Crew Bag Comparison Chart
Prices and specs from the PilotMall catalog. Reviewed by pilots on staff.
Quick answer: what to buy
For most working pilots the best overall rolling crew bag is the Travelpro FlightCrew5 22-inch Expandable Rollaboard (22 x 14 x 9 in, 9.9 lb, laptop plus tablet sleeves, expands +2 in), a true cabin carry-on that still handles multi-day trips. The best value is the compact Travelpro FlightCrew5 18-inch Expandable Rollaboard (9.1 lb, expands +2.5 in), which stays under the bin limit with room to grow. The lightest is the Travelpro FlightCrew5 Horizontal Rolling Overnighter at just 7.4 lb. Want four wheels? The best spinner is the Travelpro FlightCrew5 Expandable Carry-On Spinner, with padded laptop and tablet sleeves. For premium, high-durability, and international duty the standout is the StrongBags Vortex Voyager 23-inch International Expandable Roller; note that at 23.25 in it is sized to be checked, not carried on. Nearly every bag here is carry-on compliant, with only the FlightCrew5 24-inch Expandable and the StrongBags 23-inch International being checked size. Prices move with promotions, so see each product page for current pricing. This chart now covers the full crew lineup: two-wheel rollaboards, four-wheel spinners, overnighters, plus non-wheeled crew gear including crew coolers, totes, EFB and gear bags, and backpacks.
- Best overallFlightCrew5 22" Expandable Rollaboard
- Best valueFlightCrew5 18" Expandable Rollaboard
- LightestFlightCrew5 Horizontal Rolling Overnighter
- Best spinnerFlightCrew5 Expandable Carry-On Spinner
- Best premium / internationalVortex Voyager 23" International Expandable Roller
- Best cockpit-sizedPro Crew I Wheeled
- Best premium spinnerPlatinum Elite 21" Expandable Carry-On Spinner
- Best coolerFlightCrew5 Large Crew Cooler
| Model | Type | Wheels | Exterior (in) | Volume | Weight (lb) | Expandable | Laptop sleeve | Carry-on | Warranty | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Travelpro FlightCrew5 Horizontal Rolling Overnighter |
Overnighter | 2-wheel inline (patented removable wheels) | 15.5 x 15.5 x 11.25 in | 29 L | 7.4 lb | No | Yes (laptop + tablet) | Carry-on | 3 yr | $169 | Best for pilots/crew wanting a compact 1-2 day rolling overnighter: 7.4 lb, 15.5 x 15.5 x 11.25 in fits regional aircraft and layovers, with a padded laptop pouch plus separate tablet sleeve and Travelpro's durable build (10,000-cycle handle, 30-mile wheel test). |
 Travelpro FlightCrew5 Vertical Rolling Overnighter |
Overnighter | 2-wheel inline (patented removable wheels; page does not state a count but describes a vertical rolling tote, not a spinner) | 16 x 14 x 8 in (17.5 x 14 x 9.75 in including wheels) | 29 L | 8 lb | No | Yes | Carry-on | 3 yr | $169 | Best for pilots and crew who need a compact 1-2 day carry-on: an 8 lb vertical rolling overnighter with patented removable wheels for tight cabin storage, a durable reinforced-bottom build (Travelpro FlightCrew5 ballistic nylon), and a dedicated padded laptop compartment. |
 Travelpro FlightCrew5 18" Expandable Rollaboard |
Rollaboard | 2-wheel inline | 18 x 14 x 9 in (19 x 14.5 x 9.75 in incl. wheels) | 45 L | 9.1 lb | Yes (+2.5 in) | Yes | Carry-on | 3 yr | $169 | Best for regional and short-trip crews wanting a compact 18-inch carry-on rollaboard: ballistic-nylon build with a 2.5-inch expansion and a zippered laptop slot, at 9.1 lb. |
 Travelpro FlightCrew5 Slim Expandable Rollaboard |
