Are you planning a vacation and need to know if skateboarding can accompany you on the flight?
You’ve come to the right place. Flying with a skateboard can be daunting; however, airlines have rules in place that must be followed to ensure your board is safely stored during your journey.
In this guide, we explain how to prepare your skateboard for air travel, airline regulations regarding boarding with it, and other tips that should help make taking off with your board smoother.
This complete guide will provide everything required to organize the perfect trip – whether short or long-distance – where Air + Skateboarding = Bliss!
Quick Answer: Yes, you can bring a skateboard with you on a plane – but there are some restrictions. Skateboards stowed in checked luggage must be placed in a hard-shell case designed to protect the board during flight and handling. When travelling with a skateboard as carry-on luggage, it must adhere to the usual restrictions and regulations for extra-large carry-on items. Be sure to check with your airline so you don’t get caught off guard at the boarding gate before takeoff.
How do you take a skateboard on a plane?
Traveling with a skateboard can be tricky, which is why it’s important to know how to properly prepare.
Taking your board on the plane doesn’t have to be daunting; you just need to take the right steps and practice safe techniques to ensure your board makes the journey intact.
With a few simple tips and preparation, you’ll be skateboarding wherever life takes you!
Step 1: Choose the Right Bag or Box for Your Board
The first step in flying with your skateboard is picking out the right bag or box for it. The most important factors to consider when selecting a bag or box are size and protection.
You want something that fits snugly around your board while still allowing enough room inside for some additional padding such as bubble wrap or foam blocks.
It’s also important that whatever you choose has enough padding and cushioning built in so that shocks during transit don’t damage your skateboard.
Step 2: Securely Pack Your Board in Its Bag/Box
Once you have selected a bag or box for your board, it’s time to pack it up securely.
Make sure you pad and cushion the interior of the bag/box with extra padding such as bubble wrap or foam blocks before placing your board inside.
This will help protect it from shocks during transit. Once everything is packed up, use extra tape, straps, or bungee cords to ensure that nothing moves around inside the bag/box during transit.
Step 3: Check With The Airline For Specific Rules Regarding Skateboards
Before you head off to the airport, make sure you check with the airline regarding any specific rules they might have about flying with a skateboard.
Some airlines may require you to take certain precautions such as wrapping your board in plastic before putting it in its bag/box, so make sure you check ahead of time so there are no surprises at the gate.
What are the TSA rules for skateboards?
◉ If you are checking a skateboard, it must be placed in a hard-shell case designed to protect the board during flight and handling.
◉ If you wish to take your skateboard as carry-on luggage, it is subject to the same restrictions and regulations as any other oversized item (must fit within the overhead bin).
◉ The skateboard itself must be completely covered in plastic before it is allowed to board the plane.
◉ The skateboard must not contain any potentially hazardous parts or materials that could pose a threat to the safety of passengers and crew.
◉ The total weight of the skateboard and its protective case should not exceed 40 pounds.
◉ All passengers carrying a skateboard must adhere to all airline regulations, including but not limited to: no smoking on board, no consumption of alcoholic beverages, and no disruptive behavior.
Here’s a table summarizing the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) rules regarding bringing a skateboard on a plane:
Skateboard Type | Carry-On | Checked Bag |
---|---|---|
Complete Skateboard | Yes | Yes |
Skateboard Deck | Yes | Yes |
Skateboard Wheels | Yes | Yes |
Skateboard Trucks | Yes | Yes |
Note: Skateboards must comply with size restrictions for carry-on and checked baggage, and the skateboard deck must be protected to prevent damage to other items and the aircraft.
Conclusion
You are allowed to bring your skateboard with you as long as it meets the size requirements for carry-on luggage.
With that said, there are a few things you should keep in mind before packing your board up for your next flight. Make sure to follow the TSA rules for skateboards, select the proper bag or box for your board, and securely pack it up with extra padding. Doing these steps will ensure that your board makes it safely to its destination!
FAQs
Does a skateboard fit under an airplane seat?
Yes, a skateboard can fit under an airplane seat – but it depends on the size of the skateboard and the size of the seat. Most airlines allow folding bicycles and strollers to be stowed beneath seats, so a skateboard should also fit if folded. However, it is important to double check with the specific airline you are traveling with before attempting to bring your board on-board since each airline has its own set of rules and regulations about carrying items in the cabin. Ultimately, if you want to bring your skateboard with you on a flight, capacity should not be an issue as long as it’s not too bulky.
How much does it cost to bring a skateboard on a plane?
The exact cost of bringing a skateboard on a plane depends on the airline and the size of the board. Many airlines have weight restrictions, meaning that smaller skateboards are often allowed for free, while bigger boards may incur an additional fee which can range from $50 to $150 USD, according to the carrier. It’s important to check with your specific airline before booking your flight as airline policies vary. Before you decide to fly with your skateboard, it may be cheaper and easier to rent one at your destination.