Discussion: Flying with your softball equipment?

Posted Discussion Nov. 1
Rhino
Men's 55
33 posts
Any suggestions for flying with your softball equipment to ensure you get there with everything? Do you guys check in your SB bat bags with all your equipment in it? Can you walk on the plane with it? Or do you just take out a few things like your glove and shoes and put them into your clothing bags just in case? Do you do anything special to or with the Bag before checking it in?

1st flight with SB equipment and not sure how to approach. Driven to all tournaments so far.

Thanks in advance.Nov. 1
TexasTransplant
Men's 70
516 posts
I've never had any trouble, but there's a first time for everything.

I always carry glove, shoes, and a uni with me, figuring that if the checked luggage gets lost, I'll still be able to play - may not be able to shave or brush my teeth, but I can play ball.

You can't carry bats on the plane. You'll have to check them. I usually pack a bunch of socks, jocks, and extra uni's around and on top of the bats to discourage too much curiosity. This works especially well on the way home when everything is dirty.

I don't lock mine; however, I understand that you can lock your bag if you use a TSA approved lock.

I have heard some guys talk about checking their equipment in a golf club travel case for protection.

Good Luck!Nov. 1
Fred Scerra
Men's 80
542 posts
I have never had any problems either. I put all my equipment etc into one bag and drop it off at the gate.Nov. 1
Rich
Men's 65
1 posts
I always place my bat bag containing my bats, glove, spikes, and other items into a travel golf bag that zippers. I lock the bag with those small luggage locks. If the TSA wants to inspect the bag they can break the small lock.Nov. 1
Hacker
Men's 75
52 posts
I always lock my bat bag using the plastic "ty-wraps" ...just loop them through the zipper tabs...if security wants to check, they simply cut them open...this also let's you know if someone has opened you bag!!

You can buy a small bag of these for cheap at the local hardware store!
It's cheaper than a small lock which is worthless anyway!!

Note: Don't forget that YOU'LL need to open them after you reach your destination...if you bring a knife with you, you'll get it confiscated!

I usually put a small pocket knife or nail-clippers in an outside pocket of my bat bag or luggage, that way I'll have something to cut these with when I pick up my bags.

RichNov. 1
T-44

9 posts
I usually pack 2 to 3 sets of bat bags in my golf bag. Never had a problemNov. 1
hitt2

353 posts
I've flown in and out of Vegas from local Airports in Sacramento, Stockton, Fresno and Merced. TSA searched my bag x's 2 and left a form stating they searched Bag. My mother is a TSA supervisor at SeaTac. She informed me that when teams travel from there, the X-ray machine reviewers&#; trip out when they see extra replaceable cleat, cannon ball, tools to fix gloves or cleats even shoe insert and liquid items. I put protective sleeves on my bats due to the way the handlers toss bags around.Nov. 1
Rhino
Men's 55
33 posts
Thanks guys. That helps a bunch. Do any of you insure your equipment against loss or declare a value before checking it in? I know you all said you've had no problems loosing anything ... but I'd hate to be the 1st.Nov. 1
BruceinGa
Men's 70
posts
I have always put my bat bag in an army duffle bag, until last year. I had a Worth roller bag and it wouldn't fit. When I got to Vegas it had a rip about 5" long on one side. Now, again, I put my gear in my Ultimate bat bag and put it in my duffle bag. I can't close it completely so I do as Hacker said, use tie wraps. I put a knife in my checked luggage and use it to cut the tie wraps. I make sure that I bring extra tie wraps for the trip home.
This year I was going to buy a TSA lock but didn't get around to it.
When I checked my duffle bag in Atlanta my wife told the agent that it held softball equipment. She seemed to have a problem for a minute or so. I told here that I never had a problem before. She finally let it go.
Last year when a teammate presented his bat bag he had to pay $60 for oversized baggage. Apparently airlines allow golf clubs, skiis etc but never mention ball equipment.Nov. 1
Rhino
Men's 55
33 posts
Thanks guys. That helps a bunch. Do any of you insure your equipment against loss or declare a value before checking it in? I know you all said you've had no problems loosing anything ... but I'd hate to be the 1st.Nov. 1
BruceinGa
Men's 70
posts
Insurance may be a wise decision. I have never purchased it.Nov. 1
hitt2

