Flying with cues

P

Proper_English

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
OK so how many of you will be going to Vegas soon?

After going through several posts regarding this subject, and adding the influence of my own personal experience...I believe (IMHO) that UPS, or Fed-ex-ing my cues ahead of time to another UPS or Fed-ex office near my destination is the way to go...insured of course.

Most who travel will know by now, that even if a particular airline gives us permision to carry-on our cues, unfortunately TSA has the final say in the matter, and they will say no way...costing us time, money to check extra baggage, and potentially, the loss (theft), or damage of our investments-and necessary tools.

It seems the majority of people who fly to tournaments pack their cues-case in all, in their luggage...and that seems to work for many, and that's fine...I'm too nervous to try it; airline insurance is limited to how much they actually cover, and claiming it (if something happens) is a complicated process that seems to favor the airline itfself, not the person who paid for the insurance...if you read the terms to most airlines insurance policies, they don't cover anything lost (if it's stolen, you can't prove it, and it falls into the "lost" category)...not to mention nearly EVERYTHING can be excluded from the insurable list by technicality...policies are very well worded for their protection-not yours...getting 3rd party insurance that actually would cover your equipment is time consuming, and costly (add that to your extra baggage fees).

I also will not subject a cue with fragile materials like ivory or stones to the freezing temperatures of the cargo bin, only to rapidly warm up once landed...nor would I ship a cue like that, but that's just me, and my paranoia.

I realize this topic has been discussed, however I'm posting this "in a nutshell" evaluation according to MHO, for those who don't want to sift through multiple posts to gather valuable information.

I just think it's safer to ship 'em...I've had luggage opened up and rummaged through on more than one occasion...luggage that didn't look that expensive, and no notes or official papers saying they did it or why...if my nice cues in their nice case were inside, I think I'd have suffered quite a loss...luggage can actually (honestly) get lost sometimes...and so can Fed-ex packages...what happens more often?

For my peace of mind, it's gotta be Fed-ex...my two cents.

Good luck everyone, play well...I wish you the best! (with pool and everything else):thumbup:

-Aaron
 
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Proper_English said:
OK so how many of you will be going to Vegas soon?

After going through several posts regarding this subject, and adding the influence of my own personal experience...I believe (IMHO) that UPS, or Fed-ex-ing my cues ahead of time to another UPS or Fed-ex office near my destination is the way to go...insured of course.

Most who travel will know by now, that even if a particular airline gives us permision to carry-on our cues, unfortunately TSA has the final say in the matter, and they will say no way...costing us time, money to check extra baggage, and potentially, the loss (theft), or damage of our investments-and necessary tools.

It seems the majority of people who fly to tournaments pack their cues-case in all, in their luggage...and that seems to work for many, and that's fine...I'm too nervous to try it; airline insurance is limited to how much they actually cover, and claiming it (if something happens) is a complicated process that seems to favor the airline itfself, not the person who paid for the insurance...if you read the terms to most airlines insurance policies, they don't cover anything lost (if it's stolen, you can't prove it, and it falls into the "lost" category)...not to mention nearly EVERYTHING can be excluded from the insurable list by technicality...policies are very well worded for their protection-not yours...getting 3rd party insurance that actually would cover your equipment is time consuming, and costly (add that to your extra baggage fees).

I also will not subject a cue with fragile materials like ivory or stones to the freezing temperatures of the cargo bin, only to rapidly warm up once landed...nor would I ship a cue like that, but that's just me, and my paranoia.

I realize this topic has been discussed, however I'm posting this "in a nutshell" evaluation according to MHO, for those who don't want to sift through multiple posts to gather valuable information.

I just think it's safer to ship 'em...I've had luggage opened up and rummaged through on more than one occasion...luggage that didn't look that expensive, and no notes or official papers saying they did it or why...if my nice cues in their nice case were inside, I think I'd have suffered quite a loss...luggage can actually (honestly) get lost sometimes...and so can Fed-ex packages...what happens more often?

For my peace of mind, it's gotta be Fed-ex...my two cents.

Good luck everyone, play well...I wish you the best! (with pool and everything else):thumbup:

-Aaron
Click to expand...

I agree with you completely. If I was going to take a $3K cue to Las Vegas for example and I could ship it by Fedex and have them hold it for me to pick up at their office I would go that route. I'd never have my $3K cue in the luggage compartment of an airplane in the freezing temperature for a 4 hour flight from the East coast to Vegas. I've had my luggage lost more than once on flights and I hate to think how I would feel if my custom cue was in the suit case and it was lost also. I've also had a suit case damaged beyond repair on a flight and the airline claims office acted like it was no big deal to them.

