Jumpseat bags are topflight totes that pair fashion with function

My stepmom is a flight attendant and when I was younger, I took full advantage of the almost-free standby tickets her airline offered. Young enough to go with the flow if I got bumped from a flight, and laid-back enough to pack only what a carry-on would allow, I would jet off across the United States or to Europe at the drop of a hat.

Those days are long gone now, and I'm more interested in getting to my destination expeditiously and in the relative comfort of my own seat. I do, however, like to travel in style, so I choose a comfortably chic travel wardrobe and I am always on the lookout for a carry-on bag that pairs fashion with function. Jumpseat bags are just the ticket.

Locally designed and manufactured, Jumpseat bags are the brainchild of former flight attendant Jenny Longley, a Parsons-trained graphic designer, fine artist and interior decorator. In 2004, Longley started Skybelts, a belt collection using authentic airplane seatbelt material and buckles. After the belt line took off, Longley expanded her collection of aeronautical-themed accessories to include bags.

Eager to recapture the glamour of aviation's yesteryear, Longley searched out and found authentic dead-stock (produced but never used) airplane-seat upholstery that had been warehoused for 20 years after Rich International Airways went out of business. The limited edition Seashell Collection is what resulted from that score.

The bags come in two shapes, the Galley Tote ($275) and the Touring Bag ($225), and two vivacious colors, Blue Lagoon and Tropical Sunset. The Galley Tote is roomy and deep enough to hold books, magazines and a small laptop. With a total of six pockets, it's equally useful as a diaper bag, briefcase alternative or travel bag.

The Touring Bag has a classic rounded shape and is the perfect-size handbag for travel or everyday. Reminiscent of a vintage makeup case, the Touring Bag has two outside pockets, one with a grommet hole made for threading a headphone cord through.

Add durable straps, seatbelt-buckle hardware and a 100 percent nylon lining and you're set to jet. Jumpseat bags are available online at jumpseatbags.com and at the Museum of Flight.

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