Can You Bring a Bow and Arrow on a Plane?

No carry-on. Checked bag only — in a hard-sided case. Archery equipment is among the most straightforward categories in aviation security rules: everything goes in checked luggage, everything needs proper containment, and you should tell your airline before you arrive at the airport.

The Absolute Rule: No Bows or Arrows in Carry-On

All bows are prohibited from carry-on luggage on all airlines worldwide. This is not ambiguous or jurisdiction-dependent — it applies uniformly under TSA regulations in the USA, EU aviation security rules, UK aviation security directives, Australian CASA rules, and the equivalent bodies in Canada, Japan, and virtually every other country.

The prohibition covers:

• Recurve bows (including Olympic-style competition bows that break down into components)
• Compound bows (cams, cables, limbs, and all components)
• Longbows and traditional bows of any length
• Crossbows (treated identically to bows for aviation purposes)
• Arrows of any type — target tips, field points, or broadheads
• Crossbow bolts

There is no "broken down" exception. A recurve bow disassembled into riser, limbs, and stabilizers is still a prohibited item in carry-on. The components, not just the assembled bow, are banned.

Checked Baggage: The Required Method

Airlines allow bows and arrows in checked baggage, but with specific requirements that differ from standard luggage. Requirements are consistent across TSA, IATA guidelines, and most airline policies:

Bow Requirements

• Must be packed in a hard-sided case — a soft case or bow sock is not sufficient
• The bow should be unstrung or the bowstring removed before packing (this also protects the limbs from stress during transport)
• The case must be fully closed and lockable (TSA-approved locks for US domestic flights)

Arrow Requirements

• Arrows must be stored in a separate rigid case or hard-sided quiver
• Arrows may not be loose in the same case as the bow unless the case has rigid internal dividers
• Broadhead arrows with bladed tips must have each tip individually capped or be stored in a sealed rigid container — exposed broadheads are a safety hazard for baggage handlers

Crossbow Requirements

• Same rules as compound bows: hard-sided case, unloaded, no bolts in the crossbow
• Any cocking device or bolts must be in the same checked bag

Notify Your Airline in Advance

Not all airlines explicitly list archery equipment in their sporting goods policies, and policies differ in detail between carriers. Some airlines require pre-approval or advance notification before you check archery equipment.

Steps to take before your flight:

1. Visit your airline's website and search for "sporting equipment" or "archery" in their baggage policy
2. If the policy is not clear, call the airline directly and confirm they will accept bows and arrows as checked sports equipment
3. Get the name of the agent and a reference number if possible
4. Arrive at the airport with extra time — oversized or unusual sports equipment sometimes requires additional check-in handling

Even airlines that do not have a specific archery policy will generally accept bow cases that meet the hard-sided case and proper containment requirements. The check-in agent has final discretion, however, which is why pre-notification protects you.

Weight, Size, and Fees

Bow cases — particularly for compound bows — are often large and heavy. Most airlines charge oversized or overweight baggage fees when cases exceed standard checked bag dimensions or weight limits (typically 62 linear inches and 23 kg for economy class).

Compound bow cases can easily weigh 10 to 15 kg once packed with the bow, arrows, release aids, and accessories. Add this to the case weight, and you may be near or over airline limits before adding other luggage. Weigh your bow case before the airport.

For recurve archers traveling to international competitions, the bow can often fit in a standard-length case within checked bag size limits. Compound bow cases are more often oversized.

International Travel and Customs

Archery equipment is not restricted at customs in most countries for travelers on genuine sporting or hunting trips. However:

Canada — crossbows: Crossbows are classified as prohibited weapons in Canada under certain configurations. Crossbows with a draw weight over a defined threshold used outside of specific permitted activities may be prohibited. If you are traveling to Canada with a crossbow, check current Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) regulations before packing.

Other countries: Most countries permit recurve and compound bows for competition travel. Some Middle Eastern and Asian countries have restrictions on archery equipment, particularly compound bows, due to their hunting applications. Verify with the destination country's customs authority if you are unsure.

Import declarations: Even where archery equipment is permitted, many countries require you to declare sports equipment at customs on arrival. Having documentation of your competition registration or club membership can assist in clearing customs quickly.

Archery Equipment: Carry-On vs Checked Summary

Equipment	Carry-On	Checked Bag	Special Requirements
Recurve bow (assembled)	Banned	Allowed	Hard-sided case, unstrung
Recurve bow (disassembled)	Banned	Allowed	Hard-sided case
Compound bow	Banned	Allowed	Hard-sided case, unstrung
Longbow	Banned	Allowed	Hard-sided case, unstrung
Crossbow	Banned	Allowed	Hard-sided case, unloaded
Target-tip arrows	Banned	Allowed	Rigid case or hard-sided quiver
Broadhead arrows	Banned	Allowed	Bladed tips must be capped
Crossbow bolts	Banned	Allowed	Rigid container
Arrow rest, release aid	Banned	Allowed	May travel in bow case
Stabilizers, sight, scope	Banned	Allowed	May travel in bow case

Tips for Competitive Archers

Case investment: A quality Plano or SKB bow case is one of the best investments for traveling archers. These cases are designed to survive airline baggage handling and protect several thousand dollars of equipment. Do not cut corners on the case.

Arrive early: Oversized sports equipment typically must be checked at a dedicated counter, not a standard bag drop. Allow 30 to 45 extra minutes at the airport.

Insurance: Check that your travel or homeowners insurance covers archery equipment in transit. Airlines limit liability for sports equipment to low amounts (typically USD 3,500 maximum on US carriers) which will not cover a high-end competition compound bow.

Transporting arrows internationally: Consider shipping arrows to your competition destination rather than checking them if you are concerned about damage or airline fees. Arrows are lightweight and relatively inexpensive to courier.

Archery travel is common at the international level — Olympic, Para-Olympic, and World Archery events happen worldwide, and athletes travel with equipment regularly. Following the hard-sided case rule, notifying your airline, and capping your broadheads will get your equipment there safely.