One of the perennial questions for tennis players taking a flight with their equipment is whether or not rackets can be carried onto the plane as hand luggage.
This topic has perplexed us too: sometimes we have been able to carry on a racket bag, other times we have been forced to check it and on other occasions we've taken our rackets out and brought them on board by hand (all while flying with the same airline, no less).
So, we thought it would be helpful to do some in-depth research into the policies of different airlines to get a current grasp on what is allowed.
Spoiler alert: For most airlines, tennis rackets are too long to fit the cabin baggage dimensions if they are enforced to the letter. However, as with many aspects of air travel, there is some nuance around which class you are flying in and the stance of the staff you encounter that makes the situation less black-and-white than it may appear at first glance.
The first thing to know is that the TSA allows tennis rackets to be carried on board. The same is true of most equivalent agencies worldwide, including the EU (see EU policy here). So it is up to the individual airlines whether they want to allow rackets on board their flights or not.
Many airlines do not specifically mention tennis rackets (or rackets in general) in their policies, even in the "sporting goods" section. This is quite a departure from the aftermath of 9/11 when tennis rackets were explicitly classified as weapons by most airlines and had to be checked.
Thus, the main criteria to consider when travelling with your rackets is if the bag fits into the dimensions specified for your carry on luggage. Obviously the length of the racket is the dimension that causes issues. Currently 29in (74cm) is the maximum racket length allowed in competitive tennis (with 98% of all rackets being 27in or 69cm), so keep this in mind when you’re sizing up your frames and bag.
As you can see in the table below, even though the length of rackets appears to a be a deal-breaker for many airlines, we have all experienced instances where check-in agents and security personnel have made seemingly arbitrary decisions (for better or worse) about the acceptability of a given piece of luggage.
Adding complexity to the issue, on full flights the bigger pieces of carry on luggage are usually the first to be targeted for a transfer to the hold. This isn’t ideal if you were transporting your rackets in a soft bag that could get damaged among hard cases underneath the plane.
Without further adieu, here is an overview of the main global airlines' policies pertaining to hand luggage in economy class:
* Reference is to bag dimensions without rackets
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Thinking of avoiding the process of attempting to carry on your rackets altogether and plan to check them instead? There are a couple of things to consider if you use this strategy.
First, it goes without saying that they will have to be wrapped in a material like bubble wrap to protect them from getting damaged if you are using a soft bag. Wrapping them individually is your safest option.
Second, extreme temperature changes in the hold can alter your string tension. If you are using a string type that is particularly delicate like natural gut, you might find that your setup has materially changed when you next hit.
If you have to check your rackets, packing them in a hard case with ample padding is your best bet.
If you are flying economy on most global airlines you might struggle to carry on a bag big enough to hold your rackets. However, if you have strong negotiating skills, ample charm or a friendly check-in agent you might be able to sneak a bag with your rackets into the overhead compartment.
Because this is far from a guarantee, the most prudent choice is to choose a checked bag large enough to fit your rackets and bring along some bubble wrap in the event you're forced to improvise and transfer your rackets into your biggest piece of luggage destined for the hold of your plane.
What has your experience been? Have you been able to carry your rackets on the plane? Have you ever been stopped? Let us know in the comments below.
If you’re planning on booking a trip, consider upgrading your luggage with a tennis bag from the Epirus collection. Timeless and versatile, Epirus bags are made by hand in small batches ensuring exemplary attention to detail. Built for tennis and travel, each bag takes you from the court, to work, to the gym and then out to dinner in style. View the collection here.
Are you a tennis player looking to enhance your game? One way to do so is by selecting the right tennis accessories for your needs. From tennis strings to grips to bags, there are a variety of accessories available that can make a big difference in your performance on the court. In this blog post, we'll be discussing everything you need to know about tennis accessories and how they can improve your game. Let's dive in and explore the world of tennis accessories!
Tennis strings play a critical role in determining the power, control, and spin of your shots. They also impact the overall feel of your racquet. There are various types of strings available, including synthetic, natural gut, and multifilament strings. Synthetic strings are durable and provide good control, while natural gut strings offer a softer feel and more power. Multifilament strings are a blend of synthetic and natural gut materials, providing a balance of both. When selecting tennis strings, you should consider your playing style, skill level, and personal preference. It's also important to take into account the tension and gauge of the string, as they can impact your overall performance. By selecting the right tennis strings for your needs, you can improve your power, control, and overall game.
