Bringing my tail on the plane...?

[Merman Mizu]

So I have been wondering about something for a while.

One third of my Family lives in Sicily in Italy which means that we usually travel there around six times every year.
There are some really beautiful caves and paradise-like places to swim there which we do not have here in norway due to dark water and cold cx , yet there is only one problem that remains:
How do I bring my Competitor-monofin silicone tail on the plane ? xD
Do I need to order a seat for it? haha!

[Merenneito Nerissa]

I have in my silicone tail a finis wave so it's very different thing cause it's smaller. But I do travel with my tail a lot inside Finland cause half of my gigs has been in Southern Finland. I bought a very big suitcase with hard covers, and I also stuff there a lot of towels with my tail, so it stays in place, and they also protect the tail :)

[Mermaid Clara]

maybe try making a large tail bag that you could use as a carry on item? I don't know if it would fit under the seats or in the overhead storage though.

[mersheep]

I used to do a lot of traveling, up to about 10 years ago. I also like collecting things like, books, clocks, music boxes, dolls etc. I do know that restrictions have changed, I think the fundamentals are still the same. What I would do was to mail my clothes home, so I could use the extra allotment in the luggage space.

In many cases if you know where you are staying, extra items can be sent in advance. I see this done at science fiction conventions where I have been on staff. Most Hotels of any repute, will receive packages on behalf of their guests. Their may be additional charges. Better yet if you have friends or family at the destination. One would have to compare the courier rates against the airline rates to see which is more cost effective. There is a lot of competition in shipping, especially if you have 3 to 6 weeks on either side of your travel to move things around.

The worst case thing one can do is to book an extra seat. While I have not personally done this, I do know collectors, and science fiction, costumers which have acquired expensive fragile items to do this. I personally have shipped some rather strange odd sized things on airplanes. As long as they are not a threat and one is willing to deal with the extra security it can be done. Just remember the people running the airlines, and the security are still human and have the same basic needs we all do.

Be polite and respectful. Make friends with the person you need help from. Realize that they are probably making a minimal living in exchange for the glamor of the job. Call the airline or courier in advance, when you are still relaxed and not feeling stressed. Visit the websites and read the fine print. Often the people you are dealing with have not read the fine print. You do not want to badger them with these details. Instead use it to make their life and job easier by giving an exit option that is beneficial to both parties.

[Winged Mermaid]

Competitor monofin is probably to large to take on the plane, it's probably not going to fit overhead or underneath the seats. Some mermaids have said that they were allow to stow their tails in the stewardess' closet, but most of the time (according to other folks) that is shared space for 4-6 crew members and there won't be room. The best thing is to call your airline and ask.

If they won't allow it, best to check it as luggage or ship it ahead of you if you can. For checking it, me and other mers use the box it came in. Putting a sign on the outside can be helpful, like so:

http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=33944&stc=1

This gives an image to go with what the TSA people are looking at when they scan it. They can see it and say oh yeah that's totally what that is, got it. Otherwise they may have no idea and become suspicious and open the box. Which could be fine, or could lead to damage, depending on how they handle it or put it back in the box. Also it helps the carriers know what's in side so they know what they're dealing with and hopefully means they'll handle it with care as asked.

You have to check with your airline, but I know in my case my tail is oversized luggage. This can mean a $100+ fee for checking it. Which sucks, but it is what it is. Sometimes if you check in online you don't have to pay the fee, but other times when you check in at the airport and see it's oversized they'll charge you the extra fee.


More threads on this subject:
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?8647-Traveling-w-silicone-Tail-Solution-and-an-Airline
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?3693-Transporting-tails-to-events-and-to-your-house
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?395-Tail-Travel
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?983-Travel-Bags

[AniaR]

I can tell you you can't take most tails on plane as carry on for international flights. And you def can't take competitors

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[AniaR]

And PS customs always opens the boxes

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[Kishiko]

Mermaid Ulla and I have never had a problem checking our competitor size monofin tails. We use canvas/heavy fabric tail bags that you just carry through security, and they will hand check it. This can take a while so get there early. They do a few chemical swab tests, hand check, hand scanner, etc and then let you continue. Check in for your plane as early as possible, you'll have better luck finding an empty overhead. They do fit in the overhead, usually you have to angle the tail so it's higher in the back. As long as the lid shuts the attendants could care less about what your sticking in there as long as it closes. Worst case scenario you have to hate check the tail, in which case it's already bagged and it will go in on top of the rest of the luggage and you get it back (usually) as soon as you get off the plane. Good luck!


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[Mer-Crazy]

I know Merley brought her Merbella tail as carry on when she came to visit us, both on the trip over from hawii and when she was here. That had a competitor in it :)

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[Mermaid Adrienne]

My tail is a lot smaller than most and weighs less... part of a new prototype Ill be selling on my mer business in a few months time, but I'll be travelling to florida soon from Australia and I will not let the staff handle my tail when putting it under the plane, so I'll be taking it as a carry on. I've yet to fix my design for canvas tail bags, but I should be able to place it under the seat? maybe?

[Merman Mizu]

Thank you so much! <3
Should start standing in line earlier then xD
Appreciate it <3