How to travel with your tent on a United Airlines flight?

How do you transport all your camping equipment by plane? It is necessary to manage to fit the tent, the duvets, the provisions, etc., in two, even often, one and the same suitcase. It sounds super complicated, when it really isn’t at all.

Lately, you may have become accustomed to traveling camping on your various trips. This way of traveling offers quite a few advantages in terms of flexibility. Some, for logistical concerns, prefer to rent their equipment on site. Ultimately, why not if you don’t plan to renew the camping experience, but if you already have your gear or are planning to make several camping trips, your best bet is to bring your own gear with you on the plane. For that, it’s really simple; you just have to put everything in a suitcase.

How to transport your tent by plane?

If you are traveling with an airline such as United Airlines, the passenger will be able to carry their camping equipment in their checked baggage: the tent, 0 degree resistant sleeping bags, the inflatable mattress, the inflator, the meals,. .. and full of provisions. You just have to pay attention to the final weight of the suitcase. And that is probably the biggest difficulty. Before departure, you only need to check the baggage transport rules with your airline operator.

Items not to be carried in your checked baggage

Although some items are fragile, such as those made of fabric or aluminum, United Airlines agree to carry them on board its planes, unlike some items that can be dangerous such as stoves and heating equipment that work with liquid fuels, fuels. , …

Choosing the right tent (size, weight, …)

Like the suitcase, it is best to opt for a light and compact tent. For more comfort, it is always better to choose a tent with an additional place; it allows you to put the bags and all your stuff inside. Even though it is a bit heavy (3.5 kilos), it does the job very well. If you can, choose a tent that weighs less than three kilograms anyway.

The essentials to put in your suitcase, in addition to the tent:

– A sleeping bag adapted to the temperatures of the destination

– A mini pillow to be on top!

– An inflatable mattress (comfortable, but “heavy”) or a trekking mattress (very light, but much less comfortable)

– An inflator if you have opted for the inflatable mattress option

– A meal to be a real chef even at the campsite

– A stove

– A flashlight for night outings

Fill the rest of the suitcase with other accessories and mainly provisions for the trip: ready meals, cereal bars, spread, chocolate, muesli, powdered milk, brioche, comforting foods that are good for your morale when the weather is not with you.

Important things to know about gas cylinders, lighters and matches

Gas cylinders are prohibited on planes, so you can only bring back your stove. You then have to buy a gas cylinder on site, which you obviously cannot bring back with you on the plane. To avoid waste, it is best to choose the most suitable capacity according to your use. To choose the size of your bottle, you have to look at the autonomy of your stove.

Carry your camping equipment in the cabin?

Whether or not you have already tried to transport the tent in the cabin, as long as it fits in your hand luggage, there is no need to worry. However, the security clearance at the airport may be a bit longer though. Security often takes a long time to check your baggage.

Usually United will not allow you to take such items in your carry-on baggage, so it is best to put it in your checked baggage.