View Full Version : Tail Travel
Spindrift
08-09-2011, 08:45 PM
Hey so I know that this was a topic on the old forum (and I guess I can archive it here later) but with the WMA's nearby I figured I could give some pointers on travelling with your tails. I just flew 10,000+ miles with my fin, so I thought I'd be qualified to talk about it.
In the past I've used tarp bags to check-in my fins (and when I had a smaller monofin I just packed it normally in my suitcase), and they worked fine, but I personally thought they were way too big.
So this time I tried this:
http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=708&d=1312783564
It's just heavy duty wrapping paper and string! The paper is strong enough that I can reuse the same paper all the time even if tape tears it a bit; I just have to re-wrap it or tape over those parts. It works awesome and the airlines even let me bring it on board as a carry on. I had a little trouble with checking in and customs in San Francisco, but the people at the counter weren't professional at all and decided that insulting my mother would be a good use of their time instead of, you know, doing their job (I really do not like flying American Airlines). That's another story though.
In any case, here's the other side:
http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=710&d=1312783577
Here's how big it is:
http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=709&d=1312783572
And here's how to carry it:
http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=711&d=1312783583
http://mernetwork.com/index/attachment.php?attachmentid=712&d=1312783589
Moonflower
08-09-2011, 09:45 PM
Brilliant! I'm assuming the airlines allowed you to check it eventually, yes? Was there any sort of fee for the size of it? I've been wondering how people take their fins across the country with them, and this looks like a great solution.
Spindrift
08-09-2011, 11:49 PM
That's the best part! I got to hand carry it the entire way, so I didn't have to worry about it being crushed or handled roughly. No fees or anything (but I'm not going to vouch that every airline will do that). Never had to check it in, although I have checked it in for other flights before. I suppose that if someone wanted more protection they could sandwich their tails between two cardboard/wood/fiberglass pieces or wrap them in towels/newspapers to pad it up, but mine were just wrapped once and were fine. I travel a lot and was originally looking into getting a real portfolio for it, but I like this option a little more (for now).
Moonflower
08-10-2011, 02:40 AM
Where did you store it while on the plane? And did you have other carry on luggage?
Spindrift
08-10-2011, 09:28 AM
I had another carry-on with me and that was my backpack. I also had checked in luggage from an international flight, but flying domestic from San Francisco to Los Angeles also worked out. I just told everyone that it was a fragile piece of sports equipment. When boarding I just explained what I needed to the flight attendants and they'd store it in the cabin somewhere for me. I would then get it back at the end of the flight. One flight gave me two coat hangers to hang it among all the suits in the first class section, so the strings came in really handy for that.
Spindrift
08-10-2011, 09:33 AM
I would suggest asking when you check-in though just to be sure. Some airlines might give you a sticker or tag that says it is allowed to board as a hand-carry so it is always better to ask in this scenario.
Spindrift
12-18-2011, 03:25 PM
I'm testing out my new monofin bag right now on my international flight. I'll post pics and stuff about it later if it works out and people are interested. It is so far pretty awesome though. Also, the pilot just announced that we'll be flying over the north pole so let me know if you guys have any holiday wishes or messages that you'd like to pass on :)
Spindrift
12-22-2011, 07:47 PM
Conclusion: This bag works awesome. It's backpack straps and shoulder strap was really easy to use. I can also probably fit 3 tails in there, at least. And I was allowed to bring it as a carry-on instead of checking it in. I'll probably embroider and customize my own designs onto it later, too. It looks easy enough to sew into.
1424
1425
Mermaid Sirena
12-27-2011, 03:12 AM
That monogin bag looks amazing! Where did you get it?
Mermaid Photine
12-27-2011, 12:16 PM
Here's the site that was printed on the bag. Perhaps from there?
http://finswimworld.com/
Edit: Found it! The bag is $35 Here. (http://www.waterwayfins.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=fins_flypage.tpl&product_id=7&category_id=5&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=4)
Spindrift
12-27-2011, 12:51 PM
Yay! Props to you MermaidPandorah! :D
I really like the bag. You can fit tops and jewelry and whatever else in the zippered pocket as well, so it's really handy.
babsannee
03-10-2012, 08:56 PM
I'm visiting the cape this summer (per usual), and I was wondering what the best way to transport my tail was? It's realistic, and I have heard a lot about special bags, but I don't know where to find them. :)
Spindrift
03-10-2012, 10:02 PM
If you want a professional bag jst look up "monofin bags" online. Mine took a month to arrive though.
