Can you bring lacrosse equipment on a plane. What are the TSA guidelines for lacrosse sticks in carry-on bags. How to properly pack lacrosse gear for air travel. What lacrosse items are allowed in checked baggage.
TSA Guidelines for Lacrosse Equipment on Planes
Traveling with lacrosse gear can be tricky, but understanding the current Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines is crucial for a smooth journey. The good news is that lacrosse equipment is now generally allowed on planes, but with some important caveats.
Lacrosse sticks and heads are permitted, but they must be packed in checked luggage. This rule exists because lacrosse sticks exceed the size limits for carry-on items and could potentially be used as weapons in the cabin. Smaller items like gloves and knee pads, however, can typically be brought in your carry-on bag.
Why Did the TSA Change Its Guidelines?
The TSA revised its guidelines in 2013 to align with International Civil Aviation Organization standards. This change allows for small blades without locks and certain sports equipment, including lacrosse sticks, to be transported in checked baggage. The revision aims to help TSA officers focus on detecting more serious threats like explosives and flammable items.
Packing Strategies for Lacrosse Equipment
Properly packing your lacrosse gear is essential for both protecting your equipment and complying with airline regulations. Here are some effective strategies:
- Consider the size of your luggage in relation to your lacrosse stick
- Disassemble your stick by removing the head from the shaft
- Use bubble wrap and secure packaging for protection
- Utilize specialized sports equipment bags when possible
How to Pack a Lacrosse Stick?
Packing a full-length lacrosse stick can be challenging due to its size. A typical lacrosse stick, including the head, measures around 42 inches. To accommodate this, you have several options:
- Use oversized luggage: If you have a bag longer than 42 inches, you can pack the stick whole.
- Disassemble the stick: Remove the head from the shaft, reducing the length to about 32 inches, which fits more easily in medium-sized luggage.
- Pack separately: Wrap the stick securely and check it as a separate item if your luggage is too small.
- Use a snowboard bag: These long bags are perfect for storing lacrosse shafts.
Carry-On vs. Checked Baggage: What’s Allowed Where?
Understanding what lacrosse equipment can go in your carry-on versus checked baggage is crucial for hassle-free travel. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Carry-On Baggage
Items allowed in your carry-on include:
- Gloves
- Knee pads
- Mouthguards
- Other small, non-stick equipment
Checked Baggage
Items that must be in checked baggage include:
- Lacrosse sticks (shafts and heads)
- Other large sports equipment (e.g., hockey sticks, golf clubs)
Traveling with Other Sports Equipment
The rules for lacrosse equipment are similar to those for other sports gear. Golf clubs, hockey sticks, and baseball bats must also be checked. However, there are some sport-specific rules to be aware of:
- Golf clubs: Limited to two clubs per passenger
- Ski equipment: Allowed as checked baggage, often with special fees
- Tennis rackets: Generally allowed in carry-on baggage
Always check with your specific airline for any additional restrictions or fees related to sports equipment.
Tips for Protecting Your Lacrosse Gear During Travel
Ensuring your lacrosse equipment arrives undamaged is paramount. Here are some tips to protect your gear:
- Use padded equipment bags designed for lacrosse gear
- Wrap stick heads in soft clothing or bubble wrap
- Consider using a hard-shell case for maximum protection
- Distribute weight evenly in your luggage to prevent shifting
How Can You Minimize Damage to Your Lacrosse Stick?
To minimize potential damage to your lacrosse stick during travel:
- Loosen the strings slightly to reduce tension
- Use shaft caps to protect the ends
- Place the stick in the center of your luggage, surrounded by soft items
- Consider investing in a travel case specifically designed for lacrosse sticks
International Travel Considerations for Lacrosse Players
When traveling internationally with lacrosse equipment, additional factors come into play:
- Research specific country regulations regarding sports equipment
- Be prepared for additional security screenings
- Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers sports equipment
- Carry documentation for any high-value lacrosse gear
Are There Any Countries That Prohibit Lacrosse Equipment?
While most countries follow similar guidelines to the TSA, it’s crucial to research your specific destination. Some countries may have stricter regulations or may not be familiar with lacrosse equipment. Always check with the embassy or consulate of your destination country if you’re unsure about their policies.
