Dark brown Saddleback Leather Flight Bag on the floor of an airplane cockpit next to a pilot headset
Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in black, angled front view with two buckled pockets and top handles

Flight Bag Leather Briefcase

Black
$579.00
$579.00 $0.00
Club Member Price: $521.10
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Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in black, angled front view with two buckled pockets and top handles
  • Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in black, angled front view with two buckled pockets and top handles
  • Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in tan, front view with two buckled pockets and detachable shoulder strap
  • Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in dark brown on a wooden table in a warmly lit leather shop
  • Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in tan, top-down view of the open main compartment with pigskin lining
  • Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in tan, back view with slip pocket and padded shoulder strap
  • Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in tan, close-up of the top handle and riveted tab with embossed Saddleback Leather Co. logo
  • Man in a bookshop reading a book while carrying the Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in chestnut on its shoulder strap
  • Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in chestnut on a wooden table in a warmly lit leather shop
  • Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in tan on a wooden table in a warmly lit leather shop
  • Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in black, angled front view with two buckled pockets and top handles
  • Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in black, angled back view with slip pocket and padded shoulder strap
  • Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in black, top-down view of the open main compartment with tan pigskin lining
  • Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in dark brown, front view with two buckled pockets and detachable shoulder strap
  • Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in dark brown, close-up of the top handle and riveted tab with embossed Saddleback Leather Co. logo
  • Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in dark brown, back view with slip pocket and padded shoulder strap
  • Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in chestnut, front view with two buckled pockets and detachable shoulder strap
  • Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in chestnut, back view with slip pocket and padded shoulder strap
  • Flight Bag Leather Briefcase in chestnut, close-up of the top handle and riveted tab with embossed Saddleback Leather Co. logo
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Flight Bag Leather Briefcase

Saddleback

Flight Bag Leather Briefcase

$579.00
$579.00 $0.00
Club Member Price: $521.10

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220 reviews

Color Black

SKU 01-10-0023-MD-BK-NP

QUANTITY:In stock
Returnable within 30 days

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Dimensions (W x H x D)

  • 16" x 12" x 6"
  • Front Pockets: 6"W x 7"H
  • Strap: 1.25" W x 40" - 65" L
  • Shoulder Pad: 3" W x 7.75"L
  • Weight 5.5 pounds

A Leather Briefcase for Pilots and More!-Newly redesigned

This bag was designed for pilots, like the one who flew our family to a region of Somalia infested with Al Shabaab terrorists. These flight bags are over-engineered with no breakable parts like magnets, zippers, snaps, buttons, etc. We only use the strongest materials we can find. The leather is thick full-grain leather and incredibly tough, while the lining is made of pigskin, which is even stronger. The thread is industrial, marine grade, and UV resistant, ensuring it will hold up against wear and tear. The hardware is a custom stainless steel, which is complete overkill — it's like killing a fly with a shotgun. This mid-1800s English style Gladstone Bag closure is just plain cool on this leather briefcase. It opens wide and stays open until you say otherwise (pilots love this feature to put next to their seats). The front pockets are built and then sewn on, so there are hidden pockets behind the pockets. There's a magazine pocket in the back and a floppy laptop pocket inside the leather briefcase.

Full Grain Leather Briefcases

Our leather is the strongest we can find (full-grain boot leather, but thicker). The top layer of a leather hide has all of the grain in it, and the grain is the toughest, most protective and longest lasting part of the hide. The grain is like the shingles on a roof. Most companies shave off the top layer (grain) of the hide to get rid of scars so they can use almost every inch of the hide in production and therefore save money. But in doing so, it's like they're shaving the shingles off of your roof. Kind of insane.

Pilot in an olive flight suit carrying a dark brown leather Flight Bag beside a small plane in a hangar with an American flag

Lining in the Flight Bag

We use tough, but soft pigskin lining, which is stronger than the cow leather, instead of some pretty shiny fabric with a world map on it. There's also a false bottom inside that serves two purposes: First, it adds an extra layer of reinforcement. Secondly, you can hide cash, passports, etc. under there, but please don't hide drugs. Drugs are bad.

Tan leather Flight Bag briefcase on the copilot seat of a private jet cockpit with lit instrument panels

Industrial Marine Grade Thread

he thread is unbelievably strong industrial marine grade UV resistant polyester thread. It's what they use on sails and parachutes (things your life depends on). We use it to hold together leather briefcases.

Tan Saddleback Leather Flight Bag pilot case on a rocky desert slope with a crashed airplane behind it

Hardware That Won’t Fail

Our custom hardware is the amazing 316 Stainless Steel (please please google it). A metallergist told me that it was way overkill and that I really didn't need it to be so strong. I guess it's like killing a fly with a shotgun for a leather briefcase, but we NEVER have problems with our hardware. 

