when you're travelling (by plane of coz) where do you put ur "precious" rackets? in a suitcase? in ur "yonex badminton bag" then put it in ur suitcase? I've noticed that you can't hand carry rackets to the plane now as they say it's a weapon. So, what is the best way to keep ur rackets safe while travelling?

I had this problem some years ago, returning from malaysia with some new rackets.
Somehow malaysians can relate to this problem 'cause they love badminton - like me - and they passed it as handlugage...hurra!
My best advice to you would be to explain your situation and just how fragile a badminton racket is.
Best of luck!

The last tournament i flew overseas for was my SEASAC tournament held in Bangkok. I had 3 rackets with me in my normal 2 compartment Finnex bag. What i did was i took out some of the clothes and put them into my other bag and hand carried my racket bag. I was afraid that the stuff my be mishandled as the rackets may have been damaged in the baggage compartment in the plane.

Oh yah, if your like me a carry a pair of scissors in there to cut broken strings, PLS remember to take them out. With the airport staff in the Singapore airport amongst the others have really stepped up sercurity since Sep 11th. So remember to remove them ;)

I brought back some badminton rackets from HK last week. The airplane security guards wouldn't let me carry them, but they kept them for me during the flight, and I got them back after I got off the plane. Just tell them the badminton rackets are fragile and they will take good care of them.

Fourcas, i think your are lucky in that case because maybe the baggage checker understand badminton. I doubt it could be repeated other airports. Also you said it was years ago. After Sep 11, things changed. I my case, i called ahead to ask they all refuse me to carry badminton racquet on board. This airline also has a 22" limit for carry on where as typical badminton racquet is 26 to 26.5 inches long.

Hi all. :) I'll be traveling back to HK soon. I was thinking about packing my racquets(2) in one of my suitcases. Clothes on the bottom and rackets in the middle and clothes on top. Have anyone done this before? I'm traveling by JAL heading to Chicago-Japan-HK. Is there any restrictions with bringing along racquets in suitcases or in racquet bags? The luggage will leave Toronto, Canada with no problem and heading to Chicago. I switch planes and luggage is transferred over to plane heading to Japan. I will stay in Japan for two days. That is my first concern. I have to retrieve my luggage in Japan. I'm afraid they might check my luggage and take my racquets away. If I get passed Japan then next stop is my final destination, HK. Anybody recently have problems bringing in racquets to HK? Hope fellow BCer's can help. Thanks in advance. :)

i had no problem last time i played at boston open. i carried my racquet as my carry on luggage. i was afraid that they might break mine. but my friends checked thier racquets in and had no problem. hope this help.:)

Originally posted by Chu Pa
Hi all. :) I'll be traveling back to HK soon. I was thinking about packing my racquets(2) in one of my suitcases. Clothes on the bottom and rackets in the middle and clothes on top. Have anyone done this before?

I done that before. The racquets survived.
Perhaps you could ask the cabin crew to store the racquet for you on board as they could be 'dangerous weapons' (Kwun's experience).

I guess the best answer is to leave the racquets and buy new ones in Japan and in HK.:p

I've travelled a few times with racquets inside my suitcase. I used the hard shell ones - Samsonite and placed my racquets between my clothes. They always arrived in one piece.

I think you shouldn't have any problems if the racquets are in your luggage but if they are your carry-on, there might be issues.

On the news tonight, they said that Transport Canada just released a list (of over 100) of items not allowed as carry on which included tennis racquets and golf clubs (I would assumed that badminton racquets are included).

I know that pre-9/11, I had no problem with my racquets in my carry-on.

hardshell suitcase is what i used when i went to HK last month. i had my rackets in my racket bag, and then put the bag in the suitcase. not a scratch!

good luck, just don't stuff too many book ( :) ) or other heavy stuff with it.

Last year when I came back from HK(pre 9/11), I had no problem with bringing racquets as carry-on baggage. Customs people didn't ask or look in my carry-on. I talked to a friend on Tuesday about bringing back racquets as carry-on. He came back from Shanghai on vacation with one racquet. Customs at Shanghai didn't have a problem with him bringing it back to Toronto. When he got to Vancouver he had problems. They wanted to take the racquet away but my friend refused to give it up. They had two security people escort him into the plane and made sure the racquet stayed with the flight attendants. I think it is overkill escorting passengers on board if they carry racquets or any sporting equipment. Definitely, storing in suitcase is the better choice with less hassle. Cheung, wish I had the money to buy JP versions in Japan. :) I'll stick to my current racquets for now. I will buy more racquets in the future while I am in HK. Want to improve my backhand and smash first. Thanks everyone for your input. :)

Chu Pa, I suggest you take out a loan for those JP racquets:)

Hey you won't have a problem. I travelled to malaysia and back to toronto with carry-on badminton racquets and there was no problem what so ever. I travelled via SIA and Air Canada. :). You just have to make sure your racquets are not bigger than your permitted carry-on size luggage. Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Nick

i just travelled from San Jose to San Diego, the only bag i have is my racket bag. my bag is pretty big, larger than the normal 6 racket ones that yonex offers. but smaller than the tournament bag (the rectagular one). anyway, when i checked in, i asked the hostess if that would be permitted, she said, "sure."

and i went through securities with a squash racket and 3 badminton ones with no problems at all. i had the squash racket in there for support in case they force me to have it checked in...

To be specific i had 6 racquets in my racquet bag which included shirts, shorts, racquet cases and a bunch of other stuff :). You shouldn't have a problem.

Cheers,
Nick

Originally posted by Cheung
Chu Pa, I suggest you take out a loan for those JP racquets:)

I know the JP and CP/CN racquets are good. I've used MP100 CP and definitely a more durable racquet. Hopefully, I can get my hands on a MP90 in the near future when I arrive in HK. :)

Started to pack over the weekend. Definitely, not an easy task when you try to pack everything you need in two suitcases for a permanent stay. :) In addition, friends and family telling me to bring this and that to people in HK, I have no space for myself!!!! Let alone racquets. :( I don't think I can take my backpack and racquet bag as carry-on luggage. Somebody verify if I can take bot racquet bag and backpack as carry-on? Thanks in advance.

It depends which class your riding on. If your first class then i'm sure you can take 2 pieces of carry on however if your economy you can only carry one piece of carry on. I would suggest getting a tour sized badminton bag to carry your back pack stuff. I hope this helps.

Cheers,
Nick

Please be aware that Canadian authorities have very recently advised that all kinds of sports racquettes CANNOT be carried on to the aircraft as hand luggage or as part of hand luggage . I understand that this applies across Canada .
What are the regulations in the U.S.A. , or elsewere , I don't know . A Montrealer

I recently took a trip to malaysia and i did not have a problem travelling with my badminton racquets to and from malaysia.

Nick

the rules for US is a bit more relaxed now (at least for SouthWest Airlines).

i opened up a overhead compartment, and saw someone had a tennis racket in there, no bags or anything.

ps. ok, we all know that badminton rackets are more offensive than those slow and clumsy tennis rackets. but we aren't telling the air hostess that.. :)

I'm sure some of you travel and bring your badminton stuffs along. How many of you handcarry your badminton bag or have it check in?

Hand carry!!!!

Have you seen how airport staff treat baggage?

a couple of relevant threads here:

http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6976&highlight=luggage

http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2651&highlight=luggage

not sure where you are going ants, but in the US, they recently tighten the security at airports so i doubt we can bring racket onboard anymore.

Originally posted by kwun
not sure where you are going ants, but in the US, they recently tighten the security at airports so i doubt we can bring racket onboard anymore.

same in canada, perhaps not so as much as the US. But overall, I would prefer to hand carry my bag if that were an available option

Originally posted by yonexfanatic
same in canada, perhaps not so as much as the US. But overall, I would prefer to hand carry my bag if that were an available option

I can confirm this. My new Ti-10 was denied carry-on status in Vancouver, and went through check-in naked! Amazingly, it survived.

I can understand that most of the residents in US or Canada may have to check in their Badminton Stuffs due to security reason. In this part of the world , i don't think we have problem hand carrying our badminton stuff on board the plane unless our badminton bag is too big!

I'm asking to find out weather we still have our badminton stuffs check in or hand carry. Maybe we should ask JR weather he check in his stuffs or hand carry when he go on tour for tournaments.

Hand Carry!
I just hand carried mine(7 rackets) in September without any problem.

