ok thanks a lot I'll do that....what flight bag did you end up with? Thanks for the help.

 

I bought the basic luggage works flight case, think it was $80. Nothing fancy, reasonably durable, but the combo locks have been irritating, they have a tendency to reset themselves, don't ask me how. Always seems to happen if I have to gate check the thing or if the hotel van is very full and my bag ends up on the bottom. Has happened twice. One time it was only one number off, another time I basically just started at 000 and started going through all the possible combos till I got the right one. I guess it gave me something to do during a 2.5 hour flight but it was still irritating. Other than that, has been a fairly decent bag. Oh, the fake leather finish has started wearing off where it rubs against my roller bag but that is purely aesthetic.

 

It's practical and economical. I can see why there would be issues. Better fork over the $300. Or might need to make monthly payments on it. I'm not sure of most FO's financial situation. Hell just put it all on the credit card and pay 22% on it and then wonder why can't pay bills.

Ontop of that it could have been somewhat sarcasm. But who woulda thought? Point is you're an idiot if you spend $200-$300 on a carry-on. I've traveled the world and still use the same bags. Two of which would qualify as good purchases and neither of which was over $30. However some people jsut have to feel good about themselves and buy something expensive.

On another note the DC X-11's suck. They aren't worth the money.

 

I can see you now in your uniform, when / if you get an airline job. Walking through the airport, holding a Jansport gym bag with your jepps and manuals in it..... With a bright red North Face backpack packed full of underwear, socks and a laptop. I'm sure everyone will take you real serious.

 

COSCO - $100 roller bag that has been great

Aside - Funny Story - My previous roller bag blew out in LA on a trip and the only thing I could find to secure it for the next 2 days was a Rainbow colored strap from the news stand. Ouch!

 

after 3 years you PNT bag will look like hell but it will hold together like a tank.

I'd go for the TJ-Maxx route also, you can find the Travelpro 22" for around $70...

go get a new one after a year and a half.
Now your new bag looks sharp, you can send them back the original one to get it fixed or just ahve it around as a spare...

I just can't bring myself to schlepp a bag that says Kirkland on it around with me...but 2 costco bags and you are set for life (they have a total exchange policy for the life of the bag, just go to the store and get a new one)

If you have money to burn though, the PNS bags are great sturdy the hadledle doesn't wobble, the wheels are quiet...nuances my friend, nuances.

If you commute, especially on regionals don't get a bag with too many outside front compartments -- it'll be hard to fit in some overhead bins.

(avoid putting it in the back unless you don't mind the big ramper standing on your bag while he loads the rest of the cargo...)

Cheers
George

 

Seriously, don't be that guy with the backpack. You're a professional, look the part. A backpack says "look at me, i'm a college student". If you would rather not spend the money for a good bag, by all means go buy the $40 Wal-Mart special but buy it knowing that you will be replacing it in a year or less. I guess all the hundreds of pilots out there with the $200-300 purdy neat bags are idiots And the putz cruising through the airport with his backpack, hes the real genius, right? Maybe when you've spent a few days doing 5 legs a day and doing the bag drag every other leg, then you may have some experience to draw upon.

 

Shadow Flight: Those are some toys.

 

I've been "that guy" on the first day of a 5 day trip when the extended handle on my cheap @ss bag I bought to get me by until I could get the Purdy Neat bag broke. It sucks. It really really really really sucks. Luckily, Day 1 put me back in base for the night and I was able to switch my stuff out to my recently acquired 22" Stealth. I will never look back.

I've also been that guy with the cheap (actually borrowed) flight case until I could get something better. Unknown to me, I wore a crack in the bottom corner...imagine my surprise after I set it down on the freshly rained on ground when i opened up my Jeps.

I managed to sniggle myself a Purdy Neat bag and Scott Leather case and I'm sold on them. The difference has been night and day. Don't skimp on quality.

As far as the headset is concerned, anything that covers your ears works in the ERJ. I got a Bose about 3 years ago as a graduation present and I love it...but as some have said...you definately don't NEED ANR in the cockpit.

 

Nice way to insult a large group of the brotherhood/sisterhood of aviators. Next time you're traveling to "4 continents" on a mainline carrier, look at the bags the pilots are using. Yep - more than likely, it'll be Purdy Neat and Scott Leather bags. When you get the chance with that flight crew, please, by all means, tell them they're idiots.

We have a new MasterCard commercial...

Toilet Duck's "Hip" Outdoor backpack: $24
Toilet Duck's future RJ Flight case from Wal-Mart: $40
Toilet Duck's telling a mainline crew they're idiots for buying Purdy Neat and Scott Leather gear: PRICELESS