What's ACTUALLY in my flight bag?! // airline pilot gear

[@realhashbrown]

Got wings from a Southwest pilot back in the early 2000s. My mom and I went from KPDX to KONT to see my dad while he was in the hospital and the stewardess found out and told the Captain, I was maybe 5 years old and it is something I will never forget considering the severity of the situation. I wonder how that Captain is doing every day. He and the stewardess made my day more than they will ever know.

[@Ben-hz7cp]

9/11

[@IamCec]

I’ve got a great memory in a southwest flight deck too 😭 yay little wings hehe

[@adamcstuart]

Packable down jacket for sub-zero walk-arounds. Sewing kit for mid-trip uniform repairs. Wings for the kiddos.

[@honoluluharry7664]

My neighbor was a Delta 767 captain...flew the Northeast Yellowbirds too prior....he always carried couple of clothes pins for the hotel curtains to make room as dark as possible for layovers....that little slit of light coming through drove him nuts...the clothes pins fixed that issue...

[@paulrom446]

I 2nd the Clothespins! They're great!

[@Colortiniz]

In a pinch (pun intended) you can use clips on the pants hanger for this purpose

[@niklashallbro8821]

I carry a telescopic back-scratcher in my flight back. Part of the pre-flight inspection is to check in front of the rudder pedals for any misplaced items that might have ended up there. It’s usually close to impossible to reach in front of the pedals to grab whatever is there - unless you have a back-scratcher! ;)

[@domfliesplanes]

I love videos like these, I just started flight training here in Montreal and these types of vids kinda gives me a glimpse of the future life I want. SUBBED!

[@F70100]

Now retired but for years I carried a few (half a dozen) zip ties of various sizes. Never used them until I went back to flying single engine piston after retirement and they were still in my flight bag. One finally got used to secure an engine cowling shut when a student lost (I still don’t know how he managed it!) a fastener whilst doing a preflight.

[@GaryB19561]

I had to laugh on your comment about the interior color of your flight bag. Once I was headed to Houston with my late wife for her appointment at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. We were flying out of New Orleans on Southwest and would fly over the morning of her treatments. The week before I had taken an out of town trip with my Dad and when I carried my pistol and ammo pouch into the hotel, I had placed them in my backpack to avoid showing them in the hotel lobby. Fast forward a week and my wife and I get ready to head to the airport and I had emptied my backpack and locked up my pistol. I had taken my backpack and turned it upside down and shook it to make sure there was “nothing” in it before packing it with my computer and clothes. The back pack was black and I saw nothing in it before packing. Anyway, I get to airport security, take my computer out of the backpack and run it through the X-ray scanner. As I step through the body scanner, I see the TSA agent get all excited and call her supervisor over. Bingo, it dawns on me I never accounted for my ammo pouch and I realize they have just spotted two loaded magazines somewhere in my bag. The ammo carrier is black nylon just like the interior of my bag and I immediately tell them that I know what they just spotted and it was a mistake that it was left in the bag. Somehow it had gotten wedged in the bottom of my bag and was not dislodged when I turned the bag upside down and shook it and I had missed it on a visual inspection because of the color and material! After dealing with a jerk of a TSA supervisor, I lost my magazines and ammo and almost the ammo pouch until a Sheriff’s deputy pointed out to the supervisor that it would be pretty hard to hijack an airplane with an empty ammo pouch on top of missing our flight. However Southwest stepped up to the plate and put us on the next flight because my wife had already been flagged as a cancer patient in their system and was traveling for treatment. So now, I shake, look and feel the entire interior of all my bags before flying! This actually saved my bacon a month ago when I found 5 - 32 caliber rounds in a suitcase I was packing for a flight to Seattle. They had fallen out of the container of a pistol I was bringing home from my Dad’s house after his funeral. Enjoy your channel as I used to travel a lot in my work and I can relate to your experiences!

[@billroberts3864]

Thanks for a great video showing the contents of your bag. You have a caring personality and like to share your flight experiences. Keep the videos coming and blessings to you.

