Our team of reviewers has scoured the market for the best bow cases for air travel and has compiled a list for your use. We have reviewed the various bow cases based on the TSA guidelines and regulations, their ability to sustain a flight journey, and experience rough handling by baggage handlers. Our top recommendations include the SKB iseries 4719 ultimate single/double bow case and the Pelican Air Elite 1745 Bow Case.
- Four Height Settings
- Easy Adjust 6-9 inches
- Legs eject by spring action
- Cannot be used on the field.
- Product dimensions: 46.00″ L x 18.00″ W x 7.50″ D
- This case fits bows up a 44’’ inch and 46’’ inch longbow.
- Weight: Less than 33 lbs.
- Uni-body design
- Removable tray
- It is waterproof and dustproof.
- It is resistant to damage and corruption.
- You will find two latches on the front of the bow and four in the back.
- There are three handles on this bow case.
The SKB 4719 is a top-notch bow case that can convert from a single bow case to a double bow case. It is fashioned with stainless steel pins and a latch system that enables firm stacking and equalizes pressure. It has a distinct unibody design, removing the need for extra metal bolstering hardware you may find on other cases on the market. It has a removable tray that transforms the single bow case into a double bow case. It has an accessory tray that you can remove to fit two bows.
The case can accommodate a 46’’ and 44’’inch bow. This bow case is excellent for air travel as it cushions your bow. You will also avail of a lifetime warranty provided by SKB. An additional benefit is that you will get a $1500 compensation if your gear is damaged during air travel.
This bow case is one of the best for air travel because of its design, features, and lifetime warranty, and compensation.
Things We Like
- Military-grade design.
- Water and Tamper-resistant
- Can hold two bows.
- TSA-approved locks.
- Lifetime warranty and compensation.
Things We Don't Like
- Heavy bow case.
- May have to pay a fine.
- Expensive.
Pelican Air Elite 1745 Bow Case
- The Dimensions: 9.1″H x 47.3″W x 19.4″D
- Weight: 26.25 Pounds
- This bow case is lighter than its competitors.
- It provides bow storage and accessory storage.
- It is versatile.
- It has smart interior storage
- The case contains an arrow holder and arrow tube straps.
- Excellent MOLLE strap system.
- It is fitted with two TSA-approved locks.
- You are provided with two extra latches and four padlock hasps.
- It is fashioned with rolling wheels to improve mobility.
Pelican manufactures the Air Elite 1745 bow case. It is versatile, lightweight, and sturdy, making it one of the best cases for air travel. It features a MOLLE strap system which is designed to keep your bow secure. It has smart interior storage that can be adjusted to meet your specific needs. The case contains an arrow holder and arrow tube straps. The case has an excellent MOLLE strap system. An accessory pouch is also included with the bow case. You can use its bungee cord anchors and integrated tie-down points to keep your bow safe and secure. It is fitted with two TSA-approved locks to ensure the safety of your bow. You are also given the provision of two extra latches and four padlock hasps.
The pelican air elite 1745 is an exceptional, sturdy bow case that does the job of keeping your bows and accessories secure.
Things We Like
- Sturdy housing.
- Good latching.
- Excellent interior bags.
- Extremely secure design.
- Tamper-resistant
- Lightweight.
- Water-resistant.
Things We Don't Like
- Not secure.
- Accessories move around.
- Less insulation.
- TSA locks are prone to collecting dust.
- Expensive.
- Inefficient foam blocks.
- Cannot be used on the field.
Case Club Waterproof Parallel Limb Compound Bow Pre-Cut Case
- The dimensions: 46.6 x 6.83 x 16.72 inches;
- Weight: 25 Pounds
- It can fit any bow that is less than 40’’ inches.
- It is fashioned from military-grade polyethylene, making it durable and long-lasting.
- TSA approved
- Convoluted foam
- In-built arrow holder which can hold up to 12 bows.
- It is fitted with a handle and rolling wheels for easy transportation.
- Waterproof
- Absorbent silica gel to protect the bow from rust
The case club parallel limb bow case provides your compound bow with protection during air travel with its inbuilt foam protection feature. It is durable and long-lasting; you will find that it is made to withstand rough handling, which is what makes it suitable to travel with. It can fit any bow that is less than 40’’ inches. It is fitted with a convoluted foam that provides support and security to your bow. The case is durable and long-lasting. The bow case is designed to ensure that there is no wear and tear over time. It is fashioned from military-grade polyethylene.
It is fitted with a pressure equalizer valve that prevents damage to the case and bows air pressure during air travel. It has inbuilt arrow holders that can hold up to 12 arrows. Each arrow can be put in its special holding groove. This prevents your bow from moving around in the case during air travel and getting damaged. The bow case is fitted with TSA-approved locks that ensure security in your case. You can also use padlocks with this bow case. It is fitted with a handle and rolling wheels for easy transportation. You get a waterproof bag to keep your accessories. It has a hydro absorbent silica gel to protect your bow from rust. You will find that the silica changes color when you use it up. You may put it in an oven to revive it if this happens. This bow case is airline-approved and comes with a lifetime warranty.
