Traveling With Dolls

[jemlovecraft]

This is a bit early, but trips make me incredibly anxious and I like having everything in place long beforehand. I have a lot of preparation to do for this one (including registering my dog as my ESA), and I think you guys can help ease my nerves.

In June or July, I'm going to visit my grandma in California for a week or two. Of course, I want to bring my doll (and the head I may have by then). I know that Kiki (I hope you don't mind if I call you just that ^^;) wrote a great little piece about traveling and it helped me a lot, but I still have a few questions.
When I bring Leah anywhere, I first pack her in the padded bag Bobobie sent with her, then put her in her box. That being said, for a trip were airport security might pull her out of my backpack, I want to get her a face-up protector... the only problem is that she has the crazy long Ariel ears. Is there anywhere I can find a mask for her so security people won't accidentally smear her face-up?
And are there any specific tips you think people should know before traveling with dolls?

Thanks in advance!!

[K2!]

TSA personnel aren't all the jack-booted thugs they are portrayed to be. Chances are they will only search your stuff if something looks weird on the monitor when they scan your luggage. You might be able to head this off by carrying your doll separately in a soft padded bag (like the ones some dolls come in). If you are worried about ears, slip a piece of stiff cardboard in the bag that is wider than the doll with padding between the cardboard and the doll. Secure the doll to the cardboard with soft ties so it stays centered and doesn't slip to one side. Carry this bag through security separately from your other bags. Place this bag by itself in one of the trays they send through the scanner so when it goes through it looks like a doll and it's silhouette isn't jumbled up with other stuff in you luggage. If they have to search your bag, they do it right in front of you. Just be polite and ask the officer to please be careful. With your doll secured to the cardboard backer, your doll can slide in and out of the padded bag easily by being handled by the cardboard. Once you are through security you can fold the cardboard in half and repack your doll in your back pack or what ever.

[Stormlight]

If you want a face protector, Fairyland sells them with extra space for ears, since they sell so many elf sculpts. I got one for my Roke and Chloe F65 dolls, but I think they have them in all sizes. They're handy for dolls with long ears. Less worry about them snapping during transport that way. Plus, my Roke has some pretty elaborate blushing on his ears, so I don't have to worry about it chipping or rubbing off, either.

Edit: Actually, never mind. Sorry, I just looked at the site and only the masks for the Feeple and Pukifee contain the ear slots. The MSD-sized masks are just normal.

[paladinari]

I've found that the plain face protector that came with my Mei still works well, despite her elfy ears. In fact, since they're so big, it probably helps keep the elastic from slipping over her head

But if you're worried about breakages and such, maybe wrap her up the way some dolls come: In lots of bubble wrap, especially around her head and hands. That should minimize the chance of breakage and also make her less likely to slip around during travel. K2's suggestion of having her travel separately is also a great one. Just as you take extra care with your travel on to make sure your personal belongings and electronics, etc., don't get jostled, you would have a lot better control over how much your little one is subjected to if you keep her close! ^.^