Here's my question. I'm just about to get into the RJ 200 as well. On a 4 day trip, how necessary is a standard 20 or 22" rolling suitcase? From my understanding I'm only going to have one uniform (that's all I plan on buying), so I see no need for a garment bag in my suitcase. I was thinking about just getting something rather small for my clothes and then the purdy ballistic flight case. Is this a bad idea?

In two words: Yes...(edited LoL)

Reason # 1: Never go on a trip without a spare uniform. You never know when that cup of coffee is going to find itself onto your shirt.

Reason # 2: How would you lug your Case around without a rollaboard?? And no...the wheeled case won't fit in the RJ

Reason # 3: You can't fit a pair of sneakers, and your toiletries, and your clothes, etc...into "something rather small..."

Reason # 4 and most important: You will stick out like a dumby, and be pointed and laughed at, as you should be LoL.

There's a reason our luggage is fairly standard across the board...it's because that is what the job calls for. Get a good quality rollaboard and flight case.

Can someone post a link of the website that the pilots from SWA made for their luggage. It seemed like a good brand but I can not find that link anywhere.

www.strongbags.com (?)

Thats the one, thanks!

I appreciate your help, but here was what I was thinking.

1. I can see your point about the spare uniform. I may end up having to get that and spend the extra cash for it.

2. There are small carry-on sized bags that do have wheels that also aren't the full sized standard rollaboard. But you also said they won't fit in the RJ anyway?? I'm confused.

3. The smaller sized bag that I've been looking around at is more like 19" x 14" x 8". I have packing folders that keep up to 7 shirts or 4 pairs of slacks and sweaters etc. pretty compact, so a pair of shoes will fit in with that into a backpack, let alone a rollaboard.

4. I'm concerned with having gear that will do the job and fit in the aircraft. I do understand that there are industry standards for a reason, but I'm not concerned with being laughed at, or certainly not with getting what everyone else has. I'd like to have something a little different.

Again, I'm not trying to argue here or be a jerk. I genuinely appreciate any advice you experienced pilots can provide, and I do take it to heart. I just want to make sure that I can make an educated decision that I'll be happy with.

Hmm...well if you can fit everything you could possibly need for a four-day into a smaller carry-on, go for it...But my guess is you'll be kicking yourself after your first trip on Reserve ;-) I just don't see it working for you buddy! Also, how would you haul the flight case around?? If I came out harsh, I apologize...I certainly didn't mean to. All this coming from somebody that likes to go against the grain himself (me!), so I understand where you're coming from. Some things, however, are best left how they are LoL

And for Number 2: If it's the Flight Case you are looking for with wheels - it won't fit...but a standard 22in rollaboard will fit...if that is what you meant.

Whatever you decide - best of luck, of course, and keep us updated! :-)

Hey thanks for the clarification. I just saw an older thread that clarified that the cockpit does indeed have its own luggage closet of sorts, so the size of the rollaboard isn't so much of an issue, something I was more concerned with earlier. I already purchased the standard Purdy Ballistic flight case, so that's no problem, I was just thinking about the luggage. Looks like I'll go with some kind of 20" or something of that nature. Thanks again for your help and no, you didn't come across harsh. :)

Just My 2cents.. but the Minute you get displaced someplace like YHZ or YUL for a few days because of a bad Snow Storm you will wish you had more clothing, Ask Me How I KNOW.. LOL

no serious dont short chance your self. I am sure where ever you are you can get the required tools to do the job and get it pay deducted remember you can deducted all that you buy for work on your taxes..on another note my luggage is mostly filled with food nothing like getting to the Hotel at 1201am and nothing is open and you are hungry..

Here's something else to think about, you're a professional pilot....dress the part and don't look like a flight attendant. Pilot's use rollaboard crew bags, flight attendants often have the smaller bags. Respect your chosen profession.