it up!

Lots to see in all the European cities. I tendered not to hang with the other pilots if they were just doing the AMS crew room thing, or NRT sports bar/gyozo place...I’m sure that’s changed as the generation that thought that was the deal has retired... enjoy the WB!

You mean you didn't want to hit up Osho's in NGO for the 1,000th time? :D