You can also buy an artist's portfolio (you might need an oversized one depending on your tail's size), or if you need a really quick way to transport it you can see what I did for my first plane trip in my album. I used quality wrapping paper and packing string.
babsannee
03-18-2012, 09:12 AM
Ok, thanks!
AniaR
03-18-2012, 10:15 PM
mine was too big for regular luggage, I put it in a box, flew fine!
babsannee
03-20-2012, 08:34 PM
Nice! Yeah, when I first ordered it, I was thinking maybe just this big duffel I have. I had NO idea the fluke would be so huge!!
I was wondering how other mers transport their tails! Fabric, silicone, latex, whatever else one uses, all of them!
I, personally, have only a fabric tail with a child's monofin in it, but I still find it awkward and a pain to stick in bags and am scared of snapping the fin when I pack it for plane trips. Not to mention I've now poked holes in some of my luggage from trying to stick it in a carry-on (got some great looks from the guy running the luggage scanner).
I know some of the more realistic tails weigh a lot as well, so...
How do you transport your tail?
Blondie
05-30-2012, 02:59 AM
I know some people use artist portfolio bags. They're flat and long so they can hold a tail without crushing the monofin.
AniaR
05-30-2012, 09:58 AM
My silicone tail is way too huge for any artist portfolio bag Ive ever seen or looked up online. When I fly I have to ship it in a box (flat screen TV box) and right now my step grandma is helping me make a bag for it. You can get art canvas bags in a variety of sizes but they arent as durable and dont have straps
Spindrift
05-30-2012, 11:24 AM
http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?395-Tail-Travel
Mermaid Saphira
05-30-2012, 06:04 PM
I am working on making my own tail bag so I can easily transport my tail to and from ;)
Mermaid Dottie
05-30-2012, 06:18 PM
I'm currently doing a trade with a girl in my LARP group, she's making me a bag for my tail, and I'm making her a shirt. My tail is fabric and made with an Oceanika Merfin, so it folds in half really well. I fold it in half to carry it when dry, the problem is hauling it when wet.
Prince Calypso
05-30-2012, 08:36 PM
what do you guys think about making costume mermaid Tail tote bags.
measured out to the size and shape of a mermaid's tail
and in matching colors.
Spindrift
05-30-2012, 09:38 PM
I had a really intricate design for a monofin bag once. I tried to design it for someone who traveled by plane a lot. It had wheels like a suitcase but also straps for backpack and there was a "drainage system" so that it could be transported away from a water location without really needing to wait for a tail to dry. I'm pretty sure the idea/CAD/design would work, I just never really made the thing.
I'm excited to see how all of these prospective tail bags turn out. I especially wonder how they'll do with the weight of the tails. I was thinking simple drawstring bag/type thing, but that would be very uncomfortable with a 30-50(or whatever they weigh) tail.
Spindrift: Thanks for the link, I seemed to have missed that one when I scoured the thread before starting this post. Was the weight of the tail ever a problem with your brown paper package method? Your bag pattern sounds like you had thought of everything.
A tail bag: definitely added to my ever expanding list of projects!
Spindrift
05-31-2012, 09:22 AM
@Anya: The package method worked awesome for a pretty long time. I have a really heavy monofin and what finally made me stop using that idea was because US customs was always making me unwrap it (internationally no one cared since it was pretty obvious what it was). The string around the package made it pretty easy to handle though. It's definitely a good temporary solution if you need a way to transport a tail right away.
The monofin bags usually take about a month to get to the US, from what I've heard from other people and my own experience.
Mermaid Bella
06-18-2012, 10:16 AM
i was just going to make a tail shaped bag using the pattern i made for my fin. same shape, slightly larger, and folding the legs into the bag after placing the fin in there, with backpack straps. i dont think it would work for latex as i think if laytex touches itself it melts, as for the massive tails you cant fold i would make a bag like a guitar bag, the whole shape supported with backpack straps.
forgive me if im wrong but dont oceanika fins come with a bag?
