Planes and fencing bags, how it works

INTRODUCTION

It is an important step for a fencer, as well as for their parents, to travel by plane for their first big tournament. This of course raises a lot of questions. With this article, our goal is to help you find your way around this new world, at least with regards to your fencing equipment. We will therefore cover preparation before departure, departure day and arrival at your destination.

Types of fencing bags

We strongly recommend that you use a rollbag to transport your fencing equipment for air travel. Unlike rollbags, soft bags do not have a solid structure, leaving your fencing equipment exposed to all of the usual abuse that airlines subject luggage to. Rollbags are also easier to transport over long distances, like at airports, at hotels and when getting to your tournament venue.

We also advise you to keep your weapons in a solid sheath, even inside your rollbag. Fencing weapons, especially epee and foil points, are fragile and the use of a sheath maximizes your chances of preventing damage in transit.

Many fencers who travel regularly choose to invest in a rigid golf bag. Similar in size to a fencing bag, it has the advantage of protecting the equipment from being crushed. On the other hand, it is also necessary to modify its interior to ensure that your equipment remains stationary during transport, otherwise it will be damaged by knocking around inside the hard shell of the bag. Also, over the years, several fencers have told us stories where their rigid golf bags had been broken or shattered. This sort of bag is therefore not a guarantee either. Airlines seem to be incredibly creative when it comes to testing the limits of luggage.

See the article How to choose the right fencing bag to see your options.

What do I bring?

In short, anything that will be useful to you during the tournament. The key word here is useful. You don't need to bring your eighth glove just in case. Depending on the tournament you will be participating in, also make sure that the equipment you plan to bring meets the required standards. For example, some tournaments require you to have the name lettered on the jacket. See the Rules for Equipment section to validate the requirements of the different tournaments. Here's a list of what you'll typically need to pack in terms of gear:

• Complete outfit: chest guard, plastron, jacket, metallic jacket, glove, cuff, pants, socks, shoes.
• Second outfit, depending on the number of events in which you participate.
• Mask.
• Bodwires, mask wires in sufficient quantity.
• At least three weapons.
• Repair kit and sewing kit.
• Spare parts: blades, tip parts, bodywire safety clips, retrofit bib, etc.

BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Preparing for a tournament away from home should begin well before the morning you leave for the airport. Here are some crucial steps to take before you leave.

Plan ahead

When booking your plane ticket, confirm whether the airline you have chosen accepts fencing equipment. In the majority of cases, this is not a problem. However, some airlines have only limited space for oversized baggage and require that space be reserved in advance for this type of baggage. In this case, make this reservation at the same time as you purchase your ticket.

Whenever possible, opt for direct flights to your destination. This will maximize the chances that your baggage will arrive at your destination at the same time as you do. It's also wise to arrive at least half a day or even a day early. This will give you time to resolve any issues that may arise before the start of the tournament.

Test your equipment

Before packing your fencing bag, be sure to test all of your equipment. Test it the week before the tournament, and then again before putting it in your bag. Not only will your equipment be ready to use, you will avoid the stress of having to find last minute replacements when you get there. You will have peace of mind knowing that all your equipment is compliant and functional.

How do I prepare my bag for conveyor belts?

If your bag has a strip bag attached to the top of the rollbag, remove it and store it inside the rollbag. When handling luggage, baggage handlers tend to grab hold of whatever they can. The space between the two bags is a preferred grip for them, but this often results in the top bag being torn off.

Once your bag is closed, make sure nothing sticks out or can eventually stick out. All straps must be fastened and tightened, retractable accessories put away, etc. It is also necessary to repair any holes or tears that could a point or a blade to poke through.

Avoid padlocking your bag before flying. If your bag needs to be inspected, your lock may be cut or lost, even if it is a TSA approved lock. However, you can pack those padlocks and install them once you arrive at the competition venue.

Some people tend to wrap their large packages or luggage in cellophane. This is also not recommended, again for inspection reasons.

