Anybody have tried to bring 12 tennis bag on a flight?

[Deleted member 746200]

I’m wondering if anybody have tried to carry 9 or 12 tennis bag on the flight. Obviously it’s too big to count as carry on, but if count it as check in luggage, I’m worrying about all my rackets are gonna broken during the flight...any ideas and suggestions or any experience? Really appreciate!

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[PhxRacket]

Try a 2 racquet backpack if you can. We just took players to Waco, Texas and that is what they did. Some kids used the small Wilson duffels that could hold 3-4 racquets, we only had to check them as we boarded the DFW to Waco flight...really small plane.

 

[dr325i]

Discussed MANYYYYYYY times in the travel section.

I put 250k miles on AA and various Chinese, European, Korean...airlines, and always carry my 12-pack Speed ND bag.
The only time I had issues was Bangalore - Kuala Lumpur on Malaysia airlines (made me check in) and in Russia, but I convinced them to let me go in.
Other than that, no one ever asked a question...

 

[ollinger]

Just sneak it on while they're arguing with the guy who wants his emotional support llama on board.

 

[Deleted member 746200]

Discussed MANYYYYYYY times in the travel section.

I put 250k miles on AA and various Chinese, European, Korean...airlines, and always carry my 12-pack Speed ND bag.
The only time I had issues was Bangalore - Kuala Lumpur on Malaysia airlines (made me check in) and in Russia, but I convinced them to let me go in.
Other than that, no one ever asked a question...

I see...Where do you put your bag on the flight though? Above head? Isn’t that too big for overhead compartment?


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[dr325i]

I see...Where do you put your bag on the flight though? Above head? Isn’t that too big for overhead compartment?


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On the 737 or A32x, it slides in no problem.
on the bigger ones (777, 787, 747, A330/349) no issues at all
On the small commuters, they usually take it on the way to the airplane and then give back on the way out.

 

[tennisaddict2223]

I have in the past and was eventually forced to check it in. Best advice is either find a smaller bag or wrap your racquets in bubble wrap and maybe add some towels to protect them from being thrown around.

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[dr325i]

I have in the past and was eventually forced to check it in. Best advice is either find a smaller bag or wrap your racquets in bubble wrap and maybe add some towels to protect them from being thrown around.

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Rackets are allowed on planes. I doubt that any other than small regional flights will make you check in. Not In The US

I have about 3.5M miles over the past 23 years and only two instances (mentioned above) with issues.

other posters (in Asia and Europe) that I hit with can also confirm.

 

[Deleted member 746200]

Rackets are allowed on planes. I doubt that any other than small regional flights will make you check in. Not In The US

I have about 3.5M miles over the past 23 years and only two instances (mentioned above) with issues.

other posters (in Asia and Europe) that I hit with can also confirm.

Thanks for sharing. I’ll try to carry the bag on, if I’m forced to check in I’ll just hold my rackets in hands and put them under the seat lol. I only have 4 rackets should be fine petting underseat


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[tennisaddict2223]

Rackets are allowed on planes. I doubt that any other than small regional flights will make you check in. Not In The US

I have about 3.5M miles over the past 23 years and only two instances (mentioned above) with issues.

other posters (in Asia and Europe) that I hit with can also confirm.

Absolutely agree with you. However, when I travelled I had 6 racquets with me in the middle pocket and gear in the side pockets so it wouldn't fit in the overhead bin. Now granted it wouldn't fit because I was always in one of the last groups to board hence no overhead space for a large bag. I did learn my lesson and only packed racquets in the bag so I could compress the bag, but always ran into the space issue.

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[navigator]

Jesus, just check 'em. Nothing's gonna happen, they'll be fine. I check mine all the time - many times per year, international flights, flimsy luggage (I don't even have a fancy racquet bag like yours)... they'll be fine. Don't be "that" guy with the oversize carry-on luggage.

