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Hey guys I'm going to the Feast o Blades this November and was just wondering if anyone has any useful advice about keeping my miniatures from getting destroyed en-route. I've only done local tournaments so as the subject header alludes to I've never flown with miniature before.

In my experience, they're fine in the hold, but I've always put them in a proper carry case (I use KR Multicases), and then put this case inside my suitcase, surrounded by my clothing.

You could take them as hand luggage if you don't mind having to explain what they are at the security check, and you don't have anything else you want to take in hand luggage!!

I've always used the hold option, and never had a problem.

I work as a baggage handler, in my experience the best way is a hard-sided case. anything softsided runs the risk of being crushed in some manner; either by the equipment or by other bags. Snug fitting foam is another must, to minimize movement.

Yeah i don't have any actual cases. I basically have bead bins with cotton balls inside of them. They are hard. My tanks are just in individually purchase foam so maybe I'll have to put them in some tupperware and just pack it in my luggage padded by all my clothes. I know it's a ghetto way to go but it will put all my stuff in hard sides, and I won't have to carry it one. I've got a duffle bag i usually pack it around in but it's a little too beefing to fit very well in an overhead compartment. It's nice to have the input of a baggage handler.

I strongly recommend an army case sized to fit in the overhead bin, or otherwise fitting your army into a bag of appropriate size. I always fly with my army carry-on. It best ensures that it stay safe, and stays with you. Especially if you have a connection, it would really suck to fly somewhere for a warhammer event with your army in checked luggage, then have your luggage delayed/misdirected.

add cotton balls to your foam trays to tighten up the fit too. cheap.

my advice is to get a bunch of guys to go and road trip it.

I don't think I'll be road tripping but I will have to see if I can figure out a way to fit it all in a carry on that I can just hold on my lap. I do like the thought of making sure I know where it is. I will be getting there that morning so I'll have to head right over to the tournament and I hadn't though about my luggage getting delayed.

Good question, I have same issue. I was thinking about surrounding hard case from GW in cloths and sending it as registered luggage. I was afraid they wont let me take it as hand luggage inside plane since most of models are made from metal. (I`m flying from Poland to USA) - but from your experience as far i see its not a problem.

Go to Menards.

Buy this:
http://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/tool-storage/tool-chests-boxes/alum-tool-box-18x13x6/p-1497968.htm

Use egg crate or other foam to pack minis in it.

I just used one of them when I traveled to Nova and it worked perfectly.

To sum it up:

#1. When traveling to an event have a decent carrying case to protect your miniatures.

#2. Whenever possible have your army as carry on so you are never separated from it. You can go a weekend without clothes, you can't go without your army.

I've always had good experiances flying with Battlefoam, because of this I always rate them extremly high.

I probably should invest in an actual carrying case instead of ghetto style. Lol my first kid is about to pop out so maybe when all that dust settles I'll cash out and get a decent battle foam or possible KR case. I do think I'll be able to stuff most my stuff in a back pack and just hold it in my lap on the flight. i've got like eight tanks but I still think I can make it work.

You could look into shipping the models to your hotel, although shipping them back might be harder.

frenrik wrote:You could look into shipping the models to your hotel, although shipping them back might be harder.

^^^ This. It's your best bet. I have heard too many horror stories involving armies and the airline industry.