ASA AirClassics Crew Trip Bag and Crew Pack Review

Find out why pilots and flight crews trust this reliable line of flight bags for their trip needs.

ASA bags

The ASA Crew Trip Bag is designed to withstand the rigors of frequent travel. [Photo by Kasia Szwed-Carlson]

Engineered specifically to meet the needs of professional pilots with collaboration and input from flight crews throughout the industry, the ASA AirClassics Crew Trip Bag and Crew Pack offer a clean, sophisticated, and professional look with supremely functional designs.

These flight bags are designed to accommodate all flight deck and travel essentials, from single-day trips to multiday layovers.

Let’s dive into the key features and specifications of the ASA AirClassics Crew line of flight bags and see if they can meet your unique needs.

Quick Look: ASA AirClassics Crew Flight Bags

ASA AirClassics Crew Trip Bag Description

The ASA Crew Trip Bag is a briefcase-style flight bag meticulously crafted with both durability and functionality in mind. Constructed from high-quality materials, it is designed to withstand the rigors of frequent travel. The sleek, professional appearance of the flight bag complements its practical design, making it a perfect fit for both casual trips and formal aviation settings. The bag can be easily stowed under airline seats, in the overhead bin, or in the cockpit.

Best for: Single-day trips

Key features and specifications

  • Size: 14" W x 11.5" H x 7.5" D (35.6 cm x 29.2 cm x 19 cm)
  • Weight: 2.45 pounds (1.11 kilograms)
  • Materials: Durable, weather-resistant ballistic outer material and tear-resistant ripstop nylon interior
  • Additional features: YKK heavy-duty, high-quality zippers; two outer metal D-rings to attach to roller bag; adjustable, nonslip, padded shoulder strap; sizable water bottle pocket; padded magnetic handles; inner and outer padded electronics pouches hold up to 13-inch devices; front organizer pocket with key lanyard, pen slot, and organization pockets; large main compartment; multiple small inner and outer pockets; durable plastic bottom; bottom grips; magnetic luggage pass through
  • Warranty: No. Item can be returned in unused, unopened, and in resalable condition.

Disadvantages

  • No dedicated compartment for a headset. However, there is plenty of space in the main compartment to freely fit multiple headsets.
  • High price tag, which can be justified by the quality and durability of the flight bag

Price: $199.95

ASA AirClassics Crew Pack Description

The ASA Crew Pack is a backpack-style flight bag structured with a keen focus on functionality and user convenience. In addition, with its side handle, the pack can be carried as a briefcase. The generous size and storage capability of the ASA AirClassics Crew Pack make it suitable for multiday layovers. The pack can be easily stowed under airline seats, in the overhead bin, or in the cockpit.

Best for: Multiday layovers

Key features and specifications

  • Size: 13" W x 19" H x 7'' D (33 cm x 48.2 cm x 17.8 cm)
  • Weight: 2.95 pounds (1.33 kilograms)
  •  Materials: Durable, weather-resistant ballistic outer material and tear-resistant ripstop nylon interior
  • Additional features: YKK PU-coated heavy-duty zippers; padded and adjustable shoulder and sternum straps; straps stow in streamlined pocket when not in use; ventilated and padded pads; top and side handles; luggage pass through; padded tech area includes space for up to a 16-inch device; padded tablet pocket; zippered pocket for accessories; padded headset pocket with battery storage; water bottle and sunglasses pockets; luggage-style main compartment unzips on three sides to open fully; interior elastic straps; four zippered, mesh interior pockets; zippered pocket for passport or phone; large, front, multi-purpose pocket with key lanyard and additional storage areas for pens, phone, and more
  • Warranty: No. Item can be returned in unused, unopened, and in resalable condition.

Disadvantages

  • The pack can be bulkier and heavier compared to some alternatives when it is fully loaded.
  • High price tag, which can be justified by the quality and durability of the flight bag.

Price: $299.95

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Flight Bag

When purchasing a flight bag, pilots should consider several key features to ensure the bag meets their unique needs. Here are some important aspects to look for.