Cost Considerations: Fees for Traveling with Lacrosse Equipment
Traveling with lacrosse equipment may incur additional costs. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Oversize baggage fees for large equipment bags
- Extra checked bag fees if your gear doesn’t fit in your standard luggage
- Possible sports equipment fees (varies by airline)
How Can You Minimize Costs When Traveling with Lacrosse Gear?
To keep costs down when traveling with your lacrosse equipment:
- Choose airlines with generous baggage allowances or sports equipment policies
- Consider shipping your equipment to your destination separately
- Pack efficiently to fit gear into standard luggage when possible
- Look into airline credit cards that offer free checked bags
Alternatives to Bringing Your Own Lacrosse Equipment
If traveling with your lacrosse gear proves too challenging or expensive, consider these alternatives:
- Rent equipment at your destination
- Ship your gear ahead of time using a sports equipment shipping service
- Borrow equipment from local teams or players at your destination
- Purchase inexpensive equipment upon arrival and donate it before departing
What Are the Pros and Cons of Renting Lacrosse Equipment?
Renting lacrosse equipment at your destination has its advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
- No need to transport bulky gear
- Avoid potential airline fees
- Opportunity to try different equipment
Cons:
- May not be available at all destinations
- Gear may not be of the same quality as your own
- Potential for fit issues or discomfort
Preparing Your Lacrosse Gear for Air Travel
Proper preparation of your lacrosse equipment before travel can make a significant difference in both ease of transport and equipment protection. Follow these steps to ensure your gear is travel-ready:
- Clean all equipment thoroughly
- Check for any damage and make repairs if necessary
- Label all items with your contact information
- Take photos of your equipment for insurance purposes
- Create an inventory list of all packed items
Should You Adjust Your Stick Before Travel?
It’s generally recommended to make some adjustments to your lacrosse stick before air travel:
- Loosen the strings slightly to reduce tension and prevent warping
- Remove any easily detachable parts and pack them separately
- Consider using a travel cover for the head to maintain its shape
Remember to re-string and adjust your stick upon arrival at your destination to ensure optimal performance.
Navigating Airport Security with Lacrosse Equipment
Going through airport security with sports equipment can sometimes be challenging. Here are some tips to make the process smoother:
- Arrive at the airport early to allow extra time for potential equipment inspections
- Be prepared to open your equipment bag for manual inspection
- Know the specific airline and TSA regulations to avoid surprises
- Keep any essential small equipment (like mouthguards) easily accessible
What Should You Do If Your Lacrosse Equipment Is Flagged by Security?
If your lacrosse equipment is flagged for additional screening:
- Remain calm and cooperative
- Explain what the equipment is and its purpose
- Be prepared to demonstrate how items fit together or function
- Follow all instructions given by security personnel
Remember, security staff may not be familiar with lacrosse equipment, so patience and clear communication are key.
Caring for Your Lacrosse Equipment During Travel
Proper care of your lacrosse gear during travel can extend its lifespan and ensure it’s ready for use upon arrival. Consider these tips:
- Use moisture-absorbing packets in your equipment bag to prevent odors and mildew
- Stuff gloves and pads with newspaper to help them retain shape
- Avoid leaving equipment in extreme temperatures (like a hot car trunk) for extended periods
- Air out your gear as soon as possible after reaching your destination
How Can You Quickly Refresh Your Gear After a Long Flight?
To quickly refresh your lacrosse equipment after air travel:
- Unpack and air out all items immediately
- Use a disinfectant spray on pads and gloves
- Wipe down your stick with a damp cloth
- Re-string and adjust your stick as necessary
- Test all equipment briefly before using in play
Planning Ahead: Researching Your Travel Destination
Before embarking on your journey with lacrosse equipment, thorough research about your destination can prevent many potential issues:
- Check local regulations regarding sports equipment
- Investigate available facilities for practicing or playing
- Connect with local lacrosse communities or teams
- Understand climate conditions that might affect your equipment
What Resources Are Available for Traveling Lacrosse Players?
Several resources can assist traveling lacrosse players:
- Online forums and communities for traveling athletes
- Lacrosse-specific travel guides and blogs
- Local lacrosse association websites for destination information
- Sports equipment shipping services specializing in lacrosse gear
Utilizing these resources can enhance your travel experience and ensure you’re well-prepared for playing lacrosse at your destination.
