Packing take down recurve

wapiti · Apr 20, 2017

I'm thinking about taking my take down recurve bow along this trip. I'm still taking my compound but if the opportunity arises I would like to use my recurve. Can I just pack it in my checked luggage with my clothes? (not in a bow case) Do I have to declare it to the airline? I'm flying Delta. thanks

Limcroma Safaris · Apr 23, 2017

Waptiti,

This is what is stated on the Delta website under baggage restrictions pertaining to archery equipment:

Archery

Archery equipment is allowed only as checked baggage. All equipment must be in a durable protective container. Items in excess of the baggage allowance will be subject to overweight baggage charges.

For a recurve, I would think you could pack it in a smaller secure case or PVC tube container and put that inside your checked luggage. Also, you could pack it in with your compound bow in the same case if you have the room.

Either way, every time I check my bow with Delta at ticket counter, I tell them that my case contains archery equipment, not guns. Every time, they still require me to go to the TSA office and check it with them. They are not supposed to do this with archery equipment, but they do it anyway because most of these ticket agents don't understand their own rules.

That said, I believe that if you pack your recurve securely in a smaller protective case or tube, you can pack it inside of a regular checked bag. I would still advise claiming it at the counter to avoid a TSA page after you check your bags. I prefer to go to the TSA office personally anyway so I can watch them inspect and RE-LOCK the case.... Hope this helps!

CAustin · Apr 23, 2017

@wapiti when are you headed over?

wapiti · Apr 23, 2017

First of Sept.

jeff · Apr 24, 2017

I've always packed my take down recurve and arrows in a duffel bag with clothes and what ever else and have never had a problem. When flying Delta they have never made me go to TSA , they have always just checked archery equipment as luggage, might depend on where you're flying out of.

firehuntfish · Apr 24, 2017

jeff said:
I've always packed my take down recurve and arrows in a duffel bag with clothes and what ever else and have never had a problem. When flying Delta they have never made me go to TSA , they have always just checked archery equipment as luggage, might depend on where you're flying out of.

Jeff,

It really is hit and miss depending on the airport and the agent you get that day. I know of lots of bow hunters who don'y even fly with bow cases anymore. They use one of those double-bottomed duffels and put the bow in the bottom section. Nobody would ever see it unless they tore the bag apart. I just don't want to be the one that advises somebody to do something that has worked for me, and then they have a problem at the airport because of my advice.

I never had a problem with my bows or guns flying out of Ft. Lauderdale dozens of times over the years until that scumbag took his gun from his checked luggage and shot up the baggage claim area a few months ago. Now, it's like a police state in that airport. That's a good thing overall, but it creates a lot of extra hassle for passengers flying with guns and bows when they encounter airline employees who don't know their own rules, or don't understand the difference between a gun and a bow.

wapiti · Apr 25, 2017

I have a double bow case but want to put my recurve in my bag with my clothes. Just in case I don't get my bow case if it gets lost. I fly out of Columbus Oh and all I had to do last time was open my bow case and show the agent. I didn't have to go to TSA with it. I think I'll probably pack it in with my clothes.

razorsharptokill · Apr 27, 2017

I'm taking a takedown recurve also. I planned on putting it inside its factory soft case and then inside my checked bag.

Wilson12051978 · May 12, 2017

I'm looking for a pack

Packing take down recurve

wapiti

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