What is an "ATA" case
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People use the term "ATA case" to describe Road cases but the turn "ATA" is reference to the Air Transport Association Specification # 300. This was a details guidelines and minimum requirements for packaging aircraft parts and supplies to be shipped to airlines. Originally issued in 1960 and revised multiple times (Revision 19 dated July 31, 1996), this specification aims to standardize packaging to ensure protection, identification, and efficient handling.
What actually make a case "ATA 300" compliant, reality check is there are 3 categories that meet the criteria and to meet the highest category the case only hase to last 100 round trips.
| Container Category | Reusability | Materials | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category I | ≥ 100 round-trips | Metal, plastic, fiberglass | High durability, impact resistant, corrosion-resistant, repairable |
| Category II | ≥ 10 round-trips | Wood, fiberboard, cardboard, or Category I materials | Less durable than Cat I, but reusable and sturdy |
| Category III | Single or few trips | Various expendable materials | May be transparent, reusable encouraged, less durable |
"Road Case" - "Flight Cases" and "ATA Compliant Case" are all terms people use to talk about Highly durable impact resistant cases that will protect their gear. The truth is that most cases designed for touring go beyond the "ATA 300 Standard"
To be compliant with ATA the case needs to meet the following specs.
- Provide adequate protection with minimum tare weight and volume.
- Ensure proper identification of materials and containers.
- Prevent damage during shipping.
- Reduce packing/unpacking costs.
- Promote environmentally conscious packaging using reusable, recycled, or biodegradable materials.
Although the "ATA 300 Standard" was made to protect airline parts in tranzit it doesn't address how we fly our gear today. The airlines set the pricing for size and weight of cases. Most airlines charge standard pricing up to 50lbs and charge an overweight fee up to 70lbs. If your case goes over 70lbs the cost becomes prohibitive if the airline even allows it. If you would like to read more about this US News did an extensive article on this.
OCD-Labs has developed the LITEFLY and the LowMass product line to help keep the cost down when checking your gear on the airline. These cases meet the ATA 300 standard and exceed it in many ways