Cabin Crew luggage.
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 190
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From: The Crew Room
Cabin Crew luggage.
Hi guys,
I am about to start with BA and have to purchase luggage (black or dark blue). I have heard mixed reactions and reccomendations for both Delsey and Samsonite, does anyone have any suggestions?
Addittionally i realise that a case is essential for trips, however at the moment i have a small trolley bag in which i keep spare paperwork, pa book, first aid kit, toiletries and unscheduled night stop gear, etc etc for use on a day to day basis, as i've never bought one myself does anyone have anything to say on what looks best? it doesn't really have to be that hard wearing as it only sits in a hat bin!
thanks in advance
I am about to start with BA and have to purchase luggage (black or dark blue). I have heard mixed reactions and reccomendations for both Delsey and Samsonite, does anyone have any suggestions?
Addittionally i realise that a case is essential for trips, however at the moment i have a small trolley bag in which i keep spare paperwork, pa book, first aid kit, toiletries and unscheduled night stop gear, etc etc for use on a day to day basis, as i've never bought one myself does anyone have anything to say on what looks best? it doesn't really have to be that hard wearing as it only sits in a hat bin!
thanks in advance
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,261
Likes: 1
From: Europe
They are both good. I have two 4 wheels Samsonites (a small trolley and a big one for longer layovers) and I find them easier to handle than the 2 wheels kind.
http://www.samsonite.com/gb/en/local...roduct=125*180
http://www.samsonite.com/gb/en/local...roduct=125*180
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 79
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From: Orlando, FL.
Travel Pro suck! I used to go through one every eighteen months. The wheels squeak. The handle mechanism is so complicated it breaks after six months.
Go look for a Purdy Neat bag. They are designed and built by an ex pilot. Metal or hard plastic frames. Lotts of storage space. And they last! I've had mine for over two years now and it's barely run in.
Most USA crews now use Purdy Neat.
Belive me, DONT get a Travel Pro. You'll be sorry.
Good luck.
Go look for a Purdy Neat bag. They are designed and built by an ex pilot. Metal or hard plastic frames. Lotts of storage space. And they last! I've had mine for over two years now and it's barely run in.
Most USA crews now use Purdy Neat.
Belive me, DONT get a Travel Pro. You'll be sorry.
Good luck.
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,806
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From: Dublin
I have a neat little Delsey hardshell which I was supplied with when I worked for Qatar Airways. Its four years old and has been around the world with me on almost every trip since I joined BA (yes its one of those ones which is now covered in little green security stickers and looks very well travelled) and its still remarkably in one piece, even the wheels arent showing much signs of wear and tear. It isnt of the dog on lead variety ( you know the ones, you just pull them and they follow along behind you) as the handle is fixed to the suitcase so you need to lift the front end but its still dead easy to manouver and fits more than enough inside even though its not particularly large!
I used to have a samsonite from Aer Lingus and although it was good the lock got wrecked after about 2 years and a few forced openings by various airport security people.
banewboi, hope to see you online shortly!
I used to have a samsonite from Aer Lingus and although it was good the lock got wrecked after about 2 years and a few forced openings by various airport security people.
banewboi, hope to see you online shortly!
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 190
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From: The Crew Room
i know this sounds really anal and i should be bothered about durability and damage resistance but aswell as that i've seen one somewhere that looked really nice, it was a cabin case with a curved handle, i thought it looked really chic, obviously if it's cr*p then i wouldn't buy it but the only one i've spotted with a curved handle is a delsey suit holder thing that just looks too big.
the one i have at the moment has this sort of pocket on the front that all my spare paperwork etc fits nicely into and a pouch at the back which nicely takes my hi-viz, any one know of anythin that fits the bill?
i know it' being a bit specific but you never know!
the one i have at the moment has this sort of pocket on the front that all my spare paperwork etc fits nicely into and a pouch at the back which nicely takes my hi-viz, any one know of anythin that fits the bill?
i know it' being a bit specific but you never know!
