Article about hoops on planes over on hooping.org:
www.hooping.org/archives/000094.html

I sell collapsible hoops. 3/4" 160 psi with 1/4" shock cord, untaped, dove tailed ends prevents pringling. My current iteration presents the sixth generation of collapsible hoops, for $25 each. I'll fulfill custom orders given the diameter you'd like.

I've flown with mine many times, even busting them out in the Houston airport and hooping around the world :)

I just moved to Hawaii last month and took 13 hoops with me. I wrapped them in plastic and taped the outside w/ packaing tape to keep them in a big donut shape. They count as oversized luggae - like skis and surfboards, etc - and no extra charge unless the exceed the weight limit.

It's really a matter of personal preference. Things to consider: what size/shape your hoop/pieces will be when it's collapsed, how the pieces reconnect/whether the joints will pinch your skin, how much work you want to do when collapsing and uncollapsing your hoop.

There are several different models available. The first is the bungee cord model. The hoop is cut into segments and there is a bungee cord inside. I have not used one of these, but several people have said that the joints pinched their skin while hooping with it. Other people have said their bungee hoops did not pinch their skin so take that as you will! The faster you hoop, the more that centripetal force will want to pull the joints slightly apart.
www.mrhoopers.biz/
hulahoopla.org/hoops/

The second model is the kind that disconnects at one end. You then coil the hoop up smaller. You tape the connection point to keep it in a large hoop or in a smaller double circle for travel. Again, I have not tried one of these. The only reason I never bought one of these models is that I make hoops (regular, not collapsible) and I've seen how stubborn the tubing can be and I didn't want to fight with it to get it down to a doubled up circle. I was also concerned about the shape of the hoop once it was uncoiled because just uncoiling it from a giant 500 foot roll can mess with the curve of the tubing. I'm not saying these types of collapsible hoops will have these problems though, just explaining why my paranoia didn't want me to spend a lot of money to find out if I liked this model or not. You can also use this coiling technique to travel with a psi hoop.
www.hooprevolution.com/shop_hoop.html
circushoops.sectorlink.org/esho...e.asp

The third model is similar to the first model in that the hoop is cut into pieces. The difference is that this third model connects without a bungee cord. Instead, there are male/female connectors at each end that snap the pieces in place. Hoopnotica makes this hoop, and I like it a lot. The pieces fit perfectly into a yoga mat bag, and the foam stripe gives some extra grip. It's also really inexpensive compared to a lot of other collapsible hoops. It comes with six pieces but you can leave out one piece to make the hoop smaller. The cons: the foam rips easily (Hoopnotica has since had the manufacturer replace it with a higher quality foam and is replacing any hoops with ripped foam, free of charge), there are only two color combinations available (pink and gold, teal and silver), and the joints squeak when hooping (not a problem if you hoop with loud music). The hoop is either 44" or 37" so not much choice in size either. I haven't tried the spinsterz hoop because I don't fire hoop, but it has a similar design. The connectors are slightly different, and the fire spines are removable. The BettyHoops model is a lot thinner than the regular hoops we see around here. I haven't used one, but I looked at the pieces when I saw the package at Target. I've also seen the BettyHoops collapsible hoop at Barnes & Noble if you want to check it out.
www.hoopnotica.com/shop/hoops
www.hoopnotica.com/hoopnoti...hoop-info
www.thespinsterz.com/firehoop.htm
www.bettyhoops.com/products/videos/

The fourth model has a joint that twists, allowing the hoop to collapse into a double circle (like the second model) but without disconnecting the hoop. It's similar in principle to the windshield shades for cars that twist down to half their size. This model is not being sold yet, but BodyHoops plans to release it soon! You can watch a video of it being coiled and uncoiled here:
tribes.tribe.net/hoopingvi...7aa176d8a6

Infinity Travel Hoop is available for sale NOW at www.bodyhoops.com
Limited time 10% discount until June 21, 2007
Just type in INFINITY1 as your coupon code.

This hoop is great for the total beginner or total pro.
No assembly required...
Slightly weighted, durable collapsable hoops for dance, exercise and play!

Enjoy~