Rollaboard | 2-wheel inline | 21 x 14.5 x 8 in (incl. wheels; slim body 19 x 14 x 7.5 in) | 40 L | 8 lb | Yes (+2 in) | Not published | Carry-on | 3 yr | $199 | Best slim carry-on for pilots flying regional jets: Travelpro's ballistic-nylon FlightCrew5 packs a 21 x 14.5 x 8 in (incl. wheels) profile with +2 in expansion at just 8 lb, purpose-built to clear tight regional overhead bins. |
 Travelpro FlightCrew5 22" Rollaboard |
Rollaboard | 2-wheel inline | 22 x 14.5 x 8 in | 40 L | 9.6 lb | No | Yes | Carry-on | 3 yr | $199 | Best for a commercial pilot or flight attendant who wants a slim, airline-legal 22-inch carry-on: water- and abrasion-resistant fabric, a dedicated laptop section, and a low-profile 9.6 lb non-expandable build that stays overhead-bin friendly. |
 Travelpro FlightCrew5 22" Expandable Rollaboard |
Rollaboard | 2-wheel inline | 22 x 14 x 9 in | 56 L | 9.9 lb | Yes (+2 in) | Yes (laptop + tablet) | Carry-on | 3 yr | $209 | The 22" expandable FlightCrew5 rollaboard is the carry-on pick for crew who want airline-sized packing with a +2 in expansion buffer, built on Travelpro's ballistic-nylon, PowerScope-handle commercial-grade construction with padded laptop + tablet protection. |
 Travelpro FlightCrew5 Expandable Carry-On Spinner |
Spinner | 4-wheel spinner | 20.5 x 13.75 x 9 in (23 x 14.5 x 9.5 in incl. wheels) | 49 L | 9.1 lb | Yes (+2 in) | Yes (laptop + tablet sleeves) | Carry-on | 3 yr | $219 | Best for airline crew who want a true carry-on-sized 4-wheel spinner: the ballistic-nylon FlightCrew5 pairs self-aligning MagnaTrac wheels with a 2-inch expansion and padded laptop and tablet sleeves, backed by a 3-year commercial warranty. |
 Travelpro FlightCrew5 24" Expandable Rollaboard |
Rollaboard | 2-wheel inline | 25.5 x 16.5 x 10 in | 72 L | 10.8 lb | Yes (+2 in) | Yes | Checked | 3 yr | $219 | A pilot-designed, ballistic-nylon Travelpro rollaboard with DuraGuard coating and a 3-year commercial warranty, best for flight crew who need a large checked bag for multi-day trips, not a carry-on. |
 Aerocoast Pro Crew I Wheeled |
Wheeled crew bag | 2-wheel inline | 15.5 x 13 x 11 in | Not published | 20.9 lb | No | Yes (laptop + tablet) | Carry-on | 1 yr | $245 | Best for pilots wanting a compact, water-resistant wheeled crew bag (15.5 x 13 x 11 in) that slides under the aircraft seat, with a padded laptop/EFB/iPad compartment and J-Hook points to attach onto a rollaboard. |
 Travelpro Pilot Seven3 Carry-On Rollaboard |
Rollaboard | 2-wheel inline | 22 x 14 x 8.25 in | 46 L | 9.9 lb | No | Not published | Carry-on | 3 yr | $339 | Best for 737 flight-crew who need a slim, non-expandable 22-inch rollaboard whose no-side-pocket profile fits Boeing 737 cockpit storage, with built-in organization plus two shoe bags and a laundry bag. |
 Travelpro Pilot Carry-On Expandable Rollaboard |
Rollaboard | 2-wheel inline | 22 x 14 x 9 in | 58 L | 10.8 lb | Yes (+2 in) | No | Carry-on | 3 yr | $359 | The go-to expandable 22" pilot carry-on rollaboard on PilotMall: 2-wheel inline skate wheels, a PowerScope aluminum handle, and +2 in of packing flex, though when expanded it may exceed some cockpit or regional bins so verify your airline's limits. |
 StrongBags Vortex Voyager 22 Flight Crew Roller |
Rollaboard | 2-wheel inline | 22.25 x 14.25 x 7.5 in | Not published | 12.8 lb | Yes | No | Carry-on | 5 yr frame, 3 yr fabric | $380 | Best for working airline crews who want a lightweight but abuse-proof 22-inch carry-on rollaboard: an aircraft-grade aluminum skeleton frame, waterproof 2120D Cordura shell, and YKK stainless steel zippers, with a pleated front cover for extra volume on long rotations. |
