Flight Bags for Pilots: Aviation Bags, Pilot Luggage and Crew Cases

A pilot flight bag is a purpose-built bag that carries and organizes the gear a pilot flies with, including a tablet or EFB, headset, charts, logbook, certificates, and accessories. Unlike an ordinary bag, it uses dedicated compartments so each item stays protected and within reach in the cockpit.

Choose a flight bag by mission. Students and general aviation pilots want a backpack, tote, or EFB organizer, while airline and corporate crews want a rollaboard sized for the overhead bin. Then match the compartments, durable materials, and carry style, whether straps or wheels, to how and where you fly.

Most pilots are well served by an 18 to 22 inch rollaboard. An 18 inch bag fits tight regional jet bins more easily, while 22 and 24 inch bags carry more for longer trips. General aviation pilots often prefer a tote, backpack, or EFB organizer rather than a wheeled bag.

Most airline pilots carry two bags: a rollaboard for clothing and overnight items, plus a smaller cockpit bag or EFB organizer for quick-access flight gear such as a tablet, headset, and documents. This two-bag system keeps essentials reachable without unpacking the roller.

An 18 inch rollaboard fits most regional jet overhead bins more reliably than a 22 or 24 inch bag, though bin size varies by aircraft type. Crews flying regional equipment often choose the smaller size, and many also gate-check larger bags when bins are limited.

A typical flight bag holds your headset, kneeboard, charts or tablet running an EFB app, your pilot certificate and medical, your logbook, a flashlight, a fuel tester, and pens. Crews add overnight clothing in a rollaboard and quick-access cockpit gear in a separate organizer.

Most airline pilots carry an EFB or tablet, logbook, headset, spare batteries, approach plates or Jeppesen charts, crew documents, a flashlight and personal items. Rolling crew cases and pilot suitcases are the most common choice for airline pilots who need to manage multiple days of luggage alongside their cockpit gear.

The most trusted brands among professional pilots are Travelpro, Aerocoast and ASA. Travelpro is the most popular choice for airline crews worldwide. Aerocoast builds bags specifically for professional cockpit crews. ASA flight bags are a top pick for student pilots and flight instructors. PilotMall stocks all three alongside classic flight bags and duffels for general aviation pilots.

You can, but purpose-built pilot flight bags offer organization that generic bags cannot match. Dedicated headset compartments, tablet pockets sized for EFBs, logbook sleeves and chart storage make a real difference when you need to find something quickly in the cockpit. Most pilots who switch to a proper aviation bag do not go back.