Are you considering bringing your bowling ball on your next trip? While some people may be pleased with using the bowling balls provided by the bowling alley, others prefer using their own bowling balls. If you’re heading to a new bowling alley and want to try it out, you may wonder if you can travel with a bowling ball on a plane.
According to the TSA, you can bring bowling balls on a plane in your hand luggage or checked baggage. There aren’t any restrictions on flying with a bowling ball. The only restriction is the weight of your hand luggage or checked bags. Therefore, you must ensure the bowling ball doesn’t make your bag overweight.
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Can You Bring Bowling Balls On A Plane?
You can bring bowling balls on a plane in your checked baggage or hand luggage. While other sports equipment, like baseball bats, are considered dangerous because they can be used as a weapon, the same is not valid for a bowling ball.
You can decide where you would like to pack your bowling ball. The only restriction when bringing a bowling ball on a plane is the weight of your hand luggage and checked baggage. Therefore, you must ensure that the bowling ball doesn’t cause your bags to weigh more than the allotted amount, or you must pay excess fees.
Where Should You Keep A Bowling Ball On A Plane?
While there aren’t restrictions on where you pack your bowling ball on a plane, you should consider packing it wherever it is the most secure. Your checked baggage gets handled roughly during transit, and your bowling ball may get chipped or damaged if you don’t ensure it is protected.
If you are concerned about your bowling ball’s condition, rather pack it in your hand luggage. This way, you can protect the bowling ball from getting damaged. However, your bowling ball must undergo a security inspection when bringing it in your hand luggage on a plane.
Are Bowling Balls Dangerous On A Plane?
Bowling balls aren’t considered a dangerous item on a plane. Other sports equipment, including baseball bats, aren’t allowed in your hand luggage as they can be used as a weapon and can cause harm to other passengers. Fortunately, bowling balls aren’t included in the list of prohibited sports equipment.
The TSA clearly states that you may travel with a bowling ball in your hand luggage. However, the TSA website also states that the final decision is left to the TSA officer when you are traveling. Therefore, if the TSA agent considers your bowling ball potentially dangerous, you will be prohibited from bringing it on the plane.
How Do You Pack A Bowling Ball When Flying?
When packing a bowling ball for flying, you must ensure that it is protected from cracks and chips during transit. The best way to protect the ball is by keeping it in a travel case or wrapping it in soft clothes when packing.
Packing your bowling ball in a hard-shell suitcase will also help to protect it when traveling. Furthermore, you can mark your suitcase as fragile to inform airport staff that your bag must be handled with care. This can also help to protect your bowling ball when traveling by plane.
How Can You Bring A Bowling Ball Through Airport Security?
Since bowling balls are permitted on flights according to the TSA, you shouldn’t have any problem bringing them through airport security. You may have to remove the bowling ball from its case when bringing it in your hand luggage. However, once checked, you can return it and be on your way.