Dark brown full grain leather briefcase with buckle straps resting on an antique wooden chair

Functionality of a Pilot’s Bag

This mid-1800's English style Gladstone Bag closure is just plain cool on this leather briefcase. It opens wide and stays open until you say otherwise. Pilots love this feature to put next to their seat. For closure, I chose a single leather strap with holes punched all the way out to the very tip, just in case your bag is way overstuffed or you want to stick your umbrella or blueprints under the strap horizontally or leave the laptop bag open to stick your stuff out vertically. The front pockets are built and then sewn on, so there are hidden pockets behind the pockets.

Burgundy leather Flight Bag briefcase with an anchor charm on a bridge ledge in front of Big Ben in London

Removable Adjustable Shoulder Strap

The removable, adjustable shoulder strap is a handy feature. You can take it off your briefcase to tie the Christmas tree to the rack of your car. The strap on this briefcase is as tough and durable as our quality full grain leather belts.

Man in a dark blazer reading a book in a bookshop, carrying a brown leather Flight Bag on its shoulder strap
Saddleback Leather Flight Bag in Tobacco with front pockets holding a pen and a folded map, on a black background

Your Heirloom in the Making

This is more than a leather laptop bag or briefcase for pilots — it’s a legacy piece designed to be fought over long after you’re gone. We believe your bag should outlast your career, your travel miles, and your wildest adventures. Buy it once. Break it in. Pass it down.

If something does go wrong, we’ll fix it under our 100-year warranty — because your leather bag shouldn’t give out before you do.

Three dark brown leather bags, including a Doctor's Duffle, on and beside a rustic bench in a brick-walled room with plants
Dark brown Saddleback Leather Flight Bag laid out with pilot gear: gloves, headset, tablet, map, flashlight, and notebook

Bedtime Story for the Kids about Terrorists

The last small plane we were on was from Nairobi to Lamu. From there we took a 2 hour small boat ride to an island off the Northern Coast of Kenya, next to Somalia where a Kenyan friend of ours told us was a really super cool place for holiday. We didn't know about all of the Al-Shabaab terrorist activity and kidnappings in the area or we probably wouldn't have chosen it for our family vacation, but ignorance is bliss? The last night there was a little freaky. Okay, a lot freaky hanging out and discussing theology with the witchcraft practicing angel prophet of Islam, but that's for another place and time (or bag description).


So we finally get to our destination called Mike's Camp, run and owned by a British Kenyan named Mike. A charming chap who had made a barefoot luxury Gilligan's Island resort built almost entirely from woven reeds. The walls and floors were 100% woven and the ceilings were thatched. All of it was supported by branches and sticks.


It was SUPER COOL. Unbelievable. And that's why billionaires fly in to stay there all the time. Since we're not billionaires, we flew into Lamu and then took the little skiff to the island, but there are people who fly in at low tide, land on the beach and walk up the sand dunes to the camp. It's where you completely unplug. No laptop bags allowed. To read about the Angel prophet of Islam and our walk through the terrorists, go to the Slim Leather Briefcase page.


Anyways, each of those small plane bush pilots that land on the beach or take people to Lamu, have a smaller flight bag briefcase next to their seat. It's just what you do when you need all of your things in one small cramped place.

  • 5 stars: 220 (100%)
  • 4 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
V
Valerian lim
Flight bag

The bag is very good. Heavy. Well build. Good looking. Classy. Gave it to my in-laws as gift, they use it right away and love it. They are using as attache case for finance related. Will try the fourteener for my own use. Highly recommended.

A
Alvin
Very nice

The bag is very very well built. The leather is top notch. I highly recommend. I wish the bag came with a cotton dust bag to protect it. Overall I'm very happy with my purchase.

A
Abe J.
Flight Bag in Chestnut

I now have all three colors of this bag. Excellent product! Fits everything for EDC.

A
Abe J.
Flight Bag in Coffee Brown

I now have all three colors of this bag. Excellent product! Fits everything for EDC.

F
Felix Mestas
SB Never disappoints

This is probably my third or fourth saddleback product and I couldn't be happier with the company. The quality is the best I have ever seen, and the looks are classic and timeless. I will be buying more soon.

D
Dr R Paul Spence
Flight bag briefcase

Excellent product, in keeping with the quality of all the other products (over 20 bags, etc) I've purchased from Saddleback over the last 18 years.

A
Anthony Martinez
Nearly as much ramp appeal as a P-51

This bag is excellent and replaced the Army-issued helmet bag I used for various tasks including flight bag duty over a 20+yr period. I bought it, along with the equally outstanding officer's boots, as a gift to myself for making it another 18 years after my final combat tour in Iraq. It's physically much smaller than the helmet bag but easily fits everything I ever kept in that bag. Beyond just fitting everything I really feel like the bag keeps items significantly more organized. my kneeboard, pivot mount, backup radio, batteries, headlamp, logbook, check book, wallet with my required docs, chargers, cables, multitool, E6B, plotter, headset, overnight toiletries kit, and probably three other things I can't recall off the top of my head all fit with room to spare. I can easily leave it open behind me and reach everything.