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The tennis grip is an essential component of your racquet that impacts your comfort and grip on the handle. There are various materials, colors, and styles available for tennis grips, each with their own benefits. Leather grips are durable and provide excellent grip, while synthetic grips are softer and more comfortable. Some grips feature perforations for improved ventilation and sweat absorption. It's important to select the right grip size for your needs to prevent hand fatigue and ensure a secure hold on the handle. To determine the right grip size, measure the distance from the middle crease of your palm to the tip of your ring finger. Selecting the right tennis grip for your needs can help improve your overall comfort and grip on the racquet, allowing for a more confident and effective game.
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Overgrips are thin layers of tape that are placed over the existing grip of your tennis racquet. They provide a number of benefits, including improved comfort, sweat absorption, and grip. Overgrips are available in a variety of materials, colors, and styles to suit your personal preference. Some overgrips are textured for enhanced grip, while others feature a tacky surface to prevent slippage. It's important to regularly replace overgrips, as they can wear down with use and lose their effectiveness. By selecting the right overgrip for your needs and maintaining it regularly, you can improve your comfort and grip on the racquet, leading to a better overall performance on the court.
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Vibration dampeners are small devices that are placed in between the strings of your tennis racquet to absorb shock and reduce vibration. They can provide a number of benefits, including improved comfort, reduced risk of injury, and more consistent shots. Vibration dampeners come in a variety of types, including button-style, worm-style, and tube-style dampeners. Each type provides a different level of vibration reduction and sound suppression. It's important to select the right vibration dampener for your needs, taking into account your playing style and personal preference. By using a vibration dampener, you can reduce the impact of shock and vibration on your arm and wrist, leading to a more comfortable and consistent game on the court.
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Tennis bags are essential for carrying and protecting your racquets and tennis accessories. They come in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials, from small backpacks to large duffel bags. When selecting a tennis bag, you should consider the number of racquets you need to carry, as well as any additional accessories like shoes, clothing, and water bottles. Some tennis bags feature specialized compartments for racquets, shoes, and other accessories, helping to keep them organized and protected. It's also important to consider the material of the bag, as some materials are more durable and water-resistant than others. By selecting the right tennis bag for your needs, you can protect and transport your racquets and accessories safely and conveniently.
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Tennis balls are a crucial accessory for any tennis player, and selecting the right ones can impact your overall game. There are different types of tennis balls available, each with their own unique features and benefits. Most tennis balls are made of rubber, with an outer layer of felt. Some tennis balls are designed for different court surfaces, such as clay, hard, or grass courts. The type of tennis ball you choose can impact the bounce, spin, and speed of the ball, as well as its durability. It's important to select the right type of tennis ball for your playing style and court surface to optimize your performance. Additionally, it's important to regularly replace tennis balls, as they can become flat and lose their bounce over time. By selecting the right tennis balls and replacing them regularly, you can ensure that your game is consistent and competitive.
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If you're looking to buy tennis accessories, one great option is ATR Sports. They have a physical store located in Etobicoke, Canada, as well as a website where you can order from. ATR Sports offers a wide variety of tennis accessories, including strings, grips, overgrips, vibration dampeners, tennis bags, and tennis balls. They also offer expert advice and support to help you select the right accessories for your needs.
ATR Sports has a reputation for providing high-quality products at competitive prices, and their knowledgeable staff can help answer any questions you may have. In addition, their website offers a convenient and easy-to-use platform for ordering tennis accessories online. With ATR Sports, you can be confident that you're purchasing top-quality tennis accessories that will help take your game to the next level.
In addition to ATR Sports, there are many other stores that offer tennis accessories, such as Sporting Life and National Sports. It's always a good idea to research your options and compare prices and product offerings before making a purchase. With so many great options available, you're sure to find the perfect tennis accessories to help you dominate on the court.
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In conclusion, tennis accessories are an important investment for any tennis player looking to improve their game. From strings to grips to bags to tennis balls, there are a variety of accessories available to enhance your performance on the court. By selecting the right tennis accessories for your needs and playing style, you can improve your grip, comfort, spin, and overall game. It's important to research your options and compare prices and product offerings before making a purchase, in order to ensure that you're getting the best possible value for your money.
If you're looking to buy tennis accessories in Toronto, ATR Sports is an excellent option with their physical store located in Etobicoke and their easy-to-use website for online orders. With their wide range of products and expert advice, you can be confident in your purchase and find the perfect tennis accessories for your needs.
We hope this blog post has provided valuable insights and information about the various types of tennis accessories available and how they can help take your game to the next level. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, investing in the right tennis accessories is a smart decision that can make a big difference in your performance on the court.
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