No offense to anyone, why not use BBE and ship your equipment and not worry about taking it on the plane. I have used them the last few times I had to fly and had nothing but a great experience. In fact, last year, I had to ship my stuff overnight, since I went out earlier then normal and was still bowling in my winter league. It cost a lot but it was worth it. It arrived like a day or two late, and BBE didn't charge me a penny. Just for that I will use them everytime I go somewhere I have to fly.
Think of it this way, one overweight or extra basg fee would pay to ship all your stuff out from anywhere in the lower 48 with BBE.
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Jorge300