If you’re thinking about bringing your bow (or bows) with you on a cross country trip, you’ll need to have a bow case that can stand up to the stresses of air travel. Not all bow cases were created equal – you need to be sure that you’re buying a high quality case that’s intended for air travel.
I’m sure you’ve heard about some of those horrible instances where people’s luggage has been dropped, kicked, crushed or otherwise generally abused by bag handlers at airports. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not bad mouthing bag handlers.
Most of them are just people doing there jobs, there are a few careless bag handlers though. It’s the few bad apples that we’re protecting our gear from. Not only that, but there are also cases of genuine accidents. Even though a handler was doing everything that they were supposed to, accidents can sometimes happen when they’re transporting your bag.
Even if a bow case doesn’t crack or break, they can still get thrown around quite a bit. If you’ve been shooting for any amount of time, you know how easy it is to throw off a bow sight just by bumping it too hard.
Get a Bow Case That’s Rated for Air Travel
When you’re shopping for your bow case, keep in mind that if a given case is made for air travel, it should clearly state that in it’s description. If you’re looking at a case that doesn’t specifically say that it’s intended for air travel – it’s not the case for you.
Bow cases that are made from plastic that aren’t designed for air travel are generally fine for bringing your bow with you in the car, but they’re simply not built tough enough for all of the wear and tear of traveling on a plane.
What to look for in a Bow Case
You can buy cases that are TSA Approved, this just means that their locks can be opened by TSA officials who have special keys. Most bow cases that are made for air travel or mention air travel in their description have these types of locks.
This can save you a lot of headache later on, as I’ve heard of instances where TSA officials broke into people’s cases when they couldn’t open them. This way they can check the case if they need to, without damaging your case, bow or other equipment.
If you don’t use a bow case with these locks, you can almost be sure that they’ll have to call your name over the loudspeaker to go and open your case for them. TSA officials are known to pretty much always inspect bow cases.
Another thing that you want to be sure to do is securely strap your bow into the case, most quality bow cases will include straps and ties to keep your bow from moving around in the case.
If you use a soft shell case, pack a good layer or two of clothes or towels around all sides of your bow. This is actually a great thing to do even if you are using a hard shell case. The more protection for your gear the better.
You should also take a couple extra steps to protect your bow sight, if you use one. Don’t pack it in your bow case with the rest of your gear, especially if it’s an expensive sight. Use a separate small case for your sight – and pack that case in your carry on.
Things to know about your bow case
Know the Size of Your Case
Some airlines have certain restrictions when it comes to what luggage may be checked, their sizes, an otherwise. These will vary from airline to airline, as each airline comes up with their own rules and restrictions.
Some bow cases could be considered to be “oversized” by some airlines. This normally means an extra charge, I’ve heard of extra airline charges for as much as $200! While that case was a rarity, there could be extra charges for oversized cases.
Always check with your airline ahead of time, to be aware of or avoid those types of situations. A quick phone call or visit to your airline’s web site should clear things up for you.
Know the Weight of Your Case
The same goes for the weight of the case, know how much is allowed on the airline before any extra charges are incurred. You can always check both the size and weight of most cases on any web site that’s selling them. Just jot these figures down before you check with your airline for their requirements.
My Recommended Bow Cases for Air Travel
Now that we’ve covered some of the basics, lets get to some examples of high quality bow cases that are made for air travel.
By the way, the cases listed here aren’t just my opinions for the best bow cases – these were the two cases that kept coming up again and again from the several hundred archers that were polled.
SKB is one of the top manufacturers of high quality, durable bow cases. They’re known to make some of the all around best bow cases for several years now. SKB is also known for their attention to detail, and all of their cases are proudly made in the USA.
This case is great for several reasons. Not only can it store a bow and a rifle in the same case, you could also store two bows, or a bow and tons of other gear.
This sturdy, hard shell case has a sealant around the outside edge of the case, which makes it both waterproof as well as dust proof. This case is also large enough to store longer bows, just be sure to check the measurements with your bow before you buy one.
You could even pack your bow and any clothes you’re bringing in one of these, instead of checking more than one piece of luggage. Do your best to keep the total weight of it under fifty pounds, as that’s the point where some airlines start adding extra charges.
Plus, SKB even offers a lifetime warranty, and has a policy to reimburse you for any damage to your gear that’s caused by an airline.
