Traveling with Dangerous Props – The Performer's Guide

Planning ahead and packing properly can facilitate the screening process and ease your travel experience at the airport. Know what you can pack in your carry-on and checked baggage before arriving at the airport by reviewing the lists below. Even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it triggers an alarm during the screening process, appears to have been tampered with, or poses other security concerns.

Double check TSAs What Can I Bring page here

What Can I Bring?

Carry On Bags:

Carry-on bags are bags or luggage that are allowed to be brought on board an airplane and kept in the passenger cabin during a flight. These bags are typically small enough to fit in an overhead compartment or under the seat in front of them, and they are meant to contain essential items that may be needed during the flight, such as

Here’s a list of common carry-on items that a performer may bring with them on a flight:

Clothing:

Costumes or performance attire
Extra clothing for travel
Comfortable shoes
Accessories such as hats or scarves
Undergarments and socks

Electronics:

6. Laptop and charger
7. Smartphone and charger
8. Headphones or earbuds
9. Portable power bank
10. Camera or recording equipment

Personal Items:

Passport and travel documents
Wallet with identification and credit cards
Toiletries (in compliance with TSA regulations)
Medications
Snacks or meal options
Entertainment (books, magazines, or puzzles)

Additional Items:

Performance props or equipment
Musical instruments (e.g., guitar, violin)
Makeup and grooming products
Reusable water bottle
Travel pillow and blanket
Travel itinerary and contact information

Keep in mind that airline regulations and carry-on size restrictions may apply, so it’s important to check with the specific airline for any limitations or guidelines regarding what you can bring on board.

Airlines often have specific size and weight restrictions for carry-on bags, which can vary depending on the airline and the class of service. Passengers should check with their airline to ensure that their carry-on bag meets the requirements and to avoid any fees or complications at the airport.

Additionally, there may be restrictions on what items can be carried on board, such as liquids or sharp objects, so it is important to check the airline’s policy before packing

Common types of carry-on luggage::

💼 Backpacks: A backpack is a popular choice for carry-on luggage, especially for travelers who prefer a hands-free option. Backpacks come in various sizes, materials, and designs and can accommodate a range of personal items, including electronics, clothing, and toiletries.
💼 Duffel bags: A duffel bag is a soft-sided, cylindrical bag that is typically made of canvas or nylon. Duffel bags come in a range of sizes and styles and are ideal for carrying clothing and other soft items.
💼 Rolling suitcases: A rolling suitcase is a type of luggage that has wheels and a retractable handle, making it easy to maneuver through the airport. These suitcases come in various sizes and materials and can accommodate a range of personal items.
💼 Tote bags: A tote bag is a large, spacious bag that can be used for carrying personal items such as books, snacks, or a change of clothes. Tote bags come in various materials and designs, and some models may have built-in compartments for organizing smaller items.
💼 Spinner luggage: Spinner luggage is similar to rolling suitcases but has four wheels instead of two, allowing for greater ease of movement in any direction. These bags come in various sizes and materials and can be a good option for travelers who prefer a lightweight option.
💼 Garment bags: A garment bag is designed to hold suits, dresses, or other formal wear without wrinkling. These bags typically fold in half or thirds and have a hanger inside to keep clothing wrinkle-free during transitChecked Bags:

Checked bags for performers traveling on a plane are luggage or bags that are checked in at the airline’s check-in counter and are transported in the cargo hold of the aircraft. These bags typically contain items such as costumes, equipment, and props that are too large or bulky to be carried on board the airplane as a carry-on item. Be aware that airlines often have specific weight and size restrictions for checked bags, which can vary depending on the airline and the class of service. There may be restrictions on what items can be packed in checked bags, such as flammable or hazardous materials, so it is important to check the airline’s policy before packing.

You should also consider the potential risks of traveling with checked bags, as there is always a chance that the bag may be lost or delayed in transit. It is recommended that performers keep essential items, such as a change of clothes or performance shoes, in their carry-on bag in case of any unexpected delays or issues with their checked bag

Common types of checked luggage:

💼 Suitcases: A suitcase is a popular choice for checked luggage, and it comes in various sizes and materials, including hard-shell and soft-shell. Suitcases can accommodate a range of personal items and are typically easy to transport with wheels and a retractable handle.
💼 Duffel bags: A duffel bag can also be used as checked luggage. These bags are typically made of canvas or nylon and come in a range of sizes and styles. Duffel bags can be a good option for carrying clothing and other soft items.
💼 Garment bags: A garment bag is designed to hold suits, dresses, or other formal wear without wrinkling. These bags typically fold in half or thirds and have a hanger inside to keep clothing wrinkle-free during transit.
💼 Trunks: A trunk is a hard-shell case that is used for longer trips or for transporting fragile items. Trunks come in various sizes and materials and may have reinforced corners and edges for added durability.
💼 Bike boxes: A bike box is a specialized type of luggage that is designed to transport bicycles. These boxes typically have foam padding and straps to keep the bike secure during transit.
Camping Backpacks: While backpacks are often used as carry-on luggage, larger backpacks may need to be checked. These bags can be a good option for carrying outdoor gear, such as camping or hiking equipment.
💼 Ski/snowboard bags: A ski or snowboard bag is a specialized type of luggage that is designed to transport skis, snowboards, and other winter sports equipment. These bags typically have padded interiors and reinforced exteriors to protect the gear during transit.
💼 Golf bags: A golf bag is another specialized type of luggage that is designed to transport golf clubs and other accessories. These bags may be considered oversized and may incur additional fees.
💼 Hard-sided cases: Hard-sided cases are a type of luggage that is made of rigid materials such as polycarbonate or aluminum. These cases can be a good option for transporting fragile items or expensive equipment that needs extra protection.
💼 Musical instrument cases: Musicians may need to transport their instruments in specialized cases that are designed to protect them during transit. These cases may be checked as oversized luggage and may incur additional fees

