Bows and arrows have been used since around 5000 BC, but traveling with them in today’s world needs more than just skill, so can you take a bow and arrow on a plane? And how do you protect your Archery when flying?
Here is the short answer :
You can bring a bow and arrow on a plane, but only in checked luggage not in carry-on, you will need to make sure that your archery is well protected and packed in hard sided case to prevent any possible injuries for security officers and luggage handlers.
Make sure that you also within the size and eight policies of your airline
This post will cover everything you need to know about traveling with bows and arrows (Archery), in addition to what to expect at the airport.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
- You can bring bows and arrows on a plane, but only in checked luggage.
- TSA considers bows and arrows as weapons, so they must be packed securely ideally in a hard-sided case to prevent damage and injuries.
- non sharp archery accessories can go in carry-on.
- Always check your airline size, weight, and fee rules before packing your archery equipment.
- For International flights the same rules applies but take a look at the customs requirements before flying.
Can You Take Bows and Arrows Through the TSA Checkpoint?
If you are traveling within or from the U.S. the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) are the folks who decide what travelers can and can’t take through the security checkpoints.
As stated in the screenshot below, the TSA is very strict with Archery items (especially arrowheads).
They do not allow bows and arrows to go through the security checkpoint and in carry-on baggage.
Arrows are considered more dangerous than bows, but the TSA does not permit either on board the airplane.
If you are traveling with carry-on only, you will need to find a way to send your archery equipment as checked luggage.
I wanted to also find some answers from the TSA social media.
@Nora asked the AskTSA team on X if she can bring this small bow on a plane.
But the TSA replied that bows are allowed only in checked baggage.
The same answer are given to Jose.
The TSA team response is that bows and arrows must be packed in checked bags and advised him to confirm with the airline if they require any document.
Can You Bring a Bow and Arrow in Carry-On Baggage?
No, if you can’t bring it through the security checkpoint, it means you can’t bring as carry-on on board the airplane.
Bows and arrows are considered sport equipment on most airlines, but the TSA and most airport security consider them weapons or sharp items allowed only in checked baggage.
The rules exist to prevent passengers from carrying sharp objects that can be used as self-defense weapons or to harm others on board.
Imagine an angry bird with an arrowhead in his suitcase.
If you are carrying only a bow and you don’t want to check in it, the TSA will not let you keep it in your carry-on.
They may confiscate it if you don’t have a checked bag or a way to five it to a family member to take it back home.
You can bring other archery accessories that are not sharp, like archery gloves (finger leather gloves), releases, sights, stabilizers or an arm guard, in carry-on baggage.
Can You Take a Bow and Arrow in Checked Baggage?
Yes you can travel with your archery equipment as checked baggage.
You can either place your archery inside your suitcase or backpack or check the hard case itself.
Most airlines consider archery as sports equipment and they advise traveling with your bow and arrow in an approved, solid, and durable bag for safety purposes, so the security officers and luggage handlers won’t get hurt when handling your bags.
Most airlines allow only one bow with its arrows.
For instance, here is what American Airlines says about traveling with archery equipment:
You can travel with:
- 1 bow and quiver
- Arrows
- A maintenance kit
You might need to pay for your archery on some airlines but it is the ideal solution for traveling with sharp items.
Can You Bring Archery Equipment On Internationally Flights?
Whether you have a competition abroad or you just want to have fun at your destination, you can bring your archery on an international flight, and the same rules apply as in domestic flights.
Though, you will need to make sure that you check the local customs and import rules of your destination country.
Some countries treat bows as weapons, and certain arrows may not be permitted to enter the country.
| Bow / Arrow Type | Allowed in Carry‑On ? | Allowed in Checked Luggage? | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recurve Bow | No | Yes | Olympic and recreational bows; pad limbs carefully |
| Compound Bow | No | Yes | Remove sights, stabilizers, and releases |
| Longbow | No | Yes | Often oversized check airline length limits |
| Traditional / Primitive Bow | No | Yes | Wood bows need humidity protection |
| Takedown Bow (Disassembled) | No | Yes | Disassembly does NOT change TSA rules |
| ILF Bow (Olympic Style) | No | Yes | Pack riser and limbs separately |
| Barebow | No | Yes | Treated the same as Olympic recurve |
| Crossbow | No | Yes | Considered archery equipment, not firearms |
| Youth / Beginner Bow | No | Yes | Size does not grant carry‑on permission |
| Horse Bow | No | Yes | Compact but still prohibited in carry‑on |
| Practice Arrows (Field Tips) | No | Yes | Secure tips to prevent punctures |
| Hunting Arrows (Broadheads) | No | Yes | Broadheads must be covered or boxed |
| Carbon Arrows | No | Yes | Use arrow tubes to avoid snapping |
| Aluminum Arrows | No | Yes | Easier to bend extra padding recommended |
| Wooden Arrows | No | Yes | Vulnerable to moisture and pressure |
| Blunt Arrows (Training / LARP) | No | Yes | Still considered weapon components |
| Arrow Shafts (No Tips) | No | Yes | Even tip less shafts aren’t allowed in carry‑on |
| Bowstring Only | Yes | Yes | One of the few archery items allowed in carry‑on |
| Release Aid (Mechanical) | Usually Yes | Yes | Some agents may request checked placement |
| Finger Tabs / Gloves | Yes | Yes | No restrictions |
| Arm Guard / Chest Guard | Yes | Yes | Always allowed |
| Stabilizers & Weights | Sometimes | Yes | Heavier metal pieces may trigger inspection |
How to Pack and Fly With a Crossbow?
