My flight bag has changed personalities on pace with my aviation skill and experience. As I’ve grown from a General Aviation pilot into a Military Aviator and now as an Airline Transport Pilot, my flight bag must-have items have as well. Times have changed, and with it, so has my aviator’s tool bag.

I remember my first general aviation must-have items consisted of my VFR chart, whiz wheel, logbook and a pencil. I didn’t own a headset back then, I just borrowed one from the aviation club I belonged to.

As a Military Aviator, my must-have items grew to include a helmet bag, David Clark headset, up-to-date personal aircraft checklists, pens/pencils/markers, mini-mag flashlight with a red lens cover and of course, some cool aviator sunglasses.

Now that I’ve transitioned into a professional Airline Transport Pilot, so too have my must-have items. My flight bag (https://amzn.to/3OICSp3 #ad) and suitcase are made by SWISSGEAR and serve me well. I know some pilots swear by the metal frame carry-on luggage with J-hook options. They are strong and durable, but they are also heavy and mine isn’t.

New Flight Bag and Luggage

I like all the extra pockets and reinforced padding in my SWISSGEAR Scansmart backpack. The full zipper and complete fold-open option makes it easier to get through security when I get selected for the “random” trip through the metal detector by the KCM team.

My carry-on luggage is made of durable fabric and the long expandable handle allows the backpack sleeve to easily attach and transport. I’m also a fan of the four 360° spinner wheels. It’s upright maneuverability easily glides over most flat ground surfaces. Which is more preferable than having to tilt and drag it everywhere.

Luggage Must-Have Items

Not only have my flight bag and suitcase changed, but so has its contents. Packing cubes are the first must-have item inside my suitcase. The various sizes speed up packing while maximizing space. In one bag, I like to roll together a pair of socks, underwear and undershirt for each day of the trip. Another bag will hold a fresh uniform set. Other bags will hold casual clothes for off-duty time. I like to add an empty bag for use as a laundry bag.

The next must have item is my trip-fold toiletry kit. I’m amazed at how much this kit holds. To include shaving items, oral health supplies, OTC meds, shower supplies and skin care. This kit easily folds up to fit inside my luggage. One very useful and must-have item in my trifold is a set of 2oz silicone toiletry tubes to hold shower gel and sunscreen.

Flight Bag Must-Haves

My flight bag has some upgrades as well. While I have upgraded to a noise canceling Bose A20 with bluetooth, the rechargeable batteries are the true must-have item add-on. I’m using the Energizer Recharge AA batteries and charger to power my headset. One 2-battery set usually lasts an entire rotation, but I always have a second set available in case the first set deplete.

Another flight bag must-have item is a pair of LOOP earplugs. These life altering earplugs attach easily to my backpack while traveling. I keep them in my shirt pocket for easy access during the pre-flight walk around. The up to 23dB noise reduction drowns out the high pitch of the APU while enabling the lower tones of conversation to continue. If I could time travel, I would go back to ensure my younger self always uses ear protection.

These aren’t the only items in my luggage and flight bag, but they are some of my must-have items. Times change and so does technology. I’m always on the look out for items to make life easier and better. What are your must-have items? Let me know in the comments box.

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