Club Lacrosse Resources
Traveling for Club Lacrosse
From flying with lacrosse sticks to packing for a weekend tournament, we've collected practical advice to make traveling with your player a little easier.
From the Wildflower Family
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
Traveling for lacrosse can be one of the most memorable parts of the game. It can also introduce a few surprises, especially the first time you fly with equipment.
We've tried different approaches, learned from other families, and picked up a few lessons along the way. Here's what we've found helpful.
Flying With Equipment
Can You Bring a Lacrosse Stick on an Airplane?
According to the TSA, complete lacrosse sticks are not permitted in carry-on baggage but are allowed in checked baggage.
Families generally use several different approaches to transport their sticks.
Option 1: Remove the Head
Some families remove the head and pack the shaft in checked baggage. They keep the detached head separately, sometimes in a carry-on bag.
The advantage is protecting the customized head and pocket. If the shaft is lost, purchasing a replacement may be easier than replacing the player's entire setup.
You'll need a screwdriver to reassemble the stick. Check tool restrictions before packing it.
Important: TSA does not guarantee that a detached head will pass carry-on screening. Ask TSA before traveling and have a checked-baggage backup plan.
Option 2: Check the Entire Stick
This is the approach we've most frequently used as a family. We place the complete stick in a dedicated stick bag and check it.
We've generally dropped the bag at the oversized baggage area. Most of our flights haven't resulted in an additional fee, although we were charged once on a return trip.
Your experience may differ. Airline fees, size limits, and baggage policies vary.
Option 3: Use a Protective Case
Some families use hard-sided equipment cases, including long cases originally designed for other sporting equipment.
These can offer additional protection but may be bulky or subject to oversized baggage charges.
We've also heard of a family transporting a detached shaft in a fly-fishing case as carry-on. We don't recommend relying on that approach: using a different case doesn't override security restrictions.
Tournament Preparation
What Should We Pack?
Tournament weekends involve more than bringing a stick and cleats. A little organization helps avoid last-minute shopping trips.
Equipment Essentials
- Lacrosse stick
- Goggles and mouthguard
- Cleats and athletic socks
- Team uniforms and required accessories
- Water bottle
- Extra hair ties
- Backup equipment, if available
Between Games
- Snacks and easy-to-eat meals
- Water and appropriate hydration supplies
- Sunscreen
- Rain jacket or warm layers
- Change of clothes
- Small towel
- Portable phone charger
For Parents
- Portable chair
- Shade or umbrella where permitted
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Tournament schedule and field map
- Hotel and transportation information
Travel Logistics
Flights, Hotels, and Tournament Weekends
What Is a Stay-to-Play Tournament?
Some tournaments require participating teams to book through designated hotel partners. Before reserving independently, check the tournament's lodging requirements and exceptions.
When Should We Fly Home?
Tournament schedules can change, and teams may advance into later games. Consider potential championship times, traffic, airport security, and equipment collection before booking a flight.
What If Equipment Doesn't Arrive?
Keep essential personal items and permitted equipment in your carry-on. Photograph your stick and luggage before departure.
If checked equipment is delayed, contact the airline, your coach, and local lacrosse retailers to explore replacement or borrowing options.
Help Us Grow the Guide
Have a Tournament Travel Tip?
Every lacrosse family learns something along the way. Have a packing trick, travel lesson, or question we haven't answered? We'd love to hear from you.
Share Your Travel Tip →A Note About Travel Rules
This guide combines family experience with general travel information. TSA decisions, airline baggage policies, and tournament requirements can change. Always confirm current rules with the relevant organizations before traveling.