 

[dr325i]

Absolutely agree with you. However, when I travelled I had 6 racquets with me in the middle pocket and gear in the side pockets so it wouldn't fit in the overhead bin. Now granted it wouldn't fit because I was always in one of the last groups to board hence no overhead space for a large bag. I did learn my lesson and only packed racquets in the bag so I could compress the bag, but always ran into the space issue.

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Ah, that must be it. Due to all of my flying, I am usually first one in...

 

[David Le]

Thanks for sharing. I’ll try to carry the bag on, if I’m forced to check in I’ll just hold my rackets in hands and put them under the seat lol. I only have 4 rackets should be fine petting underseat


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I honestly think you can’t fit the racquets under your seat unless you want the person behind or in front of you to step on them.

 

[Deleted member 746200]

I honestly think you can’t fit the racquets under your seat unless you want the person behind or in front of you to step on them.

That’s gonna be fine I did it couple time with mine. Usually there’s an emergency box under everyone’s seat so no worry about somebody step on it except myself. But it’s always not very comfortable when have something take out space for my feet on the flight lol


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[David Le]

That’s gonna be fine I did it couple time with mine. Usually there’s an emergency box under everyone’s seat so no worry about somebody step on it except myself. But it’s always not very comfortable when have something take out space for my feet on the flight lol


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Oh, I forgot there was an emergency box under the seat. Haha yeah, that’s true. I’m heading to SC soon to visit my older sister and her family. I might get a chance to play on har tru for the first time with my brother in law. Hopefully I don’t slip/fall. Anyway, hope you have a safe trip!

 

[Sardines]

I’m wondering if anybody have tried to carry 9 or 12 tennis bag on the flight. Obviously it’s too big to count as carry on, but if count it as check in luggage, I’m worrying about all my rackets are gonna broken during the flight...any ideas and suggestions or any experience? Really appreciate!

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It really depends on the fare class, airline and airport staff of where you are going. When I did my "OMG I'm old, mid life crisis" tour 2 years ago to little M15s in obscure places, I carried a 12 pack, and a computer pack. I had a J fare though and am top status on both Star Alliance and One World, so I mostly got a few looks but no one stopped me. The young player I was traveling with had a Y/G tix and was harassed somewhat.
It's inconsistent too. Flying through HKG a few times, we were both put to the cabin luggage 'box' test by departure gate staff once, which we failed and other 2x, we walked right through. Got some grief in several countries in Africa too.
I only really had 6 racquets, but had change, strings, grips and shoes so I could play even if the baggage got lost. Finally broke down and bought a 9 racquet bag to fit all that, and gave my 12 bag to a local kid in Egypt. I would suggest you bring a hard case in the event you're forced to check in, unless you are forced at the boarding gate, which really sucks!

 

[Deleted member 746200]

It really depends on the fare class, airline and airport staff of where you are going. When I did my "OMG I'm old, mid life crisis" tour 2 years ago to little M15s in obscure places, I carried a 12 pack, and a computer pack. I had a J fare though and am top status on both Star Alliance and One World, so I mostly got a few looks but no one stopped me. The young player I was traveling with had a Y/G tix and was harassed somewhat.
It's inconsistent too. Flying through HKG a few times, we were both put to the cabin luggage 'box' test by departure gate staff once, which we failed and other 2x, we walked right through. Got some grief in several countries in Africa too.
I only really had 6 racquets, but had change, strings, grips and shoes so I could play even if the baggage got lost. Finally broke down and bought a 9 racquet bag to fit all that, and gave my 12 bag to a local kid in Egypt. I would suggest you bring a hard case in the event you're forced to check in, unless you are forced at the boarding gate, which really sucks!

Thanks for the response!