 Travelpro Platinum Elite 21" Expandable Carry-On Spinner |
Spinner | 4-wheel spinner (360-degree MagnaTrac spinner wheels; page describes eight spinner wheels) | 21 x 14 x 9 in (overall incl. wheels 23.5 x 14.5 x 9 in) | 46 L | 7.8 lb | Yes (+2 in) | Not published | Carry-on | 3 yr | $391 | Best for pilots who want effortless 360-degree upright rolling through crowded terminals: a 21-inch carry-on spinner with a wrinkle-free fold-out suiter, built-in USB charging, +2 inch expansion, and Travelpro's lifetime warranty. |
 StrongBags Vortex Voyager 23" International Expandable Roller |
Rollaboard | 2-wheel inline | 23.25 x 14.25 x 7.5 in | Not published | 45 lb | Yes | Not published | Checked | Not published | $400 | Best for career pilots on long international sequences who want a nearly indestructible, fully-repairable rollaboard built on a 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum frame with a 2120D Cordura ballistic nylon skin, and don't mind checking a taller 23.25 in bag. |
 Travelpro FlightCrew5 Large Crew Cooler |
Cooler | None | 10.5 x 14 x 9 in | 22 L | 2.3 lb | No | No | Carry-on | 3 yr | $79 | Best for pilots and crew packing meals for 3 to 4 day trips: an insulated 10.5 x 14 x 9 in crew cooler holding up to 12 cans, weighing 2.3 lb, with a removable wipe-clean liner and a quick loop strap that stacks on a Rollaboard handle. |
 Travelpro FlightCrew5 Small Crew Cooler |
Cooler | None | 8.5 x 9.5 x 7 in | 9 L | 1.2 lb | No | No | Carry-on | 3 yr | $59 | Best for single day trips and daily use: a compact 8.5 x 9.5 x 7 in insulated crew cooler weighing 1.2 lb with a 6 can capacity, three interior mesh ice pack pockets, and a luggage strap that attaches to a Rollaboard handle. |
 Aerocoast Pro Cooler I |
Cooler | None | 16 x 10 x 8 in | Not published | 14.03 lb | No | Optional laptop / EFB compartment | Carry-on | 1 yr | $140 | Best for pilots who want dual insulated compartments in a rigid case: a 16 x 10 x 8 in pilot cooler with a 14 x 8 x 6 in main food section, a separate 14 x 6 x 1.5 in insulated top section, four organizer pockets, and an optional laptop compartment for an EFB or iPad. |
 StrongBags Pro Flight Crew Canadian Ice Cooler |
Cooler | None | Not published | Not published | 10.65 lb | No | No | Carry-on | Not published | $220 | Best for crews wanting a career-long cooler: a heavy-duty Cordura ballistic nylon flight crew cooler with YKK zippers and a 100 percent leak-proof replaceable liner that fits the Vortex and Summit bag series. |
 Travelpro FlightCrew5 Multi-Purpose Tote |
Tote | None | 15 x 11.5 x 10 in | 28 L | 3 lb | No | Yes (fits up to 13 x 10 in) | Carry-on | 3 yr | $115 | Best for crew who want a non-rolling personal item with a dedicated laptop pocket: a 3 lb ballistic nylon tote measuring 15 x 11.5 x 10 in with a padded compartment fitting devices up to 13 x 10 in and a rear strap that stacks on a Rollaboard handle. |
 Travelpro FlightCrew5 Flight Tote |
Tote | None | 11.5 x 15 x 10 in | 28 L | 3 lb | No | Yes | Carry-on | 3 yr | $109 | Best for pilots wanting a compact underseat personal item: a 3 lb DuraGuard coated flight tote measuring 11.5 x 15 x 10 in with dual main compartments, a padded laptop compartment, and a quick loop that slides over rolling luggage handles. |
 Travelpro FlightCrew5 Deluxe Tote |