M
Matt H
Flight Bag

I love this bag! I've waited a little while to leave this review. I Bought this bag a little over two years ago and I continue to exceptionally happy with it. I work as a traveling insurance salesman, and the bag has room for just about whatever I need. I get compliments on it frequently from my clients. I'm giving it 5 stars but my one thing I will warn potential buyers of is the weight, this is a heavy duty bag. Especially when its fully loaded with my gear, computer, etc, it can certainly weigh down on the shoulders. Other than that, zero complaints, I plan to use this bag for the rest of my career.

C
Christopher Black
Wonderful Addition to my Saddleback Family

As always, a solid example of some of the best and coolest bags you can buy for the money....fits my current needs with a super cool style and exceptional functionality......

J
Jacob
Helicopter pilot approved

As a National Guard helicopter pilot and civilian helicopter flight instructor, I wanted to upgrade to a flight bag that would allow me to carry a laptop and all of my flight gear. I can fit everything I need in this bag — laptop, headset, iPad + mount, ADS-B receiver + mount, notebook, logbook, kneeboard, external battery pack, and charging cords. Between the main compartment, the two external compartments, the two "hidden" compartments, and the document compartment on the back, this bag facilitates a methodical approach to organizing the various things aviation professionals need for the job. This is truly a "buy it for life" type of bag, and I can't recommend it enough.

M
Michael Mosely
Love it!

Overall I love it, the coloring is a little bit different than what I was expecting, I also own the deep pocket duffle in tobacco and this one seems a bit more subdued, less Red in the dye or something but still looks great, can't wait to break it in and add some character to it!

C
Cody
Fantastic bag

Fantastic bag. Have had mine since 2019. It's my everyday carry as a Registered Nurse.

C
Chris Oujo
Airline Pilot Approved

I am a 737 Captain and just finished my first trip with this bag. The handles work well with a luggage works hook. The opening is a little awkward to get used to, but it stays open and fits perfectly next to the seat. I can’t wait to see how it’ll hold up over the rest of my career.

K
Kenneth
Black Flight Bag - Love it!!!

I have a few bags from Saddleback Leather… (a tobacco messenger bag that I purchased in 2013- I had given it to a good friend of mine), a tobacco colored wide mouth backpack, and this black flight bag. I’m a flight attendant for a major airline carrier, and I absolutely LOVE this bag! I have received a ton of compliments from crew members and passengers. It had even led to a pilot ordering one right away once he saw mine!!!! I have ever offered a bag for for a friend of mine that is also a flight attendant, and I had given a wide mouth backpack to another friend as a gift. I’m sure that I will be ordering more products for you over the near future.

Thank you Saddleback Leather for offering great and beautiful leather products!

G
Garrett
A must have!

I couldn’t be any more satisfied with my purchase. The highest of quality and design. Do yourself a favor and get one.

S
Shane Wilcoxen
Flight Bag

I’ve recently purchased the flight bag in black. It’s fantastic. Everything you’ve read and heard is true. The build quality, the thickness of the leather, depth of color, weight and feel of this bag is remarkable.
I drove to the showroom in Azle, TX to take a look at all of their products first hand.
I highly recommend that everyone do this.
All of their products are true showroom pieces. I don’t say that about many products. I will be purchasing many more products from Saddleback leather. Well done to everyone involved in this business.
Respectfully, S. Wilcoxen

K
Keith A. Jones Esq.
A great bag

I got this bag as a gift for a friend. I’ve had my own for over a decade and it looks beautiful and is my favorite briefcase

A
A.J.
Love This Flight Bag!

The size and workmanship is absolutely the very best! I am a big fan and already have my eye on the wide mouth backpack and duffle bag!

E
Eric
Best bag ever

I have owned this bag in Chestnut for about five years. It is amazing and I get the most compliments about it! Plenty of room! Just buy it!

D
Dave
Great Bag

I bought the Tobacco Flight Bag as a reward for launching my new company. The bag is perfect, and I'm very happy with it. Here are some thoughts if you’re considering the bag yourself.

The build quality is excellent, and the Gladstone opening allows it to sit next to my desk all day. To protect my bag, I used Leather Milk #1 Conditioner, and after waiting 24 hours, I applied their #3 Protector. Using #1 darkened the bag slightly, while #3 darkened it further, making it look as if I had ordered it in Dark Coffee Brown.

