It looks like I'll be flying to two tournaments this summer and I'm seeking advice from those who've done this.

Usually I've got a trunk full of lacrosse gear, chairs, tents, and coolers which I can't be dragging behind me on an airplane. Right?

Do I just go to a Walmart and get a cheap chair and styrofoam cooler to be discarded when I leave or what? A collapsible cooler? I had one once and it leaked; I also don't think it offered the greatest insulation which, given the southern venues, I'm sure will be important.

What's the best way to fly with sticks? I really hesitate to check them in the soft-sided cases we already own. I've seen what the airlines have done to my hard-sided luggage and it's not pretty. The airline sites are pretty clear that the sticks must be checked, too, and can't be carried on.

Any travel tips from the experienced will be appreciated...

last time i traveled with my daughter she checked one stick in her stick bag and took her back up stick and detached the head and layed it in the bottom of her luggage bag that she also checked. both sticks made the trip fine without any breaks. if you do decide to pack the stick dont forget to bring a screwdriver!

here are some tips from an ex airline employee.
Bring with you as little as possible, forget the chairs and the coolers, buy cheap ones when you get to your destination as any additional items you check into the cargo bin outside of the specific carriers limit may be charged to the passenger. As for your sticks/equipment, they will arrive safely we know it is precious cargo to you, and they are experienced in handling valuable cargo.....put a fragile sticker on it and maybe wrap in plastic. Best of luck to you, safe travels

Arrived at LarryMiller with equipment bag and stick bag, the equipment was fine , because it looks like a regular duffle bag, but the stick bag , after asking an attendant 3 times where it was , and being ignored, we found it laying in a corner right behind them. so when you get to LarryMiller be careful. Most other airports were fine though.

Last summer traveled to Denver for a tournament the equipment bags were not a problem as a short stick fit inside, the long poles for the defensemen and goalie were an issue. One of the fathers used a ski bag and checked that.

Could this be???? Lacrosse people helping other lacrosse people with good advice without arguing, bashing, or an agenda. I'm welling up with tears just thinking about it.