Intl Flights- and my telescope

I had a look at a previous thread which suggested Maplins for a flight case but the internal sizes don't look big enough.
I still have the foam from when it was shipped - I'm assuming that this would be sufficient if I found a secure box to put it in?

I don't like the idea of wrapping the tube up in a sleeping bag and sticking inside a suitcase much.

If I had a custom made flight case built- isn't that an invitation for the baggage handlers to play volleyball with it deliberately?


Really nervous about it.

Guidance ?

Depending on the size of the scope, you may wish to take it with you as a carry-on. This is what I do with my Tak FSQ and which is approximately 70 cm in length and weighs 7 kg.

I have a mountain climbers back-pack and this is what I use to protect the FSQ with lots of foam and air-bubble plastic around it. Once it is carried on my back, I never have the slightest request for a check on its physical size, weight etc either at the counter or once on-board.

Since the FSQ is an optical instrument with superb and premium optics, there is no way it would leave my hands on any trip involving flights. As you mention, luggage handlers are animals and especially when such a delicate instrument is at play.

I also do the same with my camera gear and laptops.

Anthony.

We're off to West Africa just after Christmas and will be there for 3 years. I've still got the foam that Celestron shipped it with- so I contacted a flight box maker and asked for a quote for a box that the celestron foam block could fit into.

I didn't want to buy an off the shelf box that wasn't exactly the right shape. Anyroad, it should be ready in a week and cost €80

Fingers crossed.

Hi,
depends on what scope this is. But in 99% cases it should be possible to remove optics and take it into cabin.