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[rlau]

I'm sure you've seen this: https://www.facebook.com/TennisLege...surprise-at-munich-airport/10155288530706806/

 

[Sardines]

I'm sure you've seen this: https://www.facebook.com/TennisLegendOfficial/videos/gaël-monfils-had-a-bad-surprise-at-munich-airport/10155288530706806/

Yes that can happen in many airports. To be fair, any touring pro that's at his level should know better. An overstuffed 12 pack is going to be overweight and too big for most overhead compartments, even in J/F class, which I assume he's travelling in. He could've bought a seat for his bag in economy. Looks like he checked it in, probably at the boarding gate, and they didn't put FRAGILE stickers on it, so it's on whichever airline/airport staff who checked it in. As an aside, I now use the lightest hardcase I could find, the Samsonite Lite-Shock 28" that fits extended racquets, if hand luggage is not a choice.

 

[LOBALOT]

For us we attempt to carry the bag on at the gate. Often they let us bring it right on board. If not they check it in right at the gate in that way you know it is on your plane and not headed off for some other destination.

 

[dr325i]

very interesting scenarios. I guess I have been "lucky" past 3.5M miles I put on the skies...
I understand the situation within One World where I have the highest level, however, I have done Star Alliance (boarding group 5 usually), Southwest (always in the middle somewhere in the back), Delta (usually the last 10 to board), Chinese, European, Japanese, South Asian...
No one even asks a thing. Interestingly enough, on my return flight from FRA to DFW two weeks ago, the agent asked me to put my bag into that measuring thing. I did. It did not fit, it was also sticking 8 inches too long. He looked at me and asked -- "Tennis Rackets?"
"Duh"
"OK, no problem, have a nice flight..."

 

[Deleted member 746200]

I'm sure you've seen this: https://www.facebook.com/TennisLege...surprise-at-munich-airport/10155288530706806/

For sure that’s why I’m so worried lol


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[JackSockIsTheBest]

I wish I cou

very interesting scenarios. I guess I have been "lucky" past 3.5M miles I put on the skies...
I understand the situation within One World where I have the highest level, however, I have done Star Alliance (boarding group 5 usually), Southwest (always in the middle somewhere in the back), Delta (usually the last 10 to board), Chinese, European, Japanese, South Asian...
No one even asks a thing. Interestingly enough, on my return flight from FRA to DFW two weeks ago, the agent asked me to put my bag into that measuring thing. I did. It did not fit, it was also sticking 8 inches too long. He looked at me and asked -- "Tennis Rackets?"
"Duh"
"OK, no problem, have a nice flight..."

hahaha that is pretty damn funny!

 

[Sardines]

Oh and for those with any kind of credentials like ITF, USPTA, ATP etc, always have it on hand. If they stop you at the gate, it may help in sneaking you pass. Nowadays with COVID, planes are so empty, you could probably bring 2 12 packs! haha

 

[Raul_SJ]

Discussed MANYYYYYYY times in the travel section.

I put 250k miles on AA and various Chinese, European, Korean...airlines, and always carry my 12-pack Speed ND bag.
The only time I had issues was Bangalore - Kuala Lumpur on Malaysia airlines (made me check in) and in Russia, but I convinced them to let me go in.
Other than that, no one ever asked a question...

Wrong!

I had a Prince 12 pack bag that did not even have racquets in it (only clothes). Cathay Pacific San Francisco counter said it was within the carry on weight limit (20 pounds or whatever it was).
But for LxWxH dimensions ("cannot fit in overhead").
And the damn flight was 2/3 empty with plenty of overhead space... But the dunderhead at the airline counter still rejected it.

Maybe you are some high mileage flyer with special first class priveleges... But it will not be allowed in economy class.

 

[Flootoo]

Wrong!
I had a Prince bag that did not even have racquets in it (only clothes). It was weighed at counter and it was within the weight limit (20 pounds or whatever it was).
But it was rejected as carry on by Cathay Pacific at San Francisco for LxWxH dimensions ("cannot fit in overhead" .
And the damn flight was half empty with plenty of overhead space... But the dunderhead at the airline counter still rejected it.

I can't imagine why you were rejected again.

 

[dr325i]

Wrong!