Can You Take Lacrosse Gear On Your Carry On Bags?
Travel is now allowed for selected countries and states, so does that mean that you can bring your lacrosse gear with you on the plane?
If you plan to go on a vacation and bring your lacrosse gear with you, this is something you will definitely ask. You might also be wondering how lacrosse players bring their equipment to different places. Here are all your answers about traveling with your lacrosse gear on a plane.
Is Lacrosse Gear Allowed on a Plane?
Good news for you, because lacrosse gear is now allowed in planes. That means you can bring your lacrosse stick and head with you wherever you go. Is there a catch? Unfortunately, yes. While you can bring your lacrosse gear on the plane, you can’t bring it with you in your carry-on bag. Your only option is to bring it in the luggage area.
What about your knee pads and gloves? Should they be in the luggage compartment? Not really. Since gloves and knee pads aren’t long and don’t take up a lot of space, you can bring them with you in your carry-on bag.
The only reason why authorities don’t allow you to bring the lacrosse stick is that it goes beyond the allowable sizes and it can be used to harm a person inside the cabin.
If you plan on bringing other sports gear like hockey sticks, golf clubs, baseball bats, and other sporting equipment, you can bring them as well provided that they are checked in the luggage area. Otherwise, you will be asked to leave them behind or open your luggage again so you can store it there. You definitely don’t want that.
New Airline Guidelines
There was a time when lacrosse sticks weren’t allowed even in the luggage compartment. This is because they go beyond the size requirements and they can be dangerous for those that are in the plane (even if they’re in the cargo area). However, the Transportation Security Administration revised this back in 2013.
Why did they change it? It’s to align with the International Civil Aviation Organization standards. According to these standards, small blades that don’t have a lock are allowed even inside the cabin.
These standards also include allowing sports equipment like billiard cues, hockey sticks, golf clubs, and lacrosse sticks to be boarded into the plane. However, when it comes to golf clubs, you’re only allowed to bring two.
Another reason why the TSA changed their guidelines is so the Transportation Security Officers can better focus on searching and detecting items that pose a serious threat to the safety of people on board. This means that the focus is shifted to explosives and flammable items.
How Do You Pack a Lacrosse Stick?
So you can bring a lacrosse stick. That’s great. But how do you pack it in your luggage? Will it even fit? Here are a few tips in packing your lacrosse equipment both in the carry-on and in the luggage areas.
First, know the size of your luggage. If you are bringing a small luggage, then there’s a huge chance that your lacrosse stick won’t fit. Since the average size of a stick is 42 inches (this includes the head), you have to have a luggage that is longer than 42 inches.
However, that’s a little hard to find. What you can do is remove the head from the stick so that you have a shorter stick to keep. This is also the best practice in storing your lacrosse equipment.
When you remove the head, you’re only left with around 32 inches from your shaft. That can now easily fit in a medium-sized luggage. If you’re using a small luggage and there is no way the shaft can fit, you can just wrap your lacrosse stick, secure it with wrapping paper and bubble wrap, and then label it.
Will it count as another bag? Yes, it will. If you have a bag limit, then this can be a problem. If you don’t, then it’s better to bring the shaft separately so that it doesn’t break.
Do you have longer bags? If you do, say, a snowboard bag, then you can use this to store your lacrosse shaft. Snowboard bags are long so if you don’t have luggage that can fit the shaft but you have a snowboard bag, then this is a sign that you should bring the latter, too.
What about the pads and the gloves? How do you pack them? Pads and gloves are like clothes except that they are harder.
Since they can’t be used to harm anybody, you can bring them in your carry-on bag.
Packing them is just like packing your jacket. If you plan to pack them in your luggage, you can pack them all together with your shaft and head if they’re in the same bag.
Other Tips in Bringing Your Lacrosse Equipment
Are there anything else that you should know about bringing lacrosse equipment on the plane? Other than packing your lacrosse shaft, there aren’t any other rules about storing them when you plan to fly. As long as you pack the shaft and the head in your luggage or in a bag that is secured, you are ready to go.