Angel the Little Merman
08-05-2012, 01:59 PM
Mermaidsrus.com sells custom tail bags I'm already investing on one.
i was just going to make a tail shaped bag using the pattern i made for my fin. same shape, slightly larger, and folding the legs into the bag after placing the fin in there, with backpack straps. i dont think it would work for latex as i think if laytex touches itself it melts, as for the massive tails you cant fold i would make a bag like a guitar bag, the whole shape supported with backpack straps.
forgive me if im wrong but dont oceanika fins come with a bag?
they sure don't. i believe you can buy them seperately maybe? or it might just be the kids fins that offer that for purchase. :(
Talia
08-15-2012, 12:39 PM
I am glad I found this thread! I was considering making my own bag (I have thought of the portfolio option, but they are very expensive where I live).
Spin, can you tell me where they ship from, and how did you pay? I cannot find any info on this on their website.
Talia
08-15-2012, 12:58 PM
These are the bags from mermaidsrus:
http://mermaidsrus.com/Mermaid_Accessories.html
It seems to me they are a tad expensive since they are just a big cloth bag with handles. The bag I was thinking of making would look like that, but I thought about making a pocket and inserting cardboard covered with plastic to help it keep the shape for the monofin, and give it some rigidness.
I am going to investigate portfolios though, maybe I can find one not very expensive.
Spin, I asked in another thread, but since this one is more recent, can you tell me where they shipped your monofin bag from, and how did you pay for it? Their website is not very informative, or I can't find anything.
ETA: Oceanika does not sell bags yet. It says they are coming soon:
https://www.oceanikamerfins.com/oceanika-store
i didnt like the bags on mermaids are us. they're just a thin fabric. an oversized beach bag would would the same and probably be better reinforced. i think the best solution atm is to make something yourself. or get a suitcase on wheels.
Mermaid Fenicia
08-15-2012, 02:46 PM
As I have a very big (72 cm across) monofin, it couldn't fit the standard bag the shop is selling, so I made my own bag from a piece of fake leather, a long zipper and some bands from an old backpack :)
MermanJesse
08-15-2012, 05:45 PM
I recently found out that one can take a single tail as a carry on! (just the tail without a carry case)
Morticia Mermaid
09-28-2012, 02:54 PM
Anyone interested in a tail carrying bag. I am currently in the process of building a prototype tail carrying bag. It is going to be made out of canvas, have backpack straps and will be able to be custom fitted for your tail. Once the prototype is finished I am going to send it to Raina for testing. She is going to use her tail from Raven to test it out. I'll keep everyone informed on the progress as I have seen so many people wanting a bag to carry their tails and all that is available is the weaker cloth ones that I keep finding. :D
Mermaid Saphira
09-28-2012, 03:05 PM
they sure don't. i believe you can buy them seperately maybe? or it might just be the kids fins that offer that for purchase. :(
no, but they are planning on selling so seperately ;)
Mermaid Harmony
11-16-2012, 05:42 PM
How do all of you carry your tails? Do you have a special bag for them and then go and change so people don't know you are a person outside of your tail (mainly children). Do you just throw it over your shoulder? How do you carry it in your car? I'm totally curious about all of this, because I don't have a bag and I need to think of something stat.
Morticia Mermaid
11-16-2012, 06:23 PM
I'm not sure if you'd be interested, but I'm currently working on a tail bag prototype that I'm going to be sending to Raina to test out. Will hopefully have it finished by the end of the year
Blondie
11-16-2012, 06:45 PM
I know some people use artist portfolio bags for their paintings and stuff. That normally can fit a fluke, but I know Raina said hers is too big for that.
I've been considering this (I think there is an older thread about this).
I was thinking create a fluke bag and attach it to a surfboard bag. and hey presto tail bag.
Winged Mermaid
11-16-2012, 09:42 PM
There's a bit on that in this thread: http://mernetwork.com/index/showthread.php?3108
AniaR
11-16-2012, 11:22 PM
Yes, Lexia is making me a bag- which will change my life. LOL we literally change me into my tail in the back of the car hahaha and then carry me out to the kids. Sometimes I've had to hide it under things and take it to a location to swim. It doesn't fit in any bag, any type of luggage, and even extra large garbage bags don't work (I'd rather stay away from those anyway) as it stands, I have mastered the back seat mermaid shimmy. LOL
SeaNymph
11-17-2012, 03:20 AM
Hey Lexia, I'm very interested in a tail bag, I think my tail is about the size of Raina's tail, so if you ever sell a good and stable tail bag, please let me know!!!
