Best Bow Case for Air Travel

[2BuckBizCT]

Pelican or SKB and what model? I'm looking for one that carries 1 bow and arrows, etc.

[nywaw]

Been awhile since I flew, but I have an SKB double bow model.  The main reason I chose that was input from others who flew to hunt and dealing with the baggage weight limit.  You can stuff some of your other gear/clothes/etc into that double bow case to lighten your other bag (or be able to bring more gear) and max out the weight on the bow case weight limit.

[Ncountry]

49 minutes ago, nywaw said:

Been awhile since I flew, but I have an SKB double bow model.  The main reason I chose that was input from others who flew to hunt and dealing with the baggage weight limit.  You can stuff some of your other gear/clothes/etc into that double bow case to lighten your other bag (or be able to bring more gear) and max out the weight on the bow case weight limit.

It's never flew, but I have the same case and like it..It's banged around in the back of a pickup or trailer for 1000s of miles.

[dbHunterNY]

i'm following this. i've just used the cheap beater ones but never flew somewhere with a bow.

[2BuckBizCT]

1 hour ago, nywaw said:

Been awhile since I flew, but I have an SKB double bow model.  The main reason I chose that was input from others who flew to hunt and dealing with the baggage weight limit.  You can stuff some of your other gear/clothes/etc into that double bow case to lighten your other bag (or be able to bring more gear) and max out the weight on the bow case weight limit.

Do you know what model? I checked SKB website and they got like 10 different models that are "double bow"

[nywaw]

I have the one with the wheels to facilitate rolling around an airport and beyond.  It's definitely a great case.  One trip it definitely took some impact, saw the marks on the exterior of the case, but everything inside was all good!

This looks like the one I have:  https://www.skbcases.com/products/ata-double-bow-case

[2BuckBizCT]

Badlands Terraglide makes one to disguise it's hunting gear. Interesting as i have had guns not show up to destination in time for a hunt. But still like the idea of SKB hardcase.

[Dinsdale]

5 hours ago, 2BuckBizCT said:

Badlands Terraglide makes one to disguise it's hunting gear. Interesting as i have had guns not show up to destination in time for a hunt. But still like the idea of SKB hardcase.

Cabelas made a drop bottom plain wrapper duffle years ago that was tough as nails. I had a custom aluminum case made for my takedown rifle to go inside. When bows started having shorter axel to axel length it was popular. Depending on airline and type of ticket, be aware that sporting equipment often flies free; but once it also contains other items like clothes, it’ll be a battle at the gate and it will come in oversized and associated fee. First class they might let slide, cheapo ticket on discount airline? Bring your credit card.

I can tell you from oversize baggage claim, other hunters in camp,etc; I see a pile of SKB bow cases and occasionally something else; and everyone seems to go through handling well. Very popular with bow hunters.

Advice on packing extra gear in a double case is spot on, especially N. American hunts that stretch into cold temps and extra outer wear is critical. 

Same with wheels even if it’s just here and there and you have a luggage cart. I have one Pelican case that is perfect size and no wheels and it’s a PIA to fly with.

I have several Pelicans both for rifles and work and they are my go to now for flying, even my checked bag is a Pelican Air now. I also own a pile of aluminum but what I choose depends on packing and what the hunt is for required gear. I have aluminum bow case with a rifle cradle built in and that flew only once but did OK; stupid heavy and I use it as a foot locker now. And I just took the bow on one hunt on a plane.

[Dinsdale]

And to avoid the case not showing up and going to camp….

I always build in one extra arrival day on a travel hunt. Something goes wrong I can chew on someone to get my stuff.

Now with cheap Apple Airtags you can know right where it is in real time too.

Hanging in a hotel for a day is cheap…..

Hunting is expensive per day…..

I’d rather have my stuff.

[2BuckBizCT]

https://www.amazon.com/SKB-ATA-Double-Case-Black/dp/B001B90IY2#customerReviews

$50 cheaper than SKB. Do we trust it's real from amazon?

[Wildcat]

The company I work for ships a LOT of high-end equipment and we only use Pelican cases..   They are bomb proof..

If you are doing a guided hunt, have you considered shipping ahead of time to the outfitter via a carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc..)?   Sometimes it can be a better option.

[2BuckBizCT]

4 minutes ago, Wildcat said:

The company I work for ships a LOT of high-end equipment and we only use Pelican cases..   They are bomb proof..

If you are doing a guided hunt, have you considered shipping ahead of time to the outfitter via a carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc..)?   Sometimes it can be a better option.

I've flown many times with guns. I'd prefer to fly with the bow. Bow is considered "archery equipment" which falls under sporting goods, so no extra charges. 

The pelican looks great too. 

Edited January 17, 2024 by 2BuckBizCT

[2BuckBizCT]

SKB ATA arrived today. Seems awesome. Not sure about putting arrows in like that thought. Maybe enclosed in a small case might be better idea 

 

 

[2BuckBizCT]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072FVKDGS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 grabbed this for cheap. only 2" high so i can slip this into the case as well for added protection for 6 arrows hopefully.