Since I'll be going back to Taiwan this summer and might be buying some racquets, I just want to ask you people (specially bluejeff) how do you bring them back?

I was thinking about using my racquet bag as my carry-on but I'm afraid that it might not fit in that stupid overhead compartment bin size tester they have at the airport.

do a search, there are old threads on this

1. Major airlines will tell you racket bag will NOT be permitted as carry on items. They did list tennis and racket ball rackets to be NONONO in their rule books, and badminton will be treated as the same. (yeah, I did call them). Of course, many times u can get away from it, if the security guards don't bother to argue with you. However, if they do (as strictly following their rule book), and u already sent away ur check-in(s), then, u r in trouble.

2. If u carry way too many, u might be charged with import tax as they think u r doing business. I don't know how bluejeff get away with it, but I would rather consider it's as a lucky case.

3. If u just have 2-3 rackets, and want to put it the check-in luggage, make sure use as much soft blankets, jackets, sheets to wrap them up, and use extra carbon board to support the luggage surfaces (interior). Consider over-stuff the luggage and sandwich the racket in the middle. This way, the bag works as a protective "shield" for the rackets. I used this method to bring my rackets to vancouver on my vacation, and everything seems fine.

4. None of the methods coudl be 100% guarantee to be duty (tax) or damage free. Therefore, it's ur own risk to shop abroad. :cool:

If it is only 2 or 3 racquets, and they can fit into the same racquet cover, in most cases if you do not have excessive hand luggage, they will let you take it on board. You can put it under your seat, if it does not fit.

I think it depends on if it is a short/long haul flight (depending on the size of the plane).

A full size racquet bag is most probably dissallowed, but this is at the discretion of the crew at check in. Officially, it is not allowed in the cabin.

An uncle of mine joked that he needed it with him, for protection against terrorist threats. I said, "are you going to challenge them to a game of badminton?"...

Which leads to, how many people have joined the 'Badminton mile high club?' as in playing badminton in the air? :D

When i returned from china in april (British airways) a group of people were carrying suitcases, and large holdalls onto the plane. They had obviousley stuffed all their heavy items into these as they could hardly move them!

One girl I saw had two holdall bags (about racket bag size) and a trolley type case towing behind her. They had more luggage than I had in total just on the plane.

The staff were still very helpful though and didnt seem to mind.

I guess the hong kong shops were too much temptation for them!

In relation to the thread I carried three rackets as handluggage no problem, and carried a further ten in the suitcase I checked in. I figured the suitcase wont be bending in half, and the rackets probably bend more when I play with them anyway ( http://www.badmintonforum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=15643&highlight=racket+bend )

I did have to putthem in the overhead locker when landing though, for safety reasons, but during the journey i was just stroking my new cab20!!

X rays will reveal metal with the racquets...the VERY BEST way is if your going with a group...bag one racquet in each bag...ive seen people tariffed for bringing a couple racquets over...try bringing 2 at a time...most bags will fit in the overhead compartment but if you ship it...LOCK EACH ZIPPER UP...

When i go i think im going to get one of my friends to bag one or two and i bag another few...either way airlines are geting smart and some ppl tax

I have been carrying racquets with me for more than 5 trips from US <-> Taiwan, and I don't see any problems with it so far. In fact, the security guards asked me if it's tennis racquets, and I said no, it's badminton. So, I thought maybe the tennis racquets are not allowed, and I asked him about it. He told me that, as long as the racquets doesn't have the sharp angles or heavy weights fronts (potentially weapons) , it is OK.
(Things like Golf will not be okey because that thing could be a weapon, I think if you use badminton racquets as the weapon, I think the racquet will be broken after one hit :p)


Here is the guidelines from NWA (North West) , and you can see neither tennis nor badminton racquets are restricted.

http://www.nwa.com/travel/tips/baggage.html

Oh, Yes, I use full size bags only. (I use Yonex 624 and 312) and it's fine.
Sure, you might say I am lucky, but I don't think so, since I asked them already. Also, You have to think about Pros. When they go to out-of-country tours, how do you think they take their racquets? They hand-carry them. Come-on people, we have seen photos of China Teams at the airports, and every one of them has a huge Yonex 6 racquets bag with them. Of course it's OK.

For your interests, I carry more than 10+ racquets with me most of the time. Sometimes even up to 30, and I never need to pay the damn tax to the US government because the rules says that the racquet is not a "Complete, sell-able item" if it's Unstrung, Used, or opened sealed. So, when I buy in new, I will not string it, if I string it, then I will use it myself (becomes->used).

I have read tons of articles couple years ago so I know how to deal with them.

Do any of you have problems carrying your rackets onto planes as hand luggage? I've always done it in the past and had no problems, but the last two trips I made from the UK to Asia, the check-in people took some convincing. It was only when I told them that the rackets would break if they were put in the hold and how much they cost that they agreed to let me carry them on (they tend to think of badminton rackets like tennis rackets).

I'm thinking it would be even harder in the US with their extra security.

Do any of you have problems carrying your rackets onto planes as hand luggage? I've always done it in the past and had no problems, but the last two trips I made from the UK to Asia, the check-in people took some convincing. It was only when I told them that the rackets would break if they were put in the hold and how much they cost that they agreed to let me carry them on (they tend to think of badminton rackets like tennis rackets).

I'm thinking it would be even harder in the US with their extra security.

Check this thread out... (http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2651)

:)

Some major airlines do list rackets (i.e. tennis) as "not allowed" to be carry on. To avoid all the hassel and argument, that's what I did when I had my trip to VAN: Put as much clothes (and even a pillow!) into the check in luggage as possible, and let my 4 rackets to be "sandwiched" in the middle. Prefer to use hard cover luggage. This way, the rackets should have a much better chance to survive during the trip. :)

I haven't had any problems travelling within the US nor from Japan
as I do travel quite a bit.

Didn't try from Europe to US, Canada to US either because I heard
from friends it's either very difficult.






Do any of you have problems carrying your rackets onto planes as hand luggage? I've always done it in the past and had no problems, but the last two trips I made from the UK to Asia, the check-in people took some convincing. It was only when I told them that the rackets would break if they were put in the hold and how much they cost that they agreed to let me carry them on (they tend to think of badminton rackets like tennis rackets).

I'm thinking it would be even harder in the US with their extra security.

Didn't I mention my story of 27 rackets with me on board? :D
(Gotta use "search" to dig it out :p)

Do any of you have problems carrying your rackets onto planes as hand luggage? I've always done it in the past and had no problems, but the last two trips I made from the UK to Asia, the check-in people took some convincing. It was only when I told them that the rackets would break if they were put in the hold and how much they cost that they agreed to let me carry them on (they tend to think of badminton rackets like tennis rackets).

I'm thinking it would be even harder in the US with their extra security.

Did you put them in racquet bags like the 3 bag ones or something. Was the size limit of the bag allowed? Just wondering did you keep the bag in the overhead compartment in the plane or did you ask the steward / stewardess to hold the racquets for you.

Didn't I mention my story of 27 rackets with me on board? :D
(Gotta use "search" to dig it out :p)
Where, bluejeff, where is that thread? ;)

Would love to read it!

Anna

When flying in US and Canada, the airlines are enforcing the rule on the maximum size of the carry-on luggage.
With one badminton racket, it just fits the carry-on size. However, if you are using the Black Knight Tournament bag and has 3-4 racquets in it, they will not let you carry it into the cabin.
You are better off to follow LazyBuddy's suggestion and use a hard luggage case (like a Samsonite).
I recently just flied from Saskatchewan to Alberta and Ontario, and the racquets were fine (when stored in a hard luggage case).

I've travelled on half a dozen internal flights in the US and never had a problem carrying my racquets onboard. I'm using a Black Knight tournament bag with the racquets in the middle section. I pack clothes in the two compartments either side but make sure its not too full so that I can still get it in an overhead locker. No one's stopped me yet....;)

Information from Cathay Pacific website:
http://www.cathay-usa.com/beforeyoufly/travelprep.asp


There have been recent enhancements to security measures at airports around the world. In light of these changes, the following information is designed to help you prepare for your trip. Your safety and security are priorities for Cathay Pacific Airways.

When packing your luggage:

It is recommended that passengers limit their carry-on luggage to one piece. The following items are now prohibited as carry-on and will be confiscated:
All knives
Any sharp and/or pointed objects
Replica or toy weapons
Corkscrews
Fireworks
Sporting equipment, such as golf clubs, hockey sticks, ski poles, squash and tennis racquets, ice skates, baseball bats and pool cues In addition, do not bring any wrapped packages.

