Top 5 Suitcases Pilots Use: Why You Need One

As a pilot, you’re always on the move. Having a reliable suitcase is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

I would know – as an international airline pilot having traveled to over 150 countries, I’ve seen which suitcases work – and which ones fail tragically when you least want them to.

Because of the extensive traveling my job entails, I’ve lugged my suitcases through heavy snow in Alaska, over cobbled streets in Europe, across dust and mud in Africa, and even once on a sinking wooden canoe!

In this article, you’ll find which suitcases have the features frequent travelers love, the space you need, and most importantly: the quality to endure whatever your travels throw at them.

Frequently asked questions answered in this article

1. Factors pilots look for when deciding which suitcase to buy
2. The secret to easy travel: Should I pick a suitcase with 2 or 4 wheels?
3. 5 Suitcases Pilots Use: Ranked & Rated

Related: The Airline Pilot’s Complete Packing Guide You Should See

What Pilots Look for in a Suitcase

When it comes to selecting a suitcase, pilots consider several critical factors:

• Size: How much can it hold, and is it compliant with airline carry-on regulations? I personally always recommend to avoid checking in luggage.
• Weight: How easy is it to lift into overhead bins?
• Durability: How well can it withstand the wear and tear of constant travel?
• Price: Is it worth the investment?
• Warranty: When things do inevitably go wrong, how easy is it to fix them?

These factors are all correlated. For example, it’s usually (but not always) true that you’ll have to pay more if you want durable travel luggage.

Size-wise, one of my biggest travel hacks is avoiding checking in suitcases at all cost, saving countless hours of time spent waiting in lines every month.

Note: If you’re traveling on a low-cost carrier (such as RyanAir, Frontier, EasyJet, or Spirit) and you don’t want to pay baggage check fees, you should look at these airline-size backpacks instead.

The question becomes: where are you willing to give in: weight, durability, or price? Fortunately, you have options.

The Top 5 Suitcases Pilots Use: Ranked and Rated

From best to still-pretty-freaking-great, here are the top-rated suitcases for frequent travelers that pilots use.

1. Briggs & Riley Suitcases: Simply the best quality

Why Pilots Love It:

• Lifetime Guarantee: Never worry about replacing your suitcase again.
• Expandable Design: Fit more without compromising space.
• Durability: Made from high-grade materials that withstand heavy use.

If you want the best quality suitcase, one that you’ll buy once and never have to replace, opt for a Briggs & Riley suitcase.

I just switched to a Briggs & Riley 22” Spinner as my full-time carry-on, and you can read the full review here.

The first and most important fact is that they come with a lifetime guarantee. Briggs & Riley is known for its quality, and their suitcases last. This is why they’re willing to back them up for life.

Briggs & Riley suitcases are relatively light, tough, and expandable. They are on the more expensive side, but worth it – considering how many suitcases you would otherwise have to purchase during your life.

Highlights:

• Size: Global and Domestic Carry-on Options (10/10)
• Weight: Light (9-10 lbs.) (9/10)
• Durability: Exceptional with a lifetime guarantee (9.9/10)
• Price: Expensive but worth it (6/10)
• Overall Rating: 8.9/10

Briggs & Riley suitcases are renowned for their durability and expandability, making them a top choice for frequent travelers.

My Briggs & Riley luggage looks like the day I bought it. The quality is great and it will last you a long time. And if it doesn’t for whatever reason, the lifetime warranty will be there to bring it back to new.

Pros:

• Lifetime warranty
• Expandable
• Durable and stylish

Cons:

• Higher price point

2. Sterling Pacific 35L & 40L Cabin Travel Case: The Ultimate Luxury Suitcase

Why Pilots Love It:

• Luxury Material: Made from high-grade A380 Aluminum.
• Lightweight and Strong: Combines the best of both worlds.
• High-End Design: Stylish and sophisticated.

This is the bag for those who aren’t willing to compromise and want a bag that will always be ready.

After years of switching around between suitcases, I became tired of having to choose between weight, durability, and overall quality. The only logical way to have a light but strong suitcase was to switch to aluminum. When I heard about Sterling Pacific and their rumored unrivaled quality, I decided to give their Cabin Travel Case a shot.

The newest addition to my repertoire of suitcases, and my new favorite, the Sterling Pacific 40L Cabin Travel Case is la crème de la crème of suitcases. It’s the best I’ve ever had.

