Pilots and flight attendants fly more than just about anyone. As such, the luggage pilots and flight attendants use needs to be able to withstand way more wear and tear than your average suitcase. For 20 flyer types. Travelpro, LuggageWorks and Briggs & Riley are still the brands that come to mind most when thinking of pilot and flight attendant luggage, though favourite models will differ between pilots, flight attendants, and airline.
Pilots tend to prefer durable two-wheel rollaboards from LuggageWorks or Travelpro’s line of aviation-inspired luggage. Flight attendants, on the other hand, seem to prefer Travelpro softside luggage or lightweight rollaboards and four-wheel spinners that are easier to push and pull through busy airports.
That said, you won’t find every suitcase that pilots and flight attendants fly with available on Amazon. Professional luggage like the LuggageWorks Stealth Premier and Travelpro FlightCrew 5 are generally sold through aviation-specific retailers or by the manufacturer themselves.
So for the traveler who desires that same toughness and functionality, we have researched and compiled a list of the best luggage inspired by pilots and flight attendants.
What Luggage Do Airline Crews Actually Use?
No single suitcase is carried by every pilot or flight attendant. Airline contracts, employee sales, personal preference and even the type of aircraft being flown all play a role.
However, there are some that come up frequently when talking with airline crew:
- LuggageWorks: Favorite of pilots who prefer a hefty metal framed rollaboard.
- Travelpro FlightCrew & Pilot line: Made specifically with pilots and flight attendants in mind.
- Travelpro Crew Classic: Less expensive/lighter option that still offers many of the crew-friendly amenities.
- Briggs & Riley Baseline: High end luggage that many crews love for its build quality and lifetime repair warranty.
- TUMI: Seen occasionally with airline employees and even issued by a few airlines. Rather pricey and heavy by comparison to the others.
Travelpro’s FlightCrew 5 22-inch rollaboard weights just under 9.9 pounds and has 56 litres of space. Heavier still is the LuggageWorks Stealth Premier 22-inch bag which features a metal frame and weighs in around 12.25 pounds. As you can see by those numbers, luggage made for professional crews can stand up to intense wear while also weighing much more than the average carry-on suitcase.
Unless you expect to be checking and re-checking your luggage every time you fly, the heaviest bag a pilot owns is likely not the best option for most leisure and business travelers. A lighter Travelpro or Briggs & Riley bag will offer many of the same features, providing a professional look with useful compartments without taking up as much weight in your baggage allowance.
1. Travelpro Crew Classic 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Rollaboard
Best Overall Pilot-Style Carry-On
Travelpro Crew Classic 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Rollaboard is our overall top pick for anyone looking for luggage that looks and performs similarly to what airline professionals use.
Instead of four spinner wheels, this suitcase features two inline wheels. Not only does this give it the upright silhouette of classic airline crew luggage, it rolls easier over airport carpets, cracked pavement, and gaps between luggage container flooring.
Another difference between the Crew Classic and Travelpro’s FlightCrew 5 spinner suitcase is that the Crew Classic weighs less. Expect this suitcase to weigh around 6.5 pounds and hold approximately 52 litres.
Its dimensions with wheels and handles extended are approximately 23 by 14.5 by 9.5 inches.
Like most Travelpro luggage, the Crew Classic comes with the brand’s multi-adjustable PowerScope handle. The unique tapered expansion system allows for up to two inches of additional packing space and helps the luggage remain balanced when fully stuffed.
The durable softside material offers a few advantages as well. For one, soft-sided luggage is slightly easier to squeeze into tight overhead bins. This bag also features exterior pockets for documents, chargers, or other travel essentials.
Why We Like It
- Professional looking two-wheel rollaboard design
- Lighter than airline crew luggage designed specifically for pilots
- Spacious packing capacity
- Features multiple exterior pockets
- Expandable main compartment
- Ideal for frequent business and leisure travelers
What to Consider
Its external dimensions are slightly larger than the standard 22-by-14-by-9-inch carry-on size many domestic airlines advertise. Keep in mind airline employees have different carry-on policies than passengers. If you are not an employee, be sure to verify your airline’s policies before traveling.
2. Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch 2-Wheel Expandable Carry-On
Best Premium Pilot Luggage
If you are a pilot or super frequent traveler and don’t mind spending extra money, check out the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch 2-Wheel Expandable Carry-On.
The inline two-wheel configuration allows for a stable design you typically see with airline crew style luggage. Large diameter, high-density, impact-resistant wheels roll better across mixed surfaces than tiny exposed spinner wheels. Plus, the wedge shape feet keep your suitcase propped upright when settling it onto the ground.
One standout feature of the Baseline Series is Briggs & Riley’s compression and expansion system. Not only can you expand the suitcase while packing, you can compress it afterward. This allows frequent travelers to stuff more clothes inside the suitcase without leaving it expanded.
