ALCON:

I received this email a few days ago and just now had a chance to peek at some of the gear. I'm hoping I can extend this out to the masses and get your input about what a new hire should be showing to the gate with on Day 1, assuming the 320 or 737. Right now, all I have is my knee board and G-suit....

************************************************** *****


Here's a list of gear I found helpful doing the airline gig. I didn't mind spending a few extra bucks because they're items I'll be using for the rest of my career. I spent more hours than I care to admit researching all of it. Hope this is useful for you and feel free to share.

- Flight bag. I love my Briteline. Everything is organized and goes back in the same place. With this case I can fit a 13" laptop, company iPad, personal iPad mini, kindle and all my chargers/cables. I try and fly without my laptop these days when I can.

- Suitcase. Lost of guys use the luggage works. I've seen the bag and I think the design is a bit dated. Strong bag has a lifetime warranty on the frame and the shell and all parts are replaceable.

- Packing cubes and mini toiletry bag. Less is more. Packing cubes have helped me keep organized and cut down on time unpacked and repacking in the hotel.

-Moisture wicking shirts, socks, underwear. There's nothing worse than sitting in a puddle of your sweat in the beginning of a four day trip.

- Anti-glare screen protector. Cuts down on the glare and fingerprints for the company iPad.

- External battery pack. Recharges your iPhone 6 times or the iPad once.

- Serengeti sunglasses. Great low visibility, photochromatic, hands down best sunglasses I've ever owned.

- Clip on case for sunglasses.
- Flashlight. Super bright, water resistant, and rechargeable.

- Dual lightning and mini USB cable. Charges my iPad or kindle.

- Dual 2amp charging adapter. Gives quick charge on two devices so I can recharge company iPad and iPhone quickly.

- Anti-slip mat. Great for the Airbus tray to prevent you from wearing your lunch.

- Shoes. Clarks are super comfortable, hold a good shine, and last well.

- Mini shoe horn.

- Great portable almond/peanut butter snacks. Fit in my flight bag and have some protein to keep me going if there's not time for food.

- Hydroflask water bottle. Keeps water cold, hot drinks hot, and doesn't retain any flavor. Fits perfect on the side in the Airbus and clips to the suitcase with the handle.

- Energy drink packets for red eyes. Small crystal lite shaped packs. Portable and avoid the coffee breath. They mix up in a water bottle.

 

Your friend gave you some great info for the pilot stuff.
He forgot the watch, and to spring for some nicer shoes. Cuz" you know, due to the uniform, the only way the first class passengers can scope out their prospects with the flight crew is with the shoes, and watches. Ha!

 

Recommend Velcro and a g-shock. Your captain bid will be almost immediate.

Seriously, Johnston and Muphy shoes. They're expensive, but spend a few bucks here and there getting them shined in the airport they'll last for years.

 

This guy gave you great input. About the only things I would disagree with are the bags. Having tried multiple other bags and flown with guys using about every bag you can imagine and getting reviews, luggageworks is the only way to go. Durability, long-term VERY much worth your money. Same for the flight bag, luggageworks makes a few great options. Also be careful with that dual charging adaptor. The ipad and iphone come with slightly different chargers and there is a reason for that. If you use the ipad charger for an iphone, it will work but charge it too quickly which will damage your battery long-term. And if you use the iphone charger for the ipad, it will just take forever to charge. Not sure what the amperage is for each but this dual charger has the same amperage for both ports. Hope this is helpful info.

 

I would also recommend a good pair of nomex gloves. You don't have to wear them when you are pilot monitoring...but you really should have them on while you are flying.

Your truly,
Bad Phil

 

StrongBags/Pretty Neat Stuff suitcases are a joke. I have 3 bent frames in my basement with $175+ estimates to rebuild them.

I've been using the same $99 Costco bag for 4 years and it still looks brand new. Kirkland Signature? Upright 21.5" Black Carry-on

The rest of that stuff just makes it look like you're trying to make some money from Amazon's Affiliate Program. Moisture wicking underwear and an Anti-Glare screen protector? Seriously? I'm waiving the BS flag.

 

Despite the affiliate links, after reading the review it would be irresponsible to not recommend the wicking underwear.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profil...f=cm_cr_dp_pdp

 

AWAX is DEFINITELY a captain - cheap bastage. LoL

 

I suppose next you'll make fun of my Members Only layover jacket?

 

Agree with the above. I rarely fly with anyone with the luggage works bags anymore. I went through two and now have the Costco Kirkland bag and will never look back. Can only seem to get it online now. $99 for life, and it's a great bag that isn't 20lbs empty.

The luggage works bag could have been great but it was built like a piece of unrefined factory hardware borderline haphazardly put together garbage, especially the first one I had, the 737 bag. That thing was never checked and after 2 years looked like an hourglass and every screw and zipper popped out and had razor sharp edges when other components went awol.

Maybe they're better now but unless you 3 leg commute to Zimbabwe, the Costco bag is enough and has better pockets. Your shoulders will thank you too.