[@lalochivafan]

When I was a CFI, someone had left at the school a travel, cable management zipper pouch. With it you can neatly store all your cables, wired headsets, bricks, dongles, adapters. I currently am able to fit my iPad charger cable, the apple watch cable, kindle cable, company issued iPad cable, spare headphones (wired). I left this pouch at the school lost and found for over a year and no one claimed it. 3 years later and I use this thing on every flight. I never have to untangle any cables, it’s amazing.

[@donnakeefer7244]

I just started working for a Airline carrier! It's so exciting to know I have the opportunity to travel the world. I'm really enjoying watching your videos!!!

[@exstim3600]

Cap, you are so awesome and humble, I hope to fly with you one day.

[@Roger_Stenning]

Not a pilot, but a bus driver, so, yeah, follow the required paperwork aspect. For a personal first aid kit - FAK - I use a Helikon-Tex Pocket Med Insert pouch; excellent bit of kit, I call it my "ouch pouch", and it holds a assortment of plasters (band aids), blister pads, personal over the counter meds (immodium, paracetomol (Neurofen meltlets, no water required), Rennie, and suchlike. HIGHLY recommended :)

[@andrewjknott]

Garbage bag is a good idea, I think I will add it to my bag. I keep a Tide pen to get rid of spills on clothing and a tiny travel sewing kit to fix buttons or rips.

[@vitaly6312]

I like the mix between pilot, edc, and prepper haha. Tape, bags, fire kits, flashlights are always good to have. Other notable additions you could have would be a tourniquet and some gauze or something for emergencies (you never know), and a small pack of batteries (for the flashlight or any other electronics). Like you, I have sunglasses everywhere. Some in my car, some in my house, some in my travel bag that way wherever I go I’m never without them.

[@mylayoverlife]

Ha! I love this. I should have titled the vlog “Pilot or Prepper?” 😂😂

[@bethsummerville341]

Hello!! I flew for the first time when I was six, in 1971! We flew from Pittsburgh into L.A. to stay with my great grandma for a while. Yes I did receive a little plastic Wings pin!! I also remember having a PB&J. Thank you for sharing so much! All your videos are very interesting and uplifting! You teach so much information in ways that make it easy and enjoyable to listen and learn! I really appreciate each and every post, but I must say my favorites are the ones with your sweet wife and children! Was also really touched by the one you shared when you took your dear Mom and Dad to Hawaii! Thank you, prayers and blessings from New Wilmington, Pa.!

[@watchthis6789]

As a recently retired paramedic firefighter I always had anything with me that I might need, either in my gear, work locker, or car. It is cool to be the guy with what someone needs at the moment that they need it. Nice job on the flight bag.

[@stuartdoyle3140]

I carry a couple of turns of lock-wire in my bag. Really useful for repairs and stuff.

[@onocoffee]

Nice to find a UA person posting to YT and interesting insight into your carry bag.

[@markchristopher9515]

25 years of sitting behind you and mine is mostly the same but tuned to my needs. Thinking back I can see few uses for the tape but am fascinated by what a good idea I think that is. Gladly gave all that up at retirement. Everything but my ditty bag, it's just not my bathroom without it.

[@erichstocker8358]

Actually some very clever packing and items. Prepared for almost anything. I think I will start carrying the garbage bag. That is a great idea and as you said could be used for many things.

[@DonAv8s]

Great content. I am also a pilot. It’s better to have and not need than need and not have. Great flight bag! Safe travels.

[@davidpevsner4515]

Don this is a great idea for your channel for a slow maintenance day shoot! Great one Paul! Really enjoy both of your channels!

[@DonAv8s]

@@davidpevsner4515 Thanks For watching David! I really enjoy Paul’s content as well. Thanks for the tip!

[@Davkas]

Aside from the fact that my dad was in the air force when I was born which put me around a lot of aircraft and aviation early on in life, the first flight I ever took when I was very little was on a Continental flight from LA to Houston and I got wings from the pilot and thought it was the absolute coolest thing ever. That pretty well solidified my interest in aviation going forward. Hope to at least be able to get my PPL one day and who knows. Maybe I'll find myself as an airline captain like yourself one day.