353 posts
When you check in they should ask if the contents of the bag exceed a certain value and if so then you could purchase additional insurance. You should also know that in most case, if your ticket was purchased with a credit card it is already insured in most cases. Check with CC company.Nov. 1
4x4
Men's 65
601 posts
I've noticed there seems to be a lot of bat breakage after flying. I've watched the loaders toss the bags in the plane hold with no particular care. There's 20-30 tons of luggage & cargo jammed into the hold anf the temps there get to about -60'F which can't be good for the composit bats as the weight shifts with the movement of the plane. For about $30 I bought a hard plastic gun case for break down shot guns that holds 5 or 6 bats packed in the foam to keep them safely + I have "fragile" stickers from the airline I keep on the sides.
After several airline trips the case has SEVERAL places where the plastic has taken impact and changed color up to 10" long + the aluminum spine around the case has been bent by impact. I can only imagine what the bats would have had to absorb if they did not have that protection. I figure 5x$200 minimum protected is worth the $30. If only taking 2 bats I can pack misc stuff along with the bats in the case.
I take my glove, shoes, etc. in a carry on and send my clothes in the 2nd allowable check in bag. One side note - everyone is very courteous while waiting in the check in line once they see the gun case. It gets inspected about every other trip outbound. Never seems to get checked on the return of the round trip.
I used to use a roll around golf case but that's too cumbersome to drag around. This is much easier.Nov. 4
DoubleL10
Men's 70
907 posts
Bruce-As always, excellent idea! For years, I placed my bat bag in a duffle bag with a lock; however, after the restrictions put in place after 911, I quit using the bag since I did not think of the tie-wraps. I had been placing my bat bag in one of those oversize TPS roller bags but the airlines have almost destroyed it by now. I'm going back to the duffle bag next year.Nov. 9
Southpaw55
Men's 55
49 posts
The padded golf bag works well, and you can also put a small chair and collapsable cooler in there as well. I started usung blueprint mailing tubes (you can get them at Staples, Office Depot, etc.). I cut them down to the length of my bats and insert them into the bat compartment of my bat bag. They not only protect my bats on flights but keep them from banging in to each other, and the bats fit perfectly in them.Nov. 19
cpope
Men's 75
160 posts
Having only made about a dozen "Tournament Flights" while being a Senior, I have always used my Coast Guard Duffle Bag, always locked and NEVER had the lock cut or question about it. On the trip back home it is a great place for dirty, smelly uniforms. :)

To be a great softball coach you obviously need to have the right skills. But in addition to skills you also need the right gear! Any coach worth their salt will be prepared for any situation that arises. Like a Swiss Army Knife you should have just the right thing for the job, whatever that might be.

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Bag

You&#;re going to need somewhere to put all your stuff to bring it to and from the field. A good bag is a softball coach&#;s best friend and can help you keep everything organized and easy to find. Simplicity is best so you won&#;t spend time rummaging through a bunch of pockets when you need to find something.

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Throw a towel in your bag to dry things on rainy days or for myriad other uses. The Hitchhiker&#;s Guide to the Galaxy says a towel &#;is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have.&#; And, what&#;s good for interstellar hitchhikers is doubly so for softball coaches. Also make sure to put a notebook in your bag that includes an updated roster and copies of birth certificates for every player on your team. You&#;ll want to have those if the age of a player ever comes into question.

Some good things to stash in the smaller pockets: scorebook, pens and pencils, a clipboard, eye black, lineup cards, stopwatch, and a pitch counter. Also bring along some sharpies. These are great for labeling practically anything and for signing game balls.

 

First Aid Kit

Scratches, bruises, and sprains are bound to happen. You might want to take a first aid and CPR course to prepare yourself to handle injuries. At the very least, make sure you have a good first aid kit on hand to deal with the inevitable. Stock it with bandages, first aid ointment, antiseptic spray, hand sanitizer, ace bandages, ice packs, tweezers (for splinters), plastic bags, scissors, athletic tape/gauze, gloves, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Tampons are a great addition to stop nosebleeds and are also thoughtful if you&#;re coaching a girls&#; team.

In addition to a well-stocked first aid kit be sure to have medical release forms on hand at all times.

 

Bats

Most players will bring their own bats to practice and games but this isn&#;t always the case, especially if you&#;re coaching a youth team. Even if players do bring their own bats you&#;ll want to have a few on hand just in case your players forget theirs or want to try something new.

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In addition, have some other gear with you, just in case a player doesn&#;t have their own or forgets to bring something. Batting helmets, fielding faceguards, catcher&#;s gear, extra gloves and mitts, and batting gloves are all good things to bring along.

 

Turfs

As a coach you&#;re going to be on your feet a lot. Make sure you keep your feet happy by choosing comfortable turf shoes. Combining lightweight performance, stability, and comfort, turfs are the best choice of footwear for softball coaches who want to stay on top of their game.

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A Versatile Pullover

Being prepared is the most important part of being a coach, but looking professional is important too. A good-looking pullover is a perfect piece to include in your arsenal. Choose one that performs well in all weather conditions so you can keep your head in the game, rain or shine.

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Very Handy Extras

Every coach has their essentials that they just can&#;t live without on the ball field. If you haven&#;t yet figured out what those things are for you, here are some things to take along that are sure to come in handy:

Dandelion puller and screwdrivers: from repairing gear and apparel to resetting bases or bags, these items may just save the day during practice if the ground crew isn&#;t on hand to lend you a tool or come to the rescue.

Resin bag: perfect for hot days when hands are sweaty. Also good for pitchers who like to put a little extra spin on the ball.

Duct tape and zip ties: this duo can handle pretty much any situation. Really, is there anything a zip tie or some duct tape won&#;t fix?

Glove repair kit and cream: for quick repairs or to help with a glove that&#;s not quite broken in.

Tape measure, hair elastics, Handi-wipes, and a small pack or two of tissues: these are all good things to keep around.

A bag of candy: aside from making you everyone&#;s favorite person, a little candy often goes a long way. From promoting comradery among teammates and breaking boredom in the dugout to helping soothe tough emotions during a heated game, you&#;ll be glad you brought it along.

 

Time to Stock Up

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