Morticia Mermaid
11-17-2012, 03:07 PM
:) Definitely. Still working on the prototype, trying to find just the right fabric to line the tail pocket with. Its a backpack style bag and also has pockets for everything a mermaid needs: accessories, sunblock, etc. If I've got time this weekend, I'll post pictures of what I've got so far :)
BlueMermaid
11-18-2012, 06:24 AM
I would love a specialized tail bag. If it could be backpack style, and have wheels, I would buy one for sure!
currently i use a suitcase. That doesnt work for all tails tho, since some flukes wont fit. In that case, I've wrapped it in a sheet to hide it when transporting it in and out of the event.
Thalassa
11-18-2012, 11:32 AM
Right now, I use an old navy bag that my mertender gave me. It fits my Fish Butts tail well, but when I get my new tail it likely won't fit. I can't wait to see the pictures, Lexia! I'd definitely be interested.
Spindrift
11-18-2012, 04:38 PM
I have a bag specifically for monofins/tails. It's cool.
Odette
11-21-2012, 04:44 PM
I use suitcase for traveling by car if its northern AZ. bring my self-made tail stand to show the audience, and on plane trips,ive used a clear bag used for holding queen-sized bed sheets. every time i got through security, they check it.lol
I used a vinyl bag for pheonix comicon(did an event at the cons hotels.hope to see some of you there next year) the bag was from a big sleeping bag and i could use it like a backpack.
NatalieMermaid
12-12-2012, 12:11 AM
Conclusion: This bag works awesome. It's backpack straps and shoulder strap was really easy to use. I can also probably fit 3 tails in there, at least. And I was allowed to bring it as a carry-on instead of checking it in. I'll probably embroider and customize my own designs onto it later, too. It looks easy enough to sew into.
1424
1425
Could to measure this bag for me? I wonder if my tail or monofins would fit in here.
Length across top, across bottom, the height and depth would be great! thank you!
Spindrift
12-14-2012, 02:20 PM
In inches:
32 (length) | 27-28 (top) | 16 (bottom) | 2-3 (depth-top) | 5 (depth-bottom)
Hope that helps :)
NatalieMermaid
12-17-2012, 10:12 AM
In inches:
32 (length) | 27-28 (top) | 16 (bottom) | 2-3 (depth-top) | 5 (depth-bottom)
Hope that helps :)
Thank you so much! This helps a lot!
StaySea
01-07-2013, 12:10 AM
If making bags for tails, water-proof lining would be really helpful, I'd be interested in buying one. I made one without such a lining and it's great, except when I have my dripping wet tail in it! I'm in the market for a monofin bag, but does anyone know if monofin bags have water-proof linings (none seem to have much in the way of descriptions or prices)? (I suppose I could just use a large plastic bag inside my bag.) I wish my fin was small enough to take on-board flights. It is wider than the allowed dimensions so I've always just checked it. My husband constructed a box with a slot for my tail and we line the box with cushion-y things to protect it and we check it and cross our fingers! So far so good!
Mermaid Avalon
02-12-2013, 10:39 PM
hi everyone...
so I did purchase a tail this week (silicone tail from mermaids r us) and I am wondering how to get it from place to place..
what do you use?
Mermaid Harmony
02-12-2013, 11:42 PM
I use an old school navy dress blues garment bag, it's super heavy duty and HUGE. :-) Not perfect, I plan on altering it/making one for my tail.
Gem Stone
02-13-2013, 12:05 AM
so far, I've just set it on the seat and made sure no one touches it, rather that or keep it in my lap
Ayla of Duluth
02-13-2013, 08:33 AM
Art portfolio. I have to bend the tips of my fluke over for the zipper to close.
Mermaid Hamant
02-13-2013, 08:44 AM
I was wondering this as well. I want to take my new tail with me to Florida when we go in May. We are flying so my dad suggested getting a seperate smaller suitcase and carrying it on?
MermaidBrittany
02-13-2013, 03:09 PM
What about those monofin bags that are like $50? would that work maybe?
TheSolitarySiren
02-13-2013, 03:37 PM
It's best to use an art portfolio bag and to place pillow for padding in it to secure your tail. Monobags do not hold the tail in properly because of the weight of the silicone and the largeness of the fluke. Although, it may fit with some squeezing. Other than that, I'm developing a bag specifically for mermaid tails that I hope to share soon. Til then, I wish you luck.
