LloydDobbler 2 #1 July 6, 2007 Hey, folks - So here's the deal. I'm about to drive with my girlfriend across country. She just got her "A" license a week ago, paid her beer debt, and has been enjoying her newly-licensed jumps. Not to worry - I've got an extra rig sized perfectly for her, and was thinking of taking it with us for her to jump...but then wasn't certain as to how to get it back (I'm flying back, and will be carrying on my rig, as I've done numerous times before...just never tried to do it with 2 rigs). So...anyone ever try to do this? Any suggestons for how to go about it? Would it just be better to ship the darn thing back (I suppose shipping it would cost me less than the cost of the reserve repack if I checked it and they decided to mess with it...) Any thoughts? If I try and carry on 2 rigs, I don't think they're gonna accept that...anyone have any experience? If I was to ship it, on the other hand, what carrier/method would people recommend? Thanks! KCSignatures are the new black. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kkeenan 14 #2 July 6, 2007 I always check mine in the airline baggage and have never had a problem. I'm sure others will dissagree, but some bags make it through just fine.Kevin _____________________________________ Dude, you are so awesome... Can I be on your ash jump ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 273 #3 July 6, 2007 Quote I always check mine in the airline baggage and have never had a problem. Same here. It'd probably be way less hassle to ship it, though. FedEx and UPS both have good insurance, too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Krip 2 #4 July 6, 2007 Hi LB Cruise Goodwill/Salvation army and buy a inexpensive hard shell suitcase and put the rig inside and check it in as baggage. OTOH the nice lady could carry the extra rig on the airplane herself She does have a liscense. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AFFI 0 #5 July 6, 2007 QuoteSince we're headed halfway across the country, I thought it'd be cool if we could hit a DZ or two, so she can see some more DZ's and enjoy her newly-licensed freedom. Sounda like fun- where ya headed?Mykel AFF-I10 Skydiving Priorities: 1) Open Canopy. 2) Land Safely. 3) Don’t hurt anyone. 4) Repeat… Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BillyVance 35 #6 July 6, 2007 QuoteQuote I always check mine in the airline baggage and have never had a problem. Same here. It'd probably be way less hassle to ship it, though. FedEx and UPS both have good insurance, too. Yes. Ship it insured. Less baggage to carry around through the damn airports."Mediocre people don't like high achievers, and high achievers don't like mediocre people." - SIX TIME National Champion coach Nick Saban Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LloydDobbler 2 #7 July 6, 2007 Thanks for all the responses, folks! I suppose checking the second rig makes the most sense...I'm just always a little paranoid when it comes to TSA screeners. I don't like that much power being in someone's hands when they can excercise it with impunity. But hey - if it's worked for that many people, I'll just come right out and say it: "What could possibly go wrong?" (And I wish I could have her carry it on & come back with me...but I'm actually leaving her in CO. That's the whole reason for the trip.) Quote Sounda like fun- where ya headed? Well, we just had to offset our trip by a few days, so it looks like we're only getting to 1 DZ - Moab. We were thinking of hitting up Mesquite, then maybe some of the other CO DZ's (she's been jumping at Mile-Hi lately), but doesn't look like it's gonna happen, at this point. Next time. And yeah, Moab's definitely gonna be hot...but I don't think it can rival Cal City these past few weekends. Thanks, & blue skies, y'all! KCSignatures are the new black. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWernig 0 #8 July 6, 2007 Slightly off topic but----I jumped at Moab at the beginning of June and loved it. Those were the best rides to altitude i have ever had- you can see some of the stone arches and the pilot is great at pointing out cool stuff. I would get in touch with Clint (DZO) and see when he will be jumping around then-they normally jump in the morning due to heat and altitude. All the guys there are great- I spent a week partying with them. One of the TM's (Geoff) was my AFF instructor back here in Texas. Nathan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
droquette 0 #9 July 6, 2007 I would put one in a carry on type bag like the airline employees use and throw the other one on my back as my "personal Item"... If I am not mistaken you are allowed one carry on and one personal item... I do not feel comfortable checking in 5k worth of equipment when the airlines only dish out 1k+- for lost baggage. just my $.02HISPA 72 ----- "Muff Brother" 3733 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,114 #10 July 6, 2007 >If I am not mistaken you are allowed one carry on and one personal item... That can be tough to get away with. You can get away with a laptop case, even a backpack with a laptop in it, but I've seen people get grief about even regular backpacks without laptops in them. "That's not a personal item, sir, that's a piece of luggage." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #11 July 6, 2007 Quote I always check mine in the airline baggage and have never had a problem. I'm sure others will dissagree, but some bags make it through just fine.Kevin I used to check one and carry one, but now I generally just check both in one bag. It's worked for me for a very long time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #12 July 6, 2007 Quote>If I am not mistaken you are allowed one carry on and one personal item... That can be tough to get away with. You can get away with a laptop case, even a backpack with a laptop in it, but I've seen people get grief about even regular backpacks without laptops in them. "That's not a personal item, sir, that's a piece of luggage." A personal item is a purse or a briefcase. A laptop case fits, though if you stuff it like a backpack, gets borderline. I think so long as you can fit the personal item underneath the seat in front they will accept it. Certainly my rig would never qualify. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BIGUN 1,483 #13 July 6, 2007 Check both mine in a single Pelican box and pay the extra freight fee. Never been an issue. I put neon colored zip ties instead of TSA locks on the box so they'll have to cut them to open and inspect - and then I know I REALLY need to inspect my gear when I get to my destination.Nobody has time to listen; because they're desperately chasing the need of being heard. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Broke 0 #14 July 6, 2007 QuoteI would put one in a carry on type bag like the airline employees use and throw the other one on my back as my "personal Item"... If I am not mistaken you are allowed one carry on and one personal item... I do not feel comfortable checking in 5k worth of equipment when the airlines only dish out 1k+- for lost baggage. just my $.02 Check with your individual carriers policy. Southwest gives up to 3kDivot your source for all things Hillbilly. Anvil Brother 84 SCR 14192 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Broke 0 #15 July 6, 2007 Quote>If I am not mistaken you are allowed one carry on and one personal item... That can be tough to get away with. You can get away with a laptop case, even a backpack with a laptop in it, but I've seen people get grief about even regular backpacks without laptops in them. "That's not a personal item, sir, that's a piece of luggage." I have never had a problem with that. Even when carrying an oversized duffel bag and a backpackDivot your source for all things Hillbilly. Anvil Brother 84 SCR 14192 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
