Michele 1 #1 June 17, 2004 So I call, as instructed, the airline I'm flying, to confirm my flights and everything to Georgia this weekend. I also ask if there's anything I need because I'll be traveling with my parachuting gear. The person on the phone mumbles something, and then sticks me on hold. Fine.... And then comes back. It seems I'm allowed to carry on a pair of skiis, a pair of poles, a pair of boots, one helmet, as long as I have it packed up in one carry-on bag. Fine, says I, but I wasn't asking about skiing. (Skiing in Georgia in June???)...and ask again about parachuting gear. And back on hold I go.... I find out that I am not allowed to carry on any hang gliding equipment. Seems it's too bulky to fit in the overhead rack. Fine, but I'm not hang gliding. I'm parachuting. Anything about that I need to know? Back on hold.... And now I learn all about paragliding. Interestingly, according to her, I can bring that onto the plane because it can be "folded small enough to fit in the over head compartment." Which makes no sense, because the only paragliding I know of involves a boat and some sort of parachute, and I'm not going to bring a boat on a plane. I've never tried to fold a boat, either.... Right. Um. Sport Parachuting. Skydiving. Like President GWH Bush did this weekend. "Oh," says she, and puts me back on hold... And finally I find out that I can carry my parachute on board as long as there are no explosives attached to it. Well, as far as I know, there aren't any explosives on it (I know the whole thing about Cypres...but that's not "explosive"....at least not on Friday morning and Sunday evening....).... Because I figure I'm going to need all the ammo I can gather, I ran a search here on DZ.com, and printed out the TSA's rules and regs, and am planning on getting there early enough to address any issues should the need arise. Anything else (document wise) I should bring with me, as long as it's not a pair of skiis or a boat???? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Douva 0 #2 June 17, 2004 I was just on Southwest Airlines' website looking at their regulations about carry-on items, and for some reason, the following line struck me as very funny: "Parachutes are allowed in checked or carryon baggage, but may not be worn in flight." And here I was planning on saving time by just gearing up on the plane and driving straight from the terminal to the drop zone. I bet you could keep the other passengers on pins and needles if you just sat in your seat with your rig on, looking around nervously and standing up every few minutes like you're fixing to go somewhere then sitting back down like you changed your mind.I don't have an M.D. or a law degree. I have bachelor's in kicking ass and taking names. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Byron03 0 #3 June 17, 2004 I've traveled with my rig as a carry on both leaving and arriving at the airport in Atlanta (I think its called Heartsfield-Jackson-to-many-names-to-remember Airport). I've never had any problems, with Northwest or Delta from Atlanta. Watch out if you want to stretch your legs after a long flight, and decide to walk from the terminal to the luggage pick up area. It is a looooooong walk, but there are some cool sculptures to look at, at the end. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chaoskitty 0 #4 June 17, 2004 douva.. you so funny... hang out with me sometime ok? michele.. pay no attention to the silly airline people. the only ones who will say anything to you are the ones who recognzie you are carrying a rig and think you are HOT SHIT for being a skydiver. I hope you have a wonderful time in Monroe! I'd show up except my home dz is throwing me a birtday party and I've been out of town for a few weeks and they miss the hell out of me.. and me them! I miss some of the Monroe folks too tho... Give us an update on how the calendar shoot goes! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shawndiver 0 #5 June 17, 2004 Hi Michele, Just FYI, paragliders are soaring parachutes, a "folding hang glider" in a sense. As far as explosives, paragliders and hang gliders sometimes use a ballistic reserve parachute mounted on the harness that uses a solid fuel rocket for deployment. One of the reasons these have fallen out of favor is it makes it impossible to fly with your harness on vacation! Have a great trip!_________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RevJim 0 #6 June 17, 2004 Michele, I'd be more worried about the flight out to Atlanta then the return trip. I flew out of Milwaukee and was forced to check my non-AAD equipped rig, which I was none too happy about. In ATL though, went right through security with no hassles. The lady took one glance at the Xray machine and asked if I was flying out to go skydiving. I joked with her saying hell no, it's too cold in Wisconsin this time of year for that. That was what I was here for, and now I'm going home. Relax, and have a good time.It's your life, live it! Karma RB#684 "Corcho", ASK#60, Muff#3520, NCB#398, NHDZ#4, C-33989, DG#1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flyangel2 2 #7 June 17, 2004 Michele, it sounds like it's a long walk from the terminal to the luggage pick up area. Another good reason why I use the luggage with the wheels for my rig Just arrive to the airport with plenty of time to get through security. Act and dress in a professional way. Don't "show off" your rig. Speaking from experience, you could do everything right, have all the correct paper work, and still get held up at security. It all depends on who's line you go through. Oh, and an extra tip I found out. Wear sandals that you can take off before you have to walk through that little buzzing thing. See ya very soon.May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #8 June 17, 2004 QuoteWear sandals that you can take off before you have to walk through that little buzzing thing. Good point! I'd also suggest that you take off all your jewelry and put it in your carry on before you get to the line for the little buzzing thing. Put all your change there too. Definitely arrive at least 90 minutes before your flight time - earlier is better just in case there's a problem with your rig. I'm too lazy to haul my gear around the airport while waiting for flights (specially since I usually end up back outside for a smoke at least once before boarding - think multiple trips through security). I check my rig - by itself, in a gear bag (rolling suitcase is better protection if you have an extra one). Have your USPA card and the TSA letter with you. If the TSA employee asks you if there are any explosives, etc in the bag, tell them no but there is a parachute - last time I flew out of LAX and out of Orlando they didn't say a word to me but they did ask when I flew out of Ontario a few weeks ago. Hang out close to the xray area until you see that your bag has gone through (or if you talk to an employee, when they say you're good to go; the guy in Ontario asked me to hang out then let me know when it had been looked at). Atlanta's airport has smoking lounges in the gate area so you don't have to trek all the way to the outside to take care of your post-flight nic fit. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #9 June 17, 2004 Great tips, everyone! Thanks!!! QuoteJust FYI, paragliders are soaring parachutes, a "folding hang glider" in a sense. See, that makes far more sense. I was tired, I had spent 4 hours at the DMV earlier, had negotiated a deal at work, and I was just really tired of dealing with people...I think I confused parasailing with paragliding. LOL at me! The mental image of folding a boat was something I just couldn't get my head around! LOLOL!!! I will be getting there around 5:45 am, and my flight doesn't leave until 7:20. I figure I'll have plenty of time. I will go looking for a piece of rolly, hard luggage that will fit my rig; I've already got the TSA page which states I can bring it on, and now I need that Cypres card thing. I guess I'll have to check it, rather than carry it on, because it's so big... Lisa, I will hang around until I know it's good to go...I was with Lady Skydiver when she checked it through LAX, and I recall the procedure, so it should be all right. The rest of the stuff can fit easily into my overnight case. Thanks for the advice, guys. I just thought that was a very funny conversation with the booking person, and was amazed at someone's inability to distinguish "parachute" from "skiis".... Any other advice? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
seekfun 0 #10 June 17, 2004 QuoteI flew out of Milwaukee and was forced to check my non-AAD equipped rig I've flown in and out of Milwaukee numerous times with my rig, and I've never had any trouble. I think it comes down to luck some times. If you get the uninformed TSA employee, you might get some raised eyebrows. There is another side, too. Don't make yourself a spectacle. Just go through security like you are everyone else in the crowd. If they ask questions, answer them as simply as possible, show your AAD card, and be on your way. - topher"...there is a there out there..." - Tom Robbins Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