Zephyr
03-27-2013, 03:30 PM
hi everyone...
so I did purchase a tail this week (silicone tail from mermaids r us) and I am wondering how to get it from place to place..
what do you use?
I just use a large trash bag. Now that I've removed the monofin from my tail a few times, I thought that'd make it easier, but I don't want to mess up my monofin by taking it out of the tail all the time. (Is that something I should worry about, btw? It's a Finis Rapid that came with my Mermagica tail.) The trash bag works okay, but eventually I might figure something out since I don't want to waste trash bags and my main source of transportation is the bus.
Mermaid Elena
06-02-2013, 07:24 PM
So I've recently come to the conclusion that I will be swimming mainly in the city near me which means I have to take the train to get there. My question is, how do you transport your tail? Do you have a bag that you keep it in? I don't want to have to walk around with a giant bag but I also don't want to cram it into a small bag and mess of the fluke.
What do you guys think?
Mermaid Varshana
06-02-2013, 07:50 PM
Good question. I'm getting a tail from Mermaid Shelly, and I need to how how to keep it in luggage when my family and I go to FL in August. Any advice?
Mermaid Tula
06-02-2013, 08:02 PM
I'm not sure how well it would work, but I wonder if anyone has tried a dress bag? Like the ones that you use to transport wedding dresses and such.
Ayla of Duluth
06-02-2013, 08:17 PM
I'm not sure how well it would work, but I wonder if anyone has tried a dress bag? Like the ones that you use to transport wedding dresses and such.
My dad has a few of these. My Merbellas tail doesn't fit in it at all. The only thing that I've found that works is a massive artist portfolio bag, and even then I have to pull in the two tips of my fluke so I can close and zip it. it works pretty well though, its rather sturdy.
Sea Pearl
06-02-2013, 08:56 PM
That is a good question. I'm flying back to England later this year and would love to take my tail back with me to get some shots at some of my local rocky beaches and stuff. But am not sure how I would be able to transport it onto a plane.
MermaidHyli
06-02-2013, 09:20 PM
I have the angler fluke from Merbellas that I'm taking on my honeymoon to Belize and I have found that people wrap them in a trash bag, roll the body part, and then nice tuck it in a suitcase with padding around it. If there is a better way I'd love to know as well!
Sea Pearl
06-03-2013, 12:58 PM
Just seen all the earlier posts with ideas on how to get tails across country and there are some good suggestions. I would have to check with the airline I will be flying with to see if they would allow me to check in my normal carry on bag plus the tail (in another form of bag.) Airline's seem to be getting really strict now with how many bags you are allowed on the plane and how big they are.
Theobromine
06-23-2013, 01:13 AM
Ayla, can you tell us exactly what type of artist portfolio bag you have and where you got it? Maybe with a link, if you have one? I just got my new Finfolk silicone tail with a Competitor monofin and danged if I can figure out what I'm going to keep it or transport it in :P I tried Googling artist portfolio bags, but I couldn't find any that were quite big enough to even fit a Competitor into, much less a full silicone tail.
Mermaid Syrena
07-17-2013, 05:58 AM
Yeah! I'm with Theobromine-- do you know the dimensions of your massive artist portfolio bag? Wouldn't want to get the wrong one.
Also, Spindrift-- how large is your fluke? Were you able to fit it into the monobag without bending the tips of the fluke over too much? (ouchies)
Ariel-Starfish
07-17-2013, 10:26 AM
Does anyone know the mesurments of a basic Merbellas tail, folded up? I'm going to make my own mer bag ^^
MerEmma
07-17-2013, 11:05 AM
I'd say you'll have to wait to receive yours, as your fluke is somewhat unique.
MaskedNightingale
07-17-2013, 05:56 PM
Here's the site that was printed on the bag. Perhaps from there?
http://finswimworld.com/
Edit: Found it! The bag is $35 Here. (http://www.waterwayfins.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=fins_flypage.tpl&product_id=7&category_id=5&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=4)
Definitely handy to have later. Hopefully I'll have my tail by the time I make my trip to Belize for a wedding. My hubby said when he was there he found some amazing swimming holes.