It helps to pack your lacrosse equipment with care. To prevent them from getting bent when your bags are being thrown, you can cover them with bubble wrap or with clothes (if you’re putting them in the same bag). Wrapping them with other things will help protect them from snapping. Sure, the lacrosse shaft is not that fragile, but why take that chance?
Overall, your priority is to make sure that your lacrosse equipment is kept properly so that they don’t cause any problems when you board the plane.
Since you’ll be putting your lacrosse shaft in the luggage area, it’s also better to bring them there, too. Having them in your carry-on bag doesn’t make sense when you can maximize your bag allowance for the luggage area.
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Quick Fixes for Your Car’s Infotainment System
If you’ve ever had a navigation screen freeze or go blank in the middle of a road trip, or you couldn’t get your phone to connect or music to play, you know how frustrating it can be when an infotainment system suddenly stops working.
You’re not alone: Infotainment problems are some of the most common reliability complaints in our exclusive reliability surveys.
Sometimes fixing the problem can be as simple as unplugging your phone from the USB port and plugging it back in, or turning the car on and off again. But occasionally, the fix requires resetting or rebooting your car’s infotainment system. Kind of like hitting Ctrl-Alt-Delete or selecting “Force Quit” on a computer, a reboot or reset can stop your car’s infotainment system from acting up or even return it to factory default settings. You can do it yourself—and we’ll show you how.
We asked automakers to share the instructions they give their own dealerships and service technicians for resetting frozen infotainment systems. Then the experts at Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center put their fixes to the test on our own fleet of test vehicles. Below, you’ll find detailed instructions for resetting recent infotainment systems in most vehicles from major brands.
If the fixes below don’t work or if your car isn’t on the list, you’ve got other options, says Michael Crossen, Consumer Reports’ mechanic and longtime master technician.
Apple CarPlay running on a Honda infotainment system.
Honda
Honda
If the problem is with your phone connection, start by turning your phone on and off, and check to see if your phone—or your car—needs a software update. “I have seen a phone stop working after the phone performed a software update,” Crossen says. “In these cases, you have to wait for a car software update to be available in order to fix it.” Some cars will prompt owners to download new software over a cellular or WiFi connection, while others will require a trip to the dealership.
You can also check YouTube for infotainment tutorial videos. Chances are, someone else had the same problem and they may have put the solution online. If all else fails, make an appointment at the dealership. “Make sure you can accurately describe the issue, and take video or a picture when the system is failing, especially if the problem is intermittent,” Crossen says.
Here’s how to get started:
MMI (2015-2017 model years)
Press and hold the menu key, the rotary knob, and the button that sits at the upper right of the rotary knob.
MMI with virtual cockpit (2017-2019)
Push forward and then hold in place the Nav/Map and Radio buttons while pushing down the rotary knob for about a second.
MMI with two screens (2019)
Hold the volume button down for 10 seconds.
MMI touch response/MIB3 (2019-2023)
Press and hold the volume knob or volume button until the welcome screen reappears, which should take about 15 seconds.
CCC system with nav (roughly 2004 through 2010)
Press and hold the eject button for the DVD and CD drives, then press the audio system power button for about a second.
CIC (2010-2015)
Press and hold the audio volume knob for 25 seconds.
iDrive 4 (2014-2017)
Hold down the iDrive knob, then press the CD/DVD eject button and audio system power button for about a second.
iDrive 7 and 8 (2018-2023)
Press and hold the volume knob for more than 20 seconds.
Includes Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and some Maserati and Fiat vehicles.
Uconnect with 8.4-inch screen (2013-2019)
Put the car into accessory mode by hitting the ignition button but without having your foot on the brakes. This turns on the accessory systems of the car. Then hold the temperature up button (red) and the temperature down button (blue) simultaneously for at least 8 seconds.
The engineering menu should appear. The last menu item on the first page is Reset Radio. This will reboot the system.
Uconnect (2013-2019)
Press and hold down the mute and source buttons for up to 10 seconds.
Uconnect 5 (2020-2023)
Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
My Ford/Lincoln Touch (2014-2017)
Press and hold the fast-forward and the audio system power buttons for at least 5 seconds.
Sync 4 (2018-2023)
Simultaneously press and hold the seek forward and audio system power button for 10 seconds.
Sync 4A (2021-2023)
Simultaneously press and hold the seek forward and volume down buttons on the steering wheel for 10 seconds.