[@WeareCreatingMemories]

Im ex crew and can second the hunger feeling of getting into a hotel late at night, and theres only so many inflight meals and room service meals your waist line can handle, so I always used to carry protein shaker with portioned protein powder (enough for the whole layer over), some protein bars and some dry cereal (got milk, bowl and spoon from hotel room service). Quick, easy and healthy snacks are a must !

[@alancohen368]

Discovered your channel just recently -- great stuff. I travel a long-haul roundtrip about once a month and second the garbage bag. Started carrying one when my kids were little (lots of uses -- most of them pretty gross) and even now it's a staple in my carry-on. Also handy: a Brooks canopy running jacket. Packs into a small pouch that is part of the jacket, so it takes up little space in my bag yet gives me quick access to another layer to wear when the plane gets cold. Big fan of wired headphones, as well -- love the Bose QC20s. Also like to carry an Anker portable battery pack -- a bit of backup juice for phone/ipad/Kindle/etc. Thanks again for these great videos. Safe travels.

[@bernivideo]

Awesome presentation! You’re the MacGyver of Airline Pilots.

[@thetwopointslow]

So cool to see you’ve also got a plane tag! I’ve got a US Airways A320 one with my email address in case my bag is lost.

[@thekid9989]

Truck driver sadly not a pilot but something in my medical kit is the patches you use to hold needles. It works great as a second skin if you are starting to get blisters. If you are wondering how I get it, we’ll my dad has cancer and they come with his treatment but he uses medical tape instead. So we have a surplus of them.

[@sk-bt1gg]

Always carry an umbrella in my bag. Plus simple first aid kit too. Also wet tissue and tissue. Charging kit for my phone and tablet plus universal plug. I do carry a pair of safety scissors as a crew.

[@mylayoverlife]

I have an umbrella too. It’s in a pocket so secret I forgot about it when I recorded this. 😂

[@akarisilver]

Great content! I got an AirTag in both my flight bag and roller board. Oh, and also a pair of gloves.

[@mylayoverlife]

AirTags are a great idea!!

[@rmi813]

I keep plastic zip ties in my bag at all times. Various sizes. Love the channel. Happy New Year.

[@watersbey25]

Scary aren't you?

[@planyi]

thanks. fun video. i have a go bag for my electronics - chargers, cords… i keep a pen with duck tape wrapped around it. have used the tape to repair luggage, clothes malfunctions and to tape over automatic nightlights in hotels.

[@bernkondret9981]

Nice EDC. Useful information for everyone, adaptable to whatever the rest of use are doing.

[@ericegler1206]

Paul, can you describe what you use the candle for again? LOL! Great vid as always thanks for sharing :)

[@georgesenda1952]

I don’t know if you can do it now but back in the 70s and 80s I used to go to a bakery & I would buy cinnamon rolls for the crew & pilots & would tell the flight attendants that this is for all the grief you get from jerks. Their eyes lit up when they got the gift and even the pilots thank me I got to go in the cockpit when we landed in Los Angeles. Wasn’t intentional but I got great service every time I did that but it wasn’t I did it I made it to make the crew feel good. My big problem with flying is I have a horrible fear heights always have I close that flap in the window and he stays close for the whole flight unless there’s something interesting to look at I’m scared to death to be that high up in the air. 1962 I went to Germany and I was on Lufthansa and the stewardesses handed out Apple juice orange juice and tomato juice within a couple minutes we had clear air turbulence which was not called that those days we dropped 7000 feet in 30 seconds everybody was puking they ran out of vomit bags even the pilots were sick and I’m Ken years old scared to death that I’m going to die and there’s not enough of my life to flash before me. Everybody was screaming for dear life even the stewardesses we were all panicked. In the late 50s my mother went on a TWA flight to Europe it was their inaugural jet flight to London somewhere between Nova Scotia and London the plane caught on fire it had to go back to Newfoundland or Gander or somewhere and land they brought a new plane out and show you how the airlines had a sense of humor back then TWA gave everybody a partial refund and they said parchment certificates out commemorating the flight with one printed normally & a second one singed around the edges. Got lost in one of our moves I wish I still had them they would be cool on my wall. I loved flying TWA too.

[@alooga555]

I always pack Gas X because it’s not fun being bloated on a plane when I still have six-plus hours to get to Tokyo or London.

