All the airlines are now using the baggage trap to make extra money. If they didn't have bags going over the 62 inch rule, they'd lower it to 55. Your bag is just like selling a seat when none is available. I think a lot of folks will start shipping bows and clothes and boots UPS or FedEx or something. Much safer, easier on the equipment and it'l GET there. Seems like just about every hunting show lately someones bags, gun, bow or clothes got lost by the airline. I think it's probably some anti working at the airport and says, "watch this, this guy is going hunting in Maine. I'll send his bags and bowsto Portland, Oregon". Fill up the bow case with undies, clothes etc. When Len went elk hunting out west they shipped everything UPS to arrive just before they did. When they left, they put it back in the boxes and had UPS pick it up.