32 replies to this topic

[jimfielder]

I just picked up one of these:

I've previously been using a drafting document tube made of plastic and telescoping.
The Prism Zephyr case holds two B Series and complete frames sets. Three linesets and handles. I probably will keep the linesets and handles in my checked luggage.
I've never had problem on domestic flights with the document tube and doubt the Prism case would be a problem either.

[jimfielder]

Any updates or carryon updates/experiences from flights this past month??

[Kitelife]

Went PDX>Seattle on United with the Zephyr Case as carry on, and checked it through on my last trip to Australia (wrapped in Priority Mail boxes)... Will be taking it as carry on to Japan next week, via LAX.



2 complete kites, 3 extra frames, 2 sets of handles, 5 sets of lines and parts (bridle/caps/etc).

[Ant-]

We took 3 revs successfully from UK - US and back last month - I just stuffed them inside a cardboard packing tube for rigidity and put that in my regular kite bag, and checked it in with the other bags.

Ant

[Sailor99]

Anyone thought about using an electric guitar case for travel?

[Aerochic]

Went PDX>Seattle on United with the Zephyr Case as carry on, and checked it through on my last trip to Australia (wrapped in Priority Mail boxes)... Will be taking it as carry on to Japan next week, via LAX.

I realllllly wish they'd sell those cases seperately! Argh.

[jimfielder]

Anyone thought about using an electric guitar case for travel?

I think a Electric Guitar case shouts - "STEAL ME".
They usually carry a relatively expensive guitar and that makes them a target.

[Sailor99]

I think a Electric Guitar case shouts - "STEAL ME".
They usually carry a relatively expensive guitar and that makes them a target.

A very good point! Hadn't thought of that one. Having had my bags gone stolen from at MIA I think I may go back to the drawing board on that idea.

[steveb]

I realllllly wish they'd sell those cases seperately! Argh.

Me too.
I bought a Prism Zephyr only for its case.
I won't even fly it. I'll just re-sell it with a standard kite bag.

[AdventureAng]

I'm glad somebody brought this topic back up because I have to travel in a week and I want to bring my kites with me. I tried finding a cheap hard case on-line, but I couldn't find anything. I might go to a sport store and just buy one that would be used for fishing poles. Another idea is one of this poster-shipping tubes. That might work.

[jimfielder]

I'm glad somebody brought this topic back up because I have to travel in a week and I want to bring my kites with me. I tried finding a cheap hard case on-line, but I couldn't find anything. I might go to a sport store and just buy one that would be used for fishing poles. Another idea is one of this poster-shipping tubes. That might work.

Art stores have adjustable poster/document plastic case, adjusts length and has a carry strap. Around $20 bucks.
I have used one for two years without a hitch. Just switched to the Prism case and have yet to use it. Sounds like JB has used his and all was well.

[Steve808]

I have flown United 2 times in the last month, SF bay area to home, Hawaii and back and am flying again on Monday.
Both times I packed my B-series kite, lines, rods, stake and handles in a long skinny cardboard box and carried it on the plane.
The only person who questioned it was the curb side check in and wanted me to check it as additional luggage and charge me $50 extra. Like that was going to happen.
I carried it with me through TSA and on board, no questioning and eyebrow raising.
I had fully expected to have to open the box.
I am going to use the same box on Monday, although I have been thinking of the stake, handles and lines in the suit case as mentioned before. That will probably have them want to open the suit case.
I used to carry tool boxes, and all sorts of things over and back monthly.
Now nothing but essentials, if that.
Even with just essentials, I have had my suitcase "inspected" over and over. I swear things have gone missing also. The "TSA opened and inspection done" notices that are put in the luggage have never been signed or agent's number listed as it is supposed to be.
I now leave my dirty tidy whiteys on top.

I have shipped fishing rods and special wood trim in ABS and PVC tubes I cut to length and glue a screw top on each end. Put in dense foam at each end. So far nothing has been messed up shipping that way or carrying it on a plane or boat.
2", 3" or 4" pvc or abs can be cheap. End caps with screw tops too. Can get to be heavy though if long.
I haven't found the need to use the schedule 80 yet.
I have even used the thinner drain pipe too. Capped one end and use the screw cap on the other.

One rule of thumb I have found is the uglier the suitcase, case or box, the least likely it will be stolen or opened to ransack the insides now that locks aren't acceptable.
I used to use my dad's old hard leather suitcase from France he got in the '40's until the handles finally gave out several years back.
That case never was inspected or opened by TSA or others. Interesting

Steve

[jimfielder]

Here the document tube I have used:

They are around $20. Expands to about 44 in.