Simply you will need to have your archery equipment inside a strong case, and tag it properly.
Choose a good, sturdy bag to protect your items so they can withstand rough handling during transport.
Luggage handlers often handle checked baggage roughly because they are short of time and the sheer number of bags.
Also, most airlines mention that they won’t cover any damage if your items aren’t packed or protected properly.
But if you can’t get a hard side case, you can use a soft case and place some clothes around your bow and arrows to keep them secure and prevent movement inside the bag.
Remember to get a case with a TSA-approved lock in case the TSA wants to inspect your bag they won’t 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 charge the standard checked baggage fees to bring bows and arrows (archery equipment) on planes.
For example, American Airlines applies standard checked bag charges for items up to 50 lbs / 23 kg and 126 in / 320 cm (length + width + height).
The standard overweight fees apply for 51–70 lbs / 23–32 kg.
Also you will need to pay an additional fee (baggage charges) if your case is oversized or overweight.
| Airlines | Cost and Regulations |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | Standard checked baggage rules apply (up to 50 lbs / 23 kg and 126 in / 320 cm). Standard overweight fee applies for 51–70 lbs / 23–32 kg. |
| Delta Airlines | Standard luggage allowance and fees based on ticket and travel region apply. Archery equipment over 50 lbs will be charged the applicable excess weight fee. |
| JetBlue | One item of archery equipment counts as a checked bag (one bow and quiver with arrows and maintenance kit, enclosed in a sturdy case). |
| United Airlines | Service charges for first or second checked bags may apply. Archery equipment carried in addition to bag allowance is assessed at the current excess bag charge. |
| 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 capable of withstanding normal baggage handling without sustaining damage. |
Final Thoughts
You can bring a bow and arrow on a plane, but only in checked luggage
If you attempt to take your bow and arrow to the security checkpoint, the TSA will ask you to transfer them in checked baggage, or they will confiscate them.
Bows and arrows are prohibited in carry-on baggage because they are considered weapons and sharp item that could threaten the safety of the passenger and airline staff if misused.
Remember that you are permitted to bring non sharp accessories like finger gloves, arm guards, releases, sights, and stabilizers in carry-on.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels
Flying With a Bow and Arrow FAQs
- Are you Allowed to Fly With all types of Bows and Arrows?
Yes, you can take a bow and arrows on a plane, but they must be checked as luggage. They are not allowed in carry-on bags. - Are there tips for carrying exotic or rare bows?
Yes, for expensive, collectible or antique bows always use a hard case with extra padding, but in my opinion it is preferable to consider shipping them with a trusted shipping company rather than sending them as checked luggage. - Do I need to inform the airline that I’m traveling with archery?
Yes, you will need to confirm with your airline that you wanted to bring your archery equipment, to ensure your gear is handled properly. - Can I fly with archery accessories?
Yes, non sharp accessories like finger gloves, arm guards, and maintenance kits are good to go in your carry-on or checked bag. - What if my bow or arrows get damaged?
Most airlines are not take the responsible for damage to archery equipment that is not packed in a hard-sided case. This is why I recommend shipping expensive archery equipment. - Can I check my bow without arrows to save space or weight?
Yes, You can pack your bow separately and ship or carry arrows in another checked bag. Some travelers even use a soft arrow tube inside their checked luggage to save space and prevent damage. - Is it safer to ship my bow by courier instead of flying with it?
Sometimes, yes. If your bow is extremely valuable or fragile, shipping with a trusted courier can reduce the risk of damage and avoid airline baggage restrictions. - Can I take a bow disassembled in a carry-on if it fits?
No. The TSA rules treat bows as weapons, even disassembled. All bows must go in checked baggage, regardless of size. - Can I pack multiple bows in one case?
Yes, if your case is sturdy and have enough space. Jut make sure each bow is padded separately so they don’t rub or snap during handling. - Can I use a travel bow bag for both bow and accessories?
Yes, Some travel-specific archery bags have compartments for bow, arrows, and accessories. Just make sure each item is well-padded and the case is durable enough for luggage handling.
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