What's in the captain's flight bag? Pilots reveal their packing secrets

While you might expect to find a tablet, sunglasses and a torch in a typical pilot’s flight bag, dig a little deeper and you’ll find some more surprising contents, according to a recent survey by PrivateFly.

The private jet booking platform surveyed pilots of all kinds, including airlines, private aviation, cargo and military. Pilots were asked about their packing lists, travel tips and experiences, top destinations, and favourite aviation moments in history.

Findings from the pilot survey include: 

• Pilots named their top three flight bag must-haves and popular answers included an iPad or other tablet, sunglasses, torch, batteries, spare headset, snacks and gym kit.
• Tabasco sauce was another popular pick, by many pilots. More unusual must-haves included a bike pump, nail polish remover, ramen noodles, and Lego.
• Packing light is pilots’ top travel tip. Many also suggested to be prepared for unforeseen eventualities when travelling.
• The average UK pilot has visited 39 countries, with the most well-travelled clocking up 190. Paris is their top-rated city to travel to, and Australia and New Zealand their favourite countries.
• Pilots’ favourite aviation moment in history is the first Concorde flight by Andre Turcat in 1969.
• While 76% said have wanted to fly since childhood, over a third have held a different full-time job before. Previous careers include a carpenter, a genetic scientist and a DJ.

Adam Twidell, CEO of PrivateFly and an experienced pilot himself, comments: “Pilots are the consummate professional packer, travelling light yet ready for anything. When you’re on the move so much, you get packing down to a fine art.

“It was no surprise to see sports kit and equipment featuring highly, most pilots are disciplined about keeping healthy. But it was interesting to see how many pack hot pepper sauces, to liven up one-too-many in-flight or hotel meals. A good example of how choosing your flight bag contents carefully can pack a powerful punch, for a very small amount of bag space!”

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

*1,315 global pilots took part in the PrivateFly Pilot Survey in November 2016, and were recruited through international industry networks, online pilot communities, and social media.

See more highlights from the PrivateFly Pilot Survey 2017. Or for a PDF copy of the survey white paper, email marketing@privatefly.com.