Whether you’re a professional billiards player or an amateur, you may have wondered if you can carry pool cues with you on an airplane. After all, what would you do if you couldn’t travel with them?
You can bring your pool cues with you on an airplane as long as you check them with your luggage. However, you will still have to follow the security and plane guidelines.
In this article, we’ll talk more about regulations and tips for flying with pool cues. We’ll also provide some alternative ideas for traveling with your pool cues if flying proves too complicated.
Can I Bring a Pool Cue on an Airplane?
You can definitely bring a pool cue on an airplane. However, there are some unique guidelines to follow for your pool cues.
Make sure you prepare for your trip by researching the security guidelines at your local airport.
Security Regulations
Before you even get to the plane, you have to get through airport security.
Unfortunately, pool cues cannot get through security due to current TSA regulations. You will have to check your pool cues with your luggage before you enter the security line.
Your pool cues will be loaded safely into the storage unit underneath the plane for your flight so they’re ready for you at your destination.
Airplane Regulations
You can check your pool cues at your airline’s luggage station following the same guidelines you would for any other luggage.
You’ll want to pick your pool cue’s storage case carefully so it fits within the airline’s luggage guidelines. You should be able to separate or fold your pool cue so it can fit in a shorter bag for transportation purposes.
Remember that most airlines have weight restrictions on their checked luggage. Typically, this limit is around 50 pounds but can vary by airline. You’ll want to weigh your pool cue case before your trip so you aren’t surprised by an extra fee for exceeding the weight limit.
If your case is too heavy, you may want to consider a different carrying case or fewer pool cues.
Tips Before Flying With Pool Cues
Though flying with pool cues is relatively easy, there are a few tips that can greatly decrease your stress on your day of travel.
These tips include:
- Getting a proper carrying case
- Pre-weighing your pool cues and carrying case
- Researching luggage guidelines ahead of time
As long as you keep these in mind, you should have no issues flying with your pool cues.
Get a Proper Carrying Case
You may be tempted to just stick your pool cue in any old bag, but this may not be the wisest decision.
Your pool cue could become accidentally damaged during loading if it is not in a protective case. The last thing you want is a damaged pool cue when you reach your destination!
Though canvas bags may be more affordable, hard carry cases are more protective of your precious cargo. If you want to guarantee no damage to your pool cue during your flight, a hard carry case is well worth the investment.
Determine the Weight of the Pool Cues
As mentioned previously, most airlines have restrictions on luggage weight. You should look up the exact weight restrictions for your flight and determine your packing plan from there.
Weighing ahead and adjusting as needed can save loads of time and energy later, and can also save you a hefty fee!
Research the Luggage Guidelines Ahead of Time
You don’t know what you don’t know. By looking up luggage guidelines ahead of time, you can save yourself a ton of trouble later.
This can help you learn what to expect at the airport and what your airline’s check-in process looks like. It can also save stress later if you don’t prepare your pool cues properly for your flight.
Alternative Options to Travel with Pool Cues
If you’re a professional player with a lot of gear, flying with your pool cues may not be the most feasible option for you. Driving to your destination or shipping your billiard cues may be the best option in this case.
Ship Pool Cues Ahead
Shipping your pool cues in the mail to your destination may actually be cheaper than checking them with your luggage. This is especially true if you have several pool cues to check.
Research shipping options for your pool cues and schedule shipping at the right time so you can get them when you arrive.
Drive Instead of Flying
If flying isn’t necessary to reach your destination, you may want to consider driving. Driving is an easy way to take your billiards gear with you without having to follow specific guidelines. It also reduces the risk of damage.
Consider the pros and cons of flying versus driving before making a final decision on your travel plans.
Conclusion
If you love playing billiards on vacation, bringing your pool cues with you isn’t as difficult as you think. As long as you put them in a proper carrying bag and check them with your airline, you should have no issues traveling with your pool cues.
When in doubt, you can always try taking a road trip to your destination instead!