Domestic air travel with paragliders- how to

[Lars]

Could use some help from the numerous veterans here: I'm traveling next week for the first time with a (actually two) paragliders (two people).

I'm wondering if there are any special preparations needed prior to checking these on an airline, any post 9/11 security problems with something like this going on a plane? Anything to make sure to do?

Thanks very much!

[Bobbie]

Be sure to check your reserve carefully after the TSA folks have inspected it.

[hhcutlip]

I have a front mount reserve so I just take it off and take it in my carry-on bag. The last time I flew they didn't give it a second look.

[oj]

I've had good luck with making a tag that says " Emergency Parachute-Do Not Pull Handle." This tag gets attached with a plastic electrical tie to the reserve handle which sits on my harness shoulder strap. (top-mounted reserve) The tie is long enough to go through the reserve handle and around the shoulder strap so it can't be pulled by mistake. As a backup, I use two smaller ties and attach the reserve pins to the loops they go through. *This is the important part.* Make a second tag that says *Reserve Pins* and attach it to your helmet chin-strap in such a fashion that you can't put your helmet on without seeing and removing the tag. This is sure to remind you to remove the electrical ties before you fly. Carry spares of everything for the trip home.

Long cinch straps should be wrapped around your outer bag to keep the shoulder straps close to the bag. The conveyer belts love to rip them off if they are just flopping around.

And last of all, when they ask you at check-in how much your bag weighs, tell 'em 49 pounds. They charge extra if it's more than that.

[Lars]

I've had good luck with making a tag that says " Emergency Parachute-Do Not Pull Handle." This tag gets attached with a plastic electrical tie to the reserve handle which sits on my harness shoulder strap. (top-mounted reserve) The tie is long enough to go through the reserve handle and around the shoulder strap so it can't be pulled by mistake. As a backup, I use two smaller ties and attach the reserve pins to the loops they go through. *This is the important part.* Make a second tag that says *Reserve Pins* and attach it to your helmet chin-strap in such a fashion that you can't put your helmet on without seeing and removing the tag. This is sure to remind you to remove the electrical ties before you fly. Carry spares of everything for the trip home.

Long cinch straps should be wrapped around your outer bag to keep the shoulder straps close to the bag. The conveyer belts love to rip them off if they are just flopping around.

And last of all, when they ask you at check-in how much your bag weighs, tell 'em 49 pounds. They charge extra if it's more than that.

GREAT info, thanks!

[andy]

Lars, the weight limit is 50 lbs. per bag or they charge you $75 more if it is over. So pack judiciously. Also I've heard of theft of electronics out of glider bags.
Have fun, Andy.
I just saw OJ's comment on weight. When I took mine they actually weighed it so be prepared.

[Lars]

Lars, the weight limit is 50 lbs. per bag or they charge you $75 more if it is over. So pack judiciously. Also I've heard of theft of electronics out of glider bags.
Have fun, Andy.
I just saw OJ's comment on weight. When I took mine they actually weighed it so be prepared.

Andy-

Thanks for the tip about electronics, didn't plan on checking those anyway (though it might be interesting going through security with radios... hope that doesn't throw flags though I guess it's good I'm leaving from SB vs. a major airport).

I was expecting the 'throw your bag on the scale' routine too, so hopefully gliders + harness + reserve + helmet doesn't crack the 50lbs mark, if so $75 it is.

[pengoquin]

When arriving at check-in, I advise the airline agent or TSA officer that the bag contains a packed parachute and I wish to be present for any baggage inspection. They have done the inspection right there or had me standby while the bag was scanned. It appeared that they didn't want to open the bag once they knew a parachute was inside. Have a great flight. And yes they usually weigh it. The factory glider bag works fine, but be very careful to secure any loose straps or there's a good chance they will be torn off. Have great trip!