Flying with your rig? A few tips to make travel easier.
Traveling as a skydiver is a little different than normal travel. You’re not just packing clothes and a toothbrush. You’re moving expensive gear and navigating airline policies with a parachute. Having your gear arrive can make or break a trip.
Whether you’re heading to a boogie, a camp, a competition, or just chasing good skydives, these tips will make your travel smoother, cheaper, and far less stressful.
Carry-On vs. Checked Rig: Choose Intentionally
There’s no single “right” answer here, but there is a smart way to decide.
Carry-on rig
Pros:
- You keep eyes on your gear
- No lost luggage panic
- Faster exit from the airport
Cons:
- TSA questions (usually fine, occasionally slow)
- Overhead bin anxiety on full flights
- Having to carry throughout airports in addition to any other carry-ons
Tips:
- Get a rig cover that hides the handles and pins and makes it look more discreet
- Prepare to have it swabbed at security, adding a few extra minutes to your travel
- Print out the AAD xray photo in case of deeper questioning
- Be sure not to get lotion, mowed grass and other chemicals near it that will set off the swab alarm or there could be a request to unpack the canopies
- Not every country allows carry-on rigs – double check airlines and country rules (Mexico, Egypt are two that won’t allow rigs as a carry-on leaving the country)
Checked rig
Pros:
- Easier airport movement
- Less hassle through security
Cons:
- Risk of delay or loss
- Rough handling
Tips:
- Use a hard-sided suitcase
- Add an AirTag or bag tracker
- Book flights that have enough connection time for the bag to make it onto the next flight
Know Your Airline Rules
Most airlines allow parachutes as carry-on or checked baggage, but sometimes securty staff don’t always know that.
Best practice:
- Know the policy
- Be human and respectful first – that goes a long way
- Answer questions simply if they come up
- You can print out the fine ilne details on the airline policy and have it on your phone if there’s any struggle at security. It’s rare, but it happens.
Confidence and calm go much further than explanations.
Pack Like You Need Everything
Every DZ or event has its own way of doing business. Many DZs around the world have rubber bands and pull up cords on hand. Some don’t.
Always carry:
- A fresh closing loop
- Batteries for your audibles and alti
- Chargers and cables
- Rubber bands and pull up cords
International Travel: Extra Prep, Fewer Surprises
Crossing borders with skydiving gear is usually fine, but preparation matters in having everything you need and may need. Don’t assume you can get wifi where you’re headed or that the time zones work in your favor in case you need to validate any jumps.
Before you go:
- Check reserve repack validity for your destination (1 year vs 6 months)
- Carry digital and paper copies of documentation: license, reserve repack card, last jump
Generally you’ll find a lot of countries are familiar with skydiving gear moving through security and onto planes. However, in the places where it’s less common, approaching any resistance with a good attitude will get you far.
Traveling for skydiving is exciting. Think about the steps beforehand that’ll help ensure a smooth travel experience and get you and your gear to your location with ease for an incredible holiday.
