Does everyone plan on checking in their bowling equipment
as luggage, or other transportation. All i've heard about
is how the airlines only let you check in 2 pieces of
luggage, and if it is over 50# they charge you. And also
heard that bowling bags were damaged. I plan on splitting
my 4 ball bag into 2 and checking it in that way.

In everybody's honest opinion, would this be wise to do?
I'm flying Southwest and i heard each ticketed person will
be allowed 3 pieces.

While I think i'll be fine getting my equipment their, what
is the reno restrictions on the way home.
So, what i'm asking is, what would be the best way of shipping
my bowling balls?

Right from SW's site;

Baggage Allowance: For each ticketed Customer, Southwest allows three (3) checked pieces with size limitations for each individual piece.

Excess Baggage: Excess baggage will be charged at the rate of $50.00 each for the first (1st) through the ninth (9th) extra bag and $110.00 for each piece checked thereafter.

Weight and Size Allowance: Maximum weight is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height) per checked piece of luggage. Effective March 1, 2005, overweight items from 51 to 70 pounds will be accepted for a charge of $25.00 per item. Items weighing from 71 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches (i.e., surfboards, bicycles, vaulting poles) will be accepted for a charge of $50.00 per item. Any item weighing more than 100 pounds must be shipped as Air Cargo. However, Customers cannot use SWA Cargo unless classified as a Known Shipper as defined by the FAA or FAA approved Indirect Air Carriers (IAC). For all Cargo inquires please call the Cargo Sales and Service Center at 1-800-533-1222.

And link;

http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/baggage.html
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3 holes of fun!!

On my first trip to Reno 3 yrs ago, I checked a 3 ball roller.  When I picked it up through the baggage claim, the rather thick plastic base (where the ball cups were molded) was split right down the middle.  I'm not sure how hard you would have to hit/drop something to do that (as the plastic is quite thick), but WOW.  Last year on the way home from Corpus Christi, the airlines destroyed another bag... Two of the zippers from my Ebonite 3-ball roller were M.I.A. and the side pouch had a large cut across the one end and was nearly ripped opened.

This year, there is no way I'm checking my equipment through the airport.  I figure that I will ship two balls (a spare and my most comfortable med-heavy oil ball) and buy a couple more while I'm there.

S^2
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I shipped some out to TX last year utilizing their Bowling Ball Express service (which works great IMHO).  I then took two balls and my shoes with me on the plane (league night was too close to leaving not to).
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-Chris: DJ's Pro Shop : Auburn, MA

Personal experience.  I travel quite a bit with bowling equipment.  I have had zero problems with Southwest.  I take my 4 ball roller and break it down to two pieces, no excess baggage fees and I can also check my luggage.  I just flew to Reno in January for the ProAm and no problems either at LAX or RNO with Southwest.

United has also been problem free.  I check the bowling equipment the same as with Southwest.  I carry on my luggage, which is more of a pain today, but was not the last time I flew United.

American was the only airlines that damaged my equipment.  I will never fly American with bowling equipment unless they are the only option.  I watched as the bottom part of my 4 ball roller was placed on the conveyer with the handle up.  It got to at least 6 feet off the tarmac and fell to the ground.  The axel was bent and the roller was no longer a roller.

This year I will be using the BowlingBall Express since I will be flying to Vegas for my Bronze certification and the coaching conference, then to Reno, and back to Vegas for Bowl Expo.  I don't need to be lugging bowling equipment all over the place.
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"I cannot change the direction of the wind but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination." Jimmy Dean
http://www.allbowling.com/journal/public.php?uid=156&leagueid=53


Edited on 2/6/2007 2:22 AM