SKB Ultimate Watertight Double Bow / Rifle Case
Another awesome choice for your bow, this case is solid. This double case has a removable shelf which allows you to bring multiple bows, guns or other gear. You could even just use it without the removable shelf – which gives you a single huge compartment which will store almost anything you can think of.
This one’s also backed by SKB’s lifetime warranty and their gear protection guarantee, you just can’t go wrong with an SKB.
Legend Archery Everest Roller Case
Another great choice for an air travel case, this one’s got a lot going for it. It wheels along with you, just like most modern rolling luggage. It’s got large pockets on the outside along with an included arrow case. Plus, if this case starts coming apart any time in the first two years after you’ve bought it – they’ll send you a new one absolutely free. Now that’s customer service.
Any of the above would be great choices to store your bow on your long distance trip. Just be sure to check the measurements of your bow, and any other gear that you’re planning on bringing with you alongside the measurements of the case that you’re interested in.
Individual Airline Rules
I don’t know of any specific airline restrictions when it comes to bows, arrows or any other archery equipment. However, it’s still a good idea to call your airline and ask if there’s anything you need to be aware of.
Just tell them what you’ll be bringing, and ask if there are any special restrictions or regulations you should prepare for. This little phone call could save you a potential headache when you get to the airport.
And while we’re at it: When you do finally get to the terminal, expect that they’ll ask you a few (to a lot) of questions about your bow case and gear. They do kinda look a bit suspicious – and most TSA employees don’t really know what they are.
Don’t expect that the TSA official knows anything at all about archery, nor are they trained in archery equipment (at least not that I’m aware of). Many TSA employees tend to go a bit overboard and are almost a bit paranoid when they have to deal with archery gear.
Overseas Air Travel with Your Bow
For those of you who live in the U.S., and are planning to travel overseas, you should preregister both your bow and any other gear that you’re bringing with U.S. Customs. This is to prove that you owned the bow before you left the country.
This is another step that will save you having to deal with a hassle later on. When you register your bow before your trip, they can’t claim that you bought the bow on your trip and are trying to bring it into the country.
You need to use the form 4457, which is available here.
The page does talk about cameras and other equipment on the web site, but this is the same form to use for bows as well.
Just be sure that you have the form filled out completely and have the official at your local office stamp the form. You should probably take are of all of this well before it comes time for your trip, you don’t want to have to deal with the stress of doing this last minute!
If You’re Bringing Broadheads…
If you’re going on a hunting trip or are planning on bring broadheads with you, be sure to pack them correctly. Never pack arrows with broadheads attached to them. Your broadheads should be stored separately, and should also be sheathed or wrapped in order to prevent any TSA officials that may be checking your case from accidentally cutting themselves.
Make sure that it’s completely clear to anyone who may inspect your case that there are sharp broadheads contained therein. A simple note written in large sharpie is a good way to clearly communicate what they’re dealing with.
A Few More Tips:
Make sure that when you’re planning your trip that you’ve got at least an hour in between flights if you have to take any connecting flights.
I’ve heard of instances where some archers’ bows didn’t make their connecting flight due to the large size of their case. Don’t ask me why, but I’ve heard of this more than once – so you’ve been warned.
When you’re checking your bow case at the front desk, be prepared for the person checking you in to ask if it’s loaded. They understand how ridiculous the question is, but they’re required to ask it anyway.
Another good idea is to pack your bow unstrung and cable tie any bowstrings that you’ve packed with it. You don’t want some curious TSA guy to dry fire or possibly damage your bow by trying to string it.
While you’re at it, gently wrap your bow up in some bubble wrap if you have some. You want to not only protect your bow while it’s in transit – you also want to make it as difficult as possible for anyone to fool around with or scratch your bow when they inspect your bow case.
I hope that this guide has helped you to not only choose the right case to protect your bow while you’re heading to your destination – but also to help you travel there and back with your bow with as little hassle as possible.
The more planning and preparation you do before your planned trip, the smoother things tend to go when you’re actually at the airport and changing planes. The more of these that you take care of weeks before your actual trip will mean a lot less stress in the days just before you head out.
Most importantly, if you’ve bought a high quality case – you can rest assured that your bow will get to your destination safe and sound. Most quality case manufacturers are so confident in the strength and durability of their products that they guarantee them – and back up those guarantees with cash.
Good luck with your trip and as always, Get out there and get shooting!