Re: Bagging, was Re: ACA

[Randy & Deb Carey <carey@spacestar.net>]

Over the past year I've traveled to and from several cities with fish.  I have
avoided problems every time.

I always pack fish in a soft-sided piece of carry-on luggage.  If needed, I
reduce the water and air levels for the few hours my cargo will be in transit.
(Breathable bags can be made really small!)  These fish bags are wrapped in a
larger bag (maybe even a garbage bag) to capture any leaked water.  And a few
clothes are wrapped around this outter bag -- providing padding to dampen
vibrations, insulation from cold, and muffling of sloshing water sounds.

Of course I carry my camera with me on the plane, but anything that might trigger
a search is sent  separately through the x-ray machine.  I've never been stopped
because of my bag.  No one has ever said anything about something strange looking
in my bag.  I don't worry much anymore.

I always make sure my bag will fit under the seat and that is where I stow it.
Then I don't have to worry about [1] someone squishing my carry-on, [2] leaks
coming through the over-head compartment, [3] being told that there's not enough
room so that I'd have to check it in.

So pack those fish in a flexible carry-on, don't use a fish box.  I think the
airlines respect people's privacy and as long the luggage does not look (or
sound) unusual.  They aren't going to ask you what's in a duffle bag (unless its
leaking).  And they aren't going to keep you from carrying on a bag if it fits
under a seat (an issue that saved my fish on yesterday's flight).

-- Randy



Erik Olson wrote:

> During the convention we were beseiged by horror stories about airport
> checkin.  Folks being charged $60 to have their fish put in the plane as
> air freight, or worse, having their coolers turned away entirely. LoBello
> and others in the hospitality suite had some absolutely BRUTAL stories



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