Author Topic: Flying American and luggage policy... (Read 3180 times)

WSUstroker · « **on:** March 01, 2006, 07:49:23 AM »

I'll be flying American down to Corpus Christi this year and wondered if this was possible. According to their luggage policy here https://www.aa.com/content/travelInformation/baggage/carryOnAllowance.jhtml#Personal%20Items I'm allowed to check 2 bags, with 1 carry-on and 1 personal item. If I check my luggage back and a 3 ball roller (only 2 balls inside to keep under 50 lbs) and take a 2 ball tote as my carry-on (it says 40lbs limit on carry-on) and my personal item would be my laptop bag. Has anyone that has flown AA had a problem taking bowling balls as a carry-on? Thanks in advance.
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Dan Chambers
Winona State University Bowling
http://www.allbowling.com/journal/public.php?uid=832&leagueid=289

charlest · « **Reply #1 on:** March 01, 2006, 05:21:26 PM »

3 ball bag is ALWAYS a bad idea, solely because I've seen too many airlines turn it down. Strongly suggest 2 two-ball bags. much easier to handle, more balls as an option at the tournament, less damage to the ball bags, etc, etc.

Many airlines will not allow any bowling balls as a carry-on since they can't be put under most seats and they're far too dangerous to be put into the overhead compartments. YOu risk them not allowing it on the outgoing or the incoming flight.

caution recommended!
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"...for advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise...."
J. R. R. Tolkien

mumzie · « **Reply #2 on:** March 01, 2006, 06:23:43 PM »

The airlines I've tried won't allow bowling balls on board any more. A double tote will fit under a seat ok, if you can get it through security.

How about checking 2 double bags, and carrying on your clothes and your lap top? You can always ship a ball or two - just pack the extra tote in your luggage.
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MI 2 AZ · « **Reply #3 on:** March 01, 2006, 06:51:22 PM »

Most airlines will allow you to substitute a 2-ball bowling bag for one piece of luggage. What I usually do is check two 2-ball bags (or a four ball roller broken down) and take an old 2-ball bag with my clothes and bowling shoes as carry-on. Since it has softer items like clothes, it can be fitted under the seat with no problem. If you decide to ship any extra balls, you will have an extra 2-ball bag with you.
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________________________________________

I am the SGT Schultz of bowling.
"I know nothing! I see nothing! NOTHING!"
_________________________________________
I just want 2C was'zzub.

charlest · « **Reply #4 on:** March 01, 2006, 07:31:55 PM »

quote:
... and take an old 2-ball bag with my clothes and bowling shoes as carry-on. Since it has softer items like clothes, it can be fitted under the seat with no problem. ________________________________________

I am the SGT Schultz of bowling.
"I know nothing! I see nothing! NOTHING!"
_________________________________________
I just want 2C was'zzub.

Ah, yesssssssssss!!!!!

I never check in my bowling shoes; they are much harder to replace than a ball (Do take your hand/drilling specs, pitches and spans, with you also). I ALWAYS hand carry my shoes with me.

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"...for advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise...."
J. R. R. Tolkien

WSUstroker · « **Reply #5 on:** March 01, 2006, 07:56:25 PM »

The last 3 years I have gone I have carried my shoes in my luggage. As for the other balls, I've got an alternative. My mom is going along on this trip and she isn't bowling, but she's checking in a 2 ball tote. Hooray for non-bowlers!
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Dan Chambers
Winona State University Bowling
http://www.allbowling.com/journal/public.php?uid=832&leagueid=289

medang · « **Reply #6 on:** March 02, 2006, 07:36:05 AM »

There have been posts on the usbc tournament forum that people have flown in carrying on a tote but leaving corpus cristi they are not allowing carry on of bowling balls. they say people have been tossing them in the trash rather than go back through checkin.

michelle · « **Reply #7 on:** March 02, 2006, 08:02:10 AM »

I posted about the airport TSA idiots a few months ago...I was able to fly out of Austin with the two-ball tote but the indecisive people at Newark had to hold a mini-TSA convention before deciding that the tote needed to be checked.

The equipment help up OK, but I was glad I had opted not to take the tote with equipment pocket.

ThongPrincess · « **Reply #8 on:** March 02, 2006, 04:32:40 PM »

My only advice about flying American is if it has a retractable handle, tie it down. Flying from Dallas to Baton Rouge, they lifted the bag by the handle and couldn't figure out how to lower it. They put it on the conveyer up to the plane and 6 feet or more off the ground it cam flying off to the concrete below. Luckily none of the equipment was damaged but the wheels on the bag were trashed.

I've flown United and Southwest and never had a problem and nothing damaged.
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"I cannot change the direction of the wind but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination." Jimmy Dean

Troyboy · « **Reply #9 on:** March 02, 2006, 08:50:18 PM »

Just as a forewarning to everyone flying down here, please verify that you have plenty of time from when your flight arrives corpus to the time you have to bowl.... There have been numourus people missing their bowling times because of lost luggage (bowling balls) at the airport.

Just a heads up.
Troy

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Proud Member of the FOS

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rackattack · « **Reply #10 on:** March 03, 2006, 08:01:54 AM »

I checked a three ball roller with two balls in it and put a third ball in my other suit case with no problem.
There is a limit to the size plane that can fly into Corpus Cristi so the carry on idea may pose a problem.American has a policy that you may check in larger carry- ons at the gate(you tag it and leave it on the ramp just before you enter the plane and retrieve it same place after the flight).

Nobody tried to take any balls through security while I was there so I don't know if that will be a problem.Best to check the equipment and gate check the clothing.The last two years I carried a two ball tote on the plane but shipped them this year so I don't know if policy changed with security.

If your only taking three my method worked without a hitch.No damage to balls,bag,or luggage.If you are considering more my advice is to ship them to the arena and pay the $30-$80 charge.The people who run the the ball express go out of their way to be helpfull.

By the way the shipping service accepts all packages not just balls, so another way would be to ship your clothes to save shipping,check two two-ball totes and carry-on your bowling shoes and personal items.The handling fees the express center charges are based on package weight so this would be the most cost effective way to get four balls there without a large carry-on.

This year I took 4 balls and a spare and used them all especially the spare.
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President and CEO Visionite Stormy Buzzwick LTD

Edited on 3/3/2006 8:52 AM

Author Topic: Flying American and luggage policy... (Read 3180 times)

WSUstroker

Flying American and luggage policy...

charlest

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mumzie

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MI 2 AZ

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charlest

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WSUstroker

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medang

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michelle

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ThongPrincess

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Troyboy

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rackattack

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