Problem: If you have a hinged breastplate, you cannot make the armour more compact thus it may fit in one overhead compartment, but not another if you have to change planes.

We had to put it in a cardboard box and trust it to the baggage animals. This was a very nerve wracking experience, especially when we arrived at the airport and it took us 30 minutes to find out where they deposited the armor. We had it insured, but the airlines are very picky about how much they will or if they will reimburse you for if you item is damaged or stolen. They also have weight limitations. We made it by one pound!

My suggestion is, if you can fit it in a carry-on and it will fit into a standard overhead (most airlines will give you dimensions for OH storage for the aircraft in question), then carry it on. It may cause a bit of a curiosity factor at the baggage scanner, but they will let you pass.

Swords and daggers, as they are weapons, will not be permitted in the passenger compartment for obvious reasons. Your best bet may be to ship your gear to a friend at your destination. This will prevent a lot of hassles, but you would need to plan in advance. Don't rely on next day or 1 week ground shipping. Things happen.

If the friend option is not available and you must fly your gear, my suggestion is that you invest in a heavy duty, locking trunk to ship your goodies in.

A good site to start is at: http://www.harrisonluggage.com/airline.htm

Having done a fair amount of travel: CALL
YOUR AIRLINE! CHECK THEIR WEB-PAGE!

As to the duct tape: Some brands use various fibers/layers including aluminum. I think some even had lead in them or at least that's what I was told. These can sometimes block Xray machines. They have also been known to block the old styles of security clothing tags at stores from the door sensors. IE: Heavy tape an empty shoe box and put items in it which MAY fool the old style door scanners from alarming.

Friedrich

(Who worked many years in retail and prosecuted many...)

I do this all the time. I have a large trunk that goes as luggage and my pavilion sans poles fits in a large duffle bag. My pavilion center pole is too long to take as luggage, but is JUST long enough to ship by UPS. If it was sleeved to break down, I could even take that on the plane.

some hints....
do curbside check in so you dont have to lug all your #$% into the terminal to stand in line. Tip the skycap heavily. $5 a bag isnt too much...he has to schlep that stuff some distance.

put your breakables (mugs, bottles of olive oil, etc) in your carry on...those guys are brutal to checked bags.

see what you can buy there. Most pavilion poles can be purchased at a nearby lumber yard. Most foodstuffs too. Tarps. blankets. fuel. etc.

its WAY useful to travel with someone so you can share the common stuff (kitchen, tent, etc). Each of you8 gets one bag for your personal gear and one bag for camp stuff.

I can easily fit all my clothes for a week in my trunk or a large suitcase and my tent and bedroll in a large duffel bag. I havent figured out how to take benches or trestle tables on the plane yet, though.....shipping to a drop point, maybe? I know Pennsic has one...