My Flying News

Pilots use a wide range of luggage. Two popular brands of rollaboards are LuggageWorks® and StrongBags. Pilots typically spend a little more on their bags because having reliable luggage ensures smooth and hassle-free trips. I have experience with LuggageWorks and StrongBags.

A Few Words about “Big Box Store” Luggage

When I first started as an airline pilot, I didn’t have much of a budget. I purchased a Costco rollaboard. It was advertised at $99 with a lifetime warranty. I figured I would stroll into any Costco when it broke and get another one. They have an excellent return policy. It was a good bag, and I am sure it would last an average traveler a long time.

However, many of these big box store bags may not last very long for flight crew members. They are not heavy-duty enough. For example, my Costco bag disintegrated after about a year and approximately 500 flights. Having a bag fail mid-trip is not fun. Imagine having to drive another 50 miles with a flat tire. In fact, I know pilots who carry a bungee cord for just such an occasion.

Instead of replacing the Costco bag, which they would have done, I invested in a heavier-duty bag.

LuggageWorks®

LuggageWorks is a well-established name in the luggage industry, known for producing high-quality and durable bags primarily targeted toward frequent travelers, including airline crews.

One of the standout features of LuggageWorks is its exceptional durability and craftsmanship. The brand uses top-notch materials, reinforced stitching, and heavy-duty zippers to ensure the luggage can withstand the wear and tear of frequent travel. In fact, I have nicknamed my Stealth bag the tank.

What I Love About My LuggageWorks Stealth

Indestructible – As you can see from the picture above, it is relatively indestructible.

The metal handle – The handle is very sturdy and all metal. Cheaper, big box store bags always fail at the telescoping plastic handles.

Load carrying – I remember carrying two other crew members ‘ rollaboards attached to my LuggageWorks during a last-minute gate change. It has many connection points.

Spare parts – It is easy to get spare parts and change them.

The kick plate – It is flat and a good place for cool pilot stickers.

Space – I can pack a few more items into the LuggageWorks bag. I have no issues packing for 5-day trips.

Customization – There are accessories and customization options available for the bag.

Pockets and dividers – The LuggageWorks Stealth also came with a handy divider and lots of pockets. I use my divider to keep my sneakers separate from my clothes.

What I Don’t Like About My LuggageWorks Stealth

The handle mechanism – As much as I like the metal handle, the mechanism is not great. To get the handle to go down, you pinch two levers together. It has a warning placard because it will smash fingers. I am scared any time children are near the bag.

The mechanism only collapses the handle. To release the handle, pull. There is only a small Velcro strap to hold the handle in place. Whenever the bag comes down the belt loader, the handle sticks out. Nothing is holding it in place.

Loose screws – I almost need to travel with a screwdriver. I have even tried Loctite. You will be missing screws after a few trips.

The weight – The Stealth bag is heavy. It is hard to lift into the hotel vans or the overhead bins. The empty weight of my bag was almost 14 lbs.

StrongBags

My second major bag purchase was a StrongBags Vortex. The purchase was because I needed a bag that would fit in the 737 flight deck. My LuggageWorks Stealth has side pockets, which don’t fit inside the 737 well. LuggageWorks makes a 737 bag model, but I needed the foresight to order it years ago.

StrongBags is another reputable luggage brand known for its durability and reliability. True to its name, StrongBags is recognized for its superior strength. The brand uses robust materials and reinforced seams to create luggage that can withstand rough handling and harsh travel conditions.

Strong Bag designs its luggage with practicality, allowing for efficient packing and easy access to your items. I have not used the StrongBags for quite as long as I traveled with the LuggageWorks, but so far, I like it a lot, and it is holding up well.

What I Love About My StrongBags Vortex

Strong – Like its LuggageWorks counterpart, it seems very strong.

Mobility – It has high-quality wheels, making it easy to maneuver their bags even when fully loaded. There is no wheel squeak.

The handle mechanism – Unlike the LuggageWorks Stealth, the Vortex has a plastic telescoping handle. Although time will tell if it is as durable, I love that it stays locked in place and does not pinch fingers.

The Finish – While the LuggageWorks Stealth has more of an exoskeleton, the Vortex has a neat, clean finished look.

Spare parts – It is also easy to get spare parts and change them.

What I Don’t Like About My StrongBags Vortex

The handle – It is made out of plastic. Although it does seem durable. This has always been the failure point of other bags I have owned with plastic handles.

No internal divider – I liked to be able to compartmentalize. Especially keeping my shoes separate from my clothes. I keep my shoes in a plastic bag, but they can shift.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Fit

Both Luggage Works and Strong Bag are renowned for their durability, functionality, and attention to detail. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to your travel requirements and personal preferences.

I am happy to recommend either brand. Regardless of your choice, investing in high-quality luggage ensures you’re ready to tackle your travels confidently. Happy flying!