Flying with Tennis Raquets

[sammielynn]

In May we will be flying into Sanford, this is our first time flying on vacation. Because we always drive we take everything we own with us because we might want it. With the change in transportation mode we are having to rethink our packing. My DS17 plays alot of tennis and would not think of going on vaction without at least two raquets. If his tennis bag is small can he carry them on?? Basically it is just a raquet cover with a shoulder strap. Or do we need to pack them in the checked luggage? If they are placed between layers of clothing I know they would arrive in good condition. Ever carry your raquets on the plane???

 

[dna1990]

It's odd, but TSA lists all types of various sports equipment and whether they are allowed as carryon, but tennis raquets are not listed in either prohibited or allowed....maybe I just missed it.

w w w . t s a . g o v /travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1169.shtm

 

[Geoff_M]

I think in all likelihood, the answer would be "She'd have no problem." But... remember that the TSA list is not an absolute list and the TSA agents at the airport have the latitude to ask her to check the racquets. Another item that amazingly isn't on the TSA "no go" list is camera monopods. These little gems can make one heck of a great club that could beat someone into a pulp in seconds flat, but the TSA officially allows them on planes. However, every now and then a photographer will report that a local TSA agent wouldn't allow their monopod through the checkpoint. In those cases the passenger had no option other then to check it. Therefore, I'd have her try and take the tennis bag (assuming it's under the size limit) on board, but have an acceptable "Plan B" ready if she's turned back.

 

[dis-happy]

My ds is a ranked junior tournament player and always brings two of his racquets whenever we fly. I don't drag along his big bag, but put the racquets in the smaller protective case that comes when you buy it. Then, to make things easier, I put them into a shopping bag with handles and place carefully in the overhead compartment (making sure no one's heavy suitcase is being tossed on top). It counts as a carryon but we've had no problems schlepping them across country. We were changing planes in Atlanta once and I saw several kids with racquets including some being carried in the back-pack style tennis bags. If you have expensive racquets I wouldn't try putting them into a suitcase, who knows what TSA will do to them (or if an airline employee will steal it).


Edited to add: by putting both racquets into one shopping bag it becomes "one" carryon. I don't know if two separate racquets slung over his shoulder would be counted as two even if they don't take up any more room. Better safe than sorry.

Also: if you're at WDW check out lessons with the pro there, Michael. He's great! Used to be the tennis coach for a Florida university (UCF? I can't quite remember) before taking over the program at WDW. Call wdw-play, they use the courts at the GF.

 

[sammielynn]

Thanks dis-happy! His small case will hold two raquets, and yes they are expensive, so he should be fine.