Mermaid~Summer
07-17-2013, 06:15 PM
Anyone interested in a tail carrying bag. I am currently in the process of building a prototype tail carrying bag. It is going to be made out of canvas, have backpack straps and will be able to be custom fitted for your tail. Once the prototype is finished I am going to send it to Raina for testing. She is going to use her tail from Raven to test it out. I'll keep everyone informed on the progress as I have seen so many people wanting a bag to carry their tails and all that is available is the weaker cloth ones that I keep finding. :D
I would absolutely be interested in something like that when I get a silicone tail.
Mermaidmechanic
07-22-2013, 11:49 PM
I fold my tail so that its only as big as the fluke, wrap it with a towel, and use some nylon straps with industrial velcro that I designed to work like backpack straps. It works well and the straps fit into my purse when not in use (along with my traveling tail dryer :P).
Meilyn
07-24-2014, 12:18 PM
Because I absolutely love the customer service and their corporate headquarters is right down the street from me.
ALASKA AIRLINES!
The only domestic airline I'll ever fly. Especially with a tail.
22817
The image attachment I sent is of Mermaid Syrena's tail (Loreena fluke).
Alaska airlines has always helped in accommodations even when I wasn't on their flights. It's great to hear them give advice on this and want to help out as well.
I hope this helps everyone :)
Mermaid tails are magical in themselves. Especially when the artist's put a little bit of themselves and a chunk of their lives into creating one for us Mers. I think as long as you're all your sweet selves, Alaska Airlines shouldn't have a problem accommodating you and your tails! (Everyone)
Gem Stone
07-24-2014, 12:40 PM
That's good because Southwest flat out told me I had to check it or they wouldn't let my tail fly. Gonna make it work but still, I'm worried.
Meilyn
07-24-2014, 01:29 PM
Southwest is supposed to have decent customer service as well but they don't live up to it sometimes :/
Alaska/Horizon air for the future :)
PearlieMae
07-24-2014, 01:36 PM
Oddly enough, I am flying Delta right now and put my tail in a garment bag (Lexan fluke, 24"x36", non-foldable). I talked with the baggage agent and they put my bag in in a big blue tray/box, and it should be just fine. I'll update you when I land!
Clarification: I had to check it, and it was $25.
Meilyn
07-24-2014, 01:55 PM
Oddly enough, I am flying Delta right now and put my tail in a garment bag (Lexan fluke, 24"x36", non-foldable). I talked with the baggage agent and they put my bag in in a big blue tray/box, and it should be just fine. I'll update you when I land!
Clarification: I had to check it, and it was $25.
-waits- let us know when you can!
Odette
07-24-2014, 09:04 PM
I have such a cool idea for a mermaid suitcase that I want to make this month, but it looks like school is more than I expected and being only a mermaid right now (and in school) is really making things hard.
I always have to pay more to bring my tail except when I boarded from a small airport in Charleston. That was the best. =)
Odette
07-24-2014, 09:05 PM
Because I absolutely love the customer service and their corporate headquarters is right down the street from me.
ALASKA AIRLINES!
The only domestic airline I'll ever fly. Especially with a tail.
22817
The image attachment I sent is of Mermaid Syrena's tail (Loreena fluke).
Alaska airlines has always helped in accommodations even when I wasn't on their flights. It's great to hear them give advice on this and want to help out as well.
I hope this helps everyone :)
Mermaid tails are magical in themselves. Especially when the artist's put a little bit of themselves and a chunk of their lives into creating one for us Mers. I think as long as you're all your sweet selves, Alaska Airlines shouldn't have a problem accommodating you and your tails! (Everyone)
oooo! This is very useful information. Thanks for sharing!
PearlieMae
07-24-2014, 09:32 PM
Delta delivered my garment bag and tail absolutely unharmed. I watched them load it into the hold, and the baggage handler was careful with it.
I am going to make a dedicated bag for it, but it's good to know that a garment bag works in a pinch :D
Lorelei
08-01-2014, 09:55 PM
Thank you so much for posting this! My boyfriend just surprised me with a trip to Hawaii for our 5 year anniversary in March and I'm definitely not going without my tail :D
I'm still really worried to travel with it. Are there any other airlines that support tail travel? When I talked to the finfolk girls they said that they put their tails in boxes and put fragile all over it if I remember right. I'm still not sure wither a garment bag or putting it into a box would be better?
Meilyn
08-02-2014, 02:47 AM
If you plan on taking it as a carry on, garment.