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,135
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From: Camp X-Ray
I have a Samsonite that has taken the kind of extreme punishment that few cases will take in a lifetime (don't ask!!!). It's as tough as old boots but I've had to replace two of the three locks in the ten years I've had it. Picked up a Travelpro wheelie bag in NYC a couple of years ago and that seems to be pretty versatile too. Good solid handle on it and it expands to accomodate those last minute purchases at Macys, but it does look a bit American.
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 38
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From: Spain / Portugal
Hi ,
does BA not have uniform crew bags? whether cabin or hold?
if the cabin crew have to purchase them , do they pay you the money you have spent?
In any case, dont you think that it is nicer if all crew members have uniform baggage?
opinions welcome.
regards
does BA not have uniform crew bags? whether cabin or hold?
if the cabin crew have to purchase them , do they pay you the money you have spent?
In any case, dont you think that it is nicer if all crew members have uniform baggage?
opinions welcome.
regards
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 644
Likes: 0
From: Aberdeen, Scotland
Originally Posted by prat_eegle
does BA not have uniform crew bags?
For my hold-loaded suitcase, I use a large Samsonite F'lite Comfort.
I've had this for four months since moving from Gatwick to Heathrow and I haven't yet had a problem with it. It's strong, capacious (it holds a lot of stuff) and it's easy to move around.
This will set you back about £89.00
As for cabin baggage, I use the 550 Series / Flight Age II.
It's expandable, light when empty and fits quite nicely in overhead bins of Airbii (320 family) and 737s when expanded and fully loaded. I used to go on 8-day trips with this bag and nothing else. If you're an expert packer, you can fit a mountain of stuff in here (though these 8-day trips were beach trips to ANU so it was largely shorts/t-shirts and flip-flops).
This will set you back about £120.00
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 97
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From: Out of a Samsonite!
How boring and anal is this post LOL, but it did make me laff cheers guys!! By the way, KLM supply their crew with lovely samsonites with a nice KLM crew plaque on the front of the case hehehe... So there you go x
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 3,261
Likes: 1
From: Europe
I don't know if having to use the company luggage is an advantage.
What if I prefer a bigger/smaller thing? And of a different type? KLM CC are supplied with an old type of suitcase that I stopped using some 7 to 8 years ago, when I decided that the trolley type, and then the 4 wheels trolley type was better for me. Plus, they cannot use the company luggage for their personal travel. It means that if you don't live in AMS, and have to commute after the flight (which would be my case since I don't live where my company is based) I'd have to change suitcase or put a fabric cover over it. I kid you not, I saw it.
After all in my opinion it's better to be allowed to chose your own luggage, even if you must pay for it.
What if I prefer a bigger/smaller thing? And of a different type? KLM CC are supplied with an old type of suitcase that I stopped using some 7 to 8 years ago, when I decided that the trolley type, and then the 4 wheels trolley type was better for me. Plus, they cannot use the company luggage for their personal travel. It means that if you don't live in AMS, and have to commute after the flight (which would be my case since I don't live where my company is based) I'd have to change suitcase or put a fabric cover over it. I kid you not, I saw it.
After all in my opinion it's better to be allowed to chose your own luggage, even if you must pay for it.
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Spain / Portugal
Hi there
Whoever said this post is anal? I wonder what he/she meant. is it because one can sit on the suitcase when tired? Certainly not when wearing uniforms , I guess.
(just kidding)
I agree that having to use suitcases provided by the co means less flexibility as to what size you are going to have to carry, or how much empty space (or not) is left inside a bag.
However, I think that anyone seeing a flight crew of six to ten people or more at an airport, wearing one uniform and looking part of one organised team or organisation, may see (wrongly though) some disorganisation if each one is carrying a suitcase of different shape, size, color. I know this is not important in essence, but I was just thinking of the aesthetic or visual effect on the outsider.
definitely choosing your own is more practical.