Before expanded, this suitcase measures approximately 22 by 14 by 9 inches. When expanded, it deepens to about 11.5 inches. However, we do not recommend taking this suitcase on the plane in its expanded form unless your airline allows the extra inches.
You won’t find a better luggage guarantee than Briggs & Riley. Function damage is covered for the lifetime of the product, even if the damage was caused by an airline. Cosmetic, wear and tear, dry cleaning, and lost or stolen luggage accidents aren’t covered.
Why We Like It
- Stable two-wheel suitcase design
- Premium sturdy construction
- Compression and expansion system
- Flattens for easy packing
- Exceptional lifetime repair coverage
- Professional minimalist look
What to Consider
This luggage is pricey. We think Briggs & Riley is best suited for pilots, flight attendants, consultants, and frequent business travelers who will be using it almost every time they fly for the next five plus years.
3. Travelpro Crew Classic 21-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner
Best Overall Flight Attendant-Style Luggage
Travelpro Crew Classic 21-Inch Carry-On Expandable Spinner is ideal if you prefer luggage that’s easy to maneuver, like many flight attendants use.
It features Travelpro’s eight-wheel MagnaTrac system. MagnaTrac helps wheels center as the luggage rolls. This allows you to glide it effortlessly next to your side through check-in, security lines, and busy airport terminals.
Not only does this suitcase have an adjustable handle with multiple height positions. The expandable softside design also affords you more packing options than a hard polycarbonate shell.
Flight attendants often rush through crowded airport terminals with a tote, purse, lunch bag, and personal item in tow. An expandable spinner suitcase can be convenient because you can roll it upright instead of dragging it behind you.
We love that the Crew Classic 21-inch Spinner is lighter than Travelpro’s FlightCrew bag. If you’re looking for flight attendant-inspired luggage that doesn’t come with a hefty professional pilot price tag, this is a great option.
Why We Like It
- Super smooth eight-wheel spinner
- Handle has multiple height settings
- Expandable softside design
- Has exterior pockets for easy access
- Professional and sleek appearance
- Easier to transport through crowded areas
What to Consider
Spinner wheels extend out from the suitcase. They are more prone to damage from impact than inset inline wheels. If you regularly roll your luggage over bumpy roads, you may prefer the two-wheel Travelpro Crew Classic.
4. Travelpro Platinum Elite 22-Inch Expandable Carry-On Rollaboard
Best for Business Travellers
Travelpro Platinum Elite 22-Inch Expandable Carry-On Rollaboard features the pilot inspired two-wheel design with a more sophisticated finish that many business travellers will love.
Weighing in at around 7.7 pounds, it offers roughly 53.5 litres of space. The actual case dimensions are about 21 by 14 by 9 inches. The overall exterior dimensions including wheels and handles is around 23 by 14.5 by 9 inches.
Inside you’ll find a built-in garment suiter that helps minimize wrinkles on shirts, jackets, and other business attire. It also comes with a removable TSA-approved wet pocket, accessory pockets, and an expansion system that gives you up to two more inches of space.
If you’re a pilot, frequent flyer, or regularly pack khakis and dress shirts, this suitcase could be ideal for you.
Sure, it isn’t as reinforced as something like the LuggageWorks Flight Attendant bag. But it’s much easier to lift into the overhead bin. We also love how classy this bag looks compared to your average chunky pilot rolling bag.
Why We Like It
- Traditional dual-wheel configuration
- Built in garment suiter
- Premium interior features and organisation
- Removable wet toiletry pocket
- Expandable main compartment
- More stylish than industrial looking pilot luggage
What to Consider
Its external dimensions are bigger than what some airlines publish as the carry-on limit. Just because pilots and flight attendants can bring these bags onboard doesn’t mean the general public can too. Make sure you check with your airline first.
5. Travelpro Maxlite 5 22-Inch Expandable Rollaboard
Best Lightweight 2-Wheel Carry-On
Heavy duty pilot inspired luggage can weigh upwards of 10 pounds empty. If you’re worried about lifting your suitcase or making weight limits, Travelpro Maxlite 5 22-Inch Expandable Rollaboard is a much lighter alternative.
Maxlite 5 weighs around 5.4 pounds and has approximately 52 litres of capacity. Case dimensions are approximately 21 by 14 by 9 inches. Overall dimensions including wheels and handles are approximately 23 by 14.5 by 9 inches.
This lightweight Travelpro suitcase has two inline wheels, a two-position telescopic handle, adjustable compression straps, and interior and exterior pockets. The main compartment expands up to two inches for additional packing space.
If you love the look and stability of pilot luggage but don’t need something as overbuilt as the FlightCrew 5, this bag is a great compromise.
It’s also much easier to lift into the overhead bin than our top two-wheel alternatives.