[@onrr1726]

I generally carry a small box of granola bars in my carry on and nibble on one or two during layovers when I travel on international flights. I also bring along a flashlight and 2 or 3 days of cloths, sun glasses, a small pocket size sewing kit with 3 or 4 buttons, a few band aids, ibprophan, peptobismo jell tablets, phone charger and international plug set (I carry at leased two just in case one dose not work). Cash money and passport stay on me on a velcro pouch on me in deep cargo pockets.

[@budowens6478]

Just now come across you on KZbin, great job and thanks for sharing.

[@debbietreibel9237]

We love watching all your videos! We love Hawaii so really enjoyed those. Thank you

[@joe-aj0yz]

Got my wings from a stewardess in 1975 while on an Eastern Airlines flight from GNV - SGF. She made this 4 y/o's first flight a memorable one. 👍

[@sismandarin8636]

Thank you for the humour, very cool and informative!

[@Sarah-ex1sr]

Love the bloopers! 😄 and tape! I would have guessed the candle 😊

[@daknarr]

Hmmm. Well, I carry chopsticks, and a spoon in my flight bag. Sometimes I'll take some cup-a-noodles with me, and I chopsticks make it easy. I also carry a tiny spoon. I drink a lot of tea on the long-haul stuff, so the spoon comes in handy when I add my sweetener on the flightdeck. Love the videos!

[@paulrom446]

Back in the early 2000's COEX Pilots were still using the old Jeppeson Approach Plates! Those big Flight bags had to add a lot of weight up in the Front Office 😬!

[@tadeuszlufik]

chargers/cables, multitool. its remarkable how simple and useful that garbage bag is - great for taking a dip somewhere & the suit wont dry in time for report haha

[@jonathonschuster]

Nice use of the old Polaris spiderman amenity kit case!

[@timmyboyproductions3947]

You should get some coffee bags. They are like tea bags but filled with ground coffee beans. Just stick it in the cup, hot water a leave for a few minutes and no more crappy coffee! That’s what I have in my flight bag !! More than anything else lol !

[@Kate98755]

i travel with coffee bags, can’t drink starbucks

[@mjreyes725]

awesome video!

[@corinardh8635]

Well done video. I am glad KZbin recommended your video.

[@Chrisbackgroovey]

I wished I had my pilots license; however, as a mom, wipes are a must, especially now, along with hand sanitizer is what’s always in my bag. 😁✈️❤️

[@saschazell6747]

Love the cards and plastic wings! I've been getting those from UA pilots, those since I was a little kid :-)

[@bibahusak]

Never heard of this on any European airlines! The pilots door was always locked and that was that for safety. That sounds so sweet!

[@markkempton4579]

@@bibahusak US airlines kept the doors closed (now locked post-9/11) during flight as well. They would hand them out when they greeted passengers during boarding.

[@bibahusak]

@@markkempton4579 That's a lovely gesture.

[@blackdalia1065]

Mad survival skillz!!🤩 Survival training vids next👏👏👏!!!.. thanks for another great vid entertaining and full of great tips. So what was the last item? The secret 😆

[@boydmccollum692]

Answering the questions we really want to know. Another one, how many changes of clothes (flight uniform and regular clothes) to you bring and how often to you do a laundry on a trip?

[@rugged1509]

Great video! Just googled, First Tactical Back Pack. Gonna get one for work, and load it up! You sold me on it. I have a piece of an MD 80, Company gave us as key chain. Gonna go on back pack. Thx again, Great Video 👍

[@EK-fl8yz]

Great video.I have a similar backpack that folds up when I travel too .I was surprised that you haven’t packed a few masks .I had to wear one when I travelled from Australia to Europe a few weeks ago

[@lotusblossom44]

I have loved aviation since I was a young girl. Even asked my mom for a radio that allowed you to listen to transmission between the cockpit and the control tower. Shows how many years ago that was. I'm still very interested in flying a plane and I'm 56. I think that's too old so I'll go for flight attendant. As long as I'm on a plane, I'm good. Thanks for the videos.

[@mylayoverlife]

Might be a little late to get to a major, but if you pushed you could get 6-7 years at a regional airline. Or become a flight attendant!! Both a amazing jobs!!