Tote | None | 10.5 x 14 x 9 in | 22 L | 1.8 lb | No | No | Carry-on | 3 yr | $89 | Best for crew who want maximum packing in a non-rolling personal item: a 1.8 lb ballistic nylon shoulder tote measuring 10.5 x 14 x 9 in with a spacious main section, interior mesh pockets, and a stacking strap for a Rollaboard handle. |
 Travelpro FlightCrew5 City Tote |
Tote | None | 14 x 15 x 6.5 in | 22 L | 1.6 lb | No | Yes (up to 15 in) | Carry-on | 3 yr | $79 | Best for a slim professional shoulder bag: a 1.6 lb City Tote measuring 14 x 15 x 6.5 in with a padded laptop compartment for devices up to 15 in and a rear strap that attaches to rolling luggage. |
 Aerocoast Pro Crew I |
EFB / flight bag | None | 16 x 11 x 9.5 in | Not published | 13.73 lb | No | Yes (padded laptop / EFB / iPad) | Carry-on | 1 yr | $175 | Best for pilots wanting an ergonomic non-rolling flight bag with a padded laptop compartment: a 16 x 11 x 9.5 in Aerocoast crew bag with a 15.5 x 11 x 7 in main compartment, five pockets, a top compartment, and YKK zippers. |
 Aerocoast Pro EFB + Cooler |
EFB bag with cooler | None | 14 x 8 x 6 in | Not published | 17.19 lb | Yes (expandable bottom compartment) | Yes (detachable laptop compartment) | Carry-on | 1 yr | $170 | Best for pilots who need meals and an EFB in one bag: an Aerocoast crew bag with a 14 x 10 x 6 in insulated compartment, a detachable laptop section for TSA screening, and an expandable bottom compartment. |
 Aerocoast Pro EFB + Cooler II |
EFB bag with cooler | None | 15 x 12 x 9 in | Not published | 11.81 lb | Yes (expandable bottom compartment) | Yes (14 x 9.5 x 1 in laptop / EFB compartment) | Carry-on | 1 yr | $175 | Best for crew wanting enhanced insulation and EFB protection: an Aerocoast crew cooler with a 14 x 10 x 6 in insulated compartment, a dedicated 14 x 9.5 x 1 in laptop or EFB compartment, YKK zippers, and an expandable bottom compartment. |
 Travelpro Pilot Flight Bag |
EFB / flight bag | None | 12 x 15 x 8.5 in | 29 L | 3.5 lb | No | Yes (up to 16 in) | Carry-on | 3 yr | $165 | Best for pilots wanting a top-loading cockpit gear bag: a 12 x 15 x 8.5 in ballistic nylon flight bag with DuraGuard coating, dedicated compartments for one or more headsets, manuals, and logbooks, and padded sleeves for tablets and laptops up to 16 in. |
 Travelpro Pilot Brief |
EFB / flight bag | None | 12 x 15 x 7.5 in | 29 L | 3.2 lb | No | Yes (up to 16 in) | Carry-on | 3 yr | $159 | Best for pilots wanting a standing flight deck brief: a 12 x 15 x 7.5 in ballistic nylon Travelpro bag with DuraGuard coating, padded sleeves for tablets and laptops up to 16 in, YKK zippers, and an ID TheftBlock pocket. |
 StrongBags Wingman Aviator Essentials Bag |
EFB gear bag with cooler | None | 18 x 10 x 11 in | Not published | 3.8 lb | No | Not published | Carry-on | Not published | $190 | Best for pilots wanting a gear bag with a built in cooler: an 18 x 10 x 11 in StrongBags essentials bag weighing 3.8 lb with a 12 x 10 x 9 in main compartment, dual side pockets sized for headsets and iPads, and an included small thermal cooler insert. |
 StrongBags Stratos AdaptX Pilot Gear Bag |
EFB / gear bag | None | 13 x 9 x 7 in | Not published | 2.4 lb | No | No | Carry-on | Not published | $150 | Best for a lightweight cockpit gear bag: a 13 x 9 x 7 in StrongBags bag weighing 2.4 lb with a 12 x 9 x 7 in main compartment, a radio pocket, 4.5 in deep tool slots for a flashlight and fuel tester, and a rear pocket for charts or tablets. |
 StrongBags Summit Flight Crew Commander |