I had a Prince 12 pack bag that did not even have racquets in it (only clothes). Cathay Pacific San Francisco counter said it was within the carry on weight limit (20 pounds or whatever it was).
But for LxWxH dimensions ("cannot fit in overhead").
And the damn flight was 2/3 empty with plenty of overhead space... But the dunderhead at the airline counter still rejected it.

Maybe you are some high mileage flyer with special first class priveleges... But it will not be allowed in economy class.

I do have highest status at AA however always book coach and fly coach 80% of time.

however, as mentioned, I fly all over the world, inside Europe, China, etc with random airlines where my status is no different than yours and my experience was as described.
I travel to Asia/Europe every month and always carry my tennis bag.

 

[Raul_SJ]

I do have highest status at AA however always book coach and fly coach 80% of time.

however, as mentioned, I fly all over the world, inside Europe, China, etc with random airlines where my status is no different than yours and my experience was as described.
I travel to Asia/Europe every month and always carry my tennis bag.

(1) Aren't the length/width/height checked at the counter? That was my experience. Thought it would pass since the weight was well under the limit. But Prince 12 pack bag was rejected based on the dimensions. Or was I unlucky there?
(2) If the flight is full, bag is never going to fit in the overhead bin.

 

[dr325i]

(1) Aren't the length/width/height checked at the counter? That was my experience. Thought it would pass since the weight was well under the limit. But Prince 12 pack bag was rejected based on the dimensions. Or was I unlucky there?
(2) If the flight is full, bag is never going to fit in the overhead bin.

They never checked at the counter. Tennis rackets are allowed on the planes and I do believe 27" may be out of the "box" range.
However, I do think you were unlucky there as I mentioned I only got to check them in once in almost 5M miles of flying...
On the standard flights (B737/767/787/777/747 and A3xx and E1xx) they slide into the bin nicely, no problem.
On regional flights, you may need to give it away as you're walking on-board

 

[Raul_SJ]

They never checked at the counter.

I walked up to the counter and all suitcases and carry-on's were being weighed. Prince bag was underweight but rejected for dimension.
Then had to go thru hassle of repacking and transferring into suitcase. Even though the plane was only 1/3 full with plenty of overhead space.
I believe this is the standard procedure everywhere but I do not fly much.
Also heard that airlines are generally being more of a pain in the ass and strict about enforcing luggage weight/dimension rules.

 

[dr325i]

I walked up to the counter and all suitcases and carry-on's were being weighed. Prince bag was underweight but rejected for dimension.
Then had to go thru hassle of repacking and transferring into suitcase. Even though the plane was only 1/3 full with plenty of overhead space.
I believe this is the standard procedure everywhere but I do not fly much.
Also heard that airlines are generally being more of a pain in the ass and strict about enforcing luggage weight/dimension rules.

Did you wear the shirt saying “this plane goes down” or something??

 

[EP1998]

It really depends on the fare class, airline and airport staff of where you are going. When I did my "OMG I'm old, mid life crisis" tour 2 years ago to little M15s in obscure places, I carried a 12 pack, and a computer pack. I had a J fare though and am top status on both Star Alliance and One World, so I mostly got a few looks but no one stopped me. The young player I was traveling with had a Y/G tix and was harassed somewhat.
It's inconsistent too. Flying through HKG a few times, we were both put to the cabin luggage 'box' test by departure gate staff once, which we failed and other 2x, we walked right through. Got some grief in several countries in Africa too.
I only really had 6 racquets, but had change, strings, grips and shoes so I could play even if the baggage got lost. Finally broke down and bought a 9 racquet bag to fit all that, and gave my 12 bag to a local kid in Egypt. I would suggest you bring a hard case in the event you're forced to check in, unless you are forced at the boarding gate, which really sucks!

I am jealous. J fares, top status on OW and Star Alliance and a 12 UTR...

