Packing Tips for Air Travel with Show Clothes

[Merry_Fox]

I’ve done several searches on traveling by plane with your show kit (especially the whips, spurs and helmets) but I’m looking for a few practical tips on packing a single piece of checked luggage (average sized suitcase) and a handheld (non-rolling) carry on. I can pack the helmet in the hand luggage without a problem and I’m not taking a whip but what do you suggest for the following:

1. Boots–wrap in garbage bags? Do you stuff them with other clothes to save space? Wear them?

2. Coat, breeches, shirt, etc.–any special folding or transport tips?

3. Return trip - did you clean everything before you came home? Pack dirty kit and gear into plastic bags?

This will most likely be a cold, wet trip later in December and I’m trying to figure out how the essential riding gear plus all the regular clothes and layers can fit without checking extra bags!

[JER]

This much I know: do not check anything that you’ll be needing within 72 hours of landing.

If your bag doesn’t arrive at your destination with you, it might take some time for it to be rerouted and delivered.

I’ve had this happen to me a couple of times in sports competitions. This summer, my bags didn’t make it to Toronto for our pentathlon nationals. Because riding was held on the first day, I had to borrow what I could and then buy replacements (courtesy of United, but still a major hassle) en route to the venue. By the time my bag arrived much later, I’d managed to line up borrowed equipment for fencing, shooting, swimming and running – which, thankfully, I didn’t have to do.

The other time was when I was going to a pistol competition. Pistols – even when not rated as firearms – cannot be carried as carry-on, presumably because the airline fears it will result in carrion. So you check your valuable, customized pistol and hope for the best. When it doesn’t arrive, you panic. Fortunately, it arrived the next morning on the first flight in.

If you need to carry-on your helmet and boots, strap your helmet to the outside of your actual carry-on. Put the boots in a tall shopping bag, or, if you’re severely overloaded, wear your boots. I’ve never done this, but have friends who have.

[Merry_Fox]

Thanks JER; this is what I was looking for in terms when to use caution and not have faith in the airlines. My trip will be during the holiday rush period and while I can buy replacement “normal” clothes the boots, breeches, coat are a big deal.

Out of curiosity has anyone ever taken your riding clothes and hung them all on one hanger in a garment bag with your boots tucked into the bottom of the bag and carried it on that way? Pros/Cons? Did the airline offer to hang your bag during the flight?

[KayBee]

[QUOTE=Merry Fox;7845270]
Thanks JER; this is what I was looking for in terms when to use caution and not have faith in the airlines. My trip will be during the holiday rush period and while I can buy replacement “normal” clothes the boots, breeches, coat are a big deal.

Out of curiosity has anyone ever taken your riding clothes and hung them all on one hanger in a garment bag with your boots tucked into the bottom of the bag and carried it on that way? Pros/Cons? Did the airline offer to hang your bag during the flight?[/QUOTE]

Generally garment bags are laid across others luggage in the luggage bins (if there’s room). Some airlines do have minimal space for hanging items, but I wouldn’t count on it.

You’re generally allowed one “personal” item (your handbag), plus one carry-on. I’ve used a large messenger bag as my handbag, and I’ve seen others use a knapsack. So long as either of these can be shoved under the seat, it may solve your problem.

If you decide to use a rolling bag and not a garment bag, you can fold your blazer using tissue paper or a towel, to prevent wrinkles. Then hang it in the bathroom when you shower and the seam can help to knock additional wrinkles out.

[Hilary]

When I went hunting in Ireland I was able to pack two of everything (except the helmet) in my regular sized suitcase. Yes, you stuff the boots with socks and underwear, and your stock tie and the boot pulls! I put a plastic bag over the feet to keep the dirt contained. the polish did not seem to rub off on anything.

I didn’t have a lot of space for other stuff, but I didn’t need many other clothes. (I brought 2 of everything b/c it was so wet and it needed more than 1 day to dry out). I wasn’t all that concerned about wrinkles, and just hung the jackets up when I arrived.

[asterix]

Are you absolutely sure you will need your coat? Are you competing in events lasting more than one day?

[Wonders12]

I have an Ariat garmet bag (similar to the one below) that I have used while flying, although not for show clothes.

http://www.doversaddlery.com/ariat-garment-bag/p/X1-33284/

It has handles on the top and bottom so you can carry it in half, but once it has hangers in it, I fold it in half, loop the bottom handle over the hangers, and just carry it by the hangers (folded in half). I’m not sure if my boots would fit in there folded, but if they did, this is definitely how I would travel with my show clothes. Yes, your stuff is folded in half, but it’s not creased like if it’s stored in luggage. You can probably make this work with almost any garment back with the addition of a handle on the bottom.

The nice thing about a garment bag is once you have your big suitcase, you just hang it on that and wheel both around. Don’t forget you also have a carry on for under your seat. You could use this for your helmet, but I don’t know that boots would fit. When in doubt, wear them. You can always pack some sandals or slippers in your carry-on and then switch on the plane if it’s a long flight.

