I'm sitting down and trying to figure out the best way to pack my buggy and kites to get them to Ivanpah.

What is the best way to fly with a buggy? What do people use for bags and cases?

Given enough time I plan on making my own case if I can. (I have access to luggage supplies like wheels, hard sides and corner braces to make my own hard sided case.) But I'm not sure if I'll have the time prior, so I want to have a fallback plan as well!

The airlines have a total dimension limit of 62", what are the best dimensions?

Is it better to do it in two separate luggage pieces (buggy, kites separated or mixed between)? I don't think it'll all fin in one. (Not if I bring my full quiver of kites.)

I'm just curious to hear how others have done it in the past to give me inspiration, and maybe avoid some pitfalls.

Thanks for the input!.

-Chip

I put the frame parts in a ski bag and the wheels, seat, kites etc. in a ski boot bag. The airlines consider these as one item and won't charge extra. It's worked so far.

i use a wakeboard bag...............aj

hey chip
i know this won`t help you.
buts thats why i got a folder buggy.
i`m able to get the whole buggy plus wheels and tires
plus extra stuff, harness helmet,etc in one suit case.
i carry my kites in my carry on. plus i know when i get to these events. i can steal, i mean borrow a real buggy for a speed run or two.
i did push my folder to 48.3 mph. very scary buggy at those speeds. LOL

Buggy Carrying Bretheren:

I too travel with my buggies.
The steel rubs right through cordura and canvas.
The bags I use are vinyl.
Heavy-duty vinyl, and lined too.

I pack a buggy in each vinyl bag and place that inside a larger cordura duffle. My kites and clothes fill the space around.
I've gotten two bags under 80 lbs each (the limit for international flights) and have lived out of them for a month.

Did you save the box the buggy came in?

For domestic transport, rather than schlep a buggy and gear through the airports, why not ask if you can ship them here to my shop and pick it up when you arrive.
I'm about 15 minutes from the airport and almost next to the freeway.
I am not a delivery service, unless you're a relatively young, relatively pretty, unattached person of the female persuasion, with a loose moral code, and willing to play

Admittedly it will be a hectic schedule those two weeks, but between the cosmic guides and John next door with a key to the shop, most can be accomodated.

It's an option.

I am often wrong, but never in doubt.

Safen Up! Buggy On!

the coreylama

Don't know why I hadn't thought to use vinyl, that's a good idea, especially since I have a whole role of it in my studio!

Though I do need to watch weight really close. Most domestic flights limit you to a 50 lb. bag. And since the buggy is already about 35 to 40 lb. I need to make sure the bag is not too heavy. And that it stays under the 62" dimensions limit (w+h+d). That is proving to be the harder of the two, unless I make a two piece system and just squeeze the kites everywhere else. Fortunately I have a nice backpack/bag that I can use as a carry-on with my closes and stuff.

Now all I need is some time between then and now to make something! (and that's going to be much harder to find.)

I don't have the original box. (I actually never received an original box, since I got my buggy and kites secondhand, with only a makeshift box.)

Though I do have a ski and boot bag combo, so that might work in a pinch. Or maybe I'll just make a cardboard box with a slip cover!

Thanks for all the ideas, and feel free to keep them coming. I always like to know what's been done!

-chip

About the folding buggy: Is it a good option? I only have a small car and need something that will fit in the back seat. Sory this is off topic a bit....
Dave

The folding buggy is a convenience though not a top performer. The question is which is most important to you. Personally, I would prefer to break down my buggy each time (or at least into sections that will fit in the car). I believe the folding buggy is good for cruising, but not tricking or high speeds. It's a trade off.