Travel is supposed to be fun, but it can sometimes feel stressful. Packing often tops the list of reasons people worry. Flying can be extra anxiety-inducing because of airline regulations and packing constraints. Don’t let worry ruin a good time. Whether you’re heading to an archery tournament or a once-in-a-lifetime hunting trip, flying with archery equipment is easy as long as you plan ahead and follow the rules.

Choose a Case

Transporting archery equipment requires the proper case. Not only does it need to protect your bow, but the case should also be approved by the Transportation Safety Administration. The TSA requires individuals to check bows, as well as arrows and common hunting accessories like broadheads and knives.

Think about how carefully you handle your bow in the field. Unfortunately, you can’t always expect the same care while it’s in transit to your destination. Companies manufacture soft and hard bow cases. Hard cases are generally recommended for airline travel. Look for cases built from heavy-duty materials that won’t crack. Cases should also be shockproof with latches. Most are equipped with cushioning or padding, such as foam, and tie downs to keep your bow from jostling en route. Be sure the case has a sturdy handle or wheels; this will make it easier to transport through the airport.

Review the Rules

The only requirement for traveling with bows and arrows listed on TSA’s website is that you check them as luggage. While TSA-approved locks aren’t mandatory, they’re strongly recommended. This allows TSA to inspect your case while deterring tampering from strangers. If the locks aren’t TSA-approved, agents will be forced to cut through them, and you may miss your flight.

Additional rules will vary by airline. Be sure to review the airline’s luggage policies for information about checked luggage cost and size restrictions. For example, some airlines will determine the price for checking a bag and whether the bow case is considered oversized based on its weight and dimensions. Oversized bags sometimes come with a large price tag. Instead of arriving on the regular luggage carousel, oversized luggage and weapons may be held in a separate, restricted area. Many airlines will require you to show your ID in this designated area for pickup.

Pack Smart

Frequent fliers learn tricks for travelling with archery equipment. One tip is to use your clothes as extra padding, packing it tightly around the bow and its accessories, like the sight. This ensures nothing will budge. However, it’s always important to shoot a few test arrows upon arrival to make sure the sight is still properly aligned.

If you’re traveling with broadheads, remove them from your arrows, even if they’re secured tightly in a quiver. If they were to come loose, they could cut bow strings or even people. Always travel with broadheads in a secure container. It’s also a good idea to travel with arrows in an arrow tube to make sure they don’t get bent or damaged. Accessories like release aids are best kept with bows. While not expressly prohibited from being in carry-on luggage, it’s a good idea to keep equipment together. Plus, certain release aids may look like prohibited items like brass knuckles, which may send up a red flag at a security checkpoint.

Give Yourself Time

Give yourself extra time during check-in while traveling with archery equipment. Your experience may differ from one trip to the next. It often depends on the airport and individual TSA agents. Some may be more familiar with archery equipment than others. By arriving early, you’re giving yourself plenty of time for questions and inspections, avoiding stress and missed flights.

International Travel

You’re headed to your first international archery tournament or a bucket list hunt abroad. Don’t wait until the day before your flight to review the rules for international travel with archery equipment. Be sure to review the rules for your final destination. Before any international trip, pre-register your bow with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Filling out Form 4457 will ensure that you won’t be charged any duty fees when you fly back home. The form is available on U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

Traveling with archery equipment should be simple, not stressful. Careful planning maximizes the likelihood of reaching your destination with your equipment intact.