BallReviews
General Category => Miscellaneous => Topic started by: averagebowler on October 26, 2014, 05:30:53 PM
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Hey guys, I'm definitely taking the plane to EL PASO, TEXAS for 2015 OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP. I'm just taking two balls with me IQ FUSION AND IQ TOUR PEARL. My question is am i allowed to bring the sliding powder and resin with me in a carry on? I'm planning to carry both balls as a carry on. I don't want to be mistaken as something else (sliding powder and resin)
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I fly every year, never had a problem with any powders being mistaken. Liquids, well that gets more interesting... in the end result though, the TSA agent has always the potential of shaking things up, but I really don't think you need to worry.
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thanks lefty50, I flew once before but i checked my stuff in. I"m suprise my stuff wasn't damaged or anything. I'm just curious about it. Since this will be my first time traveling by plane with bowling balls as a carry on. What about that tape gadget, the one you use to put tape? I guess having scissors is out of the question ha? I guess i have to leave those behind.
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In checked baggage, you're in good shape, including scissors. The main trick is the actual carrying on of bowling balls. I've heard stories of people stopped because the xray device can't see into the ball. Never happened to me, but I actually started using Bowling Ball Express because of that. You do take a chance checking bags and equipment for sure.
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Oh ok. How many bowling balls do you bring with you normally?
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The biggest risk I see, besides attempting to carry-on bowling balls, is choosing what equipment you are going to take without seeing the patterns.
IMO, check your equipment it will be fine and you won't have to leave any accessories behind either.
At last years Nationals, I took 4 balls (3 + plastic). I flew SWA and checked 2 bags: a 3 ball roller with 2 balls in it and a 2 ball duffle with 2 balls. I pack my clothes and all other items, between those 2 bags and a backpack carry-on.
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Each airline has their own set of rules, therefore you should check and look on their website. Weight is a big concern with most airlines and you should be ok with two ball bag. Weight limit can come into play if you check it in. the last time I flew to Reno I was unable to carry on any bowling ball because they said the balls could not be X-rayed. The airline also managed to break one wheel off of a roller bag, on the trip to Reno. The airline will not pay for any damages. Everybody is different, but when I go again I will ship to the bowling stadium.
jodyk24
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Look into Greyhound, no pesky TSA agents, so it's all allowed. Cheap rates and you can take extra bags for a low rate that you know it will be there when you arrive.
And don't forget the chance of having very interesting travel mates. :o ;D ;D
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jodyk24 i'll take a look at it for sure.
milorafferty greyhound? heck no hahahaha. I didn't like it at all when my brother and i took the greyhound just to go san francisco. i'm not gonna do that again. I did mention to my buddy about taking the train from los angeles to el paso but when i saw how long its gonna take 16-17 hours? that kind changed my mind about traveling hahahaha. thats why i was looking at taking the plane.
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Leave the sliding powder at home. You can't use it at Nationals.
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TSA has no rules that would keep bowling balls off a plane but some airlines might.Bowling balls can be x-rayed but many cores are so dense they would require additional screening. No limits on the size of powders but could also require extra screening depending on certain factors. Liquids limited to 3.4 ounces with the quantity to fit in a quart size bag.
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thanks guys ill keep those in mind.
i wonder if most pros have any problems traveling in planes? like going to vegas for wsob. i'm not sure if most travel by car? do they?
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They walk to the gate and get on the plane. Nobody that flies more than once a year to bowl takes bowling balls as carry on.
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Havent flown to a tournament for years, but even before 9-11 it was difficult, if not impossible to carry on balls. If I was flying today, I would ship balls. Definitely wouldn't go to a big tourney without 3 balls plus a urethane.
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ive had to fly to vegas a few times for college tournaments and we never had a problem carrying on double totes. some of the tsa guys would give us funny looks as they went through the xray and did there little field tests on the cover but never came close to making us go back and check them. same thing with triple totes. 3-15s in a vise triple tote came in at 48.5-49 so they were cursing us that a team of college kids each had one but again....never had a problem other than broken zippers from getting tossed around
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for those of you guys who ship your stuff, have you ever gotten your bowling balls undamage or lost?
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Most of the major airports and TSA these days are used to seeing bowling balls as carry ons. Now immediately after 9/11, that was a bit of a different story.
Worst case, your bowling balls are swabbed for bomb material and takes an extra 5 mins thru security. Now I wouldn't be running late for your flight and appear to be in a rush and have bowling balls. Then TSA may take an extended look through everything.
And last year I flew American from DFW to Reno. My 3 ball tote was 51.5. Usually DFW lets it through but Reno will want to charge me for over-weight on the return flight and I will have a ball box in my suitcase and just shift clothes around to the tote and put a ball in the box in my suitcase. Last year, Reno was even nice and didn't say a word to me at 51.5.
I have heard of people who have had issues with TSA coming from smaller airports that will question the bowling balls and may give you some grief and delay you 15-20 mins but eventually you get through.
With El Paso, Southwest Airlines can be an option for some people and they still offer the 2 bags free which bowlers love.
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Thanks txbowler, i was looking at SWA to book my flight. If i have to carry two bowling balls as a carry on. I'll make sure to go to the airport really early just in case if TSA have to check everything carefully. I just hate having to rush to the gate cause of the delay. Thats the one thing i hate the most is to rush. I don't mind waiting as long as i have plenty of time going somewhere.
Thanks everyone for your input. All the tips really help me plan and look at some strategy on traveling with bowling balls. I really can't wait to go back to bowl at nationals especiallly going to EL PASO. I've only been to reno. I think this will be my 2 times? hahaha. I also can't wait when it goes to vegas. Its going to be an easy trip only 4 hours away hahahaha.
For those who are going next year whats your schedule? I think my schedule will be April 17-18 thats how much i know about my schedule for now i'm not sure the time though.
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Worst case, your bowling balls are swabbed for bomb material and takes an extra 5 mins thru security.
That's exactly how TSA handled my carry-on when I went to Baton Rouge. I carried a two ball bag and the X-ray can't see what there other than just two round objects. It took at most 5 minutes extra.
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I completely understand with all the safety precaution. We all can't help it. Its not everyday all bowlers travel with their bowling balls with them in the airport. I guess with the OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP its the only time we all get to travel from all of over the place to bowl in the same place.