sunnydee123 0 #1 May 29, 2003 Looking for some help....I'll be doing traveling this summer and since I am a new diver - what is the best means of traveling with my rig? ...pack it in a suitcase and check it (and pray they don't xray it and decide to take it apart) or carry it on. Just don't want to get to the airport and worry about my rig not making it to my final destination safely. Dreams become reality, one choice at a time... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,434 #2 May 29, 2003 You can either carry it on or check it. Both have worked for me. Checking it is a bit more risky. You are a little more likely to be hassled if you carry it on. Someone here checked theirs and got additional insurance on it ($5000) even if it got wet. It got wet, he made $5000. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matttrudeau 0 #3 May 29, 2003 I bring my rig on the plane with me. Most of the time they know exactly what it is. Thanks to the USPA! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunnydee123 0 #4 May 29, 2003 Does the airline ask you if you want insurance? And if so, won't they be suspicious as to why you'd want $5,000 for a little old suitcase? I'm so confused which way to go. Sure don't want anyone opening my suitacase when I am not around and screwing with my rig, ya know? Dreams become reality, one choice at a time... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yoshi 0 #5 May 29, 2003 I have always carried mine on in a back pack. take your cypress card to show them what it will look like thru the x-ray... explaine your a fun jumper and I havent had a problem yet. I have also called several times to the airline speaking with various different people to make sure the policy has nothing against parachutes... just call the airline and explain your dilema and get peoples names and direct numbers for refference -yoshi_________________________________________ this space for rent. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunnydee123 0 #6 May 29, 2003 Everyone I have talked to says NOT to call ahead and draw any more attention to the situation - think it even says it on all the Cypress info. AAAAAhhhh! What to do - what to do! Dreams become reality, one choice at a time... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jib 0 #7 May 29, 2003 QuoteSure don't want anyone opening my suitacase when I am not around and screwing with my rig, ya know? The TSA says to leave it unlocked or they may cut/brake the lock off. http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme=87&content=498 -------------------------------------------------- the depth of his depravity sickens me. -- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LouDiamond 1 #8 May 29, 2003 OK, I just traveled from VA to Perris and then from Eloy back to VA on Amer West and Amer Trans Air with no problems. I carried on rig in a carry on bag with my open face camera helmet. I have found that placing the bag on it's side draws less attention than when it is laid flat and placed thru the X-ray machine. Either way, it has never become an issue and thats with asking them to conduct a hand search on my film/DV tapes. My other rig was in a hardside suitcase with my sidewinder camera helmet and a few other skydiving related items. Once again, no problems. I did however take the precaution of putting one of the nylon suitcase straps around the suitcase to ensure it didn't open on accident when being handled and to insure that it stayed closed short of an ape jumping on it "It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required" Some people dream about flying, I live my dream SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunnydee123 0 #9 May 29, 2003 Good info - think for my own peace of mind I might carry it on, as long as they don't make me cram my duffle in one of those little boxes to make sure it isn't bigger than allowed. Seems silly to worry so much but I've never traveled with something that is so key to why I am traveling....ya know. I don't like drama - don't want any at the gate either. Dreams become reality, one choice at a time... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LouDiamond 1 #10 May 29, 2003 Another good tip is to use E-tickets if you can and use the kiosk to check in...a lot faster plus you can change your seat yourself. It's best to try and get a seat towards the back of the aircraft as they always load first(after 1st class and infants) and this allows you to get in and get your backpack/carry on in an over head bin before they fill up and you can ensure your gear is above/near you and packed in an acceptable way. I also like to get an isle seat as this allows me to get up grab my gear and elbow the elderly women, handicapped, and small children out of the way before the door even opens. I still can't figure out why people try to get out before the door is even open. You just sat for 2-3 hours in the plane, is 5 more mins gonna kill you? "It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required" Some people dream about flying, I live my dream SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunnydee123 0 #11 May 29, 2003 AAAHHHH....good idea. I just booked my flight from Cross Keys and got the closest seat to the front so I could get off quick but your logic makes good sense. Something to think about. Planning to book my Richmond trip soon and maybe even a visit out to Skydive Chicago for Summerfest. So many plans - so little cash.... Dreams become reality, one choice at a time... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #12 May 29, 2003 Quote So many plans - so little cash.... Don't forget the Eloy Holiday Boogie in December. Save money for that puppy. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunnydee123 0 #13 May 29, 2003 I am trying not to think past September at this point but I have heard TONS of great stuff about Eloy - imagine I'll have to budget that one also. GO DEVILS! Dreams become reality, one choice at a time... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bunge 0 #14 May 30, 2003 myself and another jumper just went from Newark to San Juan on Continental, no problems what so ever at either ariport with the rigs as carry on. Mine was in a gear bag, and the other was out in the open. both have cypress's in them and we didn't even get a funny look BUNGE I don't hate them, I just like us better. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunnydee123 0 #15 May 30, 2003 Think Robin PM'd me with this info. Good to know. US Air has no policy on parachutes but I printed everything on carryone and stuff. I'll get there plenty early and hope for the best. I'm kinda little, don't think they will be afraid of me with a parachute - I can barely see over the seat let alone cause trouble. Dreams become reality, one choice at a time... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dcgilbert 0 #16 May 30, 2003 ------------ US Air has no policy on parachutes ------------ Actually, they do. I'm flying US Air in August. One of their pilots jumps at our dropzone. According to him, rigs are allowed as carryons so long as they meet size and weight requirements. I was also able to get a (quite dated) letter from USPA stating rigs are allowed by US Air. They have letters on file from most carriers. You might try that. Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunnydee123 0 #17 May 30, 2003 Well if you have the letter already - would you be willing to fax it? I just didn't see anything on line Dreams become reality, one choice at a time... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rhino 0 #18 May 30, 2003 Bring it on the plane. No other choice. I've got 6 grand in my rig. No way I trust it with the baggage handlers. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SanDiegoRW 0 #19 May 30, 2003 I recently went to Zhills from San Diego (as you know) and I carried my rig on both ways. I just had it in a black duffle bag. I was never even asked to open the bag, no questions. Although one security screener did look a bit confused when it went through the x-ray machine... but maybe he always looks like that. -Kenny Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dcgilbert 0 #20 May 30, 2003 QuoteWell if you have the letter already - would you be willing to fax it? Sent you a private message Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sunnydee123 0 #21 May 31, 2003 Think I am carrying it on and think I might change my seat and head for the back of the plane...I just like getting off the damn thing - kind of like I do normally. Can't wait to get to the door - 'specially if someone is waiting for me. Dreams become reality, one choice at a time... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
