Kelbesq Posted September 14 Report Share Posted September 14 I'm planning on going to LVO this year for a 2v2 event, and need to start thinking about how to transport my minis. For normal day to day use, I use Really Useful Boxes (4L and 9L), metal sheets, and magnets on the minis. For air travel, I've been waffling between foam and magnetic cases. While I prefer magnets, I am not sure how safe I feel about using the magnet cases on a plane. If it matters, I am taking a Tau army, and for this event I only need to pack ~1k points. I've been looking at potentially using: Battelfoam 432 with magna racks Battlefoam 432 with foam trays Apache 5800 case from Harbor Freight (Pelican knock off) and using pick and pluck Apache 5800 with some sort of 3d printed/metal sheet solution I've looked at several different versions from Acase, but they seems small-ish Any other suggestions? What has worked for other folks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brother Glacius Posted September 14 Report Share Posted September 14 I'd only bring a carry on size container and realize that when it goes through the scanner, anything sharp looking will cause you to go through security. Not sure if I have seen a magna tray size that will fit in overhead compartment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelbesq Posted September 14 Author Report Share Posted September 14 Yeah my plan is carry-on only, and might buy an upgraded ticket to make sure I get space in the bins. Supposedly the Battlefoam 432 is legal size for a carry-on under the "45 linear inches" rule. It doesn't fit in the 22x14x9 cage, but its only off bit a small margin, with slack in the other two dimensions (16x13x11). Meanwhile, the Apache 5800 for sure fits in the 22x14x9 cage. It also come with pick and pluck foam, and while not ideal for troops, is a pretty good options for vehicles and mid for battlesuits. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmilingSkulls Posted September 28 Report Share Posted September 28 On 9/13/2024 at 8:22 PM, Kelbesq said: I'm planning on going to LVO this year for a 2v2 event, and need to start thinking about how to transport my minis. For normal day to day use, I use Really Useful Boxes (4L and 9L), metal sheets, and magnets on the minis. For air travel, I've been waffling between foam and magnetic cases. While I prefer magnets, I am not sure how safe I feel about using the magnet cases on a plane. If it matters, I am taking a Tau army, and for this event I only need to pack ~1k points. I've been looking at potentially using: Battelfoam 432 with magna racks Battlefoam 432 with foam trays Apache 5800 case from Harbor Freight (Pelican knock off) and using pick and pluck Apache 5800 with some sort of 3d printed/metal sheet solution I've looked at several different versions from Acase, but they seems small-ish Any other suggestions? What has worked for other folks? Feldherr has good foam options, too. Amazon has some of their stuff, but their website is much more expansive. https://www.feldherr.net In particular, they have custom foam for specific GW units, which is nice if you have those units. Regarding Pelican Cases, internet says TSA will often single those out for further security. If you have locks on it, there are pelican case TSA specific locks, and if you don't have those, TSA may damage your case, according to internet. I think pelican cases would be better for checked luggage, since they are so durable. I have had, in the past, really good luck with those GW transport cases. Seems like TSA recognizes the GW brand name and knows what kind of things are likely in the case. Might want to get one of those old GW hardcases with the imperial eagle on it. Could also look into something like vacuum sealing your miniatures. Like not because they need the vacuum, but because TSA could handle a "vacuum" pack more easily without damaging your models, I'd think. Plus, I think model transports options would expand if they were in a vacuum seal bag shape. Might require experimentation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmilingSkulls Posted September 28 Report Share Posted September 28 Hmm...looking at TSA website. Doesn't really cover miniatures, tape measures, or transport containers, but looks like they've got good means to contact them and ask questions: For items not listed here, our AskTSA team looks forward to answering your questions 365 days a year; live assistance is available from 8 am – 6 pm (ET). Twitter: @AskTSA Facebook Messenger: www.fb.com/AskTSA Apple Business Chat: AskTSA Text Message: Text "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872) The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint. Officers may ask you to power up your electronic device, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. TSA does not read or copy information from your device. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelbesq Posted September 28 Author Report Share Posted September 28 Thanks for the feedback! 