Clearly label your fencing bag. If your bag is a common model, tag it with a unique visual cue (markings, designs, tape attached to a handle, etc.). In addition, make sure you have a label with your name and a phone number you can be reached at during your trip. This will help airport staff get your bag to you if it is lost in transit. Other useful information is the phone number and address of your hotel, and the dates you will be there. As this information is more sensitive, you can print it on a sheet of paper left prominently inside your bag.

DEPARTURE DAY

There are some constraints that come with traveling with a fencing bag. Make sure you don't get caught short on the day you leave.

Allow for extra time

Traveling with a fencing bag is a little different than what you are used to. Stairs, doors, elevators, crowds, etc. are all obstacles that will slow you down. Things as mundane as the size of your taxi can also impact your commute. When traveling to a new airport for the first time, it will also take you longer to figure out where to leave or collect your bag. It is therefore necessary to allow ample time for travel.

Vocabulary

If you're not too keen on making new friends in uniform or discovering hidden areas of the airport, you'll need to pay special attention to the words you use. Words like "weapon" are to be avoided at all costs, while words like "sword" or "saber" may draw more attention from personnel that is less familiar with regulations and laws, or with fencing.

When you're inevitably going to be asked what's in your bag, the best answer is "sports equipment." If they ask you which sport, answer. Avoid giving too much information which will then prompt even more questions.

Where do I bring my bag?

Go to your airline's counter of first. Declare your fencing bag and pay the necessary fees, if applicable. Then, depending on the airline, either the agent will take your bag at the counter with your other luggage, or they will direct you to the special baggage depot.

The special baggage depot is where passengers go to drop off their oversized baggage, such as music instruments, bicycles or surfboards. There is usually a single depot for all airlines, so it is usually staffed by airport security officers (TSA or equivalent). Depending on the airport, baggage deposited at this location is inspected on the spot, in the presence of its owner, before being sent through the meanders of the airport.

If your bag is inspected in your presence, other questions may arise. Reassure staff that the blades are dull (they won't cut) and the tips are rounded. These are sabres, epees or foils used in the practice of fencing, an Olympic sport. It may happen that they ask you to remove it from their "case", which is normal.

ARRIVING AT YOUR DESTINATION

After landing, there are still a few steps left before you reach your hotel.

Where do I pick up my bag?

Depending on the airport, your bag may be placed onto the carousel along with other regular baggage, or it may show up at the special baggage collection point, which is usually to the side of the carousel area. For the same airport, this can also vary from time to time. If your bag is to be collected on the special baggage side, oftentimes it won't be available until several minutes after your flight's carousel has stopped.

My bag is damaged, what do I do?

Once you've collected your fencing bag, find a quiet spot to inspect your gear and bag. It will be much easier for you to report any damage and submit a claim to your airline while you are still at the airport. Unless you are covered by traveler's insurance, the service counter can compensate you for any significant damage.

My bag has not arrived, what do I do?

If your bag hasn't arrived, speak to an agent at the service counter near the carousels. Depending on their response, you may have to borrow or purchase replacement equipment for the tournament. Ask your friends, coaches and local clubs.

Test your equipment

If you have your own tool kit, test all of your gear in your hotel room as soon as possible. Now is the time to assess the damage, repair your equipment for the tournament and, if necessary, write a shopping list of things to replace.

The next step is to have your equipment checked by the tournament officials. Even if your event is only in a day or two, this will give you peace of mind and give you more time to replace something, if need be.

PRO TIPS

Pro tip #1

Pack your mask, full fencing outfit and bodywires in your carry-on bag rather than in your fencing bag. First, if your bag is lost, you will only have to replace your weapons, which are less expensive and generally easier to replace than a full outfit. Also, there is much less chance of your mask getting crushed in your carry-on baggage than in your fencing bag. Last but not least, your fencing bag is more likely to get damaged if it is dropped by porters when it is fully loaded than when it contains only your weapons.

Pro tip #2

If you are traveling with friends or with other fencers you know, split your fencing weapons between you so that everyone has one of their weapons in each bag. This way, if a bag is lost, everyone will have the rest of their weapons. Three out of four weapons is better than none at all.

Pro tip #3

Book a direct flight when possible. This reduces the chances of your bag getting lost on the way.