Please be advised that you should always travel with photo identification and a passport is required for international flights and is recommended for U.S.-bound flights.

For more information, please visit the Transportation Security Administration web site.

All,

I'm working in Stockholm for a while and am due fly back to the UK for the weekend.

I was thinking about taking my badminton raquet back with me and putting it in my rucksack and taking it as hand-luggage.

I'm flying with ryanair and have been on their website. Sporting equipment they say you should be booked in (like golf clubs etc.) but nothing about smaller stuff esecially like raquets.

Has anybody had any experience with ryanair.

If so I might just by a half decent raquet out here and cargo it back to the UK when I come back.

Many thanks

Does ryanair have a webpage (i know it's a dumb question)? they should have a policy on carry on luggage. if not the airports your commuting between should have webpages with their security policy.

i know i canada that domestic flights allow badminton rackets. Never tried flying with rackets outside of canada though. I think there was a thread regarding this. Try searching for it.

good luck

When I travel, I quite often see people carrying tennis racquets on board. Well, I should say full tennis racquet covers, because I don't really know what's inside. I assume, since they pass security, that they really do contain tennis racquets. :)

So, I'd imagine badminton racquets being even smaller than tennis racquets would be allowed into the cabin as well.

Of course, I'm referring to 2--3 racquets here. If you're carrying dozens, then that could very well be a different matter.

The last time I checked, badminton rackets are permitted since it is classified as fragile items. I have carried them with me in North America's flight. I would not put those high price rackets to 'check-in'.:mad:

Does ryanair have a webpage (i know it's a dumb question)? they should have a policy on carry on luggage. if not the airports your commuting between should have webpages with their security policy.

i know i canada that domestic flights allow badminton rackets. Never tried flying with rackets outside of canada though. I think there was a thread regarding this. Try searching for it.

good luck
How many rackets did you carry on with you? (Planning a LONG trip back to asia)

I have heard from China Airlines that it is the customs who allow or disallow you from taking rackets onto the plane and that usually if it's 2 or under they will allow you but not over that amount. (thus Im curious)

well im guessing they would want you to be limited to 2 because they might think you would resell them overseas. but usually you're allowed to bring 2-3 luggages (usually 1 roller and one carry bag) so im guessing the carrybag would be the badminton racquet.

well if you're rich enough you can be like Andy Roddick where he got his trophy his own seat. XD falling on his head from lugagge compartment

Does ryanair have a webpage (i know it's a dumb question)? they should have a policy on carry on luggage. if not the airports your commuting between should have webpages with their security policy.


I tried their website but nothing of note about raquets. They have plenty about blunt objects like cricket and baseball bat.

Might try and ask at the Stanstead office as I'm flying in there in a few Fridays time.

I'll only be transporting 2 raquets as I'm only an amateur player, but being over here I miss my tri-weekly fix.

We'll see how it goes - cheers for all your advice and I'll keep an eye out for some more.

I

When you call them, usually the answer is NO carry on for rackets. Even though, only tennis rackets being listed at times, but they will still tell you NO. Also, 1 operator used to remind me as, the airport security can also force you to give up your racket, even if the airline does not enforce it.

So, if you travel oversea, and want a conservative approach (rather than crying at the last min as your checkin already gone, and they don't let you carry on rackets), here's what I do: Get a large enough luggage, put tons of clothes inside, and "sandwich" your rackets in the middle. I used this method quite a few times during my vancouver trips, and each time the rackets survived. ;)

I have had bad experiences with airlines and racquets, notablely my last trip to USA for World Chaps - when they told me I couldn't take them as carry on, only to find on the way back some girl on another flight was taking a tennis racquet on.

They told me it is a security concern since some one can break a racquet and then use the broken shaft as a weapon.

To overcome this for my trip to Japan, for Thomas Cup, I had a wooden box made to carry two racquets and then put this in my bag for check in.

"They told me it is a security concern since some one can break a racquet and then use the broken shaft as a weapon."

that is ridiculous any racquet can be used as a weapon why was the girl with the tennis racquets allowed to hold them for you?

When I last went on holiday to Cyprus, I phoned Thomas Cook Airlines office at manchester airport and they said a badminton racket is no problem, I cannot guarentee Ryanair will have the same policy but it's likely their policies will be similar as they are both UK based charter airlines.

"They told me it is a security concern since some one can break a racquet and then use the broken shaft as a weapon."

that is ridiculous any racquet can be used as a weapon why was the girl with the tennis racquets allowed to hold them for you?

harder to break the tennis racquet at the shaft :D

still it's a bit silly
you can use anything on the plane as a weapon...the earphone wires, the bottles of wine....

harder to break the tennis racquet at the shaft :D



Actually, that's the reason they give to me, as badminton racket is more fragile. I almost asked, so, we should never carry any pen/pencil, as they are sharper to even start with? :rolleyes:

i've been travelling with badminton racquet almost twice a year and i had not have a problem with putting my racquets in my luggage as long as you pack it nicely so that the racquet will not undergo severe bending and conpression. What i did was i always put my racquet diagonally with two sides of shoes laying at the side of the racquet shaft to take up any force applied on the luggage (if any). My racquets still stay in shape, no crack whatsoever.:o

I took an JAL from Japan back to Hong Kong with a newly bought racket. I just brandished :eek: it all the way through. Nothing's happened:D

Next time I'll imitate Bruce Lee with 2 rackets:D

has anyone brought racquets onto EVA airlines before? how do they take it?

am i allowed to have a yonex bag as a carry-on bag? i dont want to check my racket bag with rackets. i've seen how some of the handlers treat ppls luggage. any suggestions? i have never travelled carrying my badminton gear but this time i might. van ---> Utah. if i cant carry on. since it may be to large should i just bubble wrap everything? :( help

I think MP 99 is the same serial code as the AK 47....that may be a prob lol!

Bubble wrap and newspaper and your precious should be fine. I've done it many times from Perth to Melb, from Perth to Brunei and vice versa. Btw lock your racquet compartments and empty the other compartments which aren't able to be locked.

is it allowed to be hand-carried? i planning to buy a racket from bangkok and i dont wanna check-in due to the same reason as vansummerlesson.

I'm not sure about USA. As you know it is strict there. Most of the time i do check it in. However in Asia, i use it as hand carry. Sometimes i will carry a bagpack,laptop bag and also the 6 rackets badminton bag into the cabin. Hehehe.. i've tried it. So no worries.

but don't try to do a hand-carry in HK. the HK airport is annoyingly strict on handcarry sizes.

If you guys want to sort it out with security and what not then by all means just go and bring your racquets on the plane. If you don't want to have much inconvenience, bubble wrap + newspaper in a 3 racquet bag is more than sufficient in the cargo compartment. Just have them put fragile.

I know some of you can get away with it, if you can great. But if security is tight, you'll be forced to check it in anyways. Hence why not skip the fuss and just check it in?

i agree with FEND. i always travel with my rackets safely packed in my hard-shell suitcase. my wife hates it coz it is smaller and heavier than the fabric ones, but only it can provide protection to my babies... erm.. i mean, rackets.

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33719

I just got back from HK the other day, and tried to get my racket bag (small 3 racket one) on as hand carriage, but as i already had one they wouldnt let me. So BA (British Airways) put it in a special fragile compartment, got it back no problems too... Maybe you can stuff some underwear and sock in the bags to add protection too... also save suitcase space?!?!

I did see someone else brandishing a horribly bright red Yonex badminton racket bag, and she managed to get it on the plane, so dont think BA are too fussy with it.

I have tried doing it in HK airport. So far everything is ok..as the people there let me in.

I've tried check in my racket bag once when i went to Europe. I just ask the check-in counter lady to label it as Priority and Fragile. Good thing nothing happened to my rackets. Everything went well.

I just came back from TW and I have carried rackets like I have been doing in past years without any problems.

FYI, I have flied with NWA, UA, China Airline, Cathey-Pacific, JAL,... etc. and I have never have any trouble with rackets on board. (including my trip to HK, China, TW, and USA)

Numbers of rackets? This time I only brought back 10. Last time I took 30 rackets with me on board along with two laptops, and two bags. No problems at all for me.

I just came back from TW and I have carried rackets like I have been doing in past years without any problems.

