My parents bought me a nice leather case when I was hired. After 5 years, the bottom stitching came out and the corners were worn-through. I took it to a boot maker (in TX) and he repaired it for me and made a nice leather Texas flag for it. It was $100 for everything but it will last another several years - at which point, I'll do the same thing. It's better than buying a POS every year or so.

I've had my TravelPro rollaboard and Office Depot chart case for 15 months now, and am happy with both.
The TravelPro is holding up wonderfully, with zero repairs made so far. Right now I plan to replace it with another TravelPro whenever the time comes, but I would definitely get a PNT if I was a commuter. It's rock solid and can stand up to being tossed around by rampers, but I can't justify the weight otherwise.
My chart case is starting to show the wear from being handled by too many rampers on too many DHs, but it's nothing a little bit of black speed tape won't fix.

[quote=av8or519;261680]Considering how often pilots travel, I would have expected some of you might have discovered packing folders from Eagle Creek. You can pack up to 7 dress shirts into the smallest size folder offered, and they compress down to nearly flat, wrinkle free. That same folder will hold about 10 t-shirts or thermals. They have similar items for underwear and socks. It's nice for saving space, try it, seriously.[quote]

I prefer Ziplock bags. Insert clothes and suck the air out while sealing. Really helps shrink down things like jeans and sweaters. The are also much cheaper.

Sorry for the quote function being messed up. Not sure what I did wrong.

Sadly I've gone the el cheapo route. Did not have a choice in the matter...CFIing straight into first year FO pay, with lots of debt already from training....could not afford spending 500 bucks on my luggage. I spent less than 100 on both the chart case (it's called a catalog case if you want it for less money:) and a generic 22" overnight bag. I've had them for only 4 months on the job, but they are holding up well. Maybe I'll wait until second year to upgrade my equipment, if need be....can't afford it until then. Just looking at this thing realistically...not all of us have the means to afford the top notch luggage right away....sad but true.

I second everybody about getting spare uniforms...I got 4 of them and am glad I did. Wait until you're doing reserve trips and get the infamous last leg scheduling call...

I am so with you, done the same thing since the 80's. Good idea with that flag, bet it is cool.

The Treo is the best Ipod replica you will ever have, even does the video thing if you are into that... Bring an extra SD card (the Treo only accepts 2GB...) and you will have more music than any IPod...

Love your quote!

http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/Product...9018|CrossSell

perfect!

[quote=Dash8Pilot;271864]
You have to have a / before the word "quote" on the end.

LMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!:D

Im on my 2nd Travelpro in 9 years. To be honest... its held up really well for the most part, and I put it through hell.

To be honest though, Im planning on Purdy Neat for my next one.