Flying with Bow and Arrows?

[oneshot-onekill]

I will be flying to Houston next week and plan on taking my BW PLX takedown and arrows. How best to pack everything and not have a problem with security. I have a case for the widow and a arrow tube for the arrows, would you put both in a duffle, suitcase or what? First time for me flying with bow. Any advice appreciated.

Terry

[oneshot-onekill]

Also a big shotout to Bowman0202...offered to take me hog hunting. The people on this site are the greatest.

Terry

[Greyfox54]

Terry I have an older compound aluminun bow case that I take along , it holds 2 take-down recurves and 2 doz. arrows along with 1/3 my clothes . Let the airlines know what you are packing so there is no surprises , that being said it seems the last few years they are getting pickier . Soime airports are worse than others , good luck , Fred

[Rick McGowan]

The airlines don't care about bows, its the TSA people that will be checking your luggage and there are no special restrictions on bows or arrows. I always pack my bows and arrows(the bow in a well padded softcase and the arrows in a hardcase or pvc tube)in the middle of my big gear bag with clothing packed all around and have never had a problem. The less you have that looks like something that might be valuable, the better off your are. Assume that TSA will open the bag with the arrows in it, so don't tape everything up with duct tape, they will just cut it off anyway, velcro straps are better, they will put those back on.

[Bjorn]

FedEx or USPS has worked real well for me. The airlines are sometimes a hassle about knives and other sharp things.

[Dick in Seattle]

last fall I shipped and that worked well.  this trip I didn't have the time.  I packed my Titan (3 piece) in it's case, along with an arrow tube stuck in a soft Lakota quiver, in a long duffle, clothes and stuff packed all around.  I checked the duffle, being careful to declare the contents to the airline person, who just laughed and said "No problem".   Got here just fine and hopefully will get home the same.

Dick in Seattle (temporarily in Cleveland)

[Roadkill]

If you plan on doing a lot of airline travel, be prepared to pay for all the extra baggage, new fees went into effect this week.
I keep telling you all a hard golf bag takes a breakdown bow, arrows and your gear neatly and cleanly-that' ONE extra piece of luggage, vice bow and arrow and then your pack with gear.  Check it out.
I mange an airport and get to see airline handlers and TSA every day.

[Biggie Hoffman]

Wow how things change. The 1st time I flew to Colorado, I carried on my Bear recurve without even a case! Stowed it in the overhead.
Had the string in my pocket.

[sou-pawbowhunter]

Biggie,
Did that plane happen to have a propeller?      

[Jack Guard]

I have logged a lot of miles in the past three years and most recently have returned from Hawaii to my current home in England.  I had no troubles carrying a takedown recurve, lots of arrows with broadheads, spare broadheads and three knives.  

I packed my arrows, spare broadheads and knifes in an arrow tube.  That along with some fishing and camping gear went into a duffle bag.  I packed my three piece recurve in the middle of my hard suitcase with my cloths for protection.  The bow was in a bowsock.  Everything made it without any issues and without any damage.  The reason I carried my equipment this was is due to the weight restrictions the airlines have put on travelers these days.  If I remember right, most airlines restrict travelers to two bags at 50 pounds a piece for economy class.  If you do decide to buy a hard case, consider the size of the hard case so that it can be packed inside of another bag so that you can take advantage of carrying two bags if you need to.  If I only have to carry enough that can fit into one suitcase, I will pack a spare duffle, in case I find something I just have to bring home with me.  

I carry a knife with me on every trip I make.  I simply pack it in my toiletries bag.  To date, knock on wood, I haven’t had anything taken.  Ok, I think I just jinxed myself by saying this out loud.

Hope this helps.  Good Luck, Jack

[Rick McGowan]

I've never, ever had a problem with the usual sharp stuff packed in my checked baggage and that includes broadheads and LOTS of knives. I do make sure my knives and such are in another bag inside my gear bag, usually my repair kit with its multiple compartments is enough, but if I am guiding and I have LOTS of big knives, I wrap them in a hand towel and put them in a shaving kit type bag, this more to prevent some security person from "forgetting" to put them back than anything else. Don't forget, it isn't the airlines inspecting your bag, so as long as you don't have any prohibited or restricted items, like firearms or butane cylinders, they couldn't care less whats in there. TSA is the one inspecting your bags and the most trouble I ever had from them was missing tools when I travel for work.

