Camping by plane - does it make sense?

Air holidays are mainly associated with organized all-inclusive trips and vacations from a travel agency. However, there are no obstacles to flying on your own, including camping. A trip of this type is an opportunity to gain unforgettable experiences. How to prepare for a flight and camping holiday? How to pack properly to avoid damaging your equipment or having it thrown away by airport staff? Find out more about traveling by plane with a tent.

Why is it worth relaxing in a tent?

Tent camping is becoming increasingly popular, as it allows you to enjoy the closeness of nature and independence. You can pitch a tent both at campsites and campgrounds, as well as in the wild in the forest or mountains. Thanks to this, everyone can rest where they want and when they want, without worrying about the availability of accommodation in guesthouses. Additionally, if the weather conditions deteriorate, the tent can be folded and moved to another place where the weather is better.

A camping holiday combined with a flight may therefore be a bit surprising, as it somewhat limits the independence that is so valued by supporters of this form of relaxation. However, by plane, you can reach places where you don't have to worry about rain and cold during the season. Passengers can just as easily rent a car after reaching the airport and go on a sightseeing trip with their tent.

A tent allows you to save a lot, because the costs of accommodation on campsites or in the wild are low. Sleeping in a tent, you can earn more money for sightseeing, tasting local cuisine and taking advantage of attractions. At the same time, tourists do not have to worry about discomfort, because modern tents, sleeping bags and mattresses provide comfortable conditions for rest in all weather conditions. What's more, transporting a tent on a plane is not a problem, and the costs associated with it are affordable.

Booking tickets for a flight with a tent - what to remember?

In order to buy plane tickets at a good price, it is worth deciding to book in advance. Thanks to this, you can save up to several dozen percent of the price of each ticket. In addition, it is worth paying for the ticket for transporting a tent online, because at the airport the fees related to transporting a tent will be higher.

What ticket should you buy to transport a tent on a plane? A tent, unlike skis, a bicycle, or a surfboard, is not considered sports equipment. It is regular luggage that can be transported on the same terms as hand luggage and checked luggage, provided that its permissible dimensions and weight are maintained. What does this mean in practice? When transporting a tent in hand luggage, its size after packing cannot exceed 40 x 20 x 25 cm and its weight cannot exceed 5 kg. If the tent is in checked luggage, its weight cannot exceed 20 or 32 kg, depending on the rules applied by the given carrier.

When buying plane tickets well in advance, it is also worth remembering that every passenger has the right to claim compensation for a cancelled flight. This also applies to passengers who decide to fly with low-cost airlines such as WizzAir. WizzAir is one of the most popular low-cost carriers in Europe, offering a wide network of connections to various destinations. This company focuses on low ticket prices, which makes it an attractive option for travelers looking for savings. Remember, however, that WizzAir, like other carriers, is obliged to comply with European regulations on passenger rights. This means that you are entitled to compensation for a cancelled or delayed flight with WizzAir under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

How to properly transport a tent in hand luggage?

Carrying a tent in hand luggage is possible provided that several conditions are met. First of all, the weight of the tent and its dimensions cannot exceed the dimensions allowed by the airline for hand luggage. Otherwise, the passenger will be required to pay an additional fee for excess baggage.

What else is important? According to safety requirements, no dangerous items may be carried in hand luggage. This applies to all airlines in the world and there are no exceptions in this regard. Even everyday items are considered dangerous items. In the case of a tent, pegs and tent pegs with sharp edges can pose a risk. If you plan to take pegs with you, you must put them in your checked luggage. You can also try buying pegs on the spot after arrival or replacing them with sticks, plastic pegs, etc. Some self-pitching tents are also strong enough and wind-resistant to be successfully pitched without pegs.

Light tent poles connected by rubber bands and made of soft, thin plastic are permitted on board. However, airport officials may consider tent poles a hazard on board if they have sharp ends. Sharp ends are prohibited, which prevents such luggage from being transported outside the hold below the deck. Metal frames for heavy, massive tents can cause even greater problems. Thick, heavy poles are a dangerous tool, which is why no security guard will allow them through the airport security gates.

Transporting a tent in checked luggage

The safest solution from the point of view of camping and camping holiday enthusiasts is to transport the tent in checked luggage. In the luggage compartment you can transport all the elements of the structure without fear of the service throwing them away. Thanks to this, the tent will arrive at its destination intact, and the holiday will not start with a search for alternative accommodation or elements to repair the tent.

Any type of tent pegs and tent stakes, metal pipes, and other construction elements can be carried in checked baggage. If necessary, an additional tarpaulin and other parts can be packed with the tent in case of repairs to the cover or frame. At the same time, the bag with the tent cannot contain all the items that are intended for camping. Filled gas cylinders and cartridges cannot be carried on any plane. If there is a cylinder in the baggage, it must be completely empty. Due to the fact that it is difficult to check if there is any gas residue in it, the carrier may refuse to transport it for passenger safety reasons.

What to pack a tent for a plane?

There is usually no need to additionally secure the tent before packing it into the luggage compartment. The tent cover included in the set provides effective protection against tearing the cover or breaking the tubes. For added safety, you can additionally wrap the cover with the tent in stretch film, similarly to wrapping other luggage.