Bow cases are essential if you wish to travel overseas with your bow and arrow set. You can find many cases in the market, but not all are suitable for airline travel.
We have researched and recommended top bow cases to help you pick the best bow case for air travel.
Why a Bow Case is Important?
Bow cases are one of the most important pieces of equipment in an archer’s carrier. Either a professional or a hobbyist, whoever owns a bow set has to own a bow case as well.
Especially in the case of air travel, there is no compromise for carrying a bow case to protect the archery gear.
In airports, bow cases are considered check-in luggage and handled roughly most of the time. That is why these cases are designed to prevent the bow set inside from moving around or breaking apart.
According to the size and weight of the bow case, you can add extras like cloth or padded support inside the case to keep the arrows away from damage.
Therefore, the bow cases allow an archer to carry his or her archery equipment without hassle while going on adventurous trips, national or international tournaments.
Bow Case for Air Travel At a Glance:
Best Bow Case for Air Travel Reviews
Let’s now check some of the finest bow cases and pick the one you find perfect for your needs.
1. Pelican Air 1745 Long Case
Another premium bow case from Pelican is designed to provide reliable protection during air travel. The case is lightweight yet durable, making it easier to transport your archery equipment.
Whether you’re traveling on flights or storing your bow between trips, this case offers solid protection for your gear.
Material: The exterior of this case is made from lightweight HPX² polymer, providing excellent impact resistance.
The interior features customizable foam that helps secure and protect your equipment during transportation.
The durable exterior protects your gear from rough handling, while the watertight and dustproof design helps keep moisture and debris out.
Dimension: Designed as a long equipment case, the Pelican Air 1745 measures approximately 44.63 × 16.63 × 6.75 inches externally. Its spacious interior provides room for long equipment and accessories.
Other Specs: It features a retractable extension handle, smooth-rolling wheels, secure latches, and padlock hasps. The pressure-equalization valve also helps regulate internal pressure during air travel.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- Lightweight and durable construction.
- Suitable for air travel.
- Customizable foam interior.
- Watertight and dustproof design.
- Pressure-equalization valve.
- Wheels for easy transportation.
TAKE NOTE:
- Check the interior dimensions to ensure your compound bow fits.
2. SKB Hard Protective Storage Case for Archery Bow and Arrows
The SKB iSeries Hard Protective Storage Case is designed for archers who need reliable protection for their compound bow and accessories.
Built to military standards, this shaped bow case is suitable for transporting and storing archery equipment.
Whether you’re traveling or keeping your bow safely stored between trips, this case provides durable protection against impact, water, and dust.
Material: The exterior of this case is made from high-strength polypropylene copolymer resin, offering excellent impact resistance and durability.
Its waterproof and dustproof construction helps protect your archery gear from moisture and external elements. Inside, four hook-and-loop straps keep the bow securely in place during transportation.
Dimension: It measures 41×17×6 inches on the interior and approximately 43.63×20.5 inches on the exterior.
Designed to accommodate compound bows up to 41 inches long and 17 inches wide, it also provides storage for up to 12 arrows.
Other Specs: This case features a built-in quiver holder, two accessory storage compartments, and a snap-down cushion grip handle for comfortable carrying.
The Trigger Latch system provides secure closure, while the pressure-equalization valve helps regulate internal pressure during air travel.
It also includes padlock holes with stainless steel protector clips and comes with a lifetime warranty.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- Military-grade construction.
- Lightweight yet durable.
- Waterproof and dustproof design.
- Secure hook-and-loop bow straps.
- Storage for up to 12 arrows.
- Built-in quiver and accessory storage.
- Lifetime warranty.
TAKE NOTE:
- Does not include wheels.
3. MTM Traveler Compound Bow Case with Wheels
The MTM Traveler Compound Bow Case is a 44-inch wheeled case designed to protect and transport compound bows and archery accessories.
Its spacious interior and durable construction make it suitable for everyday storage and travel.
Whether you’re heading to the range or traveling by air, this case offers convenient transportation with its built-in wheels and protective interior.
Material: The exterior of this bow case is made from durable, impact-resistant plastic designed to withstand regular handling.
The interior features protective padding to help keep your compound bow securely in place during transportation. Its molded construction also provides dedicated storage space for archery accessories.
Dimension: Measuring approximately 44 inches in length, this case is designed to accommodate many compound bows. Its spacious interior provides room for additional archery equipment and accessories.
Other Specs: This case features built-in wheels for easier transportation, along with a comfortable carrying handle. Its durable shell and protective interior make it a practical option for transporting your bow to the range or on longer trips.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- 44-inch compound bow case.
