Traveling and Flying with your Hoops

There are several different ways that you can travel with your hoop comfortably and safely while flying. Here are several different techniques and methods you can use during your travels.


 

4 way collapsible

Easily strapped to the side of a backpack or can also often be brought as carry on. You may still also want to have a bag covering this style of hoop to protect it during travel.


* Know that the airline may make the choice to see your hoop as a weapon. So far this is uncommon but there is a chance your hoop may be confiscated as the pointed ends could be considered dangerous by security members.

Infinity Style Foldable

These style hoops are easy to carry but depending on your hoop size they may be too big for carry on. Check with the airline and find the dimensions you're allowed. This hoop can either be put into a bag and checked individually or you can wrap it up and strap it to your other luggage. Tie it on tightly and try to snug it up close to your bag so it doesn't hang off and could potentially get caught coming through the conveyer belts. If you can't get your hoop secured well enough ask if the airline has a large plastic bag, they can cover the entire bag and this will help keep all your things together.

Coil Down Hoops

These style hoops are easy to carry but depending on your hoop size they may be too big for carry on. Check with the airline and find the dimensions you're allowed. The great thing about these though is that you can adjust the size a bit more than an infinity style hoop. If you have several coil down hoops, try connecting the ends and seeing how small you can coil them. Be careful though, the more you coil them the more stress you put on the tubing and this will cause kinks in your hoops. Bring along some extra hoop tape or rope to tie them together in several locations.


Learn how to Make a Hoop Bag


Learn how to Make a Hula Hoop Huggie

Checking into the Undercarriage


Using collapsible or coil down hoops are great because they are smaller, easier to manage and you will not run the risk of being charged for over sized baggage. When checking into undercarriage be sure to have a bag for your hoops, flights may decline your hoops or have you sign a damage waiver if they are not properly covered or padded. Having a bag for your hoops will smooth the check-in process and cause fewer questions or concerns. For added protection wrap or hoops with extra clothing, scarfs or towels before putting into your hoop bag.

 

Bags and Packing your Hoops Safely


Round Hoop Bag - Consider wrapping with scarfs or fabric for extra padding.
Wrapping with scarfs and fabric then taping or tying to secure. 
Bubble wrapping (It quite wasteful and difficult to remove and use again for the trip back)
Hoop Huggies

 

Bringing your Hoop as a Carry On

You will need to check with the airline to find out the dimensions you can bring on board but shoot for a diameter smaller then 25”. Sometimes if they will not fit into the overhead compartments they can be placed in one of the flight crews storage spaces.

If you have multiple coiling hoops consider connecting them together.* Tie them together at two points to keep them in place. Depending on the size you may be able to coil it down all the way so it can connect again, if not, tape it together semi coiled or use an extra piece of tubing to extend the length enough to join the ends together.

* Remember not to over coil and put stress on your hoops as it will damage and weaken the tubing causing kinks.

Fire Hoops

If you are traveling with a fire hoop you may want to take some extra precaution. It is not recommended to bring a fire hoop as a carry on as it will have to go through security and they may be concerned about residue fuel on your wicks. Wrap cellophane or tightly wrap plastic bags around your wicks. Be sure the wicks are covered as they will be less likely to draw attention to your hoops. If you are using removable quick wicks, have them removed, in a tightly sealed plastic bag and ideally in a separate piece of luggage from your hoops; again since hoops tend to draw attention to themselves your hoop bag may get an extra search and so having your wicks in your regular undercarriage will make them pass through with less attention.

LED Hoops


Security may be curious about why the hoops have wiring and batteries inside. If this happens explain that they light up and offer to turn them on and show them that the lights are functional.

Other General Tips

  • Smile and say, “They’re hula hoops!” as soon as you get a funny look, this will diffuse their curiosity. Consider making a gyrating gesture with your hips if in a non-english speaking country.
  • If you will be traveling with a tent you might consider using a pop tent. They are round and could also be carried in your hoop bag.
  • In general having a bag will protect your hoops and help people to take you more seriously; making the check-in process easier.
  • Be ready to pay extra! If you are carrying full sized hoops you will be asked to put them in the oversized baggage and depending on the airline may be charged extra due to their size. Bring extra cash or have a credit card with you to cover these additional charges.

How do you travel with your hoops? 
Post a picture of your hoops ready for travel.

Tags: HCArticle, airplane, carry, check, flight, flying, packing, travel, traveling

Views: 1892

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Maria/HoopME! on August 15, 2011 at 4:25pm
Good timing! I"m flying out on Friday!
Permalink Reply by Angelica on August 27, 2011 at 1:03am
thanks for this section, safire.  ;)  im gonna make me a hoop bag!  wish i saw this earlier ..  i will have to deal with the funny looks in the airports, i think lol
Permalink Reply by Amanda of Hip Flick Hoops* on January 13, 2012 at 4:20pm

Offering to do a little show with your LED hoop sure didn't work for me.  What a hard ass!!!  But I was able to take my PSI hoop carry on after I managed to collapse it down small enough to go through their dang scanner....

Permalink Reply by SaFire* on January 15, 2012 at 11:23am

Oh man, and some of the scanner designs are getting smaller!  The last time I couldn't fit one through the guy told me it was one of the newer models.  My heart sunk. Hopefully that model doesn't  get too popular.

Permalink Reply by Matt larson on March 1, 2012 at 2:32pm

I have traveled all over the country with a hoop.  MD->FL->TX->LA->SF->Vegas->STL->MD...all on Southwest, who lets you check your hoop as one of your free checked bags :) Couldn't have lived without it.

Permalink Reply by Tracy Phua on March 2, 2012 at 12:28am

Malaysian airlines are really cruisey with their luggage allowance I've found, they let me check my hoops in as oversized luggage with no extra charge.

Permalink Reply by Ellen Stefanie on March 2, 2012 at 4:19am

Another idea is to ship your hoops via us postal service if you are allowed to ship to your hotel or if you have family where you are traveling.  The trick is to save the box your hoop ships in (if you got it on line) and ship to your destination.  I was able to ship my Cosmic Hoop plus I fit other items of bulk in the box.  It only cost 20 bucks - well worth it.  Package took 6 days to arrive but it took all of the hassle from the airport, etc...

Permalink Reply by Randy Kato on March 2, 2012 at 11:36am

I make and use my own multi-segment collapsible polypros. A 34" can break down into 6 segments that are 18" long and fit into a backpack, carry-on, etc. Paired with quick wicks it's the ultimate travel fire hoop.

My hooper friends kept asking for them, so I've made a few extras:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/rkspinburne

Permalink Reply by Leanne on April 8, 2012 at 8:57am

I recently got married in Mexico and wnated to bring a hoop with me. Once collapsed it would not fit in my luggage....so I shoved it in with my wedding dress bag and carried it on to the plane.

 

Permalink Reply by Linda :: Sweet Shoppe Hoops* on April 13, 2012 at 12:52pm

Going overseas, Sweet Shoppe Hoops ~6 piece hoop.

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