Some airlines supply you with three pieces. A flight bag to carry in the cabin, which may or may not be a trolley, depending on the co. The second piece is a trolley (for short trips, one or two nights or so). The third is a proper suitcase for longer trips. The flight bag is compulsory to carry. The other are left to choice if and which one .
Anyway, I wont bore you anymore.
Regards.
Whoever said this post is anal? I wonder what he/she meant. is it because one can sit on the suitcase when tired? Certainly not when wearing uniforms , I guess.
(just kidding)I agree that having to use suitcases provided by the co means less flexibility as to what size you are going to have to carry, or how much empty space (or not) is left inside a bag.
However, I think that anyone seeing a flight crew of six to ten people or more at an airport, wearing one uniform and looking part of one organised team or organisation, may see (wrongly though) some disorganisation if each one is carrying a suitcase of different shape, size, color. I know this is not important in essence, but I was just thinking of the aesthetic or visual effect on the outsider.
definitely choosing your own is more practical.
Some airlines supply you with three pieces. A flight bag to carry in the cabin, which may or may not be a trolley, depending on the co. The second piece is a trolley (for short trips, one or two nights or so). The third is a proper suitcase for longer trips. The flight bag is compulsory to carry. The other are left to choice if and which one .
Anyway, I wont bore you anymore.
Regards.
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,729
Likes: 105
From: The Winchester
Don't get the Travelpro wheelie that tries to look like a briefcase (sorry haven't got the model number but it's got a side pocket for, I guess, a water bottle and two little legs at the front). Put anything heavy in the front pockets and the bleedin thing won't balance on it's wheels and little legs so falls over a lot ( like the owner
)....The pull out handle is iffy and the wheels are so flimsy that after 6 months mine is in need of a new set....
)....The pull out handle is iffy and the wheels are so flimsy that after 6 months mine is in need of a new set....
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 474
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From: uk
Only trouble is with any case you get, the TSA will do thier best to break any locks as you leave the USA. At least put a good strap around it to ensure your contents remain inside after they have trashed your case. All for the sake of the TSA using the manufacture supplied keys or just picking the lock.
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 898
Likes: 0
From: here there and everywhere
Gosh....I collect bags 
I have so many I cannot count them, but end up always using the same two!!!
For short trips I have a small black Saturn (I think it's a sub-brand of samsonite if I am not wrong) soft trolley case, which is amazing as I can store my cabin stuff plus clothes, shoes etc for a 3 day trip!!! It's the toughest little thing I've ever seen and easy to pull so I use it also for there&backs and doubles.
For longer trips I use a blue Roncato Sphera (the one with an extra wheel on the side) which has been with me since 1994 - since my first flight ever! - and has seen the world with me.
It's all scratched and now covered in stickers but I wouldn't change it for anything in this world. Never had a problem with it, it's very very strong indeed. Has survived many trips to Africa and the Caribbeans (and indeed "hard landings" on the MXP carousel!!!
) where many of my colleagues had their bags damaged.
I would recommend it to anyone. Only thing depending on the model they can be quite expensive, however cheaper than Samsonite or Delsey ones!
FBW
I have so many I cannot count them, but end up always using the same two!!!For short trips I have a small black Saturn (I think it's a sub-brand of samsonite if I am not wrong) soft trolley case, which is amazing as I can store my cabin stuff plus clothes, shoes etc for a 3 day trip!!! It's the toughest little thing I've ever seen and easy to pull so I use it also for there&backs and doubles.
For longer trips I use a blue Roncato Sphera (the one with an extra wheel on the side) which has been with me since 1994 - since my first flight ever! - and has seen the world with me.
It's all scratched and now covered in stickers but I wouldn't change it for anything in this world. Never had a problem with it, it's very very strong indeed. Has survived many trips to Africa and the Caribbeans (and indeed "hard landings" on the MXP carousel!!!
) where many of my colleagues had their bags damaged. I would recommend it to anyone. Only thing depending on the model they can be quite expensive, however cheaper than Samsonite or Delsey ones!
FBW