FYI, I have flied with NWA, UA, China Airline, Cathey-Pacific, JAL,... etc. and I have never have any trouble with rackets on board. (including my trip to HK, China, TW, and USA)

Numbers of rackets? This time I only brought back 10. Last time I took 30 rackets with me on board along with two laptops, and two bags. No problems at all for me.

:eek: Two laptops , two bags and 30 rackets? How do you carry them? I hope your in the business class.. if not.. i cannot imagine you walking along the aisle. For me 1 laptop, 1 bag and another badminton bag with rackets, i already find it so kinda messy even in the business class.

i will be going back to the US in about 2 weeks. when i came here through JAL, i only brought an armortec case with 2 rackets in it and they let me.

now i will bring back a 6-racket bag and i was wondering if they would let me carry it and not have to check it in.

I took a Malaysia Airline flight from Melbourne to Kuala Lumpur. I had to check in my racquets, they weighed it and placed a fragile sticker on it. I was required to check it in at a separate counter. They opened a red cage and popped it in with golf sets and guitar bags. No problems with my racquets, all fine.
So I guess for any airlines if you check it in and inform them of the value of your items it should be fine :). As for emptying it hehehe not sure if people would like to take strings and grips but it is not expensive and I think they can't be bothered, if you are going to steal, better take something more expensive from luggages, correct? hhahaha

:eek: Two laptops , two bags and 30 rackets? How do you carry them? I hope your in the business class.. if not.. i cannot imagine you walking along the aisle. For me 1 laptop, 1 bag and another badminton bag with rackets, i already find it so kinda messy even in the business class.

Nah, economy class is enough. It's how you pack your bags that matters ;) :)

I usually hand carried 1 to 3 rackets in one yonnex or addidas racket bag and placed it in the overhead compartment on my way to Manila from Denpasar via Hongkong, so far I don't have any problem encountered with the airport officers. I tried also via Singapore and Bangkok and same no hassle. There's only one time that I checked in my racket, placed it in between my clothes, but I can't avoid to think that it might be curved already when I get it. :D

hello bcers

i was wondering if any of you guys have recently traveled with your racket bag?
i am going to vancouver this week and i want to play play there...so im going to bring my racket bag...i was wonder does united airlines allow you to bring them aboard the plane as a hand carry...

i want to make sure because i don't wanta send my rackets in as a luggage! XP

thanks the help =)

It depends on the airline. In general, a standard Yonex 6 pack will be allowed but you can't stuff it or they might not allow it. They key is to make the racket bag inconspicuous as possible.

It depends on the airline. In general, a standard Yonex 6 pack will be allowed but you can't stuff it or they might not allow it. They key is to make the racket bag inconspicuous as possible.
I second that. I carried my 5 racquets back to Taiwan last year and had no problem with it.

I worked as Security Screening Officer manning Gates at Changi Airpoprt Terminal 2. I have seen on many occasions when passengers carry badminton racket bags or tennis racket bags as hand luggages walking into Gate Hold Room before boarding. Airlines like SIA, MAD, Luthansa, Air New Zealand allow them to carry badminton/tennis bags into cabin as hand luggage without any fuss.

Hi,
I used to travel with 4 to 5 rackets in my bag via China Eastern, Vietnam Airline, as well as Garuda, and there was no problem in going onboard in this matter.:D
Lee:)

im takin Ua united air...is it ok ?

My sister wasn't allowed to take it with her as handluggage march/april this year at HongKong. She flew Cathay Pacific.

I believe this is a very subjective depending on the airline and the ground crew that check you in.

When I returned from HKG to SIN after staying there for 9 years, I decided not to put my 12 rackets in the containers with my other personal effect worrying the temperature inside the container and the 3+ days of voyage on a container ship may affect/damage the racket. So I bring them along in 2 large racket bags (6 in 1) as hand-carry luggage - my wife and I each carrying one plus a normal back-pack with us.

No question was asked at the check-in counter or at the gate. I was flaying Singapore Airline.

just pack your rackets in a hard plastic suitcase with your clothes.....easy.:rolleyes:

Nah, economy class is enough. It's how you pack your bags that matters ;) :)

Then you must teach me how to pack then.

Anyone travelled recently with racquets after the latest security threats in UK? Were you stopped from bringing rackets onboard the plane?

My friend just came back from UK.. he has no problem going thru the security.

Nowadays, there are so many restrictions on what to bring on a plane (matches, liquids, chapstick, etc). I even had to take out my wrist strengthener because it was misconstrued as a weapon. no joke. Anyways, point is, will bringing rackets as a carry on be ok?

I don't think I'm willing to check it in as I had problems with them spilling stuff in my luggage. You never really know what those guys do to those luggages. I've seen them tossed and manhandled like dolls. So its not a risk I'm willing to take.

I was able to take them on a plane a few years ago but as of lately, I'm not sure anymore. If mothers are not even allowed breast milk on plane, why would they allow rackets? Any updates as to whether rackets are allowed ?

P.S: I'm not traveling overseas. I am taking a trip within the US. I'm sure there's different regulations for both

that bothers my mind as well,since i'm going to bring my rackets back to indo as well.I'm afraid i'll forget to get it from the flight attendants when i leave the plane,like my last time,when i forgot to ask back my pool cue.

i dont think they are allowed on planes.
i flew with Qantas late last year and early this year, and both times i checked them in. it's not that bad, just tell the check-in person to paste fragile stickers.
btw, i had 4/5 rackets in my Apacs bag. i've also had 4/5 rackets in my YangYang (smaller) bag before checked in.
i guess it isn't that dangerous. if it does break, then you might be unlucky.

Last September, when I went to the US a security officer also wanted me to check in my gear. However I told them that the racquets were very fragile. Its a good thing that head security plays badminton as well so he let me harried it inside the plane. I always hand carried my stuff especially the ones that I bought Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong.

I too carried it on the aircraft. Absolute no problems. Since it was in the bag and hung on the shoulder, I forgot to even check the same during customs. But then maybe I was lucky that day...

anyone know about Air Canada

Yeah, my dad works for them. I've had an experience once where I went to australia with my rackets and there was no issue however while coming back they made a fuss over it and made me put it in their "special" compartment down below.

i think it depends on your luck... or maybe sometimes your skin colour, race as well. just to embrace the real world here, they would be much more worried about a Middle-Eastern carrying on board a racket than a white american.
but i wouldnt risk it though, i would just check them in. you will have problems once you reach the gates/depature hall (where they x-ray your stuff) and they dont let you bring your "preciouses" in.

I was traveling from Beijing to US last month via United Airline and surprised that they let me carry my racquets on board. I noticed that US bound passengers goes through more thorough screening. They searched my bag at the security and then again at the gate when boarding the plane.

i would say to the person that regulates what is hand luggage, "if this breaks are you gonna pay for it? cause it costs XXXXX(usually say over 300 dollars)" then the person will be afraid and be oh ok, its just a badminton racquet anyways, also if that doesn't work, just tell the person how fragile they are, and if used as a weapon, it probably would break before the other person even gets a bruise

My wife & I went to Hong Kong last month.

On our way back to Manila, we were not allowed to "hand carry" the racket my wife bought.

So we ended up packing it in our luggage before checking them in.

Just went though the airport last week. And in my experience, no one even stop to ask me about my rackets as a carry on. Not even during the x-ray machine. So I suppose it's fine to carry them on domestically.

Not sure about internationally though as I don't have an recent experience in that area.

If you travel to Hong Kong, it's fine.

Just went though the airport last week. And in my experience, no one even stop to ask me about my rackets as a carry on. Not even during the x-ray machine. So I suppose it's fine to carry them on domestically.

Not sure about internationally though as I don't have an recent experience in that area.

My wife & I went to Hong Kong last month.

On our way back to Manila, we were not allowed to "hand carry" the racket my wife bought.

So we ended up packing it in our luggage before checking them in.

those girl at the entrance who checks handcarry baggages are annoyingly strict on the size limit. furthermore, the size limit for boarding in the HKG airport is stricter (smaller) than the general accepted limit in other countries like the US. that makes it much harder to carry things onto the airplane. and often due to how strict they are, it often turn into an unpleasant experience if a wheel or a handle sticks out from your carry-on bag.

My wife & I went to Hong Kong last month.

On our way back to Manila, we were not allowed to "hand carry" the racket my wife bought.

