Traveling with a tail

[Mermaid Sirenia]

Hi guys! So my finfolk tail will be finished and in my hands before I leave for my 2 week trip to Jamaica! I was considering bringing it for pictures. Mainly this http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/06/ape3avy6.jpg
The waters in this area have an algae in it that causes it to glow blue whenever disturbed by movement. Jamaica has the brightest one out of the four locations in the world (you apparently even glow in the dark for a few hours after swimming in it!)

Anyways, I would like to bring my tail, but I have no experience traveling with a tail. Any tips/suggestions you could give me? :)


~Mermaid Sirenia~

[Kishiko]

The easiest way to bring it is in a large flat box! (as long as its within size requirements) I just took mine to California and back then to Texas!

One thing though, GET THERE EARLY! Sometimes they get suspicious of big boxes like that and it takes forever to clear them. I got to the airport 50 minutes before my flight home from Texas, and my suitcase was put on the plane but my mono fin wasn't. I got back a week ago and still dont have it yet because it would have been $400 to have it shipped by the airport to our house. So instead we are just having FedEx pick it up and deliver!

Anyway, make sure to cushion it with something like packing peanuts or those airbubble things. Baggage handlers dont give a sh*t about "fragile items" most times. That being said, you should still put "FRAGILE" signs on your box and also your contact info and address. Good luck and have fun!

[Arejay]

The easiest way to bring it is in a large flat box! (as long as its within size requirements) I just took mine to California and back then to Texas!

One thing though, GET THERE EARLY! Sometimes they get suspicious of big boxes like that and it takes forever to clear them. I got to the airport 50 minutes before my flight home from Texas, and my suitcase was put on the plane but my mono fin wasn't. I got back a week ago and still dont have it yet because it would have been $400 to have it shipped by the airport to our house. So instead we are just having FedEx pick it up and deliver!

Anyway, make sure to cushion it with something like packing peanuts or those airbubble things. Baggage handlers dont give a sh*t about "fragile items" most times. That being said, you should still put "FRAGILE" signs on your box and also your contact info and address. Good luck and have fun!

As someone that doesn't yet have a tail this may be a silly question, but is there a reason you cant put it in your carry-on or checked luggage?

[Mizuko]

I had a lot of questions when I first traveled with my Merbella's tail :)
There are a few options:
Like its been said above, a large flat box is a good way to go. Otherwise if you can squeeze your fluke into your suitcase its easier that way! (That's what I did eventually, but my monofin was only a Wave so it fit easily). You can also buy padded monofin bags, which I now own one, that are carried like a back-pack and can be checked in. Just keep in mind that silicone tails are HEAVY and the airlines will include that weight with your other luggage- be prepared to pay extra! They may not allow it as carry-on purely because it is heavy.
Making sure its padded or secure within its box/bag/suitcase is essential, as you dont want the monofin to bend or even break!

[Kishiko]

As someone that doesn't yet have a tail this may be a silly question, but is there a reason you cant put it in your carry-on or checked luggage?

It traveled fine on three flights. On yes because it's way to big to carry on as most silicone tails are, mines fabric but still huge. And again, too big to fit in my suitcase. Look at the other travel threads everyone says the same thing: flat box

and the only reason I don't have it is because I live three hours from the airport and we can't just go pick it up whenever

[Ariel-Starfish]

LoI'm willing to take my tail with me to our family vacation in Greece this year. But I don't have a clue how to travel with my merbellas tail. (Competitor fin!) and don't question me on how to dry the tail properly within a 5 day trip! (It's beoprene lined) :confused:

[Meilyn]

Do you guys think it'll be probable to fly WITH a silicone tail on? (4 hours from my area to Hawaii isn't so bad) then again, I don't sweat as easily as most people...

When I was in the Army, I flew with so much carry on stuff. No one questioned me, but then again, when I did fly, I was in my ACU's. I'm hoping the airports are as friendly to you guys as they were to me with carrying large items back in the day.

I'm gonna buy a padded monofin bag if they make one for the competitor... *googles*

[MerEmma]

No way, I doubt it. I doubt there'd be enough foot room, and you'd have to try to take it off with like NO spare room around you to get it off/on. I wouldn't try it either with all the stress of flying.

[Meilyn]

I think that would depend on how tall you are though... I've never had problem with leg room, but I am merely 5'0 tall... my boyfriend is 6'5 so I see the struggles of being tall. And I give him crap about it :p
I shall try one day and let you guys know! Give me like, a few months though. We are planning Hawaii after he gets his bachelor's finished

I've also rarely felt stressed while flying and I've flown quite a bit a few years ago when I needed to. To each their own I guess. Either way, I'm gonna try! When it comes time lol