If you don’t believe me, check out some of the testimonials on the Sterling Pacific website. For example, Lou S. says it’s the “best constructed piece of luggage I have ever owned… Tumi, Rimowa, Montblanc and up until now Porsche Design was my number 1. Well that has just changed. Sterling Pacific is at the top of the mountain now and I purchased the 80L piece as well.”

Highlights:

• Size: Carry-on or checked (9.5/10)
• Weight: Lightweight (9.1/10)
• Durability: Excellent but scratches easily (9/10)
• Price: Premium, reflecting its high-quality materials
• Overall Rating: 8.2/10

Sterling Pacific suitcases offer unparalleled luxury and durability for those willing to invest in top-tier travel gear. I tested my Sterling Pacific against a Rimowa – the verdict might surprise you.

Pros:

• High-grade materials
• Lightweight and strong
• Stylish design

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Prone to scratches

3. Travelpro Suitcases: Lightweight with great amenities

Why Pilots Love It:

• Lightweight Design: Easy to handle and perfect for carry-on.
• Affordable: Great value for money without compromising too much on quality.
• Functional Features: Includes useful compartments and smooth-rolling wheels.

I will start out by saying one thing: Travelpro does make a special crew suitcase, but it’s more expensive and not worth the extra cost.

Travelpro suitcases tend to be light, stylish, and have awesome reviews on amazon, but they’re just not durable for the intense travel airline crew do. They’re popular for their amenities – but often times need replacing after about 5 years of airline usage.

That being said, if you aren’t often on the move as often as a pilot, they are perfect.

Highlights:

• Size: Variable, suitable for carry-on or larger (8.8/10)
• Weight: Very light (9.1/10)
• Durability: Moderate, not ideal for heavy use (6/10)
• Price: Affordable (9/10)
• Overall Rating: 8.2/10

Travelpro suitcases are perfect for less frequent travelers who need a stylish, lightweight option.

I personally have 3 Travelpro suitcases at home, so I’m very familiar. They’re light and very plasticky (yes, that’s a word), so I wouldn’t trust them with extremely fragile or valuable items. Then again, why are you putting those in a suitcase anyways?

The wheels don’t roll quite as nicely as with other brands; there’s a bit more drag. This can be remedied with aftermarket wheels on eBay.

I use my Travelpro suitcases for short, easy trips where I don’t need to carry as much and I don’t want to check in any luggage.

Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Affordable
• Functional and stylish

Cons:

• Moderate durability, may need replacement after heavy use

4. LuggageWorks Suitcases: Super durable for frequent travelers

Why Pilots Love It:

• Extreme Durability: Built to withstand the harshest travel conditions.
• Replaceable Parts: Easy to fix and maintain.
• J-Hook: Comes with a built-in J-Hook for extra bags.

Most of us in the airline industry travel with LuggageWorks suitcases. They’re durable, maximize what you can carry, and come with a great (but not lifetime) warranty.

But they’re also heavy, expensive, and not great looking (unless you opt for the carbon fiber option). I’ve had mixed experiences with their suitcases, but they have survived so much trauma over the years, and still function perfectly.

Highlights:

• Size: Perfect for carry-on at 22”, with larger options available.
• Weight: Heavy (11-12 lbs.), optional carbon fiber for lighter weight.
• Durability: Outstanding, with replaceable parts.
• Price: Mid-range to high, reflecting its robust build.
• Overall Rating: 8.1/10

LuggageWorks suitcases are built to withstand extreme conditions, making them a favorite among airline crew.

I’ve dragged these suitcases through the sand of the Sahara, snow in the Alaskan hinterland, across cobbled streets in Bucharest, in pelting rain during two hurricanes in Mexico, and over dirt mountain roads in Chile. They’ve survived years of commuting to New York City on regional jets and being checked in on low (and high) cost carriers all around the world.

It took a head-on crash to destroy one of my Luggageworks suitcases. Not just any head-on crash, one that also broke my back, my leg, and some of my ribs. Considering the shape of my car and myself, I can see why my suitcase didn’t make it through either.

Pros:

• Extremely durable
• Built-in J-Hook
• Replaceable parts

Cons:

• Heavy
• Expensive

5. Samsonite Suitcases: Almost hitting the mark

Why Pilots Love It:

• Reliable Brand: Trusted name in luggage with a long history.
• Hard-Shell Protection: Great for transporting valuable items.
• Affordable: Offers good deals, especially for larger suitcases.

Samsonite tends to make decent, high-quality luggage, especially their larger suitcases.

Their larger suitcases are a great option if you’re looking to pack for a long trip and are willing to check-in your luggage on each flight. Samsonite’s carry-on bags tend to be just a bit too small to be very useful.