57 minutes ago, SmilingSkulls said: Feldherr has good foam options, too. Amazon has some of their stuff, but their website is much more expansive. https://www.feldherr.net In particular, they have custom foam for specific GW units, which is nice if you have those units. Do you know of any specific cases that would fit in the over head? I've had friends use their products, and they look pretty high quality. Finding something the right size but also big enough is the main challenge. Another difficulty is that Euro airlines have slightly different requirements than the US ones. I've found some amazing carry-on specific cases that dont quite work for the US airlines =/. 58 minutes ago, SmilingSkulls said: Regarding Pelican Cases, internet says TSA will often single those out for further security. If you have locks on it, there are pelican case TSA specific locks, and if you don't have those, TSA may damage your case, according to internet. I think pelican cases would be better for checked luggage, since they are so durable. My plan was to use zipties and carry extras. Keep randoms out, prevents accidental openings, and if security needs to open it they can. Current plan is the Apache 5800 and pick and pluck foam. If I find a better alternative between now and then I'll go for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmilingSkulls Posted September 29 Report Share Posted September 29 13 hours ago, Kelbesq said: Thanks for the feedback! Do you know of any specific cases that would fit in the over head? I've had friends use their products, and they look pretty high quality. Finding something the right size but also big enough is the main challenge. Another difficulty is that Euro airlines have slightly different requirements than the US ones. I've found some amazing carry-on specific cases that dont quite work for the US airlines =/. My plan was to use zipties and carry extras. Keep randoms out, prevents accidental openings, and if security needs to open it they can. Current plan is the Apache 5800 and pick and pluck foam. If I find a better alternative between now and then I'll go for it. Feldherr has something they call a "eurobox" but I'm not entirely sure if its just something they made and branded, or it's something that is Euro transport specific. Seems to be a transport case style, with different insert options. They're a german company, so might be the right direction if going Euro anyway, as they'd likely be able to answer questions about flying and such with their cases in the EU specifically. https://www.feldherr.net/euro-box Hmm... On 9/13/2024 at 8:22 PM, Kelbesq said: I'm planning on going to LVO this year for a 2v2 event, and need to start thinking about how to transport my minis. For normal day to day use, I use Really Useful Boxes (4L and 9L), metal sheets, and magnets on the minis. For air travel, I've been waffling between foam and magnetic cases. While I prefer magnets, I am not sure how safe I feel about using the magnet cases on a plane. If it matters, I am taking a Tau army, and for this event I only need to pack ~1k points. Sake of argument, if it's only about 1k, have you considered just buying your army when you get there? Probably depends on what you plan to field, but if it's only 1k, it might be easier and more reliable to just buy a fresh army, speed paint it, and then try to sell it off at the end of the event. Just a thought. It would eliminate a lot of hassle in a certain sense. And if something goes wrong with the plane transport plan, you'll be doing this anyway... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmilingSkulls Posted September 29 Report Share Posted September 29 Anywho, got a friend in the EU (netherlands), I'll ask. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmilingSkulls Posted September 29 Report Share Posted September 29 I asked: Quote Question. EU specific army transport concerns? Someone local is planning a trip with their army. My friend's response was: Quote Hand luggage only. Those cargo people will throw it and it will trigger scanners. No magnetic system works against that and anything else means broken minuatures. Needs extra padding as turbulence is a thing. There are no limitations for plastics. Plant life is different, so if you use birch leaves or real twigs for basing you may need a permit. The colored insulation foam is the weird one, it is regionally bound. Best is to be pro active and show the army. Explain. This sadly goes for any airport security, they may want to check your hollow containers (vehicles) and ask to open them. That is the most common horror story. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelbesq Posted September 30 Author Report Share Posted September 30 Thanks for the info. I think my comment might have been confusing and led you down the wrong path. LVO is in Las Vegas. My comments about euro airline was in reference to cases made by European companies (Feldherr, Army Case, Army Box, etc). Often they make cases the fit the European sizes for carry-on, but don't meet the US sizes. Example: https://www.army-box.com/armybox-air/ The Amy Box Air meets the European airline size for carry-ons, bu doesn't meet the US size. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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