[@lotusblossom44]

@@mylayoverlife next life... commercial pilot. 777

[@bibahusak]

Go research KLM. Might be an option. They are very open. Good luck!

[@nickburke7767]

@@mylayoverlife subbed.

[@donnabaardsen5372]

I got in as a FA at 50, top tier airline, first try.

[@stevef.7237]

The tape is funny. I was on a flight from msp to Tampa and they had to duct tape an overhead shut. It was a Northwest 757. Man that was like 20 years ago.

[@bernardkennedyIV]

Hi Paul, first off appreciate all your videos and the time and commitment that goes into doing it, thank you! As a frequent traveler myself I have almost the same exact bag (just made by 5.11) One issue I always had with my Boise headphone case was the lousy carabiner that came with it, wouldn’t last more than a few flights being put in an overhead or shoved under a seat. Curious where you found the carabiner to hook onto your headphone case? Look forward to your next video and thank you!

[@mylayoverlife]

I bought that one in the checkout line at REI. 😂 It’s worked great though.

[@bernardkennedyIV]

@@mylayoverlife Thanks Paul! Isn’t it always the case, checkout lines seem to have some strategic placement of items 🤣I’ll have to go take a look at my local REI for something similar 👍

[@RonSchwoyer]

Plane tags! I have an Aloha 737 Planetag

[@thephunhouse2444]

Got wings from a AA pilot flying from KJFK to KSDQ in the early 90s. Can’t remember if it was a DC-10 or a 747 jumbo.

[@bobm2878]

An extra mobile phone (with an international SIM card) to keep in your carry on, might be a good idea. Just in case you lose your primary mobile phone...just a suggestion...

[@harveymadison7528]

I'm a GA pilot, and I always have a pack of Beeman's in my bag. It's many years old and I never even opened it up, but I think every (superstitious) pilot should have Beeman's on them :-)

[@darrylday30]

I always chew at top of descent to keep my ears clear. I wish I could get Beeman’s in Canada.

[@Daisy-tr7mi]

I still have wings from a Northwest Airlines flight I took in the 90’s as an unaccompanied minor 😂😂.

[@josephineahelle5094]

Great video, ur so funny and cute 😍 Just a suggestion how about carrying a tube of Neosporin for blisters, sores and burns. It's great stuff!!! 😉✈

[@mylayoverlife]

I actually do carry that. I keep it in my toiletry bag though in case I need to take it out for security.

[@colinrenfrew48]

Fascinating!

[@6jefes948]

I also carry tums, wet wipes, backup battery, leatherman, and a change of clothes.

[@ConnorLuhn]

I was on a flight from Calafornia and I got to see the flight controll area like go in it type thing

[@RDavis-ts4ly]

As a former FA I always wrap my shoes in shower caps. Cheap and it kept my clothes clean.

[@matteoalemani]

Hey congrats! Where did you buy Velcro strip to attach to the bag?

[@georgesenda1952]

I suppose all those huge Jepson manuals pilots used to have to carry are now in an app.

[@mylayoverlife]

Yep. It literally takes less than a minute to update. Way better than the days of paper manuals.

[@stefankaps5293]

I am curious if you use any kind of special watches that you consider easy to use because of timezones etc..cool video you made of my hometown Porto!Next time try Francesinha if you haven't already! Cheers

[@mylayoverlife]

My iPhone always knows what time it is. 😂 I wear a Vostok when I’m at work but don’t wear a watch when I’m home.

[@site_alpha_Liberty_Cat]

Not a pilot but traveled just as much as one through the years. I use these little "dime bags" from Walmart to keep my medication in, like Advil & Benadril, in place of the bottles. It saves a bunch of bag space.

[@markkempton4579]

Forgot all about the plastic wings! I had a pair when I was very young. I think a relative got them for me because I was 13 when I took my first flight. They were from Eastern Airlines. (!)

[@brianbailey7128]

Are there different restrictions for crew vs passengers with getting a bag through security.

[@kodybraun2420]

I’m a student pilot working on my commercial. I carry a monocular, never needed to use it, no clue when I’d need it, but it’s there when that day comes.

[@mylayoverlife]

I’ve flown with a few guys that carry those. They usually use it to look at other airplanes we’re near when we’re over the ocean.

