Traveling w/ a silicone tail as carry-on luggage...

**Mermaid Christin** · 08-05-2015, 12:45 AM

I'm just curious if anyone has tried traveling with a silicone tail specifically as a carry-on item? I am planning a trip to Florida this October and I will be taking my Finfolk Productions tail. My fluke is about 35 inches across at it's widest and has a trainer monofin. I've been asking around for advice and many have suggested packing the tail in a large sturdy suitcase with padding but I'd really rather take it with me on the plane. The thought of having it checked is nerve racking to me- partially because I am worried about damage and partially because I am worried about the suitcase not arriving on the other end as sometimes happens.

I was thinking about getting a WaterWay Fins monofin bag (http://www.freedivershop.com/waterway-monofin-bag) as I have heard success stories of mermaids traveling with their tails this way. Thanks for any help!!

**Mermaid Kassandra** · 08-05-2015, 02:11 AM

You should ask to Arion he traveled to America recently and he managed to take with him his tail from Finfolk 😉

**Mer-Crazy** · 08-05-2015, 06:52 AM

It may be different where you guys live, but I know in Australia there are very strict limitations on carry-on luggage, it can't be much bigger than a small duffle bag (simply because the overhead compartments aren't big enough to hold much more) and can't weight over about 10 kilos in most airlines. If America is letting silicone tails as carry on that's awesome

**PearlieMae** · 08-05-2015, 10:18 AM

The air travel association is actually trying to reduce the size of carry-ons, and your tail would have to be checked. Depending on the airline, that could be $25.00 - $50.00 just to check it.

You might be better off shipping it ahead of time via Fed Ex or UPS. I'd trust them before I'd trust baggage handlers. My mom was a baggage handler for a while and I've heard terrible things about what happens behind the scenes. Add in the TSA (they ALWAYS open my tail carrier), and it could be a recipe for disaster.

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**MermaidAine** · 08-05-2015, 05:45 PM

I would do as PearlieMae suggests and ship it ahead, and insure it. Or call the airline and speak to them, maybe they can put with the oversized carry on items like strollers and such. Can't hurt to call. But I am with you Pearlie, I would for sure not check it. It's sad that we pay so much to these airlines to just have our things thrown around, lost and stolen!

**Winged Mermaid** · 08-05-2015, 11:07 PM

Depending on how big your tail is once it's folded to it's smallest size, you may have to check it as an oversized bag. Each airline has restriction for how big it can be in linear inches- meaning total amount of inches when you add height, width, and lenth- before it's oversized. Look here, although this may be out of date: http://www.independenttraveler.com/t...e-baggage-fees Typically the oversized bag fee is $50-$100 (which may be added on TOP of the baggage fee for first or second bag).
Also if it's oversize and overweight you will probably have to pay BOTH fees, plus the bag fee. Which could end up being over $200, I saw a mermaid once had to pay $750 to check her tail to Hawaii cause it was in a heavy bicycle case that made it oversize and overweight. It all depends on the airline's policies.

If you have a trainer you can probably fold it to fit in a suitcase and thus work around the oversized bag fee. But for those with competitors, you gotta do oversized bag checking.

I'd say call the airline and ask. I know some mermaids said they were allowed to bring theirs in a garment bag as a carry on and put it in the flight stewardess closet. But all airlines have regulations for how big a carry on can be, and some require it to fit in the "carry on baggage checker" (square metal things beside the counters). Some said they can fit their tail into the overhead bins. But, something to think on: 9/10 flights I've been on, they always run out of overhead space before I get on the plane, and have to check bigger carry ons. So that might happen- keep it in mind.

Saw Shannon posted this on FB: "As a flight attendant I am telling you we don't want that in our closet. And I don't know who is actually getting it in the closet but it doesn't fit. I have worked anything from an international a330 to a private Gulf Stream and not to be mean but no one is stowing that tailIn the closet. It's shared space for 6 crew members."

**RomanLaveau** · 08-22-2015, 07:15 PM

Girl, do what I have done, do NOT take no for an answer, I don't care if I am being a nuisance, I spent so much money on my tail and I will be damned if someone damages it due to lack of care! They'll just let you take it on, they might hate you a little, but you're a mermaid so....who cares?