A New Hire Looking for Advice on Pubs Bags
 

Apologize for the less-than-cool subject matter . . . I am a new hire and looking for advice on what to buy for bags since my last job didn't require me to pack and travel with pubs or a uniform.

First, what do you folks recommend to buy for the pubs bag? I saw some that looked cheap and others built like a tank but much more expensive. Some had nylon siding, etc. What is your advice for a new guy looking to get something reliable, convenient (i.e. with wheels) and practical? Company names or models would be especially welcome.

Second, I am assigned to a 73 and want to know the correct size/type of luggage for the jet. I have used Travelpro in the past as a passenger but have heard several other names recommended. As well, some have pushed a 22" bag but it didn't have a garment section for the coat, etc. Is a 26" bag too large (I'd hate to buy it and find out it doesn't fit in the cockpit)?

All help would be appreciated -- thanks --

Hokiefan

As far as the flight bag, you're not going to need wheels on it if the bag you have has a hook. That's just weight that's going to waste.

As far as the bag, why do you need a garment section? That's what the coat closet/hooks up front are for.

I'm pretty minimalist when I pack. I have a 22" strongbags roller. It's a little more pricey than the Travelpro, but much better built and much less than luggage works. So far it's held up well to commuting.

In both cases, you get what you pay for. If you spring for a coyote works kit and luggage works bag you're going to be out $800. Spend $200-300 and you might have to replace stuff every couple years. You see plenty of people using cheapy stuff and getting years of use out of it. I decided to try and go for the middle of the road versus all out because I had a cheap bag break on me while on day two of a four day and wanted better than cheap without breaking the bank.

Pilotpip-

Thanks for the words -- I didn't realize there was a coat closet avail -- all my time in the 73 has been in a sim so I haven't been able to know what the actual amenities and space in the real thing are like.

What is a Coyote works kit? Is there a pilot friendly/crew oriented web site that specializes in crew gear? Does it matter what the thing is made of (i.e. nylon versus hard sided, etc.)? Do you take a laptop with you? If so, how do you pack it?

Sorry again for all the elementary questions -- I am in a whole new world from where I used to be and I figured others would have good advice.

There are plenty of pilot shops online. Google them.

Coyote works is a company owned by a couple pilots (expressjet I believe) that makes some very nice, yet very expensive bags.

As far as the laptop, no. I've seen a couple get destroyed. I have a smartphone to check my email and most hotels have computers available. There's too much to do on an overnight to waste it on here. When it gets cold again I may revise this policy.

How did you manage to end up in a 737 for your first job?

That's the question of the day right there.

Spent 10+ years as an AF fighter guy . . . got my type and subsequently picked up by a legacy spot in the 73 but have seen nothing aside from the inside of the sim (hence no SA on where jackets or suitcases go since I never dealt with this in my other jet).

Appreciate the words and apologize for the dumb questions -- just looking for some advice from people who know more about the subject.

No worries. I figured you were retired military. Nothing I've said is really "top secret" but I just thought it would be a good idea to ask ;)

I would play a wait and see until you get to class. You really won't need the stuff on day one and you'll have a pretty good sampling of people to quiz about preferences. Your airline may also have specifics about bag size. I know a 22" bag will fit in every overhead with the exception of CRJ/ERJs.

Personally, I can't justify spending a ton of money on the luggage. I did buy a little nicer than rollaboard from sears and a catalog case from office max but there are some seriously expensive bags out there.

http://www.outermarker.com
http://www.stopoverstore.com

I have purchased from both stores with good results. I'm partial to outermarker because I know the owner. He owned a shop in STL while I was doing my training and there were many times I was looking to spend money on crap I didn't need and rather than taking my money he told me to put a product back on the shelve.

http://www.26luggage.com

List price on Luggage Works bags, free shipping, and he'll throw in an embroidered handle with your name on it for free.

Great service. I received a defective bag and he had another one on its way out immediately. I highly recommend.

http://www.ebags.com/ebags/professio...m?modelid=9690

I use this bag. Mine has international orange inside makes it much easier to find stuff. Fits 15 inch computer w/2 jepps and assorted other pilot stu:)ff.

22" for sure. No bigger. Scott bags are the best for a brain bag but pricey. Check out this place for overnight bags (and brain bags) http://www.strongbags.com/