Question about flying to do a coral show

[ScionFRSguy]

Hey everyone!

I had a question about flying to another State to do a coral show, in specific NY Reefapalooza. This is my first time attempting to do such a thing and wanted to get some advice on how to go about it.

My main concern is about how I am going to be able to take 15 gallon of established saltwater on the plane to do the show. If things go well, I plan on taking maybe 4 or 5 gallons via carryon (used to carry the corals) but can't seem to figure out how to take the rest of the water. I do prefer to have the extra 4 or 5 gallons of saltwater to replenish the tank if needed and the 15 gallons which is going to be used for the showtank. I don't have anyone reliable in NY to help me bring the water there. Even if I did, I kind of don't want to ask anyone for such a thing. Instead, I want to try to bring all my water. What do you think? I'll bring the extra 4 to 5 gallon with me on the carry on which is the water I'm going to use to hold my corals. Can I bring the rest of the 15 gallons on the check in bags where I drop them off in the front counter? If so, I am allowed to bring all 15 gallons or no? So that's almost 150 pounds of extra luggage, does anyone here know if that is allowed? I'm going to call the airline company tomorrow to get more information, just wanted to ask those who have experience flying to do a coral show how this all works. Beyond this problem on mine, if you have any other tips you can share on how to do a coral show while flying on an airline, please do comment here. Thank you so much!

 

[Euphyllia97]

Hi! Airline pilot here. If I were you I would definitely check with the airline and ask what options you have. When it comes to liquids and non-conventional baggage, some airlines and/or airports might be pickier than others. It’s always better to inform them in advance. Especially when you are carrying exotic “animals”.

Be aware that on most commercial aircraft, the cargo compartments are pressurized but not always temperature controlled. (Assuming you will be flying a medium-haul plane like a B737) (There is Passive heating from cabin air which is mostly fed through the walls to the upper part of the fuselage, this air makes its way through the aft cargo compartment towards the outflow valve located at the lower back of the airplane. Also in the front some hot air is vented from the electronics bay into the forward cargo compartment. In reality we observe the highest temperatures in the forward compartment away from the doors closest to the nose of the plane.

So maybe if they have been informed in advance, they can load your bag knowing it would be better to put it in the warmest place of the cargo hold. Otherwise the water might be coming rapidly and close to freezing temperatures and everything beneficial in the water will die off. (No clue if water is still safe for corals after this)

 

[ScionFRSguy]

Hi! Airline pilot here. If I were you I would definitely check with the airline and ask what options you have. When it comes to liquids and non-conventional baggage, some airlines and/or airports might be pickier than others. It’s always better to inform them in advance. Especially when you are carrying exotic “animals”.

Be aware that on most commercial aircraft, the cargo compartments are pressurized but not always temperature controlled. (Assuming you will be flying a medium-haul plane like a B737) (There is Passive heating from cabin air which is mostly fed through the walls to the upper part of the fuselage, this air makes its way through the aft cargo compartment towards the outflow valve located at the lower back of the airplane. Also in the front some hot air is vented from the electronics bay into the forward cargo compartment. In reality we observe the highest temperatures in the forward compartment away from the doors closest to the nose of the plane.

So maybe if they have been informed in advance, they can load your bag knowing it would be better to put it in the warmest place of the cargo hold. Otherwise the water might be coming rapidly and close to freezing temperatures and everything beneficial in the water will die off. (No clue if water is still safe for corals after this)

Thank you so much for all the info! That's good to know. I'll keep this in mind as I move along.

 

[Mebbid]

Probably cheaper to ship it to yourself in 5 gallon buckets and pick it up at a UPS store than take it on a plane.

Is it really worth it to spend hundreds of dollars on bringing established water vs getting some at reefapalooza?

 

[fish_collector]

You can't bring 5 gallons of liquid onto a commercial aircraft in your carry on luggage.

Why don't you contact someone at RAP and inquire how to go about setting up your booth with water. IIRC they have water available for the vendors. I have to question your motivation to go to the other side of the country to sell some corals. After your booth fee, travel/lodging expenses, food and a rental car, you aren't going to recoup that by selling corals that fit in 15g of water on the table.