Flying with your bow (cases)

[Mike Gerardi]

Just wondering what bow cases those who travel by air put their faith in. Airline charges for extra baggage is a concern. Do you pack your bow in your checked bag, or check it separate?

[wtpops]

I use a badlands terraglide,its not a cheep suit case but it will carry my bow my arrow case
(2 dozen)  all my archery gear (with in reason) and my clothes. It was money well spent. I check it.

ps you do have to be care full this thing is big you can pack over 50# easy.

[Mike Gerardi]

I like that idea. Just put the bow case and arrow tube in with all my clothes.

[Dirtybird]

Hey Miguel, check the price out on that thing.          

[fisherick]

I fly with a Cabelas rolling duffle bag, 30"x16"x14" (or a Bass Pro shop 15"x 15"x 32" duffle bag)and place my Take Down Recurve in a bow sock and surround with clothes and gear. My 8 arrows ride in an Easton arrow tube in the duffle as well. This duffle holds all my clothes, gear and camping gear and weighs less than 50#. Five trips to Colorado and no problems.

[Sean B]

I do pretty much as fisherick does.  TD bow in a TD case, Arrows in a case.  They all fit with my clothes in my 20 year old Cabelas duffle bag

[Pat B]

The 2 times I went to Colorado I mailed my bows and arrows Priority Mail in PVC tubes two weeks ahead and they were waiting for me when I got there. I trust USPS way more than I trust any airline.

[elkken]

I always try and put my bow and arrows in my checked luggage. I put my arrows in a PVC tube with caps and depending on which bow I'm taking I'll put it in a bow case or just wrap it in my clothes. Normally I use a big roller type suitcase  but this spring on a hunt I used my travel golf club bag with wheels and it worked very well, lots of length for the arrow tube, sleeping bag, bow and clothes.

[knobby]

I use a takedown shotgun case stashed inside a large duffle that holds my clothes. Cut the back 4 inches of foam out of the case to store your arrows.The case itself is airline approved, and when surrounded in the duffle by your clothing, it's very secure.

I use a SKB double bow case (compound case). I put my takedowns in the soft case and put them in the SKB. I then put up the 30 arrows in the arrow holder foam. I them cram every other space with all kinds of hunting stuff until the case weighs about 48# on my trusty deer scale. I have flown many times with this case and never had any issues or extra charges.

I just wish they were putting the TSA locks on the cases back when I got mine. It is kind of a pain having to wait for the TSA guy to go through my stuff so I can lock my case up for the flight.

Bisch

[slivrslingr]

Recurve goes in my Safari Tuff soft case then in my pack with my arrows in a pvc tube.  My Pronghorn l/b goes in the same tube as the arrows.  One checked bag, no issues.

[Mike Gerardi]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. They have been very helpful.

[joe skipp]

I have an oversize duffle bag that not only takes all my clothing but also my arrows and T/D bows. I bubble wrap the riser and limbs, place them in the middle of my clothing. Arrow box on the bottom(18 arrows), backquiver, bow quiver etc...

This way I have just one piece of luggage and small carry on. I leave the bubble wrap 2" longer past the limb tips and have never had any problems with bow damage. It's nice just to wheel one large duffle through the airport and check in one bag.

[ArrowCraCra]

Originally posted by Bisch:
I use a SKB double bow case (compound case). I put my takedowns in the soft case and put them in the SKB. I then put up the 30 arrows in the arrow holder foam. I them cram every other space with all kinds of hunting stuff until the case weighs about 48# on my trusty deer scale. I have flown many times with this case and never had any issues or extra charges.

I just wish they were putting the TSA locks on the cases back when I got mine. It is kind of a pain having to wait for the TSA guy to go through my stuff so I can lock my case up for the flight.

Bisch

I travel with my bow the same way in the same case.  It is very secure and holds a lot but it is a good idea to weigh your packed case before you hit the airport.  Have fun!

[cacciatore]

Mike,as you know I travel oversea many time a year and I have carried up to 20 bows in a single time. TDs are never a problem and I store them on the bottom hard part of a Cabelas Outfitter duffle bag inside a fleeced  case or padded on my colthing. But I guess you are talking about a longbow one piece,so for sure you have to pay for an extra piece of luggage.
My advise is to buy a Black Widow hard PVC case or similar and store it inside a ski bag(I am been able to store up to 7 one piece recurve bows in one of them).you can fill the empty room with arrows clothing or what you need to carry.

[killinstuff]

Cabela's duffle here also.  Two piece Harrison longbow, arrows boots in the bottom and everything else in the top. I still like my 120Q cooler but just for 3 piece Morrison

[rlc1959]

I got my SKB Double Compound Bow case down to do the same thing and forgot how heavy it is alone. I am leaning towards the duffle bag with arrows in a pvc tube. Riser & spare limbs in a soft case wrapped with clothes. leave for Nevada Early Mule Deer next Friday. Fly to salt lake then Elko. First Mule Deer hunt with Trad Equipment.

Good luck to all , Randy Chamberlin

[Mike Gerardi]

Thanks again for the replies. Felix believe it or not I am taking my new Dale Dye. I am leaning towards the Cabela's case with the hard bottom.

[Mike Gerardi]

I normally drive. TX,SC,MT,and FL but this trip will be by air.

[fisherick]

I fly with a Cabelas rolling duffle bag, 30"x16"x14" (or a Bass Pro shop 15"x 15"x 32" duffle bag)and place my Take Down Recurve in a bow sock and surround with clothes and gear. My 8 arrows ride in an Easton arrow tube in the duffle as well. This duffle holds all my clothes, gear and camping gear and weighs less than 50#. Five trips to Colorado and no problems.