Durability

A flight bag should be made from high-quality, durable materials like ballistic nylon to withstand frequent use and harsh conditions. In addition, reinforced stitching and robust zippers are essential features that contribute to the overall durability of the bag.

Compartments and Organization

An efficiently organized bag can save you time and reduce stress, ensuring you can quickly locate what you need during your flight. When choosing a flight bag, look for a bag with multiple compartments and various-size pockets to organize essential and fragile items such as over-ear headsets, iPads, sunglasses, and other pilot gear.

Size and Weight

A flight bag should be large enough to carry all necessary items but not so bulky that it becomes cumbersome. Consider the type of flying you do and choose a size that fits your needs.

Comfort

Features such as padded shoulder straps and handles can make carrying a flight bag more comfortable, especially during long days at the airport. Ergonomically designed straps can distribute weight evenly across your shoulders, reducing strain and fatigue. Adjustable shoulder straps also offer flexibility, allowing you to customize the fit according to your height and comfort preferences.

Water Resistance

A water-resistant or waterproof flight bag exterior can protect your gear and accessories from the elements. This feature is especially crucial for those flying in varying weather conditions, as it ensures that critical equipment such as logbooks, electronic devices, and other sensitive items remain dry and functional.

Accessibility

Easy access to frequently used items, such as quick-access pockets for your water bottle, sunglasses, or kneeboard, can be very convenient. This feature allows you to grab essential objects without rummaging through the entire bag, saving time and reducing stress, especially during critical phases of operation.

Professional Appearance

A sleek, professional look should be important for those who fly professionally. This not only ensures that the flight bag aligns with a pilot's professional attire but also portrays an image of reliability and competence to colleagues and clients.

ASA AirClassics Crew Trip Bag and Crew Pack Customer Reviews

Let’s explore what the users of the ASA AirClassics Crew line of flight bags think about these products.

Common Praise Points for the ASA AirClassics Flight Bags

Users of the ASA AirClassics Crew line of flight bags frequently praise their rugged durability, often highlighting the high-quality materials and robust construction that enable them to withstand the heavy demands of frequent travel.

The ample storage capacity is another commonly lauded aspect, with many users appreciating the numerous compartments and pockets that allow for the organized storage of various essential items.

Additionally, the bag's ergonomic features, such as padded shoulder straps and reinforced handles, are often noted for their contribution to user comfort during long periods of carrying.

The weather-resistant exterior is also a standout feature, with several users expressing confidence in the bag’s ability to protect contents from moisture and unexpected weather conditions.

Lastly, professionals often commend the sleek and professional appearance of the flight bags, which makes it suitable for both casual and formal aviation settings.

Common Criticisms for the ASA AirClassics Flight Bags

While the ASA AirClassics Crew line of flight bags receives high marks for its overall quality and functionality, there are a few common criticisms that users have noted.

One recurring issue is the weight of the bags when fully loaded; some users find them to be a bit heavy, which can be a drawback during long trips or extended periods of carrying. Additionally, the price of the bags is on the higher end of the price spectrum for flight bags.

ASA AirClassics Flight Bag Final Verdict

The ASA AirClassics Crew trip bag is recommended for those who value organization and durability.

The trip bag is great for single-day trips. It is also ideal for those who need a professional-looking bag that fits easily in airline compartments and offers multiple pockets for efficient organization.

However, if you need to carry larger items or prefer maximum storage, you might want to explore other options.

The ASA AirClassics Crew pack is recommended for those who need versatility and storage capacity for those multiday layovers. This bag is ideal for those who want the flexibility of carrying it in different ways and need ample space for essentials.

But if you find bulkiness or higher cost to be a concern, you might want to compare it with other flight bags.

Overall, the ASA AirClassics Crew line of flight bags can be a reliable choice depending on your specific needs.

Kasia Szwed-Carlson is an aviation industry expert with 15 years of experience working in flight operations management and training leadership roles at several US-based airlines. She is also a certified commercial pilot and instructor who is passionate about training the next generation of pilots and industry leaders.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get the latest FLYING stories delivered directly to your inbox

Subscribe to our newsletter
By entering your email, you agree to receive communications from FlyingMag.