Can You Take A Compound Bow On A Plane? Bow Cases For Flying

Through the years, the popularity of hunting out-of-state has grown by leaps and bounds. Not just hunting in an adjacent state within driving distance, but across the country and sometimes even the ocean. For those who are considering such a hunt, there are many things to consider in preparation for flying on a commercial airline.

For archers, the question is, can you take your compound bow on a plane?

Yes, you can take your compound bow on a commercial airline. You are not permitted to take the bow as carry-on luggage – it must be taken onboard an airplane as checked baggage. Unlike firearms, in most cases, compound bows do not require any special declarations. They are treated just like any other checked airline baggage. 

Generally, getting your compound bow on the plane is the easy part.  All the preparation needed to ensure the safety of your compound bow in flight is the difficult part. If you are like me, my bow is almost an extension of myself. I go through a lot to make sure it’s tuned properly and ready for a hunt. Due to the fact that a bow will be treated the same as any other checked baggage, my main concern is that it arrives at my destination in perfect working order and protected.

Bow Case Consideration For Flying

I’m sure we’d all like to believe that all baggage handlers treat our baggage as we would. The fact is, they don’t. I’ve seen them throwing baggage as if they were trash collectors throwing trash into the back of their trucks. I’ve also arrived only to find my bow case was pretty banged up, which only proves my case. So, if you are concerned with the appearance of your bow case more than you are the contents – do not fly!

When I fly somewhere to hunt, my main concern is my bow. I know that if something were to happen during the flight or during the loading or unloading of my bow, my hunt will be over before it begins. Many areas in the country don’t have bow pro-shops to fix whatever has been damaged. Your main priority should be that your bow arrives in the same condition that it left in. The best way to do this is by choosing a quality, air travel approved bow case for transport. Any quality bow case will plainly state that it is TSA approved and can be used for transport on an airplane.

Soft Bow Cases

Personally, I would never travel with a soft bow case, but I know that some people do. They take extra precaution while packing their bow, many times, making sure there is extra padding (sometimes foam, or even hunting clothing) that will further protect it during transport. The one thing you must do is make sure that nothing is going to rub against your bow string. I’ve seen more than one bow arrive with a shredded bow string due to something rubbing against it during transportation. The other issue is to make sure that your bow is properly secured within the bow case.  Most quality soft cases will have Velcro straps used for this very purpose. In addition, most soft cases that are suitable for air travel will come with an “airline cover” that ensures that your case does not accidentally come open.

Hard Bow Cases

When I am traveling on a plane with my compound bow, I prefer to use a hard case (see price on amazon for case pictured above) that is approved by the manufacturer for air travel. Most manufacturers will include “suitable for air travel” (or worded similarly) in the description of the hard case. If you find a hard case and it doesn’t say anything similar to this statement – err on the side of caution and find one that does.

Any hard bow case for air travel will be able to be locked, either with a built-in combination style lock or with padlock tabs or with both. I always use TSA-approved padlocks. They allow the airline to inspect the contents of your case by using a special key. If you choose to use a padlock that isn’t approved, be prepared for your name to be called over the loudspeaker so that you can go open the case for inspection. Believe me, a bow case always gets airline personnels’ attention. For me, it’s just less hassle to use a TSA-approved padlock.

Bow Accessories

Even if you are using a hard case, you need to make sure that everything inside the case is secured properly. Many hard cases have a built-in arrow holder in the lid of the case. Make sure you do not leave your broadheads on your arrows during transport. There is nothing worse than arriving at your destination only to find your string or cables have been damaged by your broadheads. I always secure my broadheads in a small container that will still fit within my bow case.

Your bow, arrows, and broadheads being secured and protected properly is only part of your preparation. One of the most important parts of your bow to protect is the sight. Make sure to put extra protection around your sight either by wrapping something soft around it or removing it completely and packing it separately. Some people will put their sight and release in their carry-on bag. Just be aware that at certain angles they can appear to be weapons. I usually remove my sight, wrap it, and store it in my bow case.

Regardless of which style of case you decide to use, the main objective is to protect your bow and accessories. If you are spending the money to travel by airplane to a location to hunt, it is worth the money to get a good case. When I first started thinking about traveling to hunt and asked an older gentleman about bow cases he said, “Why would you buy a $100 case to protect thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment?” And he was completely correct. It’s worth a few more dollars to get the best bow case that you can afford. If you take the steps needed to ensure that your equipment will be safe in transit you’ll be able to enjoy your time in the field and won’t find yourself in the position of trying to find someone to fix your bow.

Related Questions

When I arrive and my bow looks like it is in perfect working order should I still shoot it before the hunt?

Without a doubt, you should shoot your bow as soon as you can upon arrival. It takes little effort to shoot a couple of practice shots before you head out on the hunt. It’s not only the ethical thing to do, but it will also increase your confidence when the shot of a lifetime comes along.

Should I take these same precautions even when I’m not flying, but traveling a long distance?

Yes, you should. A good sturdy bow case is priceless for those long road trips. It doesn’t take much to damage archery equipment and a hunter is always better off to err on the side of caution.

How Do I Store A Bow If I Don’t Have A Case?

Now, it’s important to note that you will not be able to fly if you do not have a case. However, if you’re looking to store a bow at home while not flying, we have a great blog summarizing the Top Ways To Store A Bow Without A Case.