Flying to Alaska "First Time"

Aggieland · January 20, 2015, 10:51:00 PM

I'm headed for my first Alaskan Caribou hunt this August and Im wondering something. Do you guys with experience flying buy the Refundable tickets that cost more? Or just buy the cheaper priced tickets?
Also considering something else, I have one of the SKB Double bow cases and I think If I work it right I could fit all of my gear inside it but it would weigh over 50#. Now the good thing is the case is darn near bomb proof and everything should be safe inside the bad news is they charge roughly $75.00 for over weight bags. I'm wondering if just paying the extra $25.00 it would cost for the overweight bag vs $25+$25 for the two regular bags.. Any who thanks for any thoughts on the topic!

M60gunner · January 21, 2015, 12:49:00 AM

Personally I would not put all my eggs in one basket. Being you are most likely taking two of everything I would divide the load.

AkDan · January 21, 2015, 01:11:00 AM

who are you flying with? Alaska air offers free baggage.

If your dates are set with no possible chance of change, I'd opt for the the nonrefundable. heck I'm cheap enough I have never bought refundable.

I agree having stuff in one bag can spell issues. Though its more rare these days knock on wood! I've had a few issues south but generally had my bag in hours not days.

Where are you flying out of. Depending on where you could mail gear to your pilot. Most are set up to handle this to some degree. There are other options as well. I'm not sure I'll be around in august, if I am I don't mind running. I don't however have a large truck so more than 2 guys is cramped. I'll be in and out in September. I don't have leave so I'll have to hunt my weekends and be happy with that.

Preston Lay · January 21, 2015, 07:03:00 AM

I have been up there a few times. I never get refundable tickets, so far I have had no bad experiences. I take two bags under 50#'s. I still haven't found the perfect baggage method, but duffles are light and stuffable. Rollers are nice getting in and out of airports. I always mail up my heavy camp gear well in advance. So I only travel with clothes,bows,arrows, ect. I put my cameras and binos in a carry on bag so I can control how there handeled. My trip last fall I used the badlands roller duffle, it breaks apart which gets each under weight. Then you can reassemble for ease of carry. Best of luck and safe travel!

njloco · January 21, 2015, 07:03:00 AM

" I'm not sure I'll be around in august, if I am I don't mind running. I don't however have a large truck so more than 2 guys is cramped. I'll be in and out in September. I don't have leave so I'll have to hunt my weekends and be happy with that."

Now that's Tradgang courtesy !

Kevin Dill · January 21, 2015, 08:14:00 AM

For my diy hunts I'm basically unable to get everything I need (hunt/camp/etc) plus my travel and personal gear to come in under 100 pounds. It adds up when you think about everything including sidearm, shelter, sleep stuff, boots, optics, cameras, pack, archery gear, cooking...endless stuff. Because I tend to dislike shuffling so much gear through the airport, I always containerize and ship as much of it as possible ahead of my trips. It's there when I arrive and no worries about that. I have also found it useful to pack a couple lightweight ripstop duffels for re-packing gear prior to my bush flight in. I try to avoid heavy cases as much as possible. My bow (2 piece td) usually resides in a soft case inside a duffel as checked baggage. Same with arrows, etc. I've been flying with gear to AK and HI (plus YK, NWT, SK and BC) for years with no damage just using duffels.

AkDan · January 21, 2015, 08:52:00 AM

Preston, I'll have to make the run to Steve's next time your up and leave a special welcome home gift for you

. That's if he doesn't beat me to it lol! Are you coming up for spring bears?

Nj, guys on here and the old site have done the same it's the least a person can do. I will admit it's not common I'm around much in aug or sept. If I am I don't mind helping out.

I also run with duffle bags. The only issue I have had is arrow case corners rubbing a hole in the bag. I've worried a limb tip would pop out. I generally will wrap the ends of a two piece bow in shirts, the only way the tips are coming out is if the end explodes.

I use hockey bags normally. The roller duffle bags are nice! I bought one last year with wheels. Call me old or lazy. They plum rock.... And roll! Ha

Aggieland · January 21, 2015, 09:05:00 AM

--Sorry for the lack of info in the original post. We will be flying out of either a small airport near us here in East Texas or Driving out to Dallas/Ft.Worth and then flying most likely to Fairbanks and then "with rental" driving across to Tok.
--Dan you say Alaska Airlines offers free baggage? I have never read that, but it would be nice. And do you live in the Fairbanks area?
--Flying out with Zack @ Tok Air Service, WE can only carry in 50# of gear and are not going to be able to get a drop load so I think all of my gear will probably be under the 100# especially if I take a small carry on bag with some of my clothes or maybe optics in it.
--I guess shipping gear ahead of time is something many people do and heck maybe it is the best option, I worry about it getting lost of damaged but I suppose the airline is probably worse than UPS at that anyway.
--Also the thought of having all my eggs in one basket is true but If I split my gear into two bags and one was lost we would still be in a pickle, because everything I'm bringing it super important. Only going to take my 2-piece Centaur, that might be a bad Idea to only take on bow what do you guys think?

