Any recommendations? I know everyone likes to bash Travelpro but I’ve had good luck. Trying to figure out which model.

I’m open to new ideas, just don’t really care for the Purdy Neat Stuff metal tank of a bag.

Thanks!

 

I’ve heard good things about Briggs & Reilly. Never owned one myself but they seem nice and I believe they have a lifetime guarantee...

 

I switched from PNT to a Travelpro and could not be happier. Same high quality fabric but much less weight and more room for clothes. I purchased the FlightCrew 5 22” Expandable Pilot Rollaboard from https://www.travelproluggageoutlet.com.

 

I've been using my current Luggage Works bag for about 12 years; only thing I've had to do is change out the wheels a few times. I have the model with the ballistic plastic on the bottom vs. the metal ; it's costs a little less and weighs about half of the metal bottom LW bag.

 

LW also offers the full refurb and provides a loaner bag in the meantime.
The plastic is probably better as the metal dents and scratches pretty easily.

 

Second that. Got one in 1998 and everything except the ripstop fabric has been replaced for free. But the newest model made significant practical improvements for crew.

- the extra bag hook is attached permanently but can be hidden in a pocket at the top. Don’t have to take it off when the bag has go in cargo
- inside the lid there’s a full length and width storage compartment about 1” thick that is nice for segmenting clothing items
- cockpit storage in my aircraft is 22” high giving each pilot 11”. This bag is 10” but has a unique ratcheted expansion to take it to 11” when working or up to 14” for other traveling
- handles are flush to the bag so the side one doesn’t get hung up on the side of the bag storage compartment
- there’s a third handle at the bottom of the bag so if you stow the bag top first you can easily pull it out
- the wheels were moved out to the very edge which gives it more stability and removed the housings from the storage area of the bag

In fact I had to buy it. Got a great deal at Christmas.

 

There were a lot of things I really liked about the travel pro but they just didn't hold up ... Good for 3 max 4 years as a commuter. My heavy metal battleship LW has 15 years on it now with one refurb and a few ordered/self installed parts. Presently it looks like it will last longer than the 23 months I have left.

I find the dents and paint scrapes manly.

 

I second this, the plastic version is great. Lighter weight and still very strong

 

Assuming you are still on the guppy, recommend StrongBags; designed specifically to fit under 2nd jumpseat/torture device without ripping everything off of it. Very sturdy, zero parts replaced in 3 years of abuse/Newark Marriott off-roading.

Roller Bags - Products

 

I will never understand pilots. We can buy any 22 inch rollaboard and we choose the ugliest, heaviest, and most expensive options possible. "I paid $450 for this bad boy 15 years ago and with a minor $200 overhaul 8 years ago it is still rolling..." the zippers haven't worked in a decade, it smells like 15 years of gym socks, and you went out on oji because you lifted it weird that one time getting it out of the van.

For the same money you can buy a brand new bag every three years. No broken wheels, zippers, or handles ever again. 22 inch, no bags to catch on the sides if you go guppy, and 4 wheeled suitcases are for grandma who likes to block the moving walkway.