av8or519

Hi all. I'm currently applying to some regional carriers and was curious as to how people carry their gear for flights. Do you typically use a larger flight bag and pack the clothes in with flight gear, or do you use a separate smaller carry-on for flight gear and do something else with your clothes for overnights? I'm clueless...help!

rickair7777

You get a rollaboard suitcase with a luggage strap. You attach your flight case to the strap and tow it around. You can also attach a laptop case or food cooler to the assembly.

The rollaboard needs to be legal carry-on on size in order to fit in the overhead bins...except it can be longer than legal, and probably should be to maximize what you can bring. The depth and width are critical because otherwise it won't fit in the bin. If it's too long, it will still fit, just taking up more room in the bin.

The favored brands are.

-Purdy Neat (PNT). The fool-proof professional pilot standard, if attacked by terrorists you can hide in it.

-Travel-Pro.

You can also get el-cheapos (COSTCO), but the hassle of replacing them every 6 months (3 months for commuters) is annoying.

flybynuts

There is the Strongbag at stringbag.com that seems like a good choice as well. Made for 737 guys and jumpseating.

Pilotpip

Or throw it at them. The weight of the bag will cause the evil-doers to be incapacitated making you the hero of the day.

vagabond

I know many here have made a mockery of ToiletDuck's alleged "Hello Kitty" backpack, but I personally see nothing wrong with carrying one to work. I have a work backpack and a play backpack myself. Recently, I flew across the Pacific on United. While waiting in line in immigration, I saw the captain walk by, and he had the usual roller bag, a flight bag and ..... a backpack. This guy was not some 23 year old wannabe either. He probably has more flight time on the 777 than fifty of us put together. Anyway, just a thought and a slight pitch for the lowly backpack. If only my husband would get me a Hello Kitty one.

Bloodhound

I don't want to dig up the ol' backpack arguement but personally, my problem is not with the back pack itself. As long as it is totally black or dark blue, I don't care AS LONG as it is NOT worn on your back. Throw it over your roller bag. I saw a guy in BNA last week in uniform with a backpack cinched down on his back like he was going trekking up Kilimanjaro. To top it off, he had black Nike's on. Same goes for some pax I see. Picture this: a business traveller, late 40's/early 50's, in a nice 3-piece dark gray suit pulling a typical roller bag and scrolling through his Blackberry while talking on his Bluetooth ear-piece. Nothing out of the ordinary, right? Throw a backpack on his back and he goes from successful businessman appearance to Screech (Dustin Diamond) at the pocket-protector manufacturer's convention. Not a good look - simple as that... not my opinion... fact... period.

rickair7777

Right you are.