The infotainment system in a newer Hyundai. You can see the small reset button below the volume control.
Photo: Hyundai
Photo: Hyundai
All 2014-2019 Systems
Press and hold down the audio system power button for at least 10 seconds.
2020-2023 Hyundai Systems
Use a paper clip or ballpoint pen to press the “system reset button.” The exact location varies by model and year, but it’s a small and unmarked hole that’s often near the volume knob. Wait a few minutes for the system to power back on.
2021-2023 Genesis
At the same time, press the Map & Setup buttons below the touchscreen for about 6 to 8 seconds. You may need to turn the vehicle to Accessory mode first by pressing the engine start/stop button without your foot on the brake.
2019-2023 Kia Systems
Use a paper clip or ballpoint pen to press the “system reset button” on or near the infotainment system buttons in the center console.
Includes Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC vehicles.
Mylink/Intellilink (2014-2016)
Press the home and fast-forward buttons for at least 10 seconds.
GM infotainment (2017-2019)
Press the Onstar call button, then hang up.
GM infotainment without built-in Google (2019-2023)
Turn the car off, then turn it back on again.
GM infotainment with Google (2022 and newer full-sized trucks and SUVs, Cadillac Lyriq, 2023+ Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon)
In Park, press and hold the phone hangup button on the steering wheel for 10 seconds.
HondaLink/AcuraLink (2016-2023)
Press and hold the audio system power button for 5 seconds. A menu may pop up and ask you if you want to reboot the system. If this doesn’t work, turn the vehicle off, open the driver door, close the driver door, and restart the vehicle.
Intouch and touchscreen (2014-2023)
Press and hold down the audio system power knob for at least 7 seconds.
InControl Touch Pro (2019-2023)
Press and hold the power button for 10 seconds.
All systems (2016-2023)
Press and hold down the audio system power knob or power/volume knob for at least 7 seconds.
Mazda Connect (2014-2019)
Press and hold the Back button, the Nav button, and the Mute button for at least 10 seconds. Mazda says this sequence may not work for all vehicles.
Mazda Connect (2020-2023)
Mazda says that the only way for drivers to restart the system is to turn the vehicle on and off again.
All systems (2019-2023)
The automaker tells CR that owners should bring the car to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership if the infotainment system doesn’t reset itself after freezing or becoming unresponsive.
All systems (2007-2011)
Press and hold down the audio system power knob for at least 20 seconds.
The infotainment system in a 2023 Nissan Pathfinder.
Photo: Nissan
Photo: Nissan
All systems (2009-2023)
Press and hold down the audio system power button for about 10 seconds until the Nissan logo appears, signifying that the reboot is underway.
All vehicles
Press and hold the thin horizontal white bar at the bottom of the center touchscreen for 20 to 30 seconds.
All vehicles
Put the vehicle in Park. Find the outermost control buttons on the steering wheel. Press both buttons at the same time and hold for 15 seconds.
Starlink (2019-2023)
Press and hold down the audio system power knob for at least 10 seconds.
Main Screen (2012-2023)
Press and hold down the two scroll wheels on the steering wheel for at least 10 seconds.
The infotainment system in a 2023 Toyota Corolla.
Photo: Toyota
Photo: Toyota
Entune (2012-2019)
Press and hold the audio system’s volume/power knob for about 3 seconds or until the system resets.
Toyota Audio Multimedia (2020-2023)
Press and hold down the audio system’s volume/power knob for at least 7 seconds.
MIB, MIB 2, and MIB 3 systems (2012-2023)
Press and hold down the audio system power knob or button for at least 10 seconds.
Sensus Connect (2016-2023)
Press and hold down the home button for 20 seconds. Continue to hold the home button until the display turns off, then release it when the Volvo logo appears.
Google (2021-2023)
Turn the vehicle on and off.
Keith Barry
Keith Barry has been an auto reporter at Consumer Reports since 2018. He focuses on safety, technology, and the environmental impact of cars. Previously, he led home and appliance coverage at Reviewed; reported on cars for USA Today, Wired, and Car & Driver; and wrote for other publications as well. Keith earned a master’s degree in public health from Tufts University. Follow him on Twitter @itskeithbarry.
