Taking your cue on a plane

[sfleinen]

CuePak travel cases for cues

...case AND cues via USPS or Fedex and travel with only a carry-on.

- Get a delivery conformation/tracking number and have a signature required (at the hotel)
- Call the hotel ahead of time and let the front desk know a package is coming for you
- Send the package out early enough so that it arrives the day you check into the hotel

A fully loaded 2x4 case, USPS Priority Mail (2-3 days) from NY to Las Vegas, including delivery conformation, set me back about $15 . A small price to pay when you consider that :
A) You can insure the package for what you feel it's worth (unlike the airlines where you have to prove what was in the suitcase).
B) It's going to get there and require a signature (unlike the airlines where if it's lost, the only recourse you have is to hope it shows up). IF the package disappears at the hotel, you've got proof that it arrived, and have a recourse for reimbursment. Ever try to get an airline to pay for a missing bag ?
C) Even if it costs a few more bucks, throw some of your clothes in the box with your case. That's fewer clothes you have to take in your carry-on.

Right off the bat, you're saving money. Check into the difference between what shipping it ahead will cost against checking it at the airport.

And the best part ? Now, because you're traveling with only a carry-on (and no checked baggage), your options open up a lot more. You can take an earlier connection if it's available, or get voluntarily bumped (because now the airline doesn't have to worry about your luggage).
You can breeze right by the luggage carousel and get a cab before anybody else.

The first time I did this, it made traveling SO much easier. The worry of "Are my cues gonna be there when I get off the plane ?" is non-existent, and I could actually enjoy the experience of traveling.

Good luck...

This is a great post, Lance. I have someone shipping me a cue in a coffin-style case that I purchased here on AZB, with insurance and delivery confirmation, for the same price -- $15. And horrors with shipping carriers aside (we've all read the horror story threads here on AZB about UPS and USPS damaging a prized cue), it's worth it if the shipment has insurance on it.

Another option, if one has a little disposable income, is a specially-designed armored case that travels easily, offers superior protection against the roughest baggage handling, but yet is TSA-friendly:

http://cuepak.com/

Many models to choose from, with/without wheels and pull/towbars, etc. A little expensive, yes. But if one travels a lot with his/her cues, an armored case like the TuffPak might be a very worthwhile (and tax writeoff-able) investment.

-Sean

 

[RunoutJJ]

I shipped my cues to where im headed to. Its cheap... relaible and you dont have to worry about some knucklehead throwing your ase around in luggage

Not to mention that the air temperture up at 25,000- 30,000 feet is near sub frigging zero and im sure that that is not healthy for your cues.

 

[Lance Link]

Thanks, Sean, for the thumbs up. I love to travel as much as the next person, but I hate hauling luggage around. Give me a carry-on any day of the week. I'll ship the rest ahead.
Then it's just a matter of POLITELY talking to the right people.

The key ingredient here is that you call the hotel the day your package is expected to arrive (hopefully the same day as you) and alert them, POLITELY, that your cues are en route, and should be arriving that day.
Doesn't matter if it's a hotel in Las Vegas, Derby City, or Cucamonga. Call ahead to confirm the delivery. Try to talk to the same person throughout, because :
A) That person you spoke with on the phone earlier is either going to meet the delivery truck themselves that day, or has already delegated someone to insure that your package is waiting for you upon your arrival.
B) During your check in, make sure your package has arrived (tell the desk clerk who you've been dealing with via phone). Odds are good that the person on the phone will want to introduce themselves, and this is your opportunity to personally thank them for thier diligence. You now have a contact at the hotel.

As far as the hotel staff is concerned, better to make a good impression and have your cues waiting for you when you check in, than it is if your cues are MIA, especially if someone at the hotel signed for them.

In the unlikely event your cues aren't waiting for you at the hotel's front desk or Business Center, that person you were on the phone with earlier will help you track them down without batting an eye.
Believe me, the hotel WANTS to have your cues waiting for you. It's thier job to make sure your experience is a pleasant one.
And your forewarning them that your cues are coming gives them NO room for error.

Good luck...

 

[Desmondp]

Pretty silly rule

a trained person can do more damage unarmed than a untrained person with a pool cue

 

[onepocketron]

I bought a duffle bag large enough for my case. Clothes and case go into the duffle where the case cannot be seen. Travelled like this for the last 11 years to Vegas and never had an issue. Always fly Southwest so no bag fee.

 

[rackmsuckr]

Allegiant vs. SW

I like Southwest Airlines, but they don't fly out of our little berg. Allegiant does. In fact it flies to Vegas for as little as $29 one way.

I bought a large duffel on wheels that fits my Talisman case, stuff clothes around it, then put a TSA lock on it and it's good to go. That way, if anything gets stolen, at least I know it's a TSA employee.

I remember when I was asked to choose between my laptop or my cues, each near $3k, to be checked. It was like Sophie's Choice!

 

[jay helfert]

Disco needs to make a new video for Youtube, called "Cues On A Plane". It would be a parody of Snakes On A Plane, and feature cues falling out of overhead bins, people tripping on cues sticking out into the aisle, and large cue cases that take up too much room in the overhead compartments. Yes, cues on a plane can be deadly and hazardous to your health. Think of where those cues have been, hanging out in germ infested pool rooms all their lives. And all those dirty pool balls they've interacted with. Scary huh! It's easy to see why cues on a plane should be considered dangerous.