So we ended up packing it in our luggage before checking them in.


Thats suprising. I have no problem carrying rackets to Manila from HK. I'm using the normal badminton bag used by the pros. Even from Malaysia to HK i have always been hand carrying them.

those girl at the entrance who checks handcarry baggages are annoyingly strict on the size limit. furthermore, the size limit for boarding in the HKG airport is stricter (smaller) than the general accepted limit in other countries like the US. that makes it much harder to carry things onto the airplane. and often due to how strict they are, it often turn into an unpleasant experience if a wheel or a handle sticks out from your carry-on bag.

one more word of advice for boarding in HK, it is generally easier to carry a soft shoulder bag onto the airplane than a rigid case like those roller bags. i guess they know that the objects are more compressible and they will less likely to be able to stop you.

i usually keep my rackets safe in my hard shell suitcase when i travel to HK.

anyone know about Air Canada

My dad retired from Air Canada (still get his benefits :D) and I commute betw vancouver and toronto about 3-4 times a year and have had no issues bringing rackets (i've brought 4) as carry on.

Details:
-I only have 2 bags when i fly:
1) My yonex 724 6 racket bag (backpack straps) containing all my clothes
and my rackets are stored in racket cases (2 per case)
2) My notebook bag containing my notebook, ipod, and nintendo DS Lite.

Both bags are carry on. In the event that my racket bag is deemed "too big" as carry on...i simply pull out my rackets (already in cases w/straps) and take them as carry on while I check in my racket bag.

Anything larger then a 6 racket bag will not make it as carry on.

Never tried international flights. Just domestic. Hope this helps for all you canadians!

Hi,

I am interested in buying a racket aboard and bring it with me onto a plane. I afraid that I would break that if I put that in my suitcase. Generally, does the airline usually let you bring the racket as a carry-on luggage onto a plane?

k

Hi,

I am interested in buying a racket aboard and bring it with me onto a plane. I afraid that I would break that if I put that in my suitcase. Generally, does the airline usually let you bring the racket as a carry-on luggage onto a plane?

k

also check out this thread:

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2651

Hi,

I am interested in buying a racket aboard and bring it with me onto a plane. I afraid that I would break that if I put that in my suitcase. Generally, does the airline usually let you bring the racket as a carry-on luggage onto a plane?

k

Short answer to your question - they will generally NOT let you handcarry a racquet on an international flight. So stow the racquet in your suitcase (preferrably a hard shell one) surrounded by all your clothes as "padding".

Hi,

I am interested in buying a racket aboard and bring it with me onto a plane. I afraid that I would break that if I put that in my suitcase. Generally, does the airline usually let you bring the racket as a carry-on luggage onto a plane?

k
Short answer to your question - they will generally NOT let you handcarry a racquet on an international flight. So stow the racquet in your suitcase (preferrably a hard shell one) surrounded by all your clothes as "padding".
..the first one was over 2 yrs ago as i traveled from S'pore back to the U.S. At that time, i decided to carry my racket as a carry-on. During the screening process after it went thru the x-ray, just before i boarded, the security people asked me to open up the bag, asked me what it is, and inspected the racket. Fortunately, i was let thru and on i went with my racket.
Funny thing was, i also brought some tubes of shuttles. When they ran the tubes into the x-ray machine, they immediately asked me to open them and see what's inside. I showed them the "birdies" and off i went.:p:cool:

The second time around was this yr, as i also brought back a racket. But this time i went thru 2 airports. First airport, same thing and same security screening procedure. But this time, to my surprise, the officer didn't ask me to open and check the bag. I was let thru with ease. Then on my transit trip, i had to go thru another screening procedure and i was let thru with ease:cool:

Personally, i like to carry it/them as a carry-on luggage (put in the overhead compartment). I thought about putting it in the suitcase/luggage along with the clothes, but putting it/them in the suitcase/luggage can be a bit risky (due to the racket(s) being fragile & being squeezed into a tight compartment). And all those possible pounding when the luggage loader "throws around" the suitcases/luggages.:p
Although, i'm sure many of us have ordered rackets from overseas..And who knows what those package handlers might have done to our orders:confused::rolleyes::(:p.

Well, i went to Japan and Taiwan this summer, and bought rackets in taiwan. My uncle gave me his two older ones as well. I also bought 6 tubes of feather birdies. The birdies, i packed in the checked luggage. The rackets, i had the two my uncle gave me in one bag and my new MP88 in its own bag. Security from Taiwan to JP, they didnt mind at all, i just walked on, and the for takeoff and landing i put them under the seat in front of me, during flight, they were on my lap, or beside my legs, leaning against the seat. Japan to USA was much the same, but due to the longer flight, it was under the seat in front of me all the time. The security was no different, tho this time, i saw the screener pause the image and look at the rackets carefully...(note: i could see the monitor and saw the Ultinum Ti in the shaft-hazy rods, and the T-joints-t shaped objects), but no major problems. I also went thru HK, but it was really quick and I went thru wo/any trouble

So you could have your racquets with you as carry-on from HK to US? If so, then I am feeling pretty happy right now, ;)

yes, i could have. i only stopped at their airport for like 5 housrs, but we went out of security to shop the stores in the sirport, so we didnt leave customs, but security let me through without a hitch!
good luck!!!

i carried them all the way on the flight, and the only thing was during takeoff and landing, since they had to be under the seats in front of me, i was worried about stepping on them, but just be careful, and take them out as soon as takeoff is over. I have gotten away with it out on takeoff tho, depends on your airline and flight attendants

I see, I flew with United last time (but for other reasons, I won't again, :p).

I'm planning my next trip for Air Canada to HK, I'll drop the same question here again when I finalize my trip (sometime next year) and see if anything has changed.

But so far, Canada has similar flight policies to the US, except being more lax, so things sound good for me, :D .

i carried them all the way on the flight, and the only thing was during takeoff and landing, since they had to be under the seats in front of me, i was worried about stepping on them, but just be careful, and take them out as soon as takeoff is over. I have gotten away with it out on takeoff tho, depends on your airline and flight attendants
..why didn't you store/put your rackets inside the overhead compartment??:confused:..that way you'll have more leg space and don't have to be hassled with holding on or moving them..;)..did you carry a large racket bag?? were there not enough space in the o.h. compartment??:confused:..

..why didn't you store/put your rackets inside the overhead compartment??:confused:..that way you'll have more leg space and don't have to be hassled with holding on or moving them..;)..did you carry a large racket bag?? were there not enough space in the o.h. compartment??:confused:..

well, ther overhead compartments on our international flight were plenty large, but there were like 4 pieces of baggage already in there and they move. i never trust overhead bins with long fragile object...;). luckily for me, there was turbulence in flight, alot of it, and so if i put it in there, it may have been crushed...:D im a student, i dont have that much money to buy another racket!!!
but, i would if i had a large racket bag...it eould occupy the whole bin, so nothing else could fit!!!:D
i had the small individual racket bags, so they weren't a big hassle. better dafe thean sorry!

well, ther overhead compartments on our international flight were plenty large, but there were like 4 pieces of baggage already in there and they move. i never trust overhead bins with long fragile object...;). luckily for me, there was turbulence in flight, alot of it, and so if i put it in there, it may have been crushed...:D im a student, i dont have that much money to buy another racket!!!
but, i would if i had a large racket bag...it eould occupy the whole bin, so nothing else could fit!!!:D
i had the small individual racket bags, so they weren't a big hassle. better dafe thean sorry!
..okay, that explains it;)..I thought you had a larger racket bag to store the rackets..Actually, for myself, i put my racket & racket bag *on top* of the carry-on luggage; so, that way, it won't get "crushed" (we experienced 1 lengthy heavy turbulence also on the flight back:p;))

no, no large racket bag...i have one, but it was too much to bring as carry on, i just folded it up and stuffed it in the luggage. If i were to carry on, id have an empty racket bag for like 6 rackets and shoes with 3 rackets in it.

If you are travelling within NZ, say from Auckland to Christchurch (did this once before..) via Qantas...i wasnt allowed to bring my racket on board as they were classified as "long piece of weapon"...

Well ..the racket was in its leather bag ....so .......pfftch =.= .....

a couple weeks ago, I departed from Sydney, when I checked in my baggage, the checker did not allow me to bring my badminton on airplane,because the badminton racket can be use as a weapon.

how do you usually take your racket when you have a trip through airplane?

