jumpfa 0 #1 May 24, 2006 hey all, am heading overseas in a few months and need to take my rig and all my gear over with me.. am curious how u all go about doing it. obviously, im gonna get travel insurance for it, but is there any chance i can actually bring the rig on the flight with me? (sorry if that sounds like a stupid question).. i really dont like the thought of leaving it in someone elses care and knowing anyone can pick it up at the other end.. also, has anyone ever had any problems with doing this.. as in damage to the rig itself? reserves opening or damage to the cypress?? i know they can be pretty rough at times.. basically i just want to know if i can take it on board with me or if not, the safest alternative.. cheers Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
damion75 0 #2 May 24, 2006 You will probably get a lot of 'do a search' answers to this as taking rigs on flights is a hot topic! Personally I have always put my gear in cargo in a solid bag padded around with other stuff and I have never had a problem, although there is always that moment when your bag is the last to come out and you worry your holiday is off to a bad start! Other friends have carried it on as hand luggage, mainly in bags although one guy took it on a budget flight just as is, which was some good comedy. Insurance is always a good idea! Enjoy... *************** Not one shred of evidence supports the theory that life is serious - look at the platypus. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflysteve 0 #3 May 24, 2006 If you are going on longhaul flight i would take rig as hand luggage,a cool looking rucksack! If you are over on luggage allowance on longhaul could cost £40 (english) per kilo over. On ESA boogies a lot carry on rigs,have your aad wiring card with you cos looks a little strange under xray. Travelling short haul in europe companies like ryanair charge about £17 extra for a bag containing sports equipment up to 32 kilos which is a pretty good deal and i think easyjet even better but i havent travelled with them for a few years. If you do put rig in the hold then lots of nice clothes wrapped around it would help especially over reserve cos it will get chucked about a bit. One last little thing,which is pretty important,is if you have been skydiving within 14 hours of flight make sure aad has been switched off.I know a lot of people like to get that last jump in before getting the taxi to the airport! Enjoy your travelsSwooping, huh? I love that stuff ... all the flashing lights and wailing sirens ... it's very exciting! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eagle7 0 #4 May 24, 2006 Do a search on this topic because this has come up many times in the past. Having said that…arrive at the airport early (at least two hours before your flight), have an X-Ray card of your AAD, a print out of the TSA procedure of handling rigs (if you fly from or within the United States) and your skydiving license. The document on how the TSA handles rigs can be found here http://www.tsa.gov/public/interapp/editorial/editorial_1147.xml Be patient and be prepared for questions. Be friendly and do not get confrontational. Two weeks ago I flew from JFK to London and Paris and did not have any problems because I did all of the above. I carried my rig on the plane in a carry on suitcase on all of my flights except for one. The only reason I could not carry it on was because someone decided to weigh my carry on bag. Even then I was assured it would be marked fragile and I would be summoned if anyone wanted to open it. Good luck and have a good trip. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RopeJunkie 0 #5 May 24, 2006 Just my personal oppinion, but I think if anyone's carrying on a rig to a public flight, it should be in another bag. Just out of consideration for nervous flyers. Some people think it's hilarious to walk on with their rig, but other passengers might not. :-) Obviously walking onto a flight with your rig over your shoulder and asking to be seated next to the emergency exit is no way to make friends on a plane. ;-) G. :-) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflysteve 0 #6 May 24, 2006 On Ryanair you just say to the other passengers Didnt they give you one!! Swooping, huh? I love that stuff ... all the flashing lights and wailing sirens ... it's very exciting! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites