Page 90 - Q01-2021 Fins Magazine

MER101 by Mermaid Tasha

@mermaidtasha

Tail Travel Tips TSA TIP

Include a note stating

what this giant silicone
Different tails require different ways of transporting Be sure you’re aware of the weight limits - many
them. Don’t worry - we’ll go over the three major suitcases can only hold the tail! Don’t try to stuff item is, some candy for the
types (fabric, hybrid, silicone) before you head off everything else in the same suitcase or you’ll likely
but let’s start off with silicone! end up overweight, and cause more confusion for TSA agent, and a business
the TSA officers if they need to check your bag.
Most silicone tails are too big/heavy/tedious to carry card and/or photo to see
on your flight. But we’ve all heard the horror stories There have been several instances where my
of tails being cut open by TSA when people check checked tail hasn’t even been looked at, but a what it looks like in action!
them! simple note isn’t that hard - better safe than sorry!
Would you take the chance on your thousands of
I’ve flown both domestically and internationally with dollars tail??
my tail as checked luggage and have never had a
problem! My secret? Include a note stating what Bringing your fabric tail: super simple. Take the
this giant silicone item is, some candy for the TSA monofin out. Roll up the tail and put it with the rest
agent, and a business card / photo so they can see of your things and literally carry on your monofin as
what it looks like in action. Most accidents happen your personal item!
when they don’t know what they’re looking at - so
let them know! Okay so we talked about how to bring on your
silicone and your fabric but what about those
hybrids that’re in between? Well, it depends on the
size of the thing! MORE TAIL TRAVEL TIPS

Bigger hybrids you’d want to pack just like your
silicone and check it with a note. Treat it just like a
silicone. No worries. 1) MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS DRY DRY DRY! Water carries a lot
Smaller ones you might be able to carry on if you of extra weight.
want to! See that big grey bag in the picture? That’s
my MerrowFins tail in a body board bag! Garment
bags can also be carried onto flights, but I’ve carried 2) DO NOT PACK MAKEUP WITH TAILS IN CASE OF SPILLAGE.
my tail in this body board bag onboard both Delta
and Southwest throughout the US and Mexico as 3) YOU CAN’T JUST “PUT IT IN THE COAT CLOSET.” As a veteran
carry on luggage with no issue.
flight attendant I can tell you - that is not gonna happen. It’s our
Find a bag that fits the width of the widest part of
your fluke so as to not bend it in unfavorable ways. only personal storage and someone probably already crammed
Then simply fold your tail in half like you would
if you were putting it in a suitcase, and slide it
carefully into the bag. Once it’s all the way in, you their wedding dress in.
should have lots of extra bag length leftover (see the
bend in the bag) so you can fold that part down to 4) PRACTICE PACKING AND WEIGHING PRIOR TO THE AIRPORT.
comply with the carry-on size requirements.
5) LEAVE SPACE IN YOUR BAGS FOR PURCHASES.
The bag I use is the Curve Bodyboard Bag found on
amazon for around $40. It even has a large outside 6) USE A LIST. Whether you are a list person or not, become one for
pocket where I put my top, leggings, and other not
super fragile mermaid gear to keep it all in one this event. You won’t be sorry!
place! More Tail Tips contributed by:

Learn more about Mermaid Tasha: Mermaid Shannon
MermaidTasha.com @themermaidshannon
@MermaidTasha
90 FB: MermaidTasha 91