dodsqubam

Hi Everyone,
I will be going to the airlines soon and I was wondering what items you carried besides uniforms and basic toiletries that you would consider essential? Was there anything you bought when you first started and then later realized it was a ripoff? Anything you absolutely can’t live without while on a trip? I don’t want to over/under pack and I want to be as comfortable as possible given the fact I’ll be living out of a suitcase a lot. Thanks as always for your insight!

TiredSoul

Underwear and socks = days of rotation +1
Spare uniform pants as you WILL spill something that won’t wash out, usually on day one.
Basic OTC kit = aspirin, peptobismal and something that stops you from sh*tt!ng your brains out.
Don’t bother packing shaving cream, use 50/50 hotel shampoo and conditioner.
Blue tooth speaker for those nights dancing alone in your room.
Drink lids in case you go drinking with your Captain.
Smallest and brightest flashlight you can find.
Mmmm what else....

usmc-sgt

Running shoes, flip flops, “spi belt” to hold your stuff while you’re running. Don’t forget a bathing suit and sunscreen.

TiredSoul

Carry 25-30 of the wipes for cockpit sanitizer and the mandatory check of the syphilis transmitter.
Pilots are dirty folk.
Scratching random orifices and not even blinking before they hand you a cup a joe.
Some don’t even shower and I swear they bring one shirt, the grey one.

TiredSoul

UV flashlight to check the hotel/Crashpad beds.

Super27

If you carry one of these and use it, you won't be doing much sleeping in hotel beds

In all seriousness, agreed 100% with all the suggestions thus far. I also used to carry a small pack of shoe shine wipes and a pack of Tide wipes (or the Tide to go stick works too). Earplugs are also a must, for both hotels and walk-arounds.

If you're a commuter, invest in good noise-canceling headphones. I also recommend a non-descript black shell jacket or fleece zipper-up. Something you can wear both on overnights in a variety of weather, and over your uniform for commuting. Keeps you a little more incognito in the terminal and on commuting flights/deadheads - take off the tie and throw your badge in your pocket and you look like any other businessman in a white shirt and slacks. Personally I used to wear mine throughout the trip as well, but I guess that would depend if your company is strict on uniform dress code. Amazon has some great inexpensive options in their house brand (Amazon Essentials).

TiredSoul

No need for active noise cancelling headsets for commuting.
First of of all they make you look autistic with a sprinkle of aspergers like you can’t handle the outside world.
Second they’re stupid expensive and you’re on first year pay.
Here’s the frugal solution
I use these:



Like $5.95 at Walmart.
I cut the little cable off and people don’t even notice.
They last also if you keep them clean.
Also use them under my Telex 850’s as I fly a noisy plane.

TiredSoul

Get work out shoes that can double as street shoes and don’t make you look like you’re wearing gym shoes to da club.
That will save you beaucoup space in your roller bag.

TiredSoul

Get a roller bag at the thrift store.
I’m stone cold Steve Austin serious too.
Don’t waste $300 on a “pilot” roller bag you may not even like.
You’ll probably buy the wrong size too.
First year luggage is sacrificial.
Ask fellow pilots what they have and what they recommend and where the deals are.
My leather flight bag is a $250 high brand bag that I bought for $15....in a thrift store.

WillFlyForSpam

- Wet or Purell wipes, and lots of it.
- Small Tupperware to save leftovers.
- Enough socks plus some for commute.
- Exofficio boxers (breathable, washable, quick drying)
- More Purell wipes
- Spare shirt, spare slacks.
- workout clothes
- tide pen
- single load laundry detergent
- more wipes
- vacuum seal bags for lots and lots of extra luggage space
- sudoku book

Seriously though - cockpits and hotel rooms are gross. Wipe that **** down. As for the boxers I mentioned, I bring only 2-3 pairs for even a 4-5 day trip. Look them up.