 

[Sardines]

I walked up to the counter and all suitcases and carry-on's were being weighed. Prince bag was underweight but rejected for dimension.
Then had to go thru hassle of repacking and transferring into suitcase. Even though the plane was only 1/3 full with plenty of overhead space.
I believe this is the standard procedure everywhere but I do not fly much.
Also heard that airlines are generally being more of a pain in the ass and strict about enforcing luggage weight/dimension rules.

In general, the advice I would give anyone flying, who isn't in the airline's FF higher status, is NOT to carry a 12 pack, even if it's lighter. I bought the hardcase specifically for fragile stuff. Specifically Cathay Pacific, which I've used a lot from SFO/LAX to HKG to the rest of Asia, can be difficult for non-Marco Polo members. Like you, I've seen people argue at the check-in counters (which is really the airport staff) and the gates (a combination of airport and airline staff). about their carry-ons. I tend to overpack my cabin luggage, so it's always a risk to get harassed.

 

[Raul_SJ]

In general, the advice I would give anyone flying, who isn't in the airline's FF higher status, is NOT to carry a 12 pack, even if it's lighter. I bought the hardcase specifically for fragile stuff. Specifically Cathay Pacific, which I've used a lot from SFO/LAX to HKG to the rest of Asia, can be difficult for non-Marco Polo members. Like you, I've seen people argue at the check-in counters (which is really the airport staff) and the gates (a combination of airport and airline staff). about their carry-ons. I tend to overpack my cabin luggage, so it's always a risk to get harassed.

That makes sense. I'm not a frequent traveler but have carefully observed the process when dropping off other people. Luggage and carry-on are carefully weighed at the check in counter.
The people at the check-in counter desk look to be airline employees. They will make the call on the weight.
If the carry on bag is cleared at the counter, you should be fine. After that, you have to walk thru the gates and go thru security. That is all Airport staff.
There will be TSA Neanderthals x-raying, hassling and groping you but have never seen any carryon be rejected for weight at scanning.
After that, the departure gates will be run by airline employees, who will not weigh nor reject your carry on.

Cathay Pacific rules:

 

[Sardines]

There will be TSA Neanderthals x-raying, hassling and groping you but have never seen any carryon be rejected for weight at scanning.
After that, the departure gates will be run by airline employees, who will not weigh nor reject your carry on.

Not necessarily. Airline ground staff have been known to stop people at the gate. I certainly have been stopped once for sure, and I've seen others.

And no need to insult TSA staff. Sure DHS messed up the hiring and the training is lacking, but that's a structural thing and those folks are just doing their jobs.

 

[Raul_SJ]

Not necessarily. Airline ground staff have been known to stop people at the gate. I certainly have been stopped once for sure, and I've seen others.

And no need to insult TSA staff. Sure DHS messed up the hiring and the training is lacking, but that's a structural thing and those folks are just doing their jobs.

We have seen many documented cases with these TSA clowns. I have had bad experiences with them.
They are "not just doing their jobs" when groping and harassing children and elderly. Anyone knows that you simply do not do that.
At the height of these TSA scandals, it was reported DHS was hiring little more than minimum wage workers.
Hopefully the DHS bureaucracy has improved on hiring these incompetent sociopathic Neanderthals to be on the front lines on terror.
Scores of outrageous pat-downs from an agency that has never caught a single terrorist. Pathetic.

 

[onehandbh]

Rackets are allowed on planes. I doubt that any other than small regional flights will make you check in. Not In The US

I have about 3.5M miles over the past 23 years and only two instances (mentioned above) with issues.

other posters (in Asia and Europe) that I hit with can also confirm.

The only country that I have traveled to that has has not allowed racquets as carry-on for me has been Indonesia.
All the other countries have allowed me to bring my racquet bag.

 

[LaZeR]

Try a 2 racquet backpack if you can...

Ya Most Airlines & Security don't mind at all 1 or 2 racquets. Knock on Wood *knock* *knock* *knock*.

