Have you ever tried to fly with rowing equipment? Grant Craies took crews to race in China and (despite checking ahead) the airline changed the aeroplane. The sweep oars wouldn't fit in the hold. The 'helpful' flight attendant suggested cutting them in half. They got home eventually with all the oars.
Many airlines will transport personal sporting equipment. If you do want to fly with oars be aware most airlines limit length to 3 meters. Pack alternate oars end-to-end for compact space usage (many charge by volumetric space), take off the buttons and remove handles so they pack tighter; wrap the spoons in bubble wrap and hard cardboard. Concept2 sell a rugged scull transport case.
When you book, the ticket usually says what type of plane you will be in. So pre-book as specialised / outsize baggage. And I recommend marking the box "Rowing Oars" and "Fragile, top load only".
Rowing electronics on a plane
COXIES! When you travel by plane, do you put your cox box in a checked bag or take it with you as a carry on?
I’ve done checked bag before, but I’m worried about luggage delays/lost but I’m nervous about TSA because the box looks crazy. Heading to HOCR!
UPDATE: made it through TSA, no questions asked! Here's the full discussion on Facebook.
Has anyone flown ergs in oversize baggage? Any advice?
Yes. The original packaging is just within the size limits for a bicycle case and the whole lot is inside the weight limit. Concept2 sell the packaging if you haven’t kept yours. I put a couple of ties round it to help lifting etc. we’ve taken ours from UK to Lanzarote on Jet2 twice.
Concept2 definitely sell box and packaging. Alternatively if you could find someone or a gym who has bought one recently you could “borrow “ theirs?
Here's the full discussion on Facebook.