When you receive the bag, it comes with two keychains. The leather on these chains is a great spot to test a conditioner or protector before applying it to your bag. Adding the Leather Milk has made the straps and side pouch covers more supple, and I think it has improved the bag’s overall appearance.

If I could change one thing, it would be the hardware color. For a bag in this price range, I wish they offered it with brass hardware, which would complement the brown better than the chrome. The rivets appear to be copper, and brass hardware would match them more seamlessly. I found that Buckleguys.com sells some D-rings that can be used as replacements without removing the rivets, but their supply is limited. Since I plan to keep this bag for a long time—until I pass it down to my son or grandson—I may eventually take it to a saddler to have the rivets drilled out and the hardware replaced. I truly believe brass would be a better match for the bag.

In the end, I couldn't be happier with it. The pictures online don’t do it justice. You'll understand if you buy one yourself.

J
Jay
Flight Bag Leather Briefcase

Prepare for takeoff. Man, this thing is nice! Heavy duty, extremely well made and quite handsome. Handles my heavy gear and power cords just fine. Great work, Saddleback.

S
Steven
Built to last and ready to take a beating

I've had this bag for going on two years and have already put a few thousand miles of travel on it. It's been filled to the brim (30+ pounds) and functioned well as a daily driver of a bag. It easily fits a 16" MacBook Pro with a tablet, books/papers, and more. I use it as a "personal item" on flights and it couldn't be easier to fit under typical plane seats. Super happy with this bag and it's worth every penny!

J
Jim Poulos
New FIght Bag

Just received and very pleased. Looks just like the picture and the craftsmanship shows. Looking forward to at least 100;years of use!

K
Kevin K.
Balance of Professionalism and Ruggedness

I wanted to get some use out of my Flight Bag (in DCB) at work before putting up a review and well the easiest thing to say is I'm very happy with the Flight Bag in its namesake use!

Owning a nice leather flight bag had always been a goal for me and so far this bag is meeting all my expectations. It's just the right side to hold my iPad, clipboard, headset, and glasses case, with plenty of room to spare in the main compartment. The front pockets are just the right size for keeping my accessories (charger and cables, keychain, passport/licence, postcards for kids welcomed aboard, etc) organized for easy access.

My only "gripe" is when attaching the luggage strap that I had also ordered. With the positioning of the shoulder strap D-Rings being offset, the luggage strap's clips don't sit all that nicely on one of the sides.

Besides that, I can't forget to mention the frequent compliments this bag gets from colleagues! For me, it strikes the perfect balance of professionalism and ruggedness that looks stunning and will truly last a lifetime!

This is my first Saddleback Leather product and I'm glad I did my research! I'm looking forward to having this bag join me through my career and the adventures that are to come!

Cheers from Canada!

D
Dennis L Sexton
Best Designed Bag

This is the best designed modern leather briefcase made today in my opinion. It has a wide mouth without a troublesome flap that stays open until you close it. It allows easy access to the well designed interior that contains no superfluous additions only workable space for your items. The two outside pockets are very well placed and will safely contain any extra pens, pencils, small notebooks and message pads. I love this bag!

L
Luke
Flight Bag

Perfect bag (look, size, durability, you name it)

D
Derek Pickell
Flight Bag

My sister is a luthier (makes violins) and we both love quality hand made products. She sent me a link to Saddleback bags website years ago, and had always wanted one, but unfortunately they remain out of my price range.
My son was graduating from high school and going into a 4 year university program in commercial aviation management and will also get his commercial pilot license. I was back on Saddleback’s website admiring the products when I saw the flight bag, and realized that it would be the perfect graduation gift for him.
I had ordered the he bag to go to my daughter’s apartment in Vancouver, but I forgot to add the unit number. I got a notice from the USPS that the item was undeliverable, but I could not locate it.
I contacted customer service at Saddleback and over several days, spoke with several ladies who were very understanding and sweet although there wasn’t much that they could do. The he best part was being put on hold and hearing Dave’s stories!! I’d never thought I’d like being put on hold!! I want to call back to see how the story about running off the road in Mexico turned out.
So eventually I got Canada post to change the address, and the bag was delivered….
The bag itself is fantastic. It will definitely last several lifetimes! It is every bit as great in real life as it looks in the website photos.
My son loves the bag, and loves wearing it on his shoulder walking through airports or flight school. It definitely looks the part!
The bag is a perfect size for everything he needs in a 172, but not so big that it takes up too much space in a small cockpit. A very well designed and constructed bag. The customer service and product could not be better.

J
John Graham
Flight Bag

Life changing! It's the most beautiful bag in the world. I'm taking it with me when I'm dead - sorry, kids.

B
Ben
Airbus A320 Approved

I am a professional pilot flying mostly daily trips around Europe. It fits perfectly my use, and sits nicely open next to the pilot’s seat. Highly recommend !

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