Oversized items:

Some items may be too large or bulky to fit in standard luggage, such as sports equipment, musical instruments, or large artwork. These items may need to be checked separately or may require special handling or packaging. Oversized luggage refers to luggage that exceeds the maximum size or weight allowed by an airline for standard checked luggage. The specific size and weight limits for checked luggage can vary by airline and may require additional fees, special handling, or separate check-in procedures, and passengers should check with their airline in advance to ensure that their luggage meets the airline’s requirements.

Juggling Clubs:

Juggling clubs are generally allowed on airplanes, but it is always a good idea to check with the specific airline before traveling to confirm their policies and regulations regarding sports equipment and oversized items. Juggling clubs are typically considered as part of a passenger’s carry-on or checked baggage, depending on their size and weight. If they are considered as carry-on baggage, they should fit within the airline’s size and weight restrictions for carry-on items and not pose a safety risk to other passengers or the flight crew.

It is important to note that some airlines may have specific rules regarding juggling clubs or other sports equipment, such as requiring them to be packed in a certain way or limiting the number of items that can be carried on board. Passengers should check with their airline in advance to avoid any issues or complications at the airport. As with any sports equipment or fragile items, it is also recommended to pack juggling clubs securely in a durable travel bag or case to protect them from damage during transit.

Sharp Objects:

Cutting or thrusting weapons, including fencing foils. Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

This Includes:

Throwing Knives
Throwing Axes
Throwing Hatchets

Fire Props:

Burn off ALL excess fuel, and then leave the staffs overnight in an airy room to allow any fumes to evaporate.
Wipe of any soot or carbon from the wicks and the handles of the props. Wash the wicks in a strong detergent and hot water (this step is optional and not totally necessary but if it’s vital your props can fly then it’s worth the effort).
Make sure the bag you are flying the fire props in is also clean and doesn’t smell of either fuel or soot.
Wrap and seal each individual prop in plastic and tape it up tightly.
Put the props in the flight bag and check for any smell leakage.
Attach a letter “to whom it may concern” explaining what the props are. What you use them for (work, fun etc) and include full contact details for both your home country and the country you are traveling to.
If you have a business card put that in as well so it looks more professional. This last point was specifically advised to me by the US air authorities as vitally important!

Lighters/Torches:

You can bring up to two (2) additional lighters—including torch lighters—in your checked baggage when you use DOT-approved airtight travel containers for lighters. Major lighter manufacturers such as Colibri, Prometheus, and Zippo have secured DOT special permits for their lighter travel containers.

⚠️ No butane

Handling Lost Luggage:

If the airline loses your luggage, you should take the following steps:

Report the lost luggage: As soon as you realize your luggage is missing, report it to the airline’s baggage service office or customer service desk at the airport. Be sure to provide a detailed description of your luggage and your contact information.
Obtain a file reference number: Ask the airline for a file reference number for your lost luggage. This number will be used to track your luggage and will be required for any follow-up inquiries.
Fill out a baggage claim form: The airline may require you to fill out a baggage claim form to provide additional details about your lost luggage.
Check the status of your luggage: You can check the status of your lost luggage online or by phone using the file reference number provided by the airline.
Follow up with the airline: If your luggage is not found within a reasonable time frame, follow up with the airline to request compensation for your lost luggage and any contents.
Remember to keep any receipts for items you need to purchase as a result of your lost luggage, as the airline may require them for reimbursement

Travel insurance:

If you have travel insurance, check to see if it covers lost luggage and follow the instructions provided by your insurance provider.Travel insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for unexpected events or emergencies that may occur while traveling. Travel insurance can help protect against financial loss due to trip cancellation or interruption, medical expenses, lost or delayed baggage, emergency evacuation, and other travel-related issues.

Travel insurance policies can vary in coverage and cost, but may include benefits such as:

Trip cancellation or interruption coverage: Reimburses the cost of your trip if it is canceled or interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, injury, or death.
Medical coverage: Provides coverage for medical expenses incurred while traveling, including emergency medical treatment and medical evacuation.
Baggage coverage: Reimburses the cost of lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and its contents.
Emergency evacuation coverage: Provides coverage for emergency evacuation due to a medical emergency or natural disaster.
Travel delay coverage: Reimburses expenses due to travel delays, such as hotel accommodations or meals.

It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of a travel insurance policy and understand the coverage limitations and exclusions before purchasing a policy.