Well I last year I left China for Adelaide with a badminton racket with me, and nothing prevented me from doing so... this year I plan to do the same.

I think it's different for different countries. Some will let you, some won't. I'm going to Hong Kong tommorow and am definatly planning to buy some rackets. Hopefully I will be able to bring the racket with me on board.

When I flew from Estonia to DK and from DK to UK, they let me bring my racquets up, since I explained that they´re very fragile and I would make sure that my racquets wouldn´t disturb anyone.

a couple weeks ago, I departed from Sydney, when I checked in my baggage, the checker did not allow me to bring my badminton on airplane,because the badminton racket can be use as a weapon.

how do you usually take your racket when you have a trip through airplane?

lol, I can imagine Canada and US using the same arguement. They won't even allow for nail clippers

Now the rule is all sporting equipment must not be hand carried it must be checked in.

I am very sure as my dad told me so and he works in the airline industry.However some countries allow it some dont. so it depends on the country.But in legal wise it has not been allowed for sometime.

I carried on my badminton bag with 5 rackets to China from US this summer and back. Didn't have any problem.

I think it's different for different countries. Some will let you, some won't. I'm going to Hong Kong tommorow and am definatly planning to buy some rackets. Hopefully I will be able to bring the racket with me on board.


If you take more than 1 racket then you have to check it in...but a way to get by is to tell them its expensive and get a tag for you to take it on board...it would be better if you put it in your racket bag and use it as a hand luggage....

I think it depends on how many you are planning to carry with you. Last time when I flew to Japan from the US, I notice a tennis team had their Tennis rackets with them. But they only had 1 each. I usually put my rackets in my suit case when I travel over seas. What I did is that I try to make as flat as of surface as I can with clothes and etc. After that I lay more clothes on top of it and most suit case has the net and I just put the net over all of it so that it doesn't move. Never had a broken racket from doing that so far. (Knock on wood)

i still have a 20 yrs old Samsonite hardshell suitcase just for this purpose. i put my rackets in a big 6+ racket bag, then stuff tshirts around them, then i put the bag itself in the suitcase. the bag itself takes up 1/2 the suitcase but as i already put many clothes into the racket bag, it doesn't take up much space in reality. and i know that the combination of the racket bag, clothing and suitcase will be a good thermal insulation against the cold cargo area in the airplane.

i have also for shorter trips just checking in the racket bag stuffed with clothing, in those times, i put a squash racket in the bag also as a strengthening element. that works too.

...I notice a tennis team had their Tennis rackets with them. But they only had 1 each.
Last night, on the flight from Macau to Singapore, there was a chap carrying a tennis racquet.
It had been placed in his backpack such that the shaft and the (extremely dirty) handle were sticking out.
No one objected... :)
Now the rule is all sporting equipment must not be hand carried it must be checked in.
You're right about that. :)
But most airlines prefer to go by the spirit of the rule, rather than by the wording.
For instance, how would they apply it to table-tennis paddles, inflated footballs and chess-sets? :p
So, surf boards, cricket bats, baseball bats, oars, sabres, foils and the like go on as check-in baggage... while badminton racquets and similarly light equipment usually pass muster as cabin baggage :)
a couple weeks ago, I departed from Sydney, when I checked in my baggage, the checker did not allow me to bring my badminton on airplane,because the badminton racket can be use as a weapon.
how do you usually take your racket when you have a trip through airplane?
Of course, it is quite a deadly weapon :cool:
Haven't you noticed Lin Dan, Lee Chong Wei, Taufik Hidayat, Bao Chunlai and other warriors destroy others with it? :D

Personally, I use one of two methods:

1. If I must take my large, wheeled laptop bag along, I line the bottom of my suitcase with my badminton shirts and tracksuits and then lay the racquets (usually two - and with their full-covers) flat on them. Another layer of heavy clothes (like trousers) follows. So far, my racquets have always arrived undamaged despite the enthusiastic sadism of airline baggage handlers. :)

2. If I don't need to take my laptop bag along, I carry the racquet bag in as my cabin baggage. One compartment will have my racquets (usually two), wrist-bands, socks, extra grips, my laptop computer and its accessories... the other compartment will have my shoes, shirts and tracksuits. In any case, I ensure that it is never heavier than 7kg. So far, no airline has said 'no' to the bag although it's longer than the regulation allows. :cool:

Of course, when using the second method, you will need to ignore a lot of stares, especially if you have a minor paunch that says 'this guy isn't a professional player' :D

how do you usually take your racket when you have a trip through airplane?
..there's a similar thread, inquiring the same query, here;):
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6070
i still have a 20 yrs old Samsonite hardshell suitcase just for this purpose. i put my rackets in a big 6+ racket bag, then stuff tshirts around them, then i put the bag itself in the suitcase. the bag itself takes up 1/2 the suitcase but as i already put many clothes into the racket bag, it doesn't take up much space in reality. and i know that the combination of the racket bag, clothing and suitcase will be a good thermal insulation against the cold cargo area in the airplane.
..boy, hmm, so this is how kwun carries and protects his precious goodies..does the suitcase also say "FRAGILE-Handle with care"??..:confused::);)
Personally, I use one of two methods:

2. If I don't need to take my laptop bag along, I carry the racquet bag in as my cabin baggage. One compartment will have my racquets (usually two), wrist-bands, socks, extra grips, my laptop computer and its accessories... the other compartment will have my shoes, shirts and tracksuits. In any case, I ensure that it is never heavier than 7kg. So far, no airline has said 'no' to the bag although it's longer than the regulation allows. :cool:

Of course, when using the second method, you will need to ignore a lot of stares, especially if you have a minor paunch that says 'this guy isn't a professional player' :D
..Oldhand, the next time i notice a person carrying a bag as you described above, i'll know that's you..;):cool:

eh.. I recently brought back my racket from Hong Kong to Toronto last Xmas.. and I walked right through everything with my Yonex bag right to my plane seat with no problem. I was worried about having my racket checked in, incase it would get squished under the luggage or something. Might I add that I had various other goods around the racket, such as bags of chips, water bottle, bags of spicy green peas and other junk food.

Yes, I was able to walk onto a plane with a water bottle in my hand, and this was after the liquid issue thing. No one stopped me or anything.

Ugh.. when I travelled from Singapore to Sydney when I was 12, the customs stopped me and wrapped my racquets with some padding materials saying that it could be used as a potential weapon :S. Funny how they did that to a twelve year old. I dont think it's really a problem to carry your racquets onto a plane, just get them wrapped with some padding materials.

Yes, I was able to walk onto a plane with a water bottle in my hand, and this was after the liquid issue thing. No one stopped me or anything.
..abt bringing liquid into Toronto/Canada, and correct me if i'm wrong, but do they have a rule which prohibits people from carrying certain liquids onto a plane? I know certain countries don't have that rule. I thought the rule only applies to U.S. outbound or inbound flights??...Also, if i remember correctly, one wouldn't be able to carry certain amt. of liquid(s) from the outside lounge into the boarding lounge, through the x-ray check point. However, once a person passes the x-ray check point and is inside the boarding lounge, s/he could possibly purchase any liquid(s) from any vendors/duty-free shops, if there are any. I know in my last trip, some passengers purchased some alcohols/liquids from duty free shops, that were inside the boarding lounge and they could still board the plane with them.

Thanks, chris, for the link to the past :p

Thanks, chris, for the link to the past :p
...sorry, as in??:confused:..oh, the thread got merged; although i notice there are 2 other similar threads, mentioned in the 1st page..

To all those who have travelled by plane, how did you guys bring along your rackets? Is it just by checking in the rackets as fragile items?

Many airlines had restricted the rackets to be hand carry on board right, so I guess Hand Carry would not be possible.

If you check in the rackets, do you put any extra protections for your racket in the bag?

Is there anyone that experience to hava broken rackets due to the baggage handling by the airline?

Share your experience. Thanks.

I just carry it on board, so far no problem, but on domestic flight, might be it is restricted on international flight

It depends on de company and your destination. Cathay Pacific wil nog allow it as hand luggage.

I often put de racket in the same suitcase with cloths. Also two times with the special baggage handling for odd sizes of fragile items. They were ok.

I was carrying a single racket from HK to LHR London, BA allowed me to carry it as hand luggage as I only have another small bag with me.

