Packing up the Fursuit

Who needs to pack it, I'm wearing it on the plane!

You may want to see about just carrying the head with you on the plane if it isn't too large or can fit in the overhead. You'll have to allow them to stick the head in their machine so they can check it out.

If on-carry is not an option, box it up and use those plastic air bags which are like pillows. I don't recommend using Styrofoam as it will cling to the head unless you wrap the head in a cover.

Airport security only cares what you have in your ON-CARRY luggage. You can place large quantities of liquids in the bad you check in. You can NOT carry anything over a certain amount of ounces in the on-carry.

Also make sure you follow the rules regarding batteries if you bring any in your on-carry, or you'll have to toss them out to get past the security checkpoint.

TSA doesn't open every bag which comes past them unless they contain an item which may or may not pose risk. If you place a lock on your suitcase, make sure the lock is a TSA authorized lock, or don't be surprised when you notice you lock is missing. They'll cut off any lock which isn't TSA approved. TSA approved locks have place to insert a master key to open the lock.

I use a 24 gal Rubbermaid ActionPacker. I use a standard luggage strap around the middle and duct tape from the red handles onto the lid. This method still allows the TSA to open the container if they need to and won't pop open during transit. This sort of container is used by several other fursuiters that I know and different furs secure their containers differently. For reference, the entire costume (including the head) fits easily into the container. I've never had any problem with them tampering with my costume in any way.

If you do want to carry the head onto the plane with you, then it would need to fit within the carry-on baggage guideline. As long as you can fit it in the overhead bin or under the seat, then you can package it however you want. If you are really that concerned about the safety of the costume, then you may want to ship the head or entire costume to the hotel ahead of time. [see here]

Most fursuits will fit easily enough into the largest suitcase size, (29" tall), unless the head requires additional clearance. Remember the rule of 62. The combined height width and length of the container you want to check in as luggage cannot exceed 62 inches. Your airline's rules may vary. Continental allows three checked bags in first class.

Well you only have a partial but you want to make sure that everything gets there safe and such.. a small action packer would work wonders and most of them can be locked with a padlock or some such. HOWEVER, this is important.. if you decide to pack the suit in a small action packer make SURE you open the lock so they can open up the case, check it and then relock it. I have been warned a few times that they WILL USE bolt cutters to cut the lock off.. and then it won't be locked. Hasn't happened to me yet.. but.. don't wanna risk it