Why We Like It
- Weighs in at just 5.4 pounds
- Crew style dual-wheel design
- Spacious packing capacity for its size and weight
- Main compartment can expand
- Comes with useful exterior pockets
- Affordable when compared to higher end luggage
What to Consider
Due to the lightweight build, it will not feel as durable as an airline crew bag. If you fly several days a week, you may want to consider something stronger like the Crew Classic, Platinum Elite, or Briggs & Riley Baseline.
6. Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Expandable Spinner
Best Premium Spinner for Flight Attendants
Looking for a premium spinner for flight attendants? Check out the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22-Inch Expandable Spinner.
This suitcase measures approximately 22 by 14 by 9 inches prior to expansion. Four shock absorbing spinner wheels allow for quiet, smooth rolling at the airport and train stations.
Similar to the 2-wheel Baseline, this spinner features Briggs & Riley’s handy expansion and compression system. You can expand the suitcase as you pack and then compress it back to near original dimensions.
Having the handle storage outside the main packing compartment also allows for a flatter packing area. You won’t have to deal with handle bars taking up valuable space between your pants and shirts.
Professional airline uniforms and business attire go well with the minimalist design. Brightly colored luggage designed for tourists can look out of place when you’re flying for work. We think this luggage looks like something pilots and flight attendants would use.
Why We Like It
- Smooth premium spinner wheels
- Flat interior maximizes packing space
- Can expand for extra packing space
- Can compress back down to fit in small spaces
- High quality softside construction
- Lifetime guarantee on functional damage
What to Consider
This suitcase is pricey. It is also heavier than more basic softside spinner bags. If you’re looking for the cheapest suitcase you can find, buy something else. The value in this bag is enjoyed over several years of ownership.
7. Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-Inch Expandable Spinner
Best Lightweight Flight Attendant-Style Spinner
Travelpro Maxlite 5 21-Inch Expandable Spinner is one of the best lightweight options for frequent travelers who want flight attendant-style luggage on a budget.
Weighing in at only 5.4 pounds, this suitcase provides approximately 46 litres of packing space. Like its 22-inch counterpart, the Maxlite 5 features four 360-degree wheels. It also has a lightweight telescoping handle with two height options.
There are two exterior pockets on this suitcase for easy access to your documents and small essentials. Inside, you’ll find a lid pocket that goes the entire length of the suitcase, accessory pockets, and adjustable hold-down straps.
Compared to the Crew Classic spinner, the Maxlite 5 feels cheaper but lighter. That can be a significant benefit if you fly with an airline that strictly enforces a cabin baggage weight limit.
We think this suitcase is ideal for flight attendants who fly short trips. It’s also perfect for anyone who frequently travels by public transportation or has giant layovers between connecting flights.
Why We Like It
- Super lightweight at 5.4 pounds
- Glides smoothly in any direction
- Good capacity for the price
- Has useful pockets on the outside
- Expandable main compartment
- Great value for frequent travelers
What to Consider
Externally, the dimensions are around 23 by 14.5 by 9 inches. Despite being labeled a “21-inch” suitcase, we recommend double-checking a luggage’s complete external dimensions, not just the case measurement.
8. Travelpro Maxlite 5 Rolling Underseat Compact Carry-On
Best Crew-Style Personal Item
Rarely do pilots and flight attendants travel with just one suitcase. Pilots often use a combination of rolling bag and tote. Flight attendants may use a rollaboard with a small personal item, cooler, or flight bag.
Travelpro Maxlite 5 Rolling Underseat Compact Carry-On is ideal if you want to supplement your larger suitcase but keep travel and work essentials close.
Measuring approximately 17.5 by 14.5 by 8.5 inches overall, this personal item weighs in at around 5.5 pounds. It provides around 26 litres of packing space.
Since this bag has wheels, you won’t have to lug around a heavy shoulder bag through the airport. You can simply roll it behind you like a traditional suitcase.
Depending on the airline, airplane, or seat you’re in, underseat space can vary. We recommend treating this as a small rolling personal item instead of a guaranteed fit under every seat.
Why We Like It
- Compact rolling design
- Works well with another carry-on bag
- Interior compartments are well-organised
- Can hold electronics and travel essentials
- Can be used as a standalone bag for short trips
- Coordinates with Travelpro bags
What to Consider
We don’t love that this rolling personal item is 5.5 pounds. If you don’t need wheels, you can score a lightweight backpack or tote with far more usable packing space.
Why Do Pilots Usually Prefer 2-Wheel Luggage?
Pilots often prefer two-wheel rollaboards because they are steady and often more practical, especially when another bag is loaded on top.
Professional pilot bags typically come with either a J-hook or a strong loop to attach another piece of luggage such as a flight bag, cooler, or laptop case. The pilot then uses the rollaboard like a miniature luggage cart by setting the second bag against the front of the rollaboard.