Otherwise, if I have big enough suitcase, I would just put it between two layers of thick clothes. I have yet to break a racket by doing that. Honestly, the shaft of the newer rackets can stand pretty high stress. Unless have something hard inside your suitcase that can press on the racket, there should not be any problem.

Use a large enough suitcase (for check in), and sandwich the racket with loads of clothes, blankets, or pillow. I've been using this method for quite a few times, and so far, so good.

but if you're carrying 2 or more make sure the rackets dont grind against each other ;)

I am planing to go Hong Kong in the summer holiday, I want to bring most of my racket to restring in HK, because is hard to find someone that can actually do it properly in england

but now Im worrying about I cant bring it because my Pro Thermal 9 (9829) is too big to bring it on to the plane, and thats the only bag I got to cary around 6 -8 rackets.

so is there anyone been to holiday recently and know theres a chance of that badminton bag could get away with it??

from what i have heard, you can use a small hand bag carry for your racquets, at least that's what my friend used when she went back to HK

i say use 3 racquet bag and use a cloth bag to put in all your racquets.

depends on which airline company you travel in and how picky the the inspectors when you board the plane. i remember asking the front desk and she said i cannot carry any on board but i've seen someone carry a single racket bag on the plane to and from hk tho but i can guarantee ~8 rackets will get you into unpacking your luggages. good luck.

Here's a guide from someone who always carries two racquets :p

Officially, the US NTSB has banned only a few sports goods from being taken on board as cabin baggage. These are Baseball Bats, Archery Gear (Bows & Arrows), Cricket Bats, Golf Clubs, Hockey Sticks, Lacrosse Sticks, Pool Cues, Ski Poles and Spear Guns.

Of course, these items may be carried in your checked baggage. But should you ever bring one of these to a security checkpoint without having packed it inside your baggage, you could be detained for quite a while and even prosecuted.

Since the 'NTSB's List' (http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/prohibited_items_brochure.pdf) doesn't include racquets, some people (who are particularly good at persuading check-in staff) take the racquets along to the boarding gate either in their hand or in a racquet bag or backpack. This is when things turn ugly, especially when the TSO on duty or the airline staff are not into racquet sports.

Either the TSO will be ignorant of his own employer's rules or he will quickly make a new rule prohibiting the racquets' entry into the cabin (and the TSO is empowered to do so). Since this cannot-win argument develops just prior to boarding the aircraft, you have only two good options:

1. Allow the airline to check-in the racquets (and they will probably end up under someone's 30kg suitcase)
2. Request special carriage - this means the racquets will travel separately as unaccompanied baggage within the cabin. There are three problems with this:
(a) the TSO and the airline staff must both agree to this request
(b) you can collect it only from the airline's counter at the destination... and the item will take at least an hour to reach the counter)
(c) the airline might not have an open counter at the destination airport

The unfortunate part about international air travel is that the US NTSB's measures are widely and quickly adopted by aviation security agencies in other countries. So, these hiccups are to be expected in any country that zealously subscribes to NTSB alerts and updates.

Most international airlines will NOT allow racquet bags as cabin baggage because they exceed the length limit for hand-carried luggage. (With slight variations, the limits are 22 x 18 x 10 (inches) or 56 x 45 x 25 (cm) provided the sum of these three dimensions does not exceed 45 inches or 115 cm. By the way, these limits include wheels, handles, harnesses, protectors, grips, side pockets, etc)

Until last year, I used to optimistically approach the staff at the check-in counter with my racquets in a backpack (with the grips and a bit of the shaft protruding visibly). Except for Polynesian Airlines which flew me to Samoa, not a single airline ever agreed to let me take the racquets in as cabin baggage. (Sadly, I found that Samoans prefer wrestling to badminton :o).

The strange thing is, in Bangkok and Istanbul airports, I have seen backpackers with tennis racquets within the secure departure area! It's a real relief that at least a few countries aren't that paranoid.

IMHO, the safest bet is to arm yourself with a hard suitcase with a flapped upper compartment. (I use a very hard 31-inch Camel Active suitcase.) Note that the length of the suitcase must be at least 27 inches or 68cm to fit a badminton racquet.

Sheath your racquets in their covers and encase them within cardboard flaps before placing them inside your suitcase. Then check them in.

At least you can rest assured that when you arrive at your destination, you and your racquets are ready to play :D

PS: For Hong Kong too, the 'hardcase' method is my choice. Both Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific have said 'No' to my hand-carry attempts :(

Im surprised that Spore Airlines and Cathay dont allow you for handcarry. Reason i asked is that i didnt encounter that situation before when i fly Cathay and SA.

Last Monday, it happened with Thai as well.
I'm taking Singapore Airlines tomorrow... and, having lost all optimism, I've already packed my racquets.

You must be special :)

I took my two racquets with me from China-HKIA-Vancouver Airport. No oppositions there. I travelled with Cathay Pacific. But my racquets are in my backpack, not in a designated racquet bag.

i specifically asked the Singapore Airlines check in counter lady about bringing badminton racket as hand carry. and the answer was "YES". but this particular lady was especially nice and courteous so i am not sure if that is the real rule or she is being nice.

i have kept my large hardshell suitcase that i have used since i was 14 specifically to put badminton rackets. i found that either wrapping them in clothings or put them in a 6 racket bag and then into the suitcase works fine for me.

many modern style suitcases are either not hardshell nor large enough to comfortably fit badminton racket in them.

im going back this summer to HK but i'm buying more racquets instead of bringing my current ones to HK :D

im going back this summer to HK but i'm buying more racquets instead of bringing my current ones to HK :D

I buy racquets from HK too. I only bring my racquets back for restring and when I don't feel the need to buy racquets.:D

I suppose the reason these airlines are singling me out is because I look mean and intimidating (kinda like jamesd20), more so when armed with a racquet :(

Anyhow, I feel more comfortable when my precious racquets too are comfortable within the confines of a hard suitcase :p

I suppose the reason these airlines are singling me out is because I look mean and intimidating (kinda like jamesd20), more so when armed with a racquet :(

Anyhow, I feel more comfortable when my precious racquets too are comfortable within the confines of a hard suitcase :p

Well.. its not the airline's fault then. :P So smile more bro. :)

Hi all

I bought a Yonex AT900T from Singapore last December and travelled back to Sydney via Jetstar Airywas (a budget airline company part of Qantas). Despite the fact that i was only carrying 1 racquet in and 1 racquet bag, the staff did not let me hand-carry it into the plane, and thus I had to pay extra to send it toagther with the luggage compartment. I was quite angry at first, and got even angrier later when i arrived in Sydney to find the staff saying that my racquet was missing:mad:. They only found it a few days later and immediately sent it straight to my house.

Flight to Australia and even flights within Australia is very strict. They dont allow you to bring any hand carry that contains racket to the cabin.

Hi all

Despite the fact that i was only carrying 1 racquet in and 1 racquet bag, the staff did not let me hand-carry it into the plane, and thus I had to pay extra to send it toagther with the luggage compartment.

Mind if I ask how much do you have to pay for it ?

Will be going to china soon and will be bringing my rackets along. 2 badminton and 2 tennis. Dunno if they will fit into my hardcase.

No problem faced so far hand carrying one racket on board Singapore Airlines.

So a 6 racket Yonex thermal bag would not be able to be brought onto the plane? How about a 3 racket bag?

I understand that the 9 racket bag is too large, just wondering if the other sizes would work.

*Taking the plane from the US to Hong Kong to China

6 racket bags is fine... 9 racket is too big.

Mind if I ask how much do you have to pay for it ?

Will be going to china soon and will be bringing my rackets along. 2 badminton and 2 tennis. Dunno if they will fit into my hardcase.

I have just confirmed that the process was FREE and i did not pay any extra charges. I wasnt the one who sent the racquet off to the staff so i cant really remember. Sorry for the error!:p

when i was traveling around the pan american region from canada to trindiad and then to puerto rico and suriname in south america i had no problem carrying my badminton bag on the plane. i had a black knight 9 racquet bag but i did not pack it full all i had was my racquets, shoes, 3 shirts and 2 shorts and a track suit in it thats it so it was really thin and didnt take up much room since it could be "compressed" and i had no issues carrying it on any of the planes or anything but ill be going to asia this summer taking air canada though and i will be fine for taking it onboard the plane i have a smaller racquet bag this time for that but still wont be packing it full or anything.

