" It is becoming very difficult to travel to competitions with poles. Airlines are charging more and fewer airlines actually take poles. Fly-Away Pole Protection has changed the way I transport poles. The company knows the challenges involved in pole shipping and they have made it easy, reliable and painless. The insurance coverage reassures me that if anything goes wrong, I'll be able to get replacement poles so the athletes can continue training and competing. Thanks FPP and keep up the great work! "
Airline Policies
While there is a comfort in traveling with your poles, many times it is actually more economical for you to ship your poles, thus eliminating the headaches of traveling to/from the airport lugging around your pole bag. Please click here to receive a quote to ship your poles.
Here are a few things to consider if you do plan to fly with your poles.
CALL AHEAD! It’s ALWAYS a good idea to call the airline ahead to confirm the cargo area of the plane is large enough to house your poles. If you’re on an express flight, there’s a good chance you’ll have to find another option.
PACK YOUR POLES CAREFULLY! There’s a strong likelihood that your bag will NOT be handled with care. Your bag may even arrive ripped. Airlines will not provide ANY protection for your equipment while in their possession, but don’t worry, as long as you’re registered with FPP, YOU'RE FULLY COVERED! Please visit our video tutorials(coming soon) for assistance on safely packing your poles.
COPY THE AIRLINES POLICY ON POLES! Find your airlines policy by clicking on their link below, print out a copy and take it with you to the airport just in case you need it! Remember, they don’t always know their own policies! While you’re at it, print out the FPP damage report form just in case.
GET TO THE AIRPORT EARLY! A conservative 1.5 - 2 hours would be a good idea. Even if you are a frequent flyer with poles, there’s a strong likelihood you’ll come across a ticketing agent who’s never dealt with poles before so it could take some extra time.
BE NICE TO THE TICKETING AGENT! The ultimate decision to accept or decline your poles is made by the ticketing agent or someone behind the desk. I’ve had situations where a nice agent will even discount or not charge for poles just because I executed a little patience or gave them something as small as a track & field pin.
INSPECT YOUR POLES UPON ARRIVAL! Whether you’re shipping or traveling with your poles, ALWAYS open the bag and inspect your poles for damage. Even though the airlines won’t cover damage, Fly-Away Pole Protection will! The same applies with shipping. If you’re registered with FPP and find your poles have been damaged, contact FPP as soon as possible!
Below are the current policies for the major airlines operating within the continental United States. Please be advised that this is just the information listed on their websites and the decision to accept or decline poles is ultimately up to the ticketing agent. Many of the policies are absurd and claim they only allow one pole, or a maximum length of 80”, so make sure to read the fine print. Also be aware that just because you received rate “x” traveling to a destination does not guarantee you will receive the same rate on your return. There is A LOT of discretion involved in traveling with your poles on airlines.
| Air Tran | jetBlue |
| Alaska Air / Horizon | Southwest Airlines |
| Allegiant Air | Spirit Airlines |
| American Airlines | United Airlines |
| Continental Airlines | US Airways |
| Delta Airlines | |
| Frontier Airlines |
Air Tran
No specific policy listed for vault poles.
Alaska Air / Horizon
Pole vaulting equipment will be accepted on Alaska Airlines aircraft. Horizon Air cannot accept pole vaults on any of their aircraft. Two items of pole-vaulting equipment are accepted as excess baggage, subject to applicable fee. Does not require a case. Maximum dimensions of 6 in x 6 in x 17 ft.
Allegiant Air
No specific policy listed for vault poles.
American Airlines
No specific policy listed for vault poles.
Continental Airlines
Continental accepts one pole vault as checked baggage. Pole Vault must be properly encased in a suitable container. Pole Vault acceptance is restricted by aircraft type. Contact Continental Airlines Reservations, worldwide, for maximum length restrictions. Domestically, Pole Vaults have a service charge of $100 (each way) for each pole presented. This charge is in addition to any excess baggage charge that may apply. Continental Airlines shall not be liable for damage to a Pole Vault. Contact Continental Airlines Reservations, worldwide, for international service charge rates.
Excess Valuation may not be purchased for Pole Vaults.
Pole Vaulting equipment will not be accepted as checked baggage on any itinerary involving a Continental Express* or Continental Connection flight.
Note: Pole vaults will not be accepted during an excess baggage embargo.
Delta
Vaulting poles are accepted, but may not be greater than 80 inches (203 cm) in length or more than the alloted weight for excess baggage. All standard baggage charges apply.
Frontier Airlines
Accepted on Frontier Airbus flights only!
NOTE: May not be transported on flights operated by regional affiliates.Items which exceed 99.9lbs or a length of 15’ (Airbus 319/320) or 11’ (Airbus 318) will NOT be accepted.
Required to sign a release.
Excess, oversize and overweight charges apply if applicable
jetBlue
No specific policy listed for vault poles.
Southwest
Vaulting poles may be transported as checked baggage for a fixed charge of $50.00 each way. Rigid covers or containers cannot be used to transport them.
Spirit Air
A flat fee of $75.00 EACH LEG will apply for all sporting equipment
United Airlines
Allowance/requirements
One case holding a maximum of two poles.Maximum Length
16 feet (487cm)Cost
$175 per pole!!!!!!!!!!!!!Other information
Allow an extra 30 minutes at check-in. If your itinerary includes United Express, please contact United Reservations for information regarding aircraft cargo hold limits.
US Airways
Another one bites the dust!
US Airways will no longer accept baggage over 80in (203cm).