Senior Skipper

Hey guys,

Seeking advice again. This time on a rollerboard. I'll be on the E145, and I'm looking for a luggage bag that will fit. The Luggageworks ones seem pretty nice, but I'm open to any suggestions.

I also have a few questions:

1. The LW website says that the 26" bags are too big to count as carry-on. I like the size, but does that mean the 26" bags are mostly for non-commuters?

2. Are there any bags that have the "TSA approved" laptop cases so that I don't have to take out my laptop every time I go through security?

lakehouse

Welcome to the jungle jet! TSA follows no rules, something that is ok at one airport is not at another. For example I have a dell mini 9 which has no moving parts, the TSA website says that I do not have to take it out, but I do about 1 in every 25 times, the other 24 I assume the people just dont realize its a laptop. Just dont expect published policy to actually be what TSA does in person.

Not sure who you work for, but most EMJ airlines you will put your roll on board in the front closet with your other crew members bags, so you honestly can have any bag you want, my advice is find one that will fit in all mainline overheads, so when DH you dont have issue.

boeingt7

The Luggage Works bag is awesome! The only problem is that its very heavy and after a while it gets pretty old throwing the thing in and out of airplanes all day. If you're looking for something lighter go with the TravelPro. The 22" is the standard size bag and is the maximum the airline will allow passengers to bring on board. For crew members however, I haven't seen anyone not be allowed to bring the larger 26" sized bag on, just be aware that for most overhead bins, the 26" will not be able to go in "wheels first", only the 22" will. Theres plenty of tsa approved laptop cases available, they are the type that have a zipper in the middle and open like a clam shell for screening purposes, I know best buy has them and I'm sure other computer stores would as well.
p.s. they're called roll-a-boards

ysslah

When I used to carry my laptop, I carried in one of those "TSA approved" cases. I never had anyone asking me to take it out of that case, granted I had to take the case itself off the handle of the suitcase to put it on the x ray. Regarding the previous guy's advice on TSA not following their own rules, it sometimes benefits us and it sometimes causes us annoyances. (I won't get into detail for obvious reasons, but you'll encounter them shortly especially if you commute). You have a few choices for when they tell you to do something that technically can't tell you to do.

1. Just shut up and comply.
2. Ask for their supervisor. (depending the ignorance of the supervisor this may backfire)
3. Print out the page of the TSA website that has policy regarding whatever procedure you worry about. If they start to argue, show them the page.

Have fun with the smurves! (sp?)

Senior Skipper

Is the 26" too big for the just the RJ overheads, or for larger planes as well? I wouldn't mind the extra 4", but it's not worth it if it'll be a hassle (giggity)

Senior Skipper

I was actually looking for a bag with a built-in laptop case on the outside. I've seen them before on regular pax cases, where you just unzip a fold-out compartment at the front and send it through the x-ray. I was wondering if there's anything equivalent for crew bags.

ysslah

Ah...disregard

boeingt7

I don't think any overnight bag will fit in the erj145 or crj200 overhead bins. Not sure about the larger RJ's though. But the 22" will fit "wheels first" (wheels going toward the window) generally on any overhead bin in a DC9, 737, A320 or larger airplane....but I don't think the 26" will fit that way, you would have to put it in lengthwise. so if overhead bin space is tight on a packed flight, the 22 is much easier to find space than the 26. overall I would recommend the 22", it might seem small at first but in all honesty you won't be needing to take that much stuff with you on trips, and you'll quickly learn what you should take and what you can leave at home. I would say unless you're doing international trips that take you away for more than a week at a time, the 22 will do just fine.

USMCFDX

LW is heavy and over priced. Go to Costco and get their small roll aboard. It is built well expands if needed and light weight.

HB Pilot

Costco (Kirkland) rollerboard bag is $100. If it ever breaks, wheel, zipper, anything, you just take it to any Costco and they give you a new one. No repair order, no receipt, nothing. I've had mine for two years, no issues, they're also popular with mainline guys. Good wheels and handle.