Steve O · January 21, 2015, 09:08:00 AM

QuoteOriginally posted by AkDan:
The roller duffle bags are nice! I bought one last year with wheels. Call me old or lazy. They plum rock.... And roll! Ha

I'll take a little hit on weight for the roller bag.

This Nomad by Sitka weighs just under 11#. It is built bulletproof and I've taken mine all over the world. It holds a TON of gear and does not get banged for oversize luggage. There are also built in straps to nest two together.

Look into joining the loyalty program for the airline you are choosing or get their credit card. Often those cards/programs come with perks for luggage like discounts/waived fees/extra weight. For instance on Delta I can take two bags up to 70# for free.

Kevin Dill · January 21, 2015, 09:11:00 AM

On the bow: Take 2 to your hangar. If weight allows you can take the second along. If not, leave it behind and call for it if needed (assuming it's an option). Chances are good your pilot will say to toss it in. Now..that said, I usually take just one into camp. I'm careful and have never had a problem.

Steve...heck of a nice duffel!

Aggieland · January 21, 2015, 09:12:00 AM

This is the case I plan to use. http://www.skbcases.com/sports/sku.php?cat=12&pid=58 I have also replaced the inner egg crate piece of foam with two pieces of thick Memory foam. So when it's packed everything inside is really locked in place and much more protected. Its a huge case and I really don't see how it will make it under the "62 linear inches" Alaska Airlines sets for its limits. I don't mind paying a little extra for the protection this case will give..

Steve O · January 21, 2015, 09:28:00 AM

1. I always take two bows...I have never used the spare. But I don't plan to change taking two

2. I understand you wanting to protect your bow but you don't need that anchor. I travel all over the country by air--I've never had an issue with a soft case inside a duffle or rolling duffle. And with that said I do like a little more protection.

Best thing I have found is to take and MTM arrow case and modify it. Leave the top as is for your arrows and add foam to the bottom cut out for your bow. I'll look for some pics.

Aggieland · January 21, 2015, 09:33:00 AM

I know what you mean about anchor lol. I would have my spotting scope, tripod, binos, bow, arrows, jetboil, etc etc etc. inside so more than just a bow to protect. I guess their are lots of ways to skin a cat and I have the heaviest version lol. Considered selling this big beast and finding a lighter but still good option. I got the case free a few years back and it was/is their best or most solid case that I know of.

Steve O · January 21, 2015, 09:39:00 AM

There is no way I would EVER check my optics. Those stay with me in my carry on no matter what.

Here are a couple pics. If I am just going to shoot while I am on the road I just throw the bow and a few arrows in the Americase.

For hunts I use two of these, each duffle has enough to hunt with just in case of a snafu...

This one was just in Arizona over Christmas on a Coues deer hunt.

Steve O · January 21, 2015, 09:42:00 AM

Aggie--that is an awesome case--but it will be expensive and awkward the more you travel. I'd never get rid of it; and with that said I used to have a double rifle Pelican vault--that I gave away :D

wingnut · January 21, 2015, 09:44:00 AM

We fly into Anchorage and rent a van to dry to Tok.
It's much easier to get flights there and the drive to Tok can be very nice if the weather is clear.

Mike

Aggieland · January 21, 2015, 09:44:00 AM

looks like a pretty sweet setup.

Aggieland · January 21, 2015, 09:46:00 AM

I have considered the drive up from Anchorage just to see a little more of Alaska. Might have to compare the flight prices etc. We will have a few days on both ends of the hunt to travel etc.

January 21, 2015, 09:46:00 AM

I have been to Africa, Canada, and Australia, and always bought the non refundable tickets. I do buy the travel insurance though, because you never know. While I may be out a deposit, I will at least get my airfare taken care of if I get sick or something and can't go.

I also use and SKB double bow case for traveling and it works great. I can fit 2 bows, arrows, and al ot of my gear, and some of my clothes (for padding) in my case. I have yet to go on a trip where I could get everything into one bag though. Last time i checked, the overwieght fee was more than $25, but if that is all it is, and I could get everything in the one case, I would do it!

I also carry my electronic stuff, like camera, rangefinder and such in my carry on bag.

Bisch

wingnut · January 21, 2015, 09:47:00 AM

Also don't forget you will be bringing meat and antlers back so plan for it.

Mike