[scubed]

Where are you staying when you get there? I’ve had good luck with FEDEXing stuff to where I am going to be. As far as carrying on. I carefully roll my show clothes (my jacket is wool, but I have a technical shirt) and they have been fine. I put my boots in the bottom of my bag (clean). I have found that a duffle often works better than the traditional roller bag.

[findeight]

Many domestic airplane types don’t have closets or have only a small one with first class coats and disability assistance items having priority. Bigger airplanes will have bigger closets, might even have one for coach, big being a relative term

Fold it in half and carry it on, get on as soon as your zone/group/number is called, put it overhead. Consider shipping them ahead if you have a contact-not a hotel you have not checked into yet(another way they go astray). Shipping them home is easier.

Despite the horror stories, most major airlines have digitized the baggage tracking including putting a bar code on the tag and receipt and letting you track it yourself. Not mis connecting nearly as many these days. I still would not check anything needed immediately after arrival. Try for a non stop flight ( not a direct flight that might stop 3 times), avoid connecting at big hubs, especially in bad weather, if you do check.

[Right_on_Target]

Just a note about coats in overhead bins…someone will happily crush it with their bag as they try to jam it in. I would put it in last or keep it with you if you are carrying on.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

As someone who travels a bit for work…make sure you pay the extra for preferred seating. The airlines really pack people on now and it is VERY common that the bins fill and you may be made to check your carryon. So you want to be early on. Now that said, your carryon should be put right on the plane just make sure that you don’t volunteer to give it up sooner.

I have a good carryon and would just clean my boots and put them in with my hat. I’m a tight enough packer that I bet I could get it all in my carry on. I would wear my rain coat. Clean what I could for the way home, rest in garbage bags and pack.

my jacket is fabric that doesn’t wrinkle but if you roll things and do not fold they typically do not wrinkle.

[findeight]

YES on the preferred seating, economy comfort or whatever they call it. Even Southwest offers it. It’s really cheap considering, like, 19 to 60 or so depending on how long the flight is. Worth it to get on with the first few zones/groups called. Get waited on first too, before they sell out of what you wanted.

[Merry_Fox]

Very good suggestions on the seating. I travel for work as well so I am very familiar with full bins and aggressive travelers. My biggest fear, as someone mentioned above, is that if I check something it will go astray and not arrive for a few days.

[In1]

Oh Goodness - do not wear the boots! Can you imagine having ti get them on/off for a security scan?!

[Tiffani_B]

I have actually shipped stuff via UPS or FedEx. That way I KNOW it is there and I don’t have to worry about it getting lost or wrecked. Sending a box via 2 day air isn’t that expensive and is MUCH cheaper than replacing gear (or even just dealing with the stress!).

I’ve even shipped my saddle since I absolutely refuse to let the airlines check it.

As for packing, I always bring a mini iron and a mini steamer to help get the wrinkles out. I don’t clean anything before I come home, since I know and trust my cleaner. And again - if it’s lost by the cleaners, you’ll have a much harder time dealing with them from afar.

[Merry_Fox]

In_, I can just picture myself at the security check point with my garment bag, purse and helmet in hand while wearing my boots and probably carrying rain gear that wouldn’t fit into the bag. Then after all the effort I’ll get to the gate and they will tell me I’m over my item limit so I’ll have to put on the rain gear and helmet so I can board while carrying my purse and suitcase. I’ll have to post a picture of that one…

[gully_s_pilot]

How is your horse getting there? In the past I’ve put all my show gear into a duffel and sent it with the horse–worked fine.

[KayBee]

And COTH just served up a suitcase-for-the-rider ad.

I kind of want it…

http://www.equishop.com/en/others/3943-nico-rider-suitcase.html

kb

[aurorag16]

What about something like this:
http://www.doversaddlery.com/dover's-gear-bag/p/X1-33258/#ProductTabs

Place for boots, helmet, spurs, gloves, etc. on outside, and garment bag inside…sounds like a win/win.

Without buying anything special, when I traveled with all my gear except for a show coat, I brought a carry-on size rolling suitcase, with tall boots in grocery bags, and clothes, and a backpack that held personal stuff, gloves, spurs, and my helmet (with things stuffed inside it). I was on a small plane and checked my rolling suitcase at the gate and carried on my backpack. I actually wore paddock boots to travel in because what could be easier for security than zip up shoes!

[findeight]

Careful, neither of these bags linked to appears to be carry on size. The black fiberglass one is 65cm.x 40cm, translates to almost 26"x 15". The 15" is fine, the almost 26" is a couple of inches too high and anything 24" or up is not considered carry on. That one is higher then the bins are deep (they are typically 22-24" deep) needs to go sideways taking up room for at least 2, maybe 3 bags wheels or handles first. There is no claim it is carry on size either.

The fold over garment bag from Dover does not list measurements. No claims are made and none of the reviews refer to air travel.