Recommend the SKB. Traveled multiple times with it and is fantastic. Also no cutting required with different velcro straps. Also TSA locks are NOT required. Look at regulations. However, if they want in your case they will cut locks. I've never had my locks cut but rather buy new locks and know someone possibly messed with my equipment. I also zip tie my cams to my limbs in effort to deter some TSA jack wagon from dry firing my bow. Again never happened to me but have read horror stories on here about it happening. Also I put hunting clothes in case around the equipment and still stay under 50lbs. It's nice to have all hunting stuff in one location separate from regular clothes and scents.

 

Can you provide a picture of how you zip tie the bow? I'll probably do this.

 

I fly at least twice a year with my bow. One time to California and the other to Texas. I fly with an SKB i-Series as above as well. I fly Southwest and never have had any problems.

Good luck OP,

 

I too run a SKB.
Flew with my bow only a couple times, generally I drive to the out of state hunts, but SKB is sturdy and priced right

 

You can also zip tie around the string and cables like they do for new bows in shops that don't want you pulling them back.

 

This was my second thought. I might even see if I can just buy one of those plastic string locks from my shop to throw on.

 

awsome
ive always been looking for a good hard case

 

I just picked up SKB 3i 4318 for my new bowl and would not be afraid to check it in that case.

 

I'm sure an SKB will fill the bill. You will need to go to the oversize luggage desk at check in and that's where you will pick it up upon arrival. I just went to Africa in September and put my bow, arrows, and all my archery gear in a Pelican Vault 730. It made the trip with no damage although the case was scuffed up somewhat.

 

My son has a Pelican Vault 730 that his doesn't treat well never been through the airport but sliding around in the back of a truck all year it has help up well. Only issue so far is one of the pins keeps sliding out of the handle but has never came close to falling out.

 

I bought an SKB double bow case. It fits two bows and gives plenty of room for extra gear if it’s only hauling one bow. I like the integrated locks because I always loose a lock on cases that require external locks and have to bring extras. It’s also not too big and can be used during daily commutes to the range and hunting spots. I haven’t been charged extra on Delta, American or Alaskan airlines, as long as it’s under 50lbs.

ATA Double Bow Case

The 2SKB-4114A Parallel Limb Bow Case is airline approved made to ATA 300 Category I specifications which is the highest shipping container specification of the ATA. This case is designed to transport two Parallel Limb Bows, or a Parallel Limb Bow and rifle. The case is molded from ultra-high...

www.skbcases.com

 

I've used a bowtruk for the past few seasons and before that an aurora proline (used that one for 10+years). I know a great deal of people who have put 2-300k miles on a bowtruk traveling for WC or similar events without any issues. I've never had issues with any of the "soft" cases I've used, and I don't think I'll ever go back to running a pelican or skb

 

Buy some apple air tags to go in case. you never know if it will come up missing and the air tags will show you its location if it does. Also if i'm not mistaken SKB used to have a guarantee that if any damage happened to your bow while in their case it would have some coverage. seems to me a friend of mine made a claim when his bow was damaged in a car accident. not sure if they are still doing that but might be something to think about

 

Buy some apple air tags to go in case. you never know if it will come up missing and the air tags will show you its location if it does. Also if i'm not mistaken SKB used to have a guarantee that if any damage happened to your bow while in their case it would have some coverage. seems to me a friend of mine made a claim when his bow was damaged in a car accident. not sure if they are still doing that but might be something to think about

Absolutely I will co-sign on this. We place an AirTag and a Tile in our bow cases, it's saved us twice.

All the best, James

 

SKB. Buy once, cry once.

 

I’ve run several different ones over the past 20 years. From the old Brownell, SKB and the case I’ve used the past 5 years a Pelican. They all did what I needed them to do. But now that I’m flying more… I got a new case yesterday Easton Bowtruk for the win

 

Does it have any hard sides at all or is it soft all the way around?

 

I have been to South Africa three times, twice on Delta and yes, my SKB 3i-4217 met all their requirements…..in fact, never had them check the dimensions.

 

That’s good to know, I wasn’t sure if they actually measured cases or not.

 

I'll go another way here.... I stopped using a "bow case" about 20 years ago, as they are a target for the anti's at every airport and NOT necessary... I have used a rolling duffle (NOT camo) for about a dozen trips as far as RSA, Argentina, Alaska, etc with zero issues. Puck clothes around the bow in the bottom "boot" section, buy a small square arrow case to keep fletchings in tact and you are done. NO ISSUES. The bottom of all rolling duffles are hard - I've been completely perfect on every trip.

 

We use SKB cases and have used elevation soft ones including travel to the Dominican Republic.

Regardless of which case brand you pick some suggestions:

Recessed wheels are your friends
Buckles and straps can get caught
Take pic of the inside and create a spreadsheet of everything in there. Helps when filing a claim but makes you cry because now you know the true cost of everything.
Zip tie each cam and the d loop. Think locked car.
If TSA inspects it after it leaves your sight you will get a piece of paper saying that and everything thrown back in including arrows.
You will grab your case not at the normal luggage carousel but at the airlines luggage office. Ask where it is at when you walk up.

Once we were charged for over sized on the return flight because as they put it, it is up to the gate agent to check.