To protect my nice cues from possible loss or damage I have a nice S/P cue that I can use my favorite 314-2 shaft on that I use if I fly to a tournament. It's not like one of my nice cues, but it plays fine and I don't have the worry about damage or loss of an expensive cue.

I like the Fedex idea the best for your nice cue.

James
 
One thing does cross my mind. What is the difference between the cue being in the freezing cargo section of an airplane that you happen to be a passenger on and the cue being in the freezing section of a FedEx plane?

I would wager the FedEx employees will treat the "package" better than the airline employees when it comes to loading, off loading etc. Plus I bet FedEx is not going to lose the package like an airline might.
 
I have read that 1 airline will let you carry on your cue and case. It might be worth the effort to look into it.
 
PegLeg said:
One thing does cross my mind. What is the difference between the cue being in the freezing cargo section of an airplane that you happen to be a passenger on and the cue being in the freezing section of a FedEx plane?

I would wager the FedEx employees will treat the "package" better than the airline employees when it comes to loading, off loading etc. Plus I bet FedEx is not going to lose the package like an airline might.
Click to expand...
I'd say that FedEx planes are set up for cargo and have no cargo bay. All cargo is in what is normally the passenger compartment. Since FedEx is a cargo company that deals with all sorts of valuable stuff there compartments is temp controlled.
 
Carrying cues on a plane?

I haven't thought of this problem as I've never been to Vegas but I think if I ever go I'll bring a couple extra bucks and just buy a cheap cue from a vendor ther to play with or maybe carry a Predetor or OB1 shaft with popular thread to match a cue there.
 
stumpie71 said:
I have read that 1 airline will let you carry on your cue and case. It might be worth the effort to look into it.
Click to expand...
It doesn't matter what the airline says. AirTran Corporate gave me permission to bring my cue on board with me. As soon as it was my turn at the security gate, TSA turned me right back around to check it.

Walking canes... okay.
Tennis racquets... sure.
F%&#ing SKATEBOARDS... not a problem.
$2000 cue in a $1000 case... sorry, have to check it with the rest of your luggage!
 
Is it feasible to have the cue & case shipped to your name at the hotel where you have your room reserved?
 
If I'm only taking one cue, I use my It's George case and pack it in my luggage. Never had a problem doing that. If I need two or more cues, I use those Porper duffel bags with clothes packed around the case. I've never had any problems, maybe just lucky.

Jim
 
Marissa,

That strap lock looks like a great idea given the video of the pen trick. However, how can TSA do inspection if lock is combination lock? Do you have them do inspection as you are checking the luggage and then put the strap on? I thought TSA locks had to be key locks where TSA has master key they can use.

Thanks,

Randy
 
Randy9Ball said:
Marissa,

That strap lock looks like a great idea given the video of the pen trick. However, how can TSA do inspection if lock is combination lock? Do you have them do inspection as you are checking the luggage and then put the strap on? I thought TSA locks had to be key locks where TSA has master key they can use.

Thanks,

Randy
Click to expand...
There are TSA-approved locks that use combinations instead of keys. That's not where the TSA puts their key. They insert their key into the opening at the bottom of the lock.
 
flying with cues

When I fly with my cue I get a box from fed-ex. This is what you would be putting it in if you were sending it. I then cover it all over with name, address and packageing tape. The box is triangler, They ask what it is. I have never had a problem. The box has never even been roughed up. Funny the last time I flew with my cue, the lady in front of me had long metal knitting needles. scared me. If I had my cue with me in that compartment, I could have defended myself. ooh, I am never cheap with the sky-cap.
 
JimS said:
Is it feasible to have the cue & case shipped to your name at the hotel where you have your room reserved?
Click to expand...

Hi Jim,

You could do that, however...once it has been delivered to the hotel, the shipping company has fulfilled it's obligation, and already marked the package as "delivered"...and now it's up to the hotel staff to be honest and pass it along to you...insurance goes out the window after delivery.

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts.
-Aaron
 
Well, IF you decide to fly with the cue then may i reccomend the new Sterling travel bag?

I designed it to be well padded, easy to put two 2x4 cases into, heavy duty zippers with zipper heads that interlock so you can lock the case with a TSA lock of your choice, an ergonomic shoulder strap that is reversable and a side and top handle. All this for $39.

 
JB Cases said:
Well, IF you decide to fly with the cue then may i reccomend the new Sterling travel bag?

I designed it to be well padded, easy to put two 2x4 cases into, heavy duty zippers with zipper heads that interlock so you can lock the case with a TSA lock of your choice, an ergonomic shoulder strap that is reversable and a side and top handle. All this for $39.

Click to expand...
That's a great deal. I like the shoulder strap. Mine didn't come with one and it's a hassle to carry with the side handle when you have suitcases to drag, too
 
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