Airline (international) travel - tips / tricks?

[WHITETAIL_HUNTR_79]

Hey all, I have a spot/stalk archery bear hunt in British Columbia booked for this spring. I've never flown for a hunt before, especially not internationally. I'm currently exploring flight options, but debating between flying out of a local airport which would require two layovers vs. driving 3.5 hrs to Chicago for a flight with one layover. There's a cost savings associated with the second option as well, but I also don't know if I trust leaving my truck in Chicago...

From a luggage standpoint, I plan to have my pack (k4) as a carry on bag, and obviously will be checking my bow case. For clothes I think my best option is to pack everything in a duffle bag placed inside a cheap/lightweight 70-90 qt cooler, with everything duct tape closed. On the return trip, that would allow me to have 3 checked bags; the bow case, duffle bag, and the cooler with the meat and hide. The other option would be using soft sided coolers (x2) as checked bags for the meat and hide, but I don't know if I trust the durability in an airport setting in which the management of said bags are outside of my control.

I'm looking for any tips and tricks or experiences that y'all can share associated with airline travel for a hunt or international airline travel, AND for packing clothes, meat / hide management, etc.

 

[Nickziegler]

Where are you hunting in BC? I have flown up there twice. Both times out of a small airport with connections in Minneapolis and then onto calgary where I was picked up by the outfitter for a 3 hr drive into BC. The fewer connections the better.

No issues with parking in Chicago. I have used Blue Sky parking by the airport several times for a parking garage. Last Oct my truck was there 12 days while i was in newfoundland. Zero issues.

If you are bringing meat home you plan sounds good with the cooler. I would also recommend using some ratchet straps also incase they need to cut the tape to check inside


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[WHITETAIL_HUNTR_79]

Where are you hunting in BC? I have flown up there twice. Both times out of a small airport with connections in Minneapolis and then onto calgary where I was picked up by the outfitter for a 3 hr drive into BC. The fewer connections the better.

No issues with parking in Chicago. I have used Blue Sky parking by the airport several times for a parking garage. Last Oct my truck was there 12 days while i was in newfoundland. Zero issues.

If you are bringing meat home you plan sounds good with the cooler. I would also recommend using some ratchet straps also incase they need to cut the tape to check inside


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I'm not 100% positive on the exact location, but will be flying into Prince George.

Ok, good to know on the airport parking in Chicago, might weigh that more heavily now. It's almost an $800 savings on my flight costs if I drive to Chicago and it minimizes layovers to one vs two.

Good call on the ratchet straps.

 

[jtevanMT]

Think carefully about cooler size and weight. Some airline charges for checked luggage over 50 lb are horrible. It may be less expensive to buy a 50 lb insulated fish boxes to check on the airline for the return trip home.

 

[antaresproper]

Can your clothes fit in your bow case and k4 while traveling?

 

[rookieforever33]

I'm not 100% positive on the exact location, but will be flying into Prince George.

Ok, good to know on the airport parking in Chicago, might weigh that more heavily now. It's almost an $800 savings on my flight costs if I drive to Chicago and it minimizes layovers to one vs two.

Good call on the ratchet straps.

Depending on how long you are gone your 800 dollar savings may get eaten up. You and your vehicle will be safe at the Chicago airport. At a cost of almost $20 per day for parking.

 

[WBT]

I'll second the fewer connections the better. Connections are where luggage gets lost. I suggest putting an Air Tag in your checked bags so you'll know where they're at.

 

[wyosteve]

If you can, try to avoid flying United. All my hunting/ travel nightmares began with United!

 

[slvrslngr]

Make sure you have a couple days worth of clothes and essentials (meds and toiletries), binos, release and a color copy of your passport in your carry on in case your checked bags get delayed.