Tips on flying with bowling balls?

[sara2117]

Soon I will be traveling to a tournament and it's too far to drive so I'll be flying.The tournament allows 6 balls to be used. Does anyone have any tips about flying with balls, packing, checking, favorite airline, ect..? Any help will be appreciated.

[dnhoffman]

Well...
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Keep-calm-and-carry-on-scan.jpg

[bowl1820]

A option to taking them with you on the plane, is to have them shipped to the hotel you'll be staying at. Try to have them arrive there at the same time you do.

One thing is to pack the balls so they don't rattle around in your bag, place extra towels around them or get some ball boxes and fit them into your bag if you can.

Don't bother bringing ball cleaners they sometimes can be problematic with security (about Bring chemicals on the plane, plus leaking) just buy some at the tourny.

Make sure to secure the bags well, zippers can come loose and balls pop out.

Take your shoes in your carry on, a lost ball is easier to replace than a broke in pair of shoes.

Take a copy of your grip with you also in case you have to get a ball drilled. (Example your balls get lost, you need a ball drilled. Makes it a lot simpler than having to get refit fast.)

[MICHAEL]

As proof that you actually took them! At the baggage check in take a quick picture as proof that they were checked in!
I have had problems before, not with bowling bags, but getting any restitution in regards to what the bag looked like, and what was in it! It could be big money if your shipping several 200.00 balls... Its easy to do, and it would show them what brand and type of balls you have if something happens to them.

Its nice to have along with the baggage ticket... just a back up, that might save some heart ache!!

[vdubtx]

Southwest Airlines, 2 free bags = 4 balls(maybe 5 depending on weight) plus shoes and any other equipment. When I went to Nationals this past Spring, I checked in 4 balls in my 4 ball roller which can separate with shoes etc. along with my clothes for the week and was under the weight limit on both.

[dnhoffman]

Where are you traveling to/from? Could be easier to ship...

[sara2117]

Wow I didn't expect so many wonderful replies. You guys have no idea how helpful you've been. That takes a load off my mind.
dnhoffman I'm flying to Buffalo, NY for Nationals. I think I'll take the shipping into consideration, sounds like a pain to fly with them. My poor bowling balls don't need to be manhandled by the TSA.

[Bunny]

dnhoffman I'm flying to Buffalo, NY for Nationals. I think I'll take the shipping into consideration, sounds like a pain to fly with them. My poor bowling balls don't need to be manhandled by the TSA.


Lol!

Link to USBC Bowling Ball Express shipping info...

http://bowl.com/Womens_Championships/Womens_Championship_Home/Bowling_Ball_Express/

[Hampe]

I would definitely try to ship them. A guy I know had his balls sawed open by airport security. I think he was traveling to a tournament in Israel or something like that.....he had to buy all new equipment once he got there :/.

[JJStriker]

I'd ship them for sure. It's a lot of hassle to lug them along with you at the airport.

[sara2117]

Thanks Bunny, that info was perfect. Thanks everybody else too. :)