 

[cardiac kid]

Disco needs to make a new video for Youtube, called "Cues On A Plane". It would be a parody of Snakes On A Plane, and feature cues falling out of overhead bins, people tripping on cues sticking out into the aisle, and large cue cases that take up too much room in the overhead compartments. Yes, cues on a plane can be deadly and hazardous to your health. Think of where those cues have been, hanging out in germ infested pool rooms all their lives. And all those dirty pool balls they've interacted with. Scary huh! It's easy to see why cues on a plane should be considered dangerous.

Jay,

I wonder what the TSA might think of a sneaky pete butt with a custom made handle that threads on the joint and looks like a standard hand grip. Looks like a cane. Acts like a cane. Now if I could only think of a way to get the shaft on the plane! Without getting shafted.

Lyn

 

[Lance Link]

Jay,

I wonder what the TSA might think of a sneaky pete butt with a custom made handle that threads on the joint and looks like a standard hand grip. Looks like a cane. Acts like a cane. Now if I could only think of a way to get the shaft on the plane! Without getting shafted.

Lyn

Lyn,

There's still a few hours left in this auction...

http://cgi.ebay.com/2-HIDE-AWAY-CAN...093?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2560229cf5

 

[Lance Link]

disco needs to make a new video for youtube, called "cues on a plane". It would be a parody of snakes on a plane, and feature cues falling out of overhead bins, people tripping on cues sticking out into the aisle, and large cue cases that take up too much room in the overhead compartments. Yes, cues on a plane can be deadly and hazardous to your health. Think of where those cues have been, hanging out in germ infested pool rooms all their lives. And all those dirty pool balls they've interacted with. Scary huh! It's easy to see why cues on a plane should be considered dangerous.

bwahahahahahahahahahaha !!!! I love it !!!!

Sam Jackson's not terribly worried about cue shafts, though...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T9uuPza41Uw

 

[cardiac kid]

Lance,

These cues are way too expensive for me!

Have to admit, at first glance, almost PIMP'ed I was laughing so hard:rotflmao:. Thanks. Nice seeing you last week. Time is way too short. Off to Vegas Tuesday.

Lyn

 

[DiamondGirl]

To avoid all extra charges and confrontations with airlines and tsa...regardless of how stupid their rules are...I have to have a suitcase that is a minmum of 26 inches in which I put my pool cue and case in kitty corner and pack my clothes and shoes around case. my case is 2 butts 4 shafts with large pocket on side for break cue. hope this helps. no extra baggage charge..must keep weght under 50 pounds as well, mine averages 45 to 48 pounds.

 

[CrossSideLarry]

Put cue in gun case

Best way to transport your cue on an airplane is to put it in a gun case. It will be hand delivered to you at your destination.

 

[Lance Link]

Lance,

These cues are way too expensive for me!

Have to admit, at first glance, almost PIMP'ed I was laughing so hard:rotflmao:. Thanks. Nice seeing you last week. Time is way too short. Off to Vegas Tuesday.

Lyn

Good seeing you, too, Lyn.

My father said to say hello next time I see/talk/post with you.

Say Hi to my money (and Jerry) for me when you're in Las Vegas.

Have a safe trip.

 

[8Ball48043]

I built this case a few years ago for my trip to Las Vegas. 1/4" plywood, assembled and coated with Epoxy. I built it, at the time, to accomodate my Giuseppe 2x4 case. As it turns out, it fits my Whitten 2x4 just as nicely.

I put a hasp on the top closure so that I can lock the case. All hardware is mounted with nuts and bolts, not screws. All extending bolts are ground and sanded smooth so as to protect the case inside. I was going to dab some epoxy over the sanded down bolts to provide even more protection, but decided that it was not necessary.

I used an old strap from something so that the box (case) was easier to carry. And, I added a styrofoam block in the top for additional protection and to assure a tight fit for my cue case.

Worked great for me ... for multiple trips! Protects my case! Protects my cues!

 

[trob]

Well this decided it. Unless I can buy a cheap scruggs sneaky to play with I'm not going to the bca nationals. No way am I trusting my Scruggs to the airlines or shipping. I don't care about the money ....my scruggs is my prize posession and it's not leaving my sight.

 

[AuntyDan]

My wife can carry on her knitting needles...go figure.

This is the most insanely dangerous thing I've ever heard of! What is there to stop her from knitting an Afgan?

No, but seriously folks, do the regulations ban ALL Pool cues, or just by length? Because I thought some enterprising cue makers were building 3-piece cues to get around this issue?

 

[rackem]

Nothing to do with length. The Reg says Pool Cue.

 

[berlowmj2]

free bag check

After 9/11, I was traveling to Arizona with my best friend and had my cue case in hand. Needless to say, I was no longer allowed to use it as a carry-on (I want to say this was around 2004-05).

Sucks to say this, but mail it. It's cheaper than flying with it (go figure).

That or change your airline. :angry::sorry:

If you fly Delta using your American Express, you can check a bag free.

 

[JoseV]

I stuff my 3X7 Instroke in one of my oversized military duffle bags and fill the rest of the space with army uniforms and insure it.

Knock on wood i never had an issue, i used this method to travel around the world and it has not failed me.

The TSA will only insure luggage that has cloths in it so just make sure you cue is in the bag with cloths.