- Durable hard-shell construction.
- Protective padded interior.
- Built-in wheels for easy transportation.
- Suitable for everyday storage and travel.
- Additional space for archery accessories.
TAKE NOTE:
- Check your bow’s dimensions before purchasing.
4. Flambeau Outdoors Formula Bow Case
The Flambeau Outdoors Formula Bow Case is a lightweight and protective hard case designed for transporting and storing compound bows.
It is designed to accommodate archery equipment while keeping the bow securely positioned and protected from external damage.
Material: The outer shell of this case is made from durable molded plastic designed to withstand everyday handling and impacts.
The interior features Flambeau’s patented convoluted foamless Bow-Fit retention system, which securely holds the bow in place without requiring traditional foam padding.
Its molded construction provides a protective fit while keeping the case relatively lightweight and easy to carry.
Dimension: This black bow case is designed to accommodate compatible compound bows. Its compact design makes it suitable for storing and transporting archery equipment.
Other Specs: The case features a secure locking system to keep your bow protected during transportation.
Its Bow-Fit retention system helps prevent unnecessary movement, while the durable exterior provides additional protection against external impacts.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- Lightweight construction.
- Durable hard-shell exterior.
- Patented Bow-Fit retention system.
- Foamless interior design.
- Secure locking system.
TAKE NOTE:
- Does not feature built-in wheels.
5. Plano Bow Guard AW Bow Case
For your compound bow, this air travel approved bow case from Plano is our first recommendation.
It is built rigid and crush-resistant, keeping in mind the luggage management of airports. You can store a fully loaded quiver in this case with an adequate amount of safety.
Material: Its exterior is constructed of thick walls with a rugged texture. The PillerLock system and rubberized seal prevent the case from crushing, water access, or any other harm.
Its elastomeric arrow container can store both fiber or standard arrows securely, while the high-density foam-padded interior prevents the bow from moving around inside the case.
Dimension: On the exterior, this case measures 40×20.75×7.5 inches. On the interior, this case measures 46.5x16x6.75 inches, including the interlocking foam. It weighs 21lbs. which is appropriate for carrying it as check-in luggage in airplanes.
Other Specs: Approved for airline travel, this case comes with an ergonomically designed handle that is easy to carry in airports.
Dual-stage latches provide extra protection for your compound bow set, while the padlock tabs inside the case allow convenient carrying.
WHY WE LOVE IT:
- Decent sized case.
- Airline approved.
- Durable construction.
- Weather-resistant seal.
- PillerLock system included.
TAKE NOTE:
- Not for use in California.
- Mounting bracket not included.
What to Look for in a Bow Case for Airline Travel?
Before picking your best bow case for airline travel, one must consider a couple of things. These are not your usual luggage, and you need to choose the best one for your gear, not the best one available in the market.
Size and Weight
The main things about a bow case that matter are the size and weight of the case. Different airlines allow different size and weight limits.
Some cases may be oversized or overweight for one airline while they may not be for another airline.
It is better to check the luggage weight and size limits of the airline you are going to board beforehand to avoid extra charges.
TSA Approved
There are also bow cases that are approved by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration). TSA-approved cases are comparatively better than others.
These cases come with a lock system that can be accessed by the airport authority. They can check the case with the special key they are provided if needed.
Material
The inner material of the case matters more than the outer material regarding bow cases. These cases can have a hard, soft, or semi-padded exterior, but the interior is required to be fully padded and include straps.
Cases have also are more popular and easier to carry than the ones without.
FAQs
Are bows and arrows allowed on plane?
Bows and arrows are allowed on planes as checked luggage. You cannot carry them with you on planes as carry-ons.
What exterior bow case is good for air travel?
Both types of bow cases are good for air travel. However, hard exterior cases weigh more than soft ones.
What if your bow case is not TSA-approved?
If you do not have a TSA-approved bow case, you may be called by the airport authority through the announcement system if an inspection is needed.
Can you carry your bow case as a carry-on on airplane?
No. You can only carry your bow and arrow in a case as checked luggage. You can get an airline-approved bow case for carrying the gear conveniently.
Can I pack my bow sight in my bow case?
It is better to avoid packing your bow sight inside the bow case. It may cause damage to the bow sight.
Summing Up
To sum up the discussion, we can agree on the fact that not all bow cases are appropriate for air travel, and you should select the one according to your gear’s size and features.
We hope our article helped you find the best bow case for air travel to carry your archery gear anywhere you want.