Travelling with Gear

GnarShredd · #1 02-22-2010, 12:03 PM

This summer I'm visiting family who live on the great lakes (Lake Erie) and am hoping to get a bit of kiting in while I'm there. I'm planning to ship my boards ahead of time but was hoping to take my kite with me on the flight.

I just have it in the bag that it came in (Cabrinha Switchblade) but would like to just stick it in the overhead bin. Has anyone had experience/trouble doing this?

ricki · #2 02-22-2010, 12:09 PM

Try vacuuming packing it. You might be able to carry three kites in your carry on bag. More at:
http://fksa.org/showthread.php?t=1018

jaco · #3 02-22-2010, 01:12 PM

I bought an actual golf bag, not an imitator bag. I got it at sports authority for about $25. It is a bit smaller than some of the imitator bags, but it fits my 125cm board, 12m kite/bar/pump, two wetsuits, two harnesses, a helmet, and a few other miscellaneous items. No issues, no questions, no fees!

GnarShredd · #4 02-22-2010, 01:39 PM

Thanks for the info Rick. You're a human encyclopedia.

But I only own one kite and I figured the easiest/least risky thing to do is to just carry my pack on the flight. I was just kind of seeing if anyone has flown with a large carry-on about that size and if there was any trouble.

I've travelled with wakeboard/snowboard/surf equipment a bunch and found out that in some cases (especially domestic flights), it's just cheaper/easier to ship your gear before you leave and it will be waiting for you when you get there.

ricki · #5 02-22-2010, 02:01 PM

I recall sometime back carrying one kite in a manufacturer provided bag. I've also seen a number of them carried on over the years. A kite won't exceed the weight requirements and you should be ok on the dimensions. If you want to know for sure, google the airline company's name and "baggage" carry on policy and you should be able to confirm.

That's good to know Jaco. I guess my board is just a bit too long for a normal golf bag. Our deceiver bags are a good bit longer than the real thing because of many boards in use out there.

Thirdcoast Kiteman · #6 02-23-2010, 08:50 AM

If you get over to the West side of the state, hit me up! The wind is great in the Northwest...particularly around Frankfort / Pt. Betsie area...consistent smooth wind.

We'll show you how we get down in the west!

http://www.thirdcoastkites.com

GnarShredd · #7 02-24-2010, 09:07 AM

Thanks for the invite! Unfortunately I'm only going to be there a little over a week and don't really have much for transportation. I'll be on the Erie, PA Peninsula.