Flying with archery equipment

[FredoTwoWheels]

I have flown with my bow in a large rifle case a dozen times without issue. The policy is that the bow case can only have archery equipment in the case but I always include my binos, rangefinder, and other small things while still qualifying for the $30 checked baggage fee without it being oversized luggage. I would like to pack my hunting jacket and bibs in the case too to cut down on my carry on size, has anyone done this and been given a fee for doing something similar?

 

[jpirwin24]

I have packed all my clothes around my bow while flying to protect if from poor handling. Never had an issue.

 

[rodney482]

I removed 1/2 the foam from my case and pile clothes on top of my bow. Also any restricted items like knives.

Also I take a “personal item” which carries binoculars, rangefinders a little clothing.

I will often wear my hunting boots on the flight (hikers).

Most flights
check bow case
carry on
personal item

 

[hiker270]

I pack as much stuff as I can in the case. I keep it under the weight limit but have never had any issues.

 

[Beendare]

I use the Sitka Nomad, ditched my hard cases. I pack my bow in a soft case and put it in the bottom, then pile clothes in there.
I put my arrows in a tube with big holes for viewing...BH's in a case marked sharp.

Key to packing is to assume TSA will repack it wrong....goof proof it.

I always carry on my binos, RF and expensive gear.

 

[V-TRAIN]

I have always used the SKB double bow/double bow gun case.
I put my bow, arrows, and everything under the sun in it and stay a hair under the 50lb limit that kicks in extra fees. I have never had any issues, usually it is $30 to $50 to check it depending on the airline.
I have never had any issues and have been doing it for years, including the last 6 years straight actually.

 

[RC_]

Not as much experience flying as others on here, but as stated above, I’ve packed my pack, all clothes, bow, arrows, broadheads, etc. in a double SKB without problem. I request a TSA inspection and put on non-TSA locks when done so nobody can mess with it. I also carry TSA locks in case anyone gives me a hard time (hasn’t happened yet). Carry your optics and more expensive gear in a carry on.

 

[billysmals]

I flew to New Zealand this past spring doing what you have just suggested. I took two bow cases and then had my carryon. I packed all sorts of items, clothes, boots, arrows....all the things in the two bow cases so I didn't have another piece of luggage. Just pay the one fee for an extra bag. Some charge an oversize fee as well if it's too big. All total between myself and my dad we had 3 bow cases.

 

[JohnnyBravo]

I have flown with my bow in a large rifle case a dozen times without issue. The policy is that the bow case can only have archery equipment in the case but I always include my binos, rangefinder, and other small things while still qualifying for the $30 checked baggage fee without it being oversized luggage. I would like to pack my hunting jacket and bibs in the case too to cut down on my carry on size, has anyone done this and been given a fee for doing something similar?

I believe the policy is directly related to packing items such as firemarms. Packing bibs, jackets, socks, etc. should have no impact. You could always argue that it is padding...

 

[FredoTwoWheels]

Thank you all, the "Its just extra padding" might be a good argument if anyone bothers me about it. Now that I think about it, no one has ever opened my case right there while paying the fee, so I bet it wont matter like you all say. (Though I have been stopped three times on a single trip out of LAX to be asked if it was a gun lol)

 

[Cliffy65]

Optics in carry on and everything else in SKB. Flown that way in and around multiple countries dozens of times with no issues. Never been charged for oversized baggage either, but I know guys who say they have been charged.

 

[Nick Muche]

Badlands Terraglide is one of the best ways to travel with your bow.

 

[nettereo16]

I believe the policy is directly related to packing items such as firemarms. Packing bibs, jackets, socks, etc. should have no impact. You could always argue that it is padding...

You can put other stuff in a case with firearms. I stuff my cases to 49# and wrap my bow or rifle with clothes and sleeping bag for padding. Sometimes flying with just a bow I’ll bring and declare a handgun so I can lock my case