All-in-one flight bag with cooler | None | 16 x 9 x 12 in | Not published | 11.8 lb | No | Yes (up to 16 in) | Carry-on | Not published | $220 | Best for crew who want one bag instead of three: a 16 x 9 x 12 in StrongBags all in one flight bag in Cordura ballistic nylon with custom dividers, room for a headset, a 16 in laptop, and multiple days of meals, plus a soft lined pouch for two pairs of sunglasses. |
 Aerocoast Pro JetPack I |
Backpack | None | 16 x 13 x 8 in | Not published | 13.25 lb | No | Yes (14 x 12 x 2 in) | Carry-on | 1 yr | $190 | Best for pilots who prefer a backpack: a 16 x 13 x 8 in aviation backpack with a 15 x 12 x 5 in main compartment, a 14 x 12 x 2 in laptop compartment, front EFB sleeves, padded headset sleeves, and a sunglass compartment. |
 StrongBags Protego 18 Executive Tech Laptop Pack |
Laptop bag (3 way carry) | None | 18 x 14 x 17 in | Not published | 3.4 lb | No | Yes (up to 18 in) | Carry-on | Not published | $230 | Best for professionals carrying a large laptop: an 18 x 14 x 17 in StrongBags pack weighing 3.4 lb with a 3 way carry system, an integrated sleeve for laptops up to 18 in, waterproof zippers, and a TSA lock compatible main zipper. |
Current pricing is shown on each product page via the model links and is subject to change.
Frequently asked questions
How do Travelpro, StrongBags, and Aerocoast crew bags differ, and who is each for?
Travelpro is the crew-luggage benchmark and makes the widest range on this chart. Its FlightCrew5 line is purpose-built for pilots and flight attendants, with crew-friendly sizing, laptop and tablet sleeves, and durable fabric, while the Platinum Elite is Travelpro's premium consumer travel line used by crew who want a more polished spinner. StrongBags Vortex Voyager is a heavy-duty, road-warrior alternative for pilots who fly constantly and want a rugged, higher-capacity roller; the 22-inch model weighs 12.8 lb, which reflects its reinforced build. Aerocoast focuses on compact cockpit and overnight bags, and the Pro Crew I is a small wheeled crew bag for pilots who travel light. Pick Travelpro for range and proven reliability, StrongBags for maximum durability and frequency, and Aerocoast for a compact wheeled option.
Rollaboard vs spinner: which should a pilot choose?
A rollaboard rolls on two recessed wheels and is tilted and pulled behind you. It is the traditional pilot choice because two wheels leave more internal packing space and shrug off jet-bridge gaps and rough tile. A spinner rides on four multidirectional wheels, so it stands upright and can be pushed alongside you down a narrow aisle, which reduces shoulder strain. In this lineup the spinners are the Travelpro FlightCrew5 Expandable Carry-On Spinner and the Travelpro Platinum Elite 21-inch Expandable Spinner; most other wheeled bags in these ranges are two-wheel rollers, and the chart also includes non-wheeled crew gear such as coolers, totes, EFB bags, and backpacks. Choose a spinner for airport and hotel maneuverability, a rollaboard for durability and packing volume.
Which of these bags are carry-on compliant, and which must be checked?
Most bags on this chart are carry-on sized for typical US domestic cabins. The two that are checked size are the Travelpro FlightCrew5 24-inch Expandable Rollaboard (25.5 x 16.5 x 10 in) and the StrongBags Vortex Voyager 23-inch International Expandable Roller (23.25 x 14.25 x 7.5 in). Airline cabin limits are commonly around 22 x 14 x 9 in but vary by carrier and aircraft, so always confirm against your airline's stated limits, and remember that expanding a bag can push a carry-on past the cabin limit.
