Traveling with Weapons
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One of the most frequently asked questions about wushu competitions is how do you get your weapons there if you are flying.
The short answer is "You have to check them."
It is really that easy; many people have flown commercial airlines with all sorts of wushu paraphernalia with no problems. Heck, most airlines allow people to check firearms, so a floppy sword should not be a problem. Of course with airline security these days you have the potential to run into problems, but there are a few steps you can take to avoid them.
[edit] Policy Holders
Check the airlines checked baggage policy, print it out and take it with you. You are likely to to run into problems with size (especially if you are a tall guy who does spear), specifically length. Most airlines have a specific maximum length you can check, and normally this length would cover a pair of skis, so a spear shouldn't be a problem.
[edit] What not to say
Never ever refer to your wushu equipment as weapons. If they ask (and chances are they won't, so just keep your mouth shut) refer to it as sporting goods. If they get really pushy, say it is martial arts equipment. The phrase "like sticks and stuff" works well in this situation.
[edit] Bag it
It is recommended that you get a good weapons bag, a number of bags will work.
- A typical Wushu weapons bag, or lacrosse bag is ok for hauling stuff to class everyday but offers little protection on a plane. It would probably be fine if you pack the sword in scabbards. These are not normally long enough to accommodate long weapons.
- Hard fishing pole cases or padded ski bags offer more protection and allow you to pack longer weapons. Plus they offer a less suspicious appearance.
Use your long weapons to protect your short weapons. The wax wood staffs tend to be plenty tuff and if strapped together with the swords they should help prevent the baggage handlers from bending the blades.
Packing a spear is tricky. Since the point is out on the end and they are the longest item in your bag. If you don't have a hard case that is long enough to hold it you may want to consider removing the point for the trip.
Often you can pack many more swords in a single case if you disassemble them. Broadswords will lay flat. Spear tips wont' get bent. You can fit a hundred straight swords in a Flambeau Bazooka if you remove the finger guard and hilt. Disassembly is the only smart way to transport a Pudao or Kwandao.
If you are worried tell them that your bag is fragile they will treat it as such. Make sure you clearly mark it as such.
Recomended Bags
- Flambeau Bazuka Rod Case [1]
[edit] Other Considerations
On the return trip if you have any medals from the competition it is a good idea to check them in with your weapons (er, sports equipment) since they can be problematic at the security checkpoint and make it hard to x-ray your carry-on baggage.
