Antlers on planes

[mdunc8]

I'm in a hurry so I don't have time to do much searching about this. Can anyone tell me if and how I can transport an elk antler on my flight tomorrow morning? A fellow Hunt Talker gave me a shed to send home to my uncle who is suffering from renal cancer. I had intended to ship it back East via UPS; however, my aunt unexpectedly passed away this morning, so I'll be flying back home tomorrow morning and hoped to take the shed along with me. I'm assuming they won't let me carry a five point elk shed onto the plane. Should I check it? If so, do I need to wrap it up?

 

[sweetnectar]

Had a friend try and carry one on once and it was a no go. If you call the airline and ask them they can tell you what you have to do.

 

[Frenchy]

I've never actually done it, but I can't see why you shouldn't be able to check it. I'd wrap all points with cardboard, and then potentially wrap the whole thing in cardboard and duck tape as well. I've seen people check stranger things.

again....no actaul experience, sorry.

 

[bmack]

I've checked mine with no issues. Pipe insulation to keep the points from chipping, duct tape them on and then wrap everything in shrink wrap. $10 bucks at Home Depot and you'll be set.

 

[havgunwilltravel]

Or just get an old garden hose, cut a couple of inches off for each tine, push em on, duct tape these pieces of hose onto each point, bubble wrap the antler then duct tape it good and it should go on as normal luggage, but i guess different airlaine companies have different policies.
As long as it is presented clean and looks like an efficient job has been done on the sharp portions of the antler i think it would be safe to put on board. I have got antlers through many different customs and the non english speaking countries always present a few extra challenges and quick thinking at times.
Good luck, let us know how you go.

 

[brownbear932008]

First off my condolences for your family man! Enjoy VA. spring has sprung. I think you would be good with a good wrap job with the garden hose or cardboard just cover the points really good to protect the antler and anyone handling it I think that is the main concern.

 

[oldman357]

I am so sorry for your family, my best on your journey.

 

[schmalts]

Cheap clear plastic tube. Shove it on the tips, cut it a little long and fold it over and duct tape over it. They will take a whole euro mount that way but they may charge you a set fee up to $100

 

[Bambistew]

Might be a little late, but might ask if they'll let you strap it to the wing.

I think all airlines are different. If its not too big, wrap it up in cardboard, and tape it up, or protect the points with hose or padding and put it in a heavy bag, and tape it up.

Sorry for your loss.

 

[mdunc8]

Haha. Good one Bambi. I should have asked. Delta let me check it as a normal bag for a $25 fee. I ended up wrapping the points in a towel and duck tape. Hopefully it arrives in one piece.

 

[Zach]

Sorry for your loss mdunc8. Hope the antler made it safely.

 

[mdunc8]

Made it in one piece and got some great looks from the folks in the Raleigh airport.