Thanks for all your help

Im leaving at London heathrow airport, don't have a clue if they going to let me bring my 9 racket bag. but putting into a suit case is a really good idea but i prefer carrying all my racket with me.

is there any1 that just fly from london heathrow airport to HK??

I have not flown from Heathrow to HK before. But Heathrow to KL ( Malaysia ). No problem with bringing racket on board. Even Swissport , Emirates, KLM , MAS is lenient.

The other time i bring my racket bag to put clothing in it and checking it in at the airport( i like that bag as it has thermal compartment); the lady fr Jetstar ( at hong kong airport while return back to sg. While at Singapore JetStar, front desk girl didnt ask me when i check in n just put in together with other bags! Hong Kong is professional:D) put my bag specially aside, after asking her why my bag wasnt put together with other bags, i found out the airline can help us make special arrangement if we buy racket back from Hong Kong or bring racket t travel from Hong Kong to some where else:)
Hereby i m of course not saying Hong Kong is best or the Jetstar lady from Hong Kong is very professional in what she do:D
It is possible to bring racket back in one piece. It is just like some bringing their favourite desktop from one place to another. Of course i think to purchase insurance is important too!

Just flew in to Tokyo this morning from Singapore.
At the SIA check-in counter, I popped the question....

...and, guess what, they refused to allow my racquets in as cabin baggage! :(

I have not flown from Heathrow to HK before. But Heathrow to KL ( Malaysia ). No problem with bringing racket on board. Even Swissport , Emirates, KLM , MAS is lenient.

is a 9 racket bag, is quite big, how many racket or how big the bag did u bring??

Just flew in to Tokyo this morning from Singapore.
At the SIA check-in counter, I popped the question....

...and, guess what, they refused to allow my racquets in as cabin baggage! :(
If budget airlines provide that service, shouldn't SIA must look into it:D
OldHand, u must lodge a complain to SIA when u are back or do it while u are in Tokyo via email. Then u hand carry the racket mah or how u deal with the rackets?

Here is some pictures of the badminton bag that i carry on board whenever i travel.
As you can see its in the cabin. And how long and large is the bag when i put it up straight on the chair. Usually i have to hand carry. Badminton bag and laptop bag.

Took the pic just for you guys to see. Was reprimanded to switch off my phone. Hahha.. :)

thats pretty good, I think I should be fine going to holiday with my bag then, Thanks ants...

...the title of the first thread, below, is eerily similar to this thread's title..:p

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50631
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6976

As for myself, no problem for me carrying baddy bags w/rackets and shuttles as carry-ons (i've written my experience in the 1st thread). Haven't traveled whilst carrying any baddy bags the last couple of yrs, so don't know if anything has changed or not..

...the title of the first thread is eerily similar to this thread's title..:p

http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50631
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6976

As for myself, no problem for me carrying baddy bags w/rackets and shuttles as carry-ons (i've written my experience in the 1st thread). Haven't traveled whilst carrying any baddy bags the last couple of yrs, so don't know if anything has changed or not..

merged. thanks for finding them.

Dont worry about it. Even if you guys feel insecure about checking in your rackets. Just ask the staffs to Label is as Fragile. Your items be safe. Being a frequent flyer for the past decade, i dont have any bad experience with any airline. Except once for lost luggage... however the airline found it and sent my luggage back to me in good condition. The luggage was diverted to another location.
2nd incident was that the luggage was soaking wet as it was raining hard when the guys was transferring the items from the plan to the main terminal. I assume that they didnt manage to cover the luggage.

Never a problem with traveling with my rackets before. Most airlines should be fine.

travelled a handful of times with my badminton bag checked in (with fragile tag too). no problem thus far, and hopefully never in the future.

i think as long as your bag has a fragile tag, those people would place it on top of other luggages. when it comes to handling a bag, i don't think throwing the bag would do much harm to your rackets. the only worry i have usually, is the bag being put on the bottom and the rackets getting crushed into those nano pieces that shaped them in the first place.

Just flew in to Tokyo this morning from Singapore.
At the SIA check-in counter, I popped the question....

...and, guess what, they refused to allow my racquets in as cabin baggage! :(
They probably worried you might use it as a weapon; I once tried to bring a walking stick as hand luggage and they refused! btw, that walking stick wasnt for me :)

i specifically asked the Singapore Airlines check in counter lady about bringing badminton racket as hand carry. and the answer was "YES". but this particular lady was especially nice and courteous so i am not sure if that is the real rule or she is being nice.

i have kept my large hardshell suitcase that i have used since i was 14 specifically to put badminton rackets. i found that either wrapping them in clothings or put them in a 6 racket bag and then into the suitcase works fine for me.

many modern style suitcases are either not hardshell nor large enough to comfortably fit badminton racket in them.

Fudge me then. I'm doing Singapore Airlines to SFO via HKI.
I need to carry it on board. Do I ask if it's fragile? I hope I can get the same lady as you.

If I can't how much will it cost to send it not on carry on?

i've done hkg to yyz(toronto) before, with a 3 racket bag and 2 rackets inside. I had this + a carry on bag, and i got through perfectly fine for carry on. but then again, i was holding a 370ml clear plastic bottle with water inside.. right through the whole time.. so this might just be a lax in security?

i've done hkg to yyz(toronto) before, with a 3 racket bag and 2 rackets inside. I had this + a carry on bag, and i got through perfectly fine for carry on. but then again, i was holding a 370ml clear plastic bottle with water inside.. right through the whole time.. so this might just be a lax in security?

i think you got lucky.

HKG airport is infamous for their strict carryon rule. those girls at the entrance to the restricted area is very annoyingly strict.

i think you got lucky.

HKG airport is infamous for their strict carryon rule. those girls at the entrance to the restricted area is very annoyingly strict.

Probably you forgot to smile at them. :)

Hi Guys

Haven't seen this topic anywhere so thought I'll start it here.

How do you guys travel with badminton gear? More specifically, how do you pack your rackets as thats the fragile item. Can you take in on board the plane as hand luggage or do you pack it so carefully and check it in? In your suitcase or as a bag on it's own?

Please do share :)

Hi Guys

Haven't seen this topic anywhere so thought I'll start it here.

How do you guys travel with badminton gear? More specifically, how do you pack your rackets as thats the fragile item. Can you take in on board the plane as hand luggage or do you pack it so carefully and check it in? In your suitcase or as a bag on it's own?

Please do share :)

Good thread. As i frequent around malaysia and china, normally i carry light for my badminton equipment. (Main stuff left in Beijing for now) :) And yes, rackets u can hand carry up the plane. So, don't take chances by sending them as check-in luggage, especially if u got high end babies like Arc Z, NS9900, etc. One racket "kaput" (damage), almost equals to one flight ticket man heheheeh.
If travelling by car, i normally bring the whole BIG badminton bag and carry wherever i go, wont risk putting them in the car or worse in the car boot, especially under Malaysian hot sun. :p

There is a thread somewhere in the forum. YOu can do a search. As for me ALWAYS HANDCARRY. Of course in certain countries you have to check in eg Fly within Australia.

so only domestic flights in AUS you'll have to check in? but everywhere else you can hand carry?

For me elsewhere i hand carry my stuffs most of the time.

In australia your not allowed the rackets as hand carry on luggage as the item can be used as a weapon. So when i went to nationals we had to rap our rackets in our racket bags in some of our shirts. Then check it in as a fragile bag.

When i travel to Taiwan im not going to bother taking my badminton gear. Il just do some shopping when i get there and return home with a couple of new rackets haha :D

how about international flights out or into Australia?

thanks mate

Hi Guys

Haven't seen this topic anywhere so thought I'll start it here.

How do you guys travel with badminton gear? More specifically, how do you pack your rackets as thats the fragile item. Can you take in on board the plane as hand luggage or do you pack it so carefully and check it in? In your suitcase or as a bag on it's own?

Please do share :)
..okay, time to merge this thread with the one below:cool::
http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70048

i hand carry those weapon
hehe

how about international flights out or into Australia?

thanks mate
not sure buddy iv never flown out of australia before.
Im sure flying from an australian airport it would be the same being disallowed.
Coming into aus im really not sure.

I've been traveling with rackets here and there quite a few times. Personally, I tried to avoid all the argument with carry on, so I always do the check in. I usually use big suit case and sandwich the rackets with tons of clothes, sheets, blankets, or even pillows once. Each time, the rackets arrive safely.

So, if you have to check in, the keep is wrap around the rackets with all the soft stuff you can think. ;)