Air travel

[nicktrehearne]

For those who have flown with their takedowns, what's your preferred method? Pelican 1700? Skb? Bow just padded in luggage with arrows in a tube?

On one side, I like the idea of the pelican the best, purely from an indestructible standpoint, but on the other, I know that case will be treated as a firearm which adds headache / hassle to a long trip. My only fear with just putting the bow / arrows in with my luggage is the possible damage (although I do love the fact of no one knowing I have it).

Any insight is greatly appreciated!

[Ryan Rothhaar]

I've flown all over, including several international trips, with a takedown with 2nd set of limbs in a soft case in the middle of luggage surrounded by clothes. Zero issues. I prefer to keep my bow low profile as well, especially flying overseas. Arrows in a tube, broadheads in a plastic box.

R

[fisherick]

Same as Ryan, bow limbs taped together in a bow sock and riser in other half in middle of duffle bag surrounded by clothes. Arrows in a tube, broadheads in a foam lined box. Binos and electronics in carry on backpack.

[Seeker]

MTM makes a pretty small takedown case that is hard plastic.  It holds the riser, limbs and arrows and is small enough to fit in the duffel bag that holds the rest of my stuff.  Not as sturdy as a pelican, but gives a bit more protection and you don't need to pay for a second checked bag.

[Trenton G.]

I have flown several times using the traveler takedown recurve case from 3 rivers. I just cut the foam so that it fits my bow. It fits perfectly in the bottom of my Pathfinder rolling duffel which has hard sides for added protection. This has worked really well for me and never given me any issues. I believe I got this suggestion from someone else on Tradgang

[Rob DiStefano]

Bow just padded in luggage with arrows in a tube. 

[Terry Green]

For YEARS I used a Coleman Polar cooler. 2 bows ,24 arrows  boots, clothes, and whatever ever.

I drug it to ticketing and then I drug it from the baggage claim. Work like a charm. One of my friends that I hunted with would often complain that my cooler  had more frequent flyer miles than he did. 

[acolobowhunter]

On my trips to Africa, I used a gun case for bow, arrows, and everything else I could get into it.  On the outside of the case, I taped a sign " Archery Equipment - No Firearms".  I didn't have any problems going or coming back.  You can get a lot of accessories in a gun case plus bow and arrows.

[Witherstick]

We always use a duffle with hard sides in the bottom.  We also modify an arrow case to hold our soft cased takedowns on one side with the arrows on the other.  The case is then placed inside the duffle.  After numerous trips we have had no trouble

[double eagle]

I've flown with take-downs and always used a soft case with arrow tubes.  I place them in a military duffle bag and don't advertise the contents.  Sometimes I even place two 5 gallon buckets with bottoms cut off to form a large long tube in the duffle bags.  Two fit great.  They may get cracked or damaged, but not my archery stuff.  I've even used an empty golf bag carrier (plastic) and stuff it full.  It is oversized and may be more, but can fit more than a duffle.  Just a word of caution:  If taking multiple outfits, split up the packages. Even if you have one lost or delayed, by may get one thru on time.

[Tim Finley]

I use a duffle on wheels and inside a hard case for my arrows and a soft case for my takedown longbows . I use my day pack for smaller personal item like my binoculars, Kindle etc. and use it as a carry on.

[Friend]

Duffle with wheel and hard bottom...two bows padded and arrows in tube...do not wish to advertise...