Check in, box with padding
Sherielle
08-02-2014, 02:29 PM
I was wondering this very thing. If we were to ever go to a tropical destination, it would almost be a sin not to take my tail.
Mermaid Meara
08-24-2014, 03:20 PM
Does anyone have experience with American Airlines or United? Those 2 and southwest are all that fly out if my airport. I'm flying out to Florida in a few months. My fluke is almost 3 feet diagonally. I will be making a smaller one but don't know if it will be ready by time I fly out.
Meilyn
08-24-2014, 03:38 PM
Does anyone have experience with American Airlines or United? Those 2 and southwest are all that fly out if my airport. I'm flying out to Florida in a few months. My fluke is almost 3 feet diagonally. I will be making a smaller one but don't know if it will be ready by time I fly out.
23681
I'm in the same boat. I would call them. Contact customer care, talk it out with them. I'm going to do just that when I start leaving for tropical destinations. Going to try to make it so I can keep it on me during the flights. Reason being is cause you can't secure/insure" art".
MermaidCrystall
07-12-2016, 07:08 PM
Hello my fellow merfolks. I've been planning and wanting to go to the Mermaina 2017 in NC. I currently live in hotter then hades Arizona. I want to bring my mertailor basic silicone tail with me. Has anyone ever plane traveled with one? I can make my own tail travel bag so that's not a problem. Is it easy for carry on only or not. This will be my very first time traveling with it and I don't want to mess things up. Thanks :*
Merman Storm
07-12-2016, 07:16 PM
I think it may be to big for a carry-on. You only get 9 x 14 x 22 inches. Most flukes are 30 inches wide or so.
I use a large suitcase for my tail, which I check.
Aquos Savar
07-12-2016, 07:25 PM
I got a friend who works at multiple airports in the Northeast area. He tells me that, as long as it fits in your luggage, it's ok. Airport personnel are not so strict as long as it's a valid excuse like a tail. You should tell you're carrying a mermaid tail, so they can also put a "Fragile" sticker.
Merman Storm
07-12-2016, 07:35 PM
Aquos Savar, I'm confused. Do you mean airport personnel ore not so strict on carrying tails, or not so strict on carry-on size? That is, are you saying they will let me carry-on an oversized piece of luggage, as long as I have a good excuse (carrying a tail)?
Aquos Savar
07-12-2016, 07:51 PM
As my friend claims, carry-ons must be 22 cm x 35 cm x 56 cm. Exceptions can be made on luggage by substracting the depth or width and use it on height. They do this on certain airports. But if they don't, bigger bags just pay a bigger fare and it's done.
TheSaltySiren
07-13-2016, 01:12 PM
So there are a few ways to travel with a tail. One you can check it in the special items section, I do this with my guitar and I incur no extra charges. You can also check it in regular luggage, I would recommend locking your suitcase and yes a fragile sticker is awesome. I have even heard of a mermaid buying her tail and actual seat. For something so valuable you wanna make sure it arrives safe and sound, so make sure you have insurance of some kind.
KaraLenae
07-15-2016, 12:42 AM
I want to go to NC for Mermainia! I'm just up the road from you in Ahwatukee. I read that some gals made a 'bag' out of a tarp. Then used heavy duty velcro as the closure. They did have to check the tarp bag. It did not say of the airlines charged the additional bag fee or a sport fee. I bet you could find a cheap-o suitcase at the Goodwill or rummage sale.
"It's the good girls who keep diaries, the bad ones never have the time." Tallulah Bankhead
MermaidCrystall
09-27-2016, 07:34 PM
right now I'm looking a flight with United... and i'm also looking into a garment bag or a LARGE suitcase. like everyone else.. the stress of traveling with tails is so high. we spend $$$ on them I don't want the flights destroying them.
PearlieMae
10-25-2016, 08:14 PM
Box it up and ship it Fed Ex or UPS it to the hotel. If you do it early and ship it Ground to arrive when you do, you could save money, insure it, and not have to wrestle with it at the airport. In fact, I think you can ship it back right from the hotel after the convention.
Acquos, carry ons are strictly enforced these days. And if you have to check it as an additional bag to your luggage, you're looking at at least fifty bucks. I travel a lot for work out of the NYC metro area and ALL the airports do this.
Mermaid Mandi
11-30-2016, 03:57 PM
Thanks you sharing I'm getting the same one for my trip in January I'm hoping this will work it's my first time going on a plane.
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