[Rob DiStefano]

I've flown to far off hunts a fair amount.  TD bow parts in tubes, arras in a tube, all gear in one 34" long duffle bag that goes in baggage.  Nothing could be easier.  Unless yer luggage gets lost.     :eek:

[Steve O]

I fly a lot and use a rolling duffle w/ 2 compartments.  Bows and arrows do not have to be declared.  The golf bag is an excellent idea as well and I use one when flying for rifle hunts.


 


 


 

[John3]

I have a Viking Voyager hard case for my one piece recurves and longbows. Have never had any issues with the airlines. All I can say is be ready to go "find" your bows at the luggage carosel. These cases along with ski's, fly rod cases, ect. always seem to go to the "long-bulky" baggage claim area. Every airport is different; just find out where the long stuff gets put so you can be ready. I wait on my duffle (with my arrow saf pac in the center)at the carosel then go get my bows and get the heck out of there. Usually no issues at all. Spend the money for a good case. Always put your contact info on the outside and INSIDE of your bowcase.

John III

[Rob DiStefano]

Originally posted by JDS3:
I have a Viking Voyager hard case for my one piece recurves and longbows. Have never had any issues with the airlines. All I can say is be ready to go "find" your bows at the luggage carosel. These cases along with ski's, fly rod cases, ect. always seem to go to the "long-bulky" baggage claim area. Every airport is different; just find out where the long stuff gets put so you can be ready. I wait on my duffle (with my arrow saf pac in the center)at the carosel then go get my bows and get the heck out of there. Usually no issues at all. Spend the money for a good case. Always put your contact info on the outside and INSIDE of your bowcase.

John III

One of the reasons I travel with a TD bow is to avoid oversize luggage hassles of bow cases, tubes and whatnot.  It's so much easier for me to just tube the bow parts and arras and stick 'em in an appropriate sized duffle that holds all my gear.  

And now that more and more airlines are making passengers pay for that second piece of luggage, having one bag makes even more sense.

[John3]

Rob is correct the airlines are trying to recoup their fuel costs. The rules regarding luggage seemed to have changed May 5th. Of course I am flying out tomorrow for Alberta.
As of now you are limited to one carry on and one free checked bag. Before May 5th you were allowed two free checked bags. A bowcase is considered sporting equipment and was always free; meaning no charge for oversized. Your one free checked bag is limited to 50 pounds free with a maximum of 70#'s. The cost for overweight is more than the $25 fee for a 2nd checked bag. My duffle weighs 47#'s now, with two TD bows in it I would be paying the overweight charges.
If I am fortunate enough to kill two bears this coming week I am guessing it will cost around $150.00+ to get them and my bows home. More if the bears weigh more than 50#'s.  CRAZY; but I couldn't buy the diesel to drive it for the cost of my airline ticket.

John III

[oneshot-onekill]

Thanks for all the info guys.....and the ideas for packing.

Terry

[Rick McGowan]

Nearly everyone takes to much stuff, we've had guys show up with four bags and never use the stuff in two of them. I can now fly to a moderate weather hunt, with one bag under the 50# limit and my carry on, that has the cameras, binos, gps, documents etc.. I don't use the separate bowcase anymore after the end got completely broken off my longbow tube and my brother had his hardcase stolen(found later stached in a corner of the airport). I also take along an extra empty gearbag, that way if I do have more stuff coming back I have a place to put it.

[tippit]

I put my T/D longbow inside my boots which are at each end of the duffle to protect the tips, arrows in thin pvc for weight and my forged knives in pvc tube too.  I don't declare anything in the bag...BUT I do put a note inside the bag stating that:

1) I am going hunting and have a bow, arrows, and broadheads.

2) I am a knife maker plus the number of knives in the bag.

At least that way TSA knows what and why those sharp things are in the duffle.  Plu the note is the first thing TSA would see...Doc