upndownshop 0 #16 July 6, 2007 I always just let them know what i have and ask to be there when they inspect it, incase they have any questions. I have never had an issue at all. No matter how many rigs i had. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AFFI 0 #17 July 6, 2007 What great timing for a skydiving trip - Skyfest in Texas is right around the corner. It would be worth flying in a change of plans... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NWFlyer 2 #18 July 7, 2007 Moab's views will be beautiful, but you may want to call ahead. When I was there (granted, it was two years ago) the DZ was only open when they had tandems on the schedule, which might not be every day. Hate to see you drag all your gear and miss out. It's a nice little DZ and Clint and Shelly are awesome. "There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DSE 5 #19 July 7, 2007 Quote Thanks for all the responses, folks! And yeah, Moab's definitely gonna be hot...but I don't think it can rival Cal City these past few weekends. Thanks, & blue skies, y'all! KC Cal City is in the low 100's? Skydive Utah is right on the Great Salt Lake, and abt 3.5 hours from Moab. Moab is beautiful, so is SLC. Beware, gear gets dirty at Moab. The sights make it worth it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
popsjumper 2 #20 July 8, 2007 I noticed thast you haven't responded to anything in two days so you'll probbly not see this. Why take chances with TSA and the airlines. They are both well-known for having major problems with luggage. Question: What's more valuable to you? A potential lost rig or the cost of shipping? Everyone that has lost a rig to the airlines is now saying, "Damn! I wish I had shipped it." For those who have yet to lose one, the operative word is "yet'. Carry one and ship the other insured. I'd trust UPS or Fedex LONG before any airline or TSA.My reality and yours are quite different. I think we're all Bozos on this bus. Falcon5232, SCS8170, SCSA353, POPS9398, DS239 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rdutch 0 #21 July 8, 2007 I used to fly with my rigs about three times a month. I would always carry one on and check the other (I was always jumping the day after I arrived and had my rig lost for a few days a number of times when checked). Also I had a 50lb weight belt I would wear. Usually this worked out well, until I went to Perris for Nationals and had to check both rigs because of travel arrangements. I always printed out and laminated the tsa forms covering skydiving gear and placed them under my reserve flap on the checked gear. When I arrived in Perris and went to check my gear after flying from Denver to LA/Ontario apt I was surprised to open my gear bag and find both my rigs main and reserve open and the canopies in a big mess. I repacked my reserves and contacted the airline who gave me a travel waver for the value of the repack of the mains and reserve. So checking your gear you risk annoyances. I would check one and carry the other or let her carry one also. Funny story be carefull in Atlanta when you have a 50 lb weight belt under your shirt, I tucked it under my shirt because I was sick of explaining about it, and I was about to eat a slice of pizza, A lady saw it under my shirt and alerted security, just about to take a bite, my hands were held down by three security officers looking for a detonator, and my weight belt was removed, they were embarrased to find no explosives and only lead. My pizza was on the floor and all I got was "Were sorry" and some questioning about why I feel the need to wear a 50lb weight belt when I travel. Ray Small and fast what every girl dreams of! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SkymonkeyONE 4 #22 July 9, 2007 I am flying to Texas tomorrow for SkyFest and am checking both rigs, my camera helmet, and all of my jumpsuits on one bag. I have never lost anything on an airline flight, but I HAVE lost over $12,000 worth of wingsuits shipping them UPS. Fuck UPS. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougH 270 #23 July 9, 2007 Quote Funny story be carefull in Atlanta when you have a 50 lb weight belt under your shirt, I tucked it under my shirt because I was sick of explaining about it, and I was about to eat a slice of pizza, A lady saw it under my shirt and alerted security, just about to take a bite, my hands were held down by three security officers looking for a detonator, and my weight belt was removed, they were embarrased to find no explosives and only lead. My pizza was on the floor and all I got was "Were sorry" and some questioning about why I feel the need to wear a 50lb weight belt when I travel. Wouldn't you need to explain it any way when you set off the metal detectors each time you passed threw security?"The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall" =P Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rdutch 0 #24 July 10, 2007 Nope, I already went through security in Orlando, The weight belt went through the xray as usual. Being led of course it just showed up black, they did what they always did, picked it up looked at it and gave it back to me. The security thing happened at atlanta while waiting for my transfer. Wouldn't you need to explain it any way when you set off the metal detectors each time you passed threw security? Ray Small and fast what every girl dreams of! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 7 #25 July 10, 2007 Quote Hi LB Cruise Goodwill/Salvation army and buy a inexpensive hard shell suitcase and put the rig inside and check it in as baggage. OTOH the nice lady could carry the extra rig on the airplane herself She does have a liscense. Sounds like she's take the ole 'One Way Trip'....~ gotta problem wit dat?! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sounds like she's take the ole 'One Way Trip'....
~ gotta problem wit dat?!
~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~
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