This bow case is built exceptionally and is sturdy. It is designed to weather all conditions and be resilient.
Things We Like
- Travel friendly.
- Thick and secure case.
- Soft foam inside.
- TSA-approved lock.
- Pressure equalizer valve.
- Can secure arrows.
Things We Don't Like
- One size fits all foam.
Sitka Nomad Travel Bag
- The dimensions: 42″x16″x14″
- Weight: 10.9 lbs
- It is 8,600 inches
- It is fashioned with Nylon and Polyurethane.
- It has a compression web.
- It comes with a telescoping T- grip handle.
- It has compression straps
- It has built-in 80mm wheels.
- It is water-durable.
The Sitka nomad bow case is made with air travel carry-on luggage restrictions kept in mind. It is designed in a way that allows you to fit almost any of the modern compound bows and a bunch of gears and accessories as well. It is 8,600 inches. It is an exceptionally huge bag that can store plenty of accessories and more. It has a compression web, and you can store your accessories in its mesh pockets. It is fashioned with Nylon and Polyurethane.
It comes with a telescoping T- grip handle. It has compression straps on its interior to keep the bow in position throughout the travel. It has built-in 80mm wheels. This allows the bow case to be transported with ease.
This bow case is big enough to ensure all your accessories may fit in, but it is also built with check-in regulations kept in mind.
Things We Like
- Huge bag.
- Store many accessories
- Secures the bow
- Easy transportation
Things We Don't Like
- Oversized luggage.
- May have to pay a fine.
Legend Everest Hybrid Roller Bow Case
- It comes in two variants; the Everest 44 and the Everest 40.
- Everest 44 : inside 44.7″x14.7″x8″
- Everest 40 : inside 40.7″x14.7″x8″
- Weight: 15 lbs.
- Padded protection
- Straps on the inside protect your bow.
- It is fashioned with a steel metal frame to ensure the protection of your bow.
- Rolling wheels
- Double zippers
- Three handles.
This bow case is our most economical yet efficient pick. We loved how stable, sturdy, and reliant it is. It is easy to air travel with this case as it has great mobility. It has padded protection on the inside to protect your bows. There are straps on the inside to protect your bow. It is fashioned with a steel metal frame to ensure the protection of your bow.
It is fitted with rolling wheels to improve mobility. The wheels can be changed if it gets any defects. It has double zippers to improve and enable easy access. t is designed with three handles, allowing you to carry it with ease.
This is one of the most economical yet sturdy and efficient bow cases on the list. This may be a perfect fit for you if you expect great benefits on a budget.
Things We Like
- TSA-approved
- Padding for safety
- Airline approved
- Economical
- Protection and stability.
Things We Don't Like
- Velcro straps aren’t secure.
Buying the Best Bow Cases for Air Travel – Keep These Factors in Mind
The first thing to ensure before investing in a bow case for air travel is to see if your bow would be compatible with the case. Cases are custom-made for bows; you cannot expect a one-size-fits-all case for your bow. Another thing to think about is how you intend to use the bow. If you plan on traveling with your bow, you will need a sturdy and resilient case; if you plan to buy a case for your day-to-day hunting activities, you may choose a lighter one. Finally, you have to decide if you want a bow case that is only meant to hold a bow or a case that can fit accessories.
While looking for a bow case for air travel, it is essential to look for something sturdy, tough, and resilient. The bow case would have to be resistant to rough handling. Look for a bow case that has a hard exterior and a lock. You may also invest in a TSA-approved lock. A TSA-approved lock comes in handy when you check in your luggage and a TSA agent wants to check your bow case. You don’t need to be called on to open your case; the TSA agent can open this lock with a master key to inspect your bow.
The following are some considerations to keep in mind while purchasing a bow case for air travel:
- Soft internal lining and protection.
- A reliable lock.
- A hard exterior to withstand harsh travel conditions and handling.
- In-built wheels for increased mobility.
- A collapsible handle.
Preparations to do before air travel
You will first need a sturdy bow case that will safeguard your bow during air travel. You can take a look at some of the bow cases we recommend, such as names. Ensure that your bow is unstrung and wrap it around with bubble wrap. Ensure that you secure the bow to the bow case by tying it down. You can add extra protection by placing clothes on top of your bow.
If you plan to travel overseas, you will first have to declare your bow to U.S. customs. This will be proof that you owned a bow prior to traveling. An extra precaution you can take is registering your bow; this allows you to prove that you are the bow owner and aren’t smuggling the bow into another country.
You may have to check in your bow case as a secondary carry-on. Expect to pay an additional fee for your bow case while boarding. TSA agents may not be familiar with bows and other archery/hunting equipment, hence be ready to get inspected and inquired on your bow case. If you are packing arrow broadheads, ensure that they are secured and wrapped without any protruding edges. Ensure that the TSA agent is not alarmed or gets cut while checking your bow case. Mark your accessories and label them to let the TSA agent know what they are dealing with.
Ensure that you contact your airlines prior to understanding the guidelines and regulations you need to follow. Many who took connecting flights found that their bow case did not make the trip due to its size. If you are taking a connecting flight, ensure that you have at least an hour and a half in between to ensure that your bow case has been boarded.