What does 'expandable' mean on a crew bag?
Expandable means a zippered gusset lets the bag grow in depth for extra capacity. On this chart the FlightCrew5 18-inch adds up to 2.5 in, while the FlightCrew5 Slim, Carry-On Spinner, 22-inch Expandable, 24-inch Expandable, Pilot Carry-On Expandable, and Platinum Elite Spinner each add about 2 in. StrongBags lists both Vortex Voyager models as expandable. Expansion is ideal for the trip home, but note that it can take a carry-on out of compliance, so re-check dimensions before you expand at the gate.
What warranty comes with each brand?
Warranty terms are set by each manufacturer and listed on the individual product page, so confirm current coverage before you buy. Travelpro is well known for standing behind its luggage, including the FlightCrew5 and Platinum Elite lines, with a limited lifetime warranty. StrongBags and Aerocoast publish their own warranty terms on their product pages. If long-term coverage weighs heavily in your decision, the Travelpro lines are the safest bet in this group.
Can these bags carry a laptop or EFB/tablet?
Yes for most of them. The bags with published laptop or tablet protection here are the Travelpro FlightCrew5 Horizontal Overnighter and the 22-inch Expandable (both take a laptop plus a tablet), plus the FlightCrew5 Vertical Overnighter, 18-inch, 22-inch, and 24-inch Rollaboards, and the Aerocoast Pro Crew I (laptop plus tablet). The FlightCrew5 Carry-On Spinner has padded laptop and tablet sleeves, a strong pick if you carry a large-screen EFB or laptop. Laptop capacity is not published for the FlightCrew5 Slim, the two Travelpro Pilot rollaboards, the Platinum Elite Spinner, or the StrongBags models, so check the product page if a dedicated sleeve is a must.
What makes the StrongBags Vortex Voyager a premium bag?
The StrongBags Vortex Voyager is positioned as a premium, heavy-duty crew roller for pilots who fly constantly and want a bag built to take abuse. The 22-inch Flight Crew Roller weighs 12.8 lb, noticeably heavier than the comparable Travelpro rollaboards, which reflects reinforced construction and hardware rather than extra size (it measures 22.25 x 14.25 x 7.5 in and is expandable). The 23-inch International Expandable Roller extends the same rugged platform into a checked-size international bag. Choose Vortex when durability and long-haul frequency outrank minimum weight.
What is the Aerocoast Pro Crew I wheeled bag best for?
The Aerocoast Pro Crew I Wheeled is a compact wheeled crew bag (15.5 x 13 x 11 in) that carries a laptop plus a tablet and stays carry-on compliant. It suits pilots who want a small, organized cockpit or overnight bag on wheels rather than a full-size rollaboard. It is a strong fit for short trips, commuting, or use as a personal item alongside a larger roller.
How heavy are these bags, and which is lightest?
Published weights run from 7.4 lb for the Travelpro FlightCrew5 Horizontal Rolling Overnighter, the lightest here, up to 12.8 lb for the StrongBags Vortex Voyager 22-inch. In between: the FlightCrew5 Vertical Overnighter and the Slim are 8 lb, the Carry-On Spinner 9.1 lb, the 18-inch 9.1 lb, the 22-inch 9.6 lb, the 22-inch Expandable 9.9 lb, and the 24-inch Expandable 10.8 lb. Weight is not published for the two Travelpro Pilot rollaboards, the Platinum Elite Spinner, the Aerocoast Pro Crew I, or the StrongBags 23-inch International. If shaving pounds matters most, the two FlightCrew5 overnighters are the lightest options.
Does this chart include non-rolling crew bags like coolers, totes, and backpacks?
Yes. Alongside the rolling crew luggage, this chart compares non-wheeled crew gear from the same three brands: crew coolers, totes, EFB and flight gear bags, and backpacks. Use the Type filter to narrow to the format you want, such as cooler, tote, EFB bag, or backpack.
Crew Bag Comparison Chart
Loading the interactive comparison chartâĻ