Two wheels also usually mean bigger, partially recessed wheels. These roll better on carpet, pavement and rough surfaces than the tiny spinner wheels.
Additionally, the suitcase stays behind the traveler as it’s pulled. This is handy when navigating tight spaces such as airplane aisles, jet bridges and busy crew buses.
The downside is that pulling your luggage means the traveler supports more of the bag’s weight via the handle. A heavily loaded two-wheel bag will put more pressure on your wrist and shoulder.
Why Do Flight Attendants Often Use Spinner Luggage?
Flight attendants often weave around passengers, airport lines and service areas. A spinner can be pushed along-side the user, pulled behind the user or spun within tight spaces.
It’s this versatility that can be particularly beneficial when the traveler is wearing a jacket, holding a tote or pulling multiple bags at once.
Spinners tend to perform their best on smooth airport surfaces. The exposed wheel assembly is their downfall. Hard landings, uneven pavement and baggage handling can put more pressure on spinner wheels than on recessed inline wheels.
Neither style is inherently superior. It comes down to the surfaces you travel on, the weight of your luggage and if you typically secure another bag to your suitcase.
Should Ordinary Travellers Buy Professional Crew Luggage?
If you fly often, prefer softside luggage and value repairability over looks, crew luggage might be right for you.
It’s probably overkill, though, unless you’re an actual pilot. The LuggageWorks Stealth Premier 22-inch holds about 12.25 pounds before anything’s packed inside, and the Travelpro FlightCrew 5 checks in at about 9.9 pounds.
That might not matter to someone who needs every ounce of durability and flies weekly. It sure does matter to a frequent international flyer who has to meet a strict weight limit for carry-on luggage.
Better choices for most people: the Travelpro Crew Classic, Travelpro Maxlite 5 or Briggs & Riley Baseline. They offer the distinctive professional design and organization of crew bags, but they’re lighter and easier to find.
What to Look for When Buying Airline Crew-Style Luggage
Strong Wheels
If there’s one thing that will wear out first on a heavily traveled bag, it’s the wheels. When purchasing your carry-on, look for big inline wheels for rougher terrain or fully supported spinner wheels to smoothly maneuver through airports.
Sturdy Extending Handle
Nothing irritates more than a bag with a shaky handle, especially when you pull it out daily. Extending handles that lock into multiple heights are great for both taller and shorter passengers.
Softside Construction
The majority of conventional crew carry-ons are made with a fabric exterior instead of hard-shell material. Soft-shell bags allow for external storage and may allow you more flexibility when fitting your bag into an overhead bin.
Warranty
If you’re going to be packing up and checking your luggage every couple of weeks, it’s bound to show some wear and tear. Find out if the manufacturer’s warranty includes wheels, handles, zippers and even damages from airlines.
Overall Measurements
Avoid trusting size descriptions like “20 inch,” “21 inch” or “22 inch.” Make sure to look at the overall dimensions with the wheels and extended handle.
A popular size for domestic carry-on reference is 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, but this will differ depending on your airline and destination.
Weight when empty
Just because a bag is durable doesn’t mean it has to be lightweight. Know how much of your allotted baggage weight will be taken up by your empty bag before you stuff it full.
Final Verdict
Suitcases used by pilots and flight attendants have to last far longer than those of typical travelers. That’s why pilots typically prefer durable two-wheel rollaboards by brands like LuggageWorks and Travelpro—the bigger recessed wheels are less likely to tip when rolling over carpet, pavement or lumpy ground. Flight attendants often choose lighter Travelpro softside bags or easy-roll four-wheel spinners.
These bags aren’t always ideal for regular travelers, though. Crew-friendly models like the LuggageWorks Stealth Premier and Travelpro FlightCrew 5 are built to last decades of frequent handling, but their heavy-duty frames can take up a substantial chunk of your airline’s cabin baggage allowance.
Our overall top pick is the Travelpro Crew Classic 22-Inch Carry-On Expandable Rollaboard. It has the versatility of two wheels, multiple exterior pockets and sleek professional aesthetic you’d expect from airline crew luggage, without the weight and bulk of most pilot-focused bags. If weight and price are your primary concerns, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Rollaboard is a better option. Don’t mind spending extra for luxury build quality, compression packing capabilities, and lifetime repair coverage? Take a look at the Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 2-Wheel Carry-On instead.
If you prefer spinner luggage, the Travelpro Crew Classic Spinner is the way to go. For something a bit lighter and cheaper, check out the Maxlite 5 Spinner.
No matter what type of carry-on you pick, be sure to measure the bag’s total exterior dimensions (including wheels and handles) to make sure it will fit in your airline’s overhead bins. Crew members can fly under different baggage policies than passengers, so having a bag that pilots and flight attendants use doesn’t guarantee you’ll be allowed to bring it on board.