Highlights:

• Size: Variable, best for larger checked luggage (6/10)
• Weight: Light; often plastic (8/10)
• Durability: Good, hard shell is rugged (8.5/10)
• Price: Affordable with good deals (8.5/10)
• Overall Rating: 7.7/10

Samsonite’s hard-shell suitcases are excellent for transporting fragile items and are a solid choice for infrequent travelers.

I like the Samsonite hard-shell larger suitcases for trips where I’m transporting a lot of cargo. They’re great for moving, or if you plan to check in a lot of valuables.

Pros:

• Reliable and durable
• Great for checked luggage
• Affordable

Cons:

• Carry-on options are smaller
• Not as durable for heavy use

Top 5 Suitcases Pilots Use (Summarized)

These are the top 5 suitcases pilots use and why, summarized:

1. Briggs & Riley Expandable Carry-On Suitcase: Best Quality, Best Warranty
2. Sterling Pacific 35L Cabin Travel Case: the most beautiful suitcase in the world.
3. Travelpro Suitcases: Lightweight with Great Amenities, but generic.
4. LuggageWorks Suitcases: Super Durable for Frequent Travelers, but heavy
5. Samsonite Suitcases: Affordable, but lower quality

2 Wheels vs 4 Wheels: Which is better?

Now that you’ve decided which suitcase to buy, you may be wondering which is best – a 2 wheel roller or 4 wheel spinner suitcase? Having used both, here’s my take on this quintessential question.

4-Wheel Suitcases:

• Pros:
  • Easier to maneuver.
  • Ideal for smooth surfaces.
• Cons:
  • Wheels take up space.
  • Less room inside for packing.

2-Wheel Suitcases:

• Pros:
  • More internal packing space.
  • Easier to drag over rough terrain.
  • Can be balanced with a J-Hook.
• Cons:
  • Can be heavier to pull.

In the last decade, we’ve seen the proliferation of 4-wheel spinner suitcases, just like with shopping carts in Europe. An extra set of wheels means you don’t have to drag your luggage around. It just makes it easy.

So, what’s the benefit of having just 2 wheels? For one, the extra set of wheels on a spinner takes up space. It’s the difference between a carry-on bag being too small or just right.

Take the example of a folded shirt. For a 22” carry-on, right at the limit at most airlines’ carry-on policies, you can just barely fold your shirt so it fits nice and snug in the suitcase.

When you take away the extra inch or two to add another set of wheels, it just doesn’t work. Your shirt needs an extra fold, it gets wrinkled, and you can’t fit as much into your suitcase.

The J-Hook: the best way to perfectly balance a suitcase and improve how it rolls

The secret to easy travel that almost all airline crewmembers take advantage of is so much simpler than you would think. It’s having a J-Hook attached to your suitcase. J-hooks allow you to hang a backpack or briefcase off your suitcase.

The balance of having a bag hanging off your suitcase works like a seesaw. With just enough weight, you can pull your perfectly balanced suitcase, no matter how heavy, with just your fingertips.

Next time you’re in a terminal and you see pilots, check it out. Look how effortlessly they roll their suitcases. That could be you!

With a J-Hook, you get the best of most worlds: easy rolling and maximizing the room available in your suitcase. You may be able to downsize to a carryon and no longer need to check in your baggage.

Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Suitcase

• Avoid Checking Luggage: Whenever possible, stick to carry-ons to save time and avoid baggage fees.
• Opt for Durability: Invest in a high-quality suitcase if you travel frequently.
• Consider a J-Hook: This simple accessory can transform your travel experience by making it easier to handle multiple bags.

For example, the hard-shell larger suitcases are of great use to bring back some Malbec from Argentina, or a new set of glasses you don’t want crushed.

Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Suitcase

• Avoid Checking Luggage: Whenever possible, stick to carry-ons to save time and avoid baggage fees.
• Opt for Durability: Invest in a high-quality suitcase if you travel frequently.
• Consider a J-Hook: This simple accessory can transform your travel experience by making it easier to handle multiple bags.
• Packing Cubes: These can enable you to squeeze far more into your suitcase, avoiding having to check in larger baggage.

Make sure to check out the Ultimate Short Layovers section to make your next trip unforgettable from the start to the finish.

As always, thanks for reading!

_{Note: as an affiliate, I can receive commissions, at no charge to you, if you clink an above link and purchase any product listed. My reviews are 100% honest; I own/have owned every single type of suitcase listed above and do not compromise.}