 

[dr325i]

Not doubting your travel experience, but there are many airlines (especially in Europe), which do not accept Tennis rackets in hand luggage.

BA Items such as tennis or squash rackets, fishing rods, billiard/snooker/pool cues and hockey sticks are not allowed as part of your hand baggage

Ryanair 8.5.8 Any blunt instrument capable of causing injury, including the following, must be carried in the hold as checked-in luggage.

• Tennis rackets, squash rackets and so on

Such a shame as when you find $20 dollar flights across Europe and want to set up a games, you are forced to pay hold baggage fees!

I do not consider Ryanair as airlines.

I have flown BA (inside Europe, between Europe and US and Europe and Asia) many times and absolutely never had an issue bringing my 15-racket bag on board. Given that they are a part of One World, I do have the Emerald status there.
however, I have also flown air Serbia, Air France, Lufthansa, CZech Airlines, Baltic Air, Alitalia, LOT, Brussels, Aeroflot, Iberia, SAS, Finnair, Adria, Tarom, some czech low cost (to Egypt) don’t recall the name, Emirates and probably forgetting a few more and never had an issue...

 

[Deleted member 746200]

I do not consider Ryanair as airlines.

I have flown BA (inside Europe, between Europe and US and Europe and Asia) many times and absolutely never had an issue bringing my 15-racket bag on board. Given that they are a part of One World, I do have the Emerald status there.
however, I have also flown air Serbia, Air France, Lufthansa, CZech Airlines, Baltic Air, Alitalia, LOT, Brussels, Aeroflot, Iberia, SAS, Finnair, Adria, Tarom, some czech low cost (to Egypt) don’t recall the name, Emirates and probably forgetting a few more and never had an issue...

Thx for the reply. My question is, where you put your bag one the flight? It’s clearly too big to fit in the storage space above your head right?


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[dr325i]

Thx for the reply. My question is, where you put your bag one the flight? It’s clearly too big to fit in the storage space above your head right?


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I believe I already mentioned that.
Most of my flying is on the B777/787, A330/340/350, and B737/A320. In these cases it nicely and easily slides inside the overhead bin (in the A20 case, it actually goes full length in like it was made for it!
On smaller planes (CRJ, ATR...), they take it as we walk to the plane and give back upon landing.

 

[John DeTennis]

On the 737 or A32x, it slides in no problem.
on the bigger ones (777, 787, 747, A330/349) no issues at all
On the small commuters, they usually take it on the way to the airplane and then give back on the way out.

Ah hello fellow aviation/tennis enthusiast

 

[John DeTennis]

Just sneak it on while they're arguing with the guy who wants his emotional support llama on board.

Can confirm this is a great plan and will work. Haha the worst I've seen personally is a cat and a ferret.

 

[John DeTennis]

Usually the way I travel I just smush my 12 pack empty except for some clothes or something in a checked bag with other non tennis things on the sides and put the frames on top with some clothes on top for protection. Can fit a lot of other stuff and they didn't break. Or if you can manage just bring three frames and squish them into something like the Dunlop CX Performance commuter and use as carry on.

 

[jm1980]

I'm sure you've seen this: https://www.facebook.com/TennisLegendOfficial/videos/gaël-monfils-had-a-bad-surprise-at-munich-airport/10155288530706806/

It probably would be a good idea to cut out the strings if the racquets are going to be checked luggage

Yes that can happen in many airports. To be fair, any touring pro that's at his level should know better. An overstuffed 12 pack is going to be overweight and too big for most overhead compartments, even in J/F class, which I assume he's travelling in. He could've bought a seat for his bag in economy. Looks like he checked it in, probably at the boarding gate, and they didn't put FRAGILE stickers on it, so it's on whichever airline/airport staff who checked it in. As an aside, I now use the lightest hardcase I could find, the Samsonite Lite-Shock 28" that fits extended racquets, if hand luggage is not a choice.

FRAGILE stickers are a visual cue for baggage handlers to abuse your luggage even more