[@Justplainoljeff]

Cool vid, were you a military guy before?

[@shube3103]

Wing backers...Law enforcement we call them Dammits. Cuz every time you loose them you always say, Dammit!! Love the videos!!

[@mylayoverlife]

Haha! Same.

[@RogerLaFrance]

Hey Now! - How have I not noticed your videos before? But I do remember your radio call asking if MSP flight still around. I work EWRSOC and Hey Now! back to me one day.

[@joshablatzheim9075]

Great Performance! All the best and good take offs and landings ✈️🛫🛬🇺🇲 Grandes saluts de L'Europe Switzerland 🇨🇭 to the 🇺🇸, Josha 🙋‍♂️

[@diytwoincollege7079]

Not a pilot, but I travel every week. I always have an Imodium tablet, just in case.

[@germb747]

I threw a pair of night vision goggles in my bag, to see if it helps see the weather at night. Not sure that it really helps though 🤪

[@oliver1965]

Good info. Thx. Get going 🚀

[@georgesenda1952]

I wish I still had my wings given to me from a pilot on the old Capitol Airlines. Capitol was a great airline.

[@dipaola702]

Got a few wings as a kid from Pan American flights, flying one of my favorite planes B707

[@Broker-in-Maine]

Awesome info

[@German_1]

Love your channel! You didn't say what kind of drone you had. Also do you keep a scrapbook? I carry a bag as well. I've carried a manpurse all my life and, have stuff like tape as well as defense items (ahem). Spare phone cord, vise grips and an umbrella as well.i won't bore you with anymore but you get the point!

[@mylayoverlife]

I was using the Mavic Mini, now I use the Mini 3.

[@kenjizax777]

Great vids! Subscribed. Backpack looks great! Could I ask which size you’ve got? Seems like the there are several sizes. Many thanks!

[@darrenfike924]

Good morning , fantastic bag and stuffs you carry … it looks like you are carrying a roll of black electronic tapes , lol lol 😂…. Which aircrafts you tend to be in a left seat ? 767??? 777? 787??

[@tammyfields4420]

Just Subscribed to your channel! Im not a pilot, but I am a Travel Agent that is about to start exploring the world more, I am one of those packers that follows the its better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it motto! I haven't been on a plane in about 20 years, use to fly every year, no problems, but now I get motion sickness and I'm terrified about getting sick on the plane, even on a medication! Lame, I know! lol

[@ohJettzen]

Hey! Thanks for sharing. I wanted to ask, or amyone can, but do you have to buy hair products every time you fly to another city? Would TSA toss away your hair paste?

[@ryanalexander5560]

Started carrying a Tide Pen in my flight bag recently after I finally got fed up with spilling coffee on my white shirt 😆

[@GG-sr4ww]

I fly humanitarian flights in Africa into some pretty remote places so insect repellent and all-purpose flushable wet wipes are part of my flight bag contents. And I once got a set of Lufthansa Junior Pilot wings from a LH 747 skipper when I was around 12. Sadly, I lost them a few years later which I’m still upset about!

[@EastCoastFlying]

Wha?! No bright yellow pilot vest for the preflight?! Jk. From one United Pilot to another, love the vids. I’ve always carried extra wing backers too. Been a hero many times. Keep up the good work.

[@mylayoverlife]

I keep that in my roller bag actually. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@conorherget313]

gotta have zyn pouches!

[@gabrielncali8999]

Cool video! 👍👊

[@simo-dv5xk]

Do you hold high seniority on the B757/767? Do you get to pick and choose all your flights and destinations as you wish?

[@mylayoverlife]

I was pretty senior when I was a first officer (when I filmed this vid) but I’m pretty junior now as a captain.

[@cmm170526]

Thanks!

[@captain736]

As a captain I carry an inflation needle in my bag, I use it at least once a year to deflate football/soccer balls, happy kids can then keep their ball in the cabin 🏈😉

[@mylayoverlife]

That’s a great idea!

[@MC-kd3yb]

I usually enjoy your vids.

[@researchcapt]

Non-polarized sun glasses of course.

[@SuperYova]

What is your favorite watch to wear when flying?