So can you take a bow and arrow on a plane? and how to protect your bow when flying?
Bows and arrows were used almost 5000 BC and nowadays is a popular sport, an ideal and healthy activity to practice even when traveling.
And whether you are planning to take your archery equipment with you, or some other types of bow and arrows on planes will need some prior preparations, you will need to know what is the regulation when traveling with these types of items.
Here is the short answer before we go deep into the topic.
According to the TSA bows and arrows are not accepted in carry-on baggage, these items should be packed in checked baggage, though you will need to consider your airline regulations on traveling with such items, like the weight size and fees.
This post will cover all that you need to know about traveling with bows and arrows, in addition to what to expect at the airport.
let’s dive right in.
we may receive a small commission (with no additional cost to you) if you purchase an item from the links in this page, we really appreciate it!
Take Bows and Arrows and arrow through the TSA checkpoint
The regulations for taking a bow and arrow on a plane are governed by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration).
As stated in the screenshot below, the TSA are super rough and they do not allow bows and arrows through the security checkpoint, and in carry-on baggage.
Arrows are more dangerous than bows but the TSA does not permit both of them on board the airplane.
If you are traveling with carry only you will need to send your archery equipment as checked luggage.
Here is what the TSA stated on its website.
@Nora asked the TSA if she can bring her bow on a plane, and the TSA replied that bows are allowed in checked baggage.
Take A Bow And Arrow In Carry On Baggage
Bows and arrows are not permitted in carry-on baggage.
Bows and arrows are considered sport equipment on most airlines, but the TSA and most airport security consider them weapons or sharp items that are allowed only in checked baggage.
The rules are set to not carry any sharp objects that can be used as self defense items or may be used to hurt other people on board the airplanes.
If you are carrying only a bow, The TSA will not let you take it in your carry-on. They may confiscate it if you don’t have a checked bag or a family member to take it back home.
You can bring other archery accessories that are not sharp like Archery Glove Finger Leather Gloves; or your protector Arm Guard in carry on baggage.
Take A Bow And Arrow In Checked Baggage
The best way to travel with your archery equipment is inside your checked baggage, you can either place your equipment inside your bag or check your hard case itself.
Checked luggage usually requires some luggage fees, but it is the ideal solution for traveling with sharp items.
Most airlines advise you to travel with your bow and arrow inside an approved solid and durable bag, for safety purposes, so the TSA officers and luggage handlers won’t get hurt when handling your bags.
Most airlines will allow only one bow with its arrows.
For instance, here is what American airlines say about traveling with archery equipment.
You can travel with:
- 1 bow and quiver
- Arrows
- A maintenance kit
How To Fly With A Crossbow?
You will need to transport a bow inside a strong case.
When traveling with your archery equipment, you will need a good and sturdy bag to protect your equipment so they can withstand the rough handling of the transportation.
Luggage handlers often may tend to handle checked baggage roughly because of the stress and the small span they have to lead all the bags to the aircraft.
Also most airlines tend to claim that they don’t take responsibility if damage occurred for not packing or protecting some items well.
So the clever way is to secure and protect your equipment.
It is preferable to avoid weak plastic cases, you can either opt for a soft or hard case, if you grab a soft case you can place some of your clothes with your bow and arrows to help tighten them and they don’t move inside the bag.
Other-ways, a hard case will also be suitable for transporting all your equipment with ease and less worrying if your bow will make it.
Remember to get a case with the TSA approved lock, in case the TSA wants to inspect the bag, so they don’t tend to break your lock.
Most airlines will not take the responsibility for damage to your archery equipment that’s not contained in a hard-sided case.
How Much Does It Cost To Bring A Bow On A Plane?
Most airlines will charge the standard check baggage fees to bring your bow and arrows (archery equipment) on planes.
For example American airlines standard checked bag charges of your flight will be applied up to 50 lbs / 23 kgs and 126 in / 320 cm (length + width + height) and standard overweight fee applies from 51 lbs / 23 kgs to 70 lbs / 32 kgs.
Please note that excess baggage charges will apply, so make sure that your case is not so oversized or overweight. If you add more items inside, you will be required to pay for excess baggage.
| Airlines | Cost and Regulations |
| American Airlines | The normal Checked baggage rules applies, up to 50 lbs / 23 kgs and 126 in / 320 cm (length + width + height) and standard overweight fee applies from 51 lbs / 23 kgs to 70 lbs / 32 kgs. |
| Delta Airlines | Standard luggage allowance and fees based on ticket and travel region apply. Archery equipment weighing over 50 lbs. will be charged the applicable excess weight fee |
| Jetblue | One item of archery equipment will count as a checked bag on jetblue. One item is defined as one bow and quiver of arrows and maintenance kit, enclosed in a case or container of sufficient strength to protect the bow and quiver with arrows from accidental damage. |
| United Airlines | Service charges for first or second checked bags may apply. Archery equipment carried in addition to the bag allowance will be assessed at the current charge for excess bags. |
| Southwest Airlines | Including a bow, arrows, and an average size target (large target stands cannot be accepted), so long as the bow and arrows are encased in a container acceptable to Carrier for withstanding normal Baggage handling without sustaining damage to the equipment. |
Final Thoughts
You can bring your archery equipment inside your checked baggage in most airlines, However you can’t transport them inside your carry-on baggage.
If you take your bow and arrow to the security checkpoint the TSA will attempt to remove them and ask you to place them inside your checked baggage.
Bows and rows are prohibited in carry-on baggage, because they are considered weapons and they may be used to harm or threaten the safety of the airplane if misused.
We hope this helps
Happy travels
people also ask: