Traveling by air is an exciting adventure, but it often raises questions about what items are allowed on board. If you’re an avid skateboarder and planning to take your longboard with you, you might wonder, “Is flying with a longboard possible?” Regarding a carry-on bag, longboards are generally challenging due to their size. Most airlines restrict carry-on luggage dimensions, and longboards typically exceed these limits and take up most of the overhead compartment.
However, there is a glimmer of hope for skateboard enthusiasts. While most airlines prohibit longboards in the cabin as carry-on items, some exceptions exist. It’s worth noting that policies vary among airlines. Some carriers, like American Airlines and United Airlines, do not allow longboards as part of carry-on baggage. However, there are reports of passengers successfully bringing their longboards on board as checked baggage, ensuring the items are correctly packed and conforming to the airline company’s guidelines.
In our guide, you can learn more about carrying a longboard on plane and just how many bags before you go but it. By the end, you’ll better understand the standard overweight fee, how things affect any sports equipment policy from the airline, and where can I bring my longboard on a plane. (Read Can I Bring Cigars On A Plane)
Understanding TSA Rules and Carry-On Luggage Limits
Regarding carry-on baggage, longboards can pose a challenge due to their size. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has specific rules and regulations to ensure passenger safety and smooth air travel. Longboards, being larger than standard carry-on items, may not meet the size restrictions imposed by the TSA.
Most airlines follow TSA guidelines and have restrictions on the dimensions of carry-on luggage. Longboards typically exceed these limits, making it unlikely to bring them on board as part of your carry-on baggage limit. It’s essential to be aware of these limitations before heading to the airport to avoid any last-minute surprises.
The Checked Luggage Option for Longboards
While carrying a longboard as a carry-on item may be challenging, there is still hope for skateboard enthusiasts who wish to bring their longboards with them on their air travels. The checked luggage option allows passengers to transport their longboards as part of their checked baggage, provided they adhere to the airline’s guidelines and regulations.
Passengers who successfully bring their longboards on international flights in checked luggage ensure proper packing to prevent any damage during handling. Researching your airline’s specific policies and guidelines for checked baggage fees is crucial to ensure compliance and a hassle-free travel experience.
List of Airlines and their Rules Regarding Skateboards
To assist you in planning your longboard travels, here is a list of popular airlines and their general policies regarding skateboards:
The following is a list of airlines and their guidelines for transporting skateboards, arranged alphabetically:
Alaska Airlines
Skateboards on Alaska Airlines are subject to the regular waivers and fees for checked baggage. As long as a skateboard is correctly packed in a hard- or soft-sided case made just for the equipment, it can be accepted as checked baggage.
American Airlines
American Airlines typically don’t let skateboards as carry-on baggage and excess bags must be checked in, and you can be charged the same fee for your board bag as the destination’s first or second bag.
For luggage weighing up to 50lbs/23kgs and up to 126in/320cm (length + width + height), the regular checked bag fees for your destination will apply. The normal, overweight fee will apply if your excess checked bag amount weighs between 51 lbs (23 kg) and 70 lbs (32 kg). (Read Can You Bring An Iron On A Plane)
Allegiant
A cheap airline will charge you for an overhead bin. Skateboard must be small enough for flight attendants to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
Due to prohibitions on hazardous materials, Allegiant does not permit using lithium metal or lithium-ion batteries in checked or carry-on baggage for electric skateboards, balance gliders, hoverboards, or self-balancing boards.
Air Canada
Both carry-on and checked baggage are allowed to contain skateboards.
Subject to the maximum weight and size limitations, you can bring one board or bag containing boarding equipment as one piece of checked baggage. The maximum weight and size limit for total linear dimensions for all checked items or objects is 23 kg (50 lb) and 158 cm (62 in), respectively. Air Canada Cargo can handle the shipping for you if your board or bag is larger than these restrictions.
Frontier Airlines
Due to hazardous materials restrictions and safety concerns, skateboards cannot be checked as carry-on bag or with haz-mat stickers. Therefore, an electric skateboard is not permitted. The cost of checked baggage varies according to the size limit of the fare option purchased, and in addition, fees for overweight and oversize baggage may apply.
Hawaiian Airlines
Skateboards are not permitted as carry-on luggage but as checked baggage if they are no longer than 62″ or 157 cm long or weigh no more than 50 pounds (22.5 kg).
Southwest Airlines
You can substitute a non-electric skateboard for a carry-on or checked bag. If it fits beneath the seat, no bag or cover for carrying skateboards is required. However, it must be stored with the wheels facing up to stop rolling. The skateboard must also be placed in a bag or have the wheels covered (even a trash bag would do) if stored in an overhead bin to prevent damage to other objects.
Spirit Airlines
Skateboards can only be brought on board as checked baggage, and fees are associated with them.
According to Spirit Airlines ‘ policy, as long as they fit the size requirements and are stored with the wheels up to avoid rolling, non-motorized and non-battery-powered skateboards can be transported on board as a carry-on or personal item. (Read Can You Bring Seashells On A Plane)
The largest size permitted, nevertheless, must fit within Spirit’s carry-on or personal item size dimensions, which are under 22 inches. In addition to carry-on bag fees, skateboards count as a guest’s bag allowance.
A limited liability release form is also required of passengers. It’s vital to remember that Spirit Airlines is a low-cost airlines carrier and is tough about fees and baggage restrictions. Skateboards are categorically not advised as carry-on baggage.
The cost of checked luggage is $21 to $6, while that of carry-on bags ranges from $14 to $39 on this low-cost airline company.
United Airlines
As long as they are non-powered, passengers can bring skateboards on board as carry-on baggage on United Airlines.
Skateboards can be included in a passenger’s normal allowance under their sporting equipment policy. Still, an excess baggage fee may apply if they are transported in excess of the allowed amount.
Skating equipment carried in standard checked bag fees added to the permitted baggage allowance will be charged at the current cost for extra luggage by United Airlines, which levies service fees and carry-on bag charges for first or second checked bags.
Essential Tips for Longboard Travel
- Research and plan ahead: Before your trip, thoroughly research the policies and guidelines of your chosen airline. Familiarize yourself with their restrictions, size limits, and longboard packing requirements.
- Proper packing: When transporting your longboard as checked luggage, ensure it is adequately packed and protected. Use a sturdy and appropriate bag or case to safeguard your board from potential damage during handling.
- Compliance with airline regulations: Adhere to the airline’s regulations and guidelines regarding longboards. Familiarize yourself with any weight limitations, size restrictions, or additional fees that may apply.
- Communication with the airline: If you have any doubts or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to the airline’s customer service. They can provide specific information and offer clarifications regarding the transportation of longboards.
- Arrive prepared: Arrive at the airport well in advance to allow ample time for check-in and any necessary procedures for transporting your longboard. Being prepared and organized will help ensure a smooth process.
- Secure loose parts: If your longboard has detachable components such as trucks or wheels, secure them properly to prevent loss or damage. Consider using bubble wrap or padding to provide extra protection.
- Liability and insurance: While airlines strive to handle baggage with care, accidents can occasionally happen. It’s advisable to check if your travel insurance covers any potential damage or loss of your longboard. Additionally, some airlines may offer a limited liability release form that you can consider signing.
Be mindful of destination regulations: Remember that the regulations and policies regarding skateboards and longboards may also vary at your destination.
Possible Issues When Bringing a Longboard on a Plane
While traveling with a longboard can be an exciting prospect, it’s essential to be aware of potential issues that may arise. Here are some common challenges and how to address them:
- Size limitations: Longboards can often exceed the size restrictions imposed by airlines for carry-on luggage. As a result, they may need to be transported as checked baggage. It’s crucial to check the specific dimensions and weight limits set by your airline to ensure compliance.
- Airlines’ policies: Different airlines have varying policies regarding the transportation of longboards. On a plane compared to European and other regions of the world, TSA and American air travel staff tend to be more accommodating when bringing skateboards on a plane.
- Potential damage: Skateboards, including longboards, are susceptible to damage during transit. Baggage handling can be rough, so it’s essential to pack your longboard securely and consider adding extra padding to protect it from impact.
- Additional fees: Depending on the airline and its policies, additional fees may be associated with transporting a longboard as checked baggage. Familiarize yourself with the airline’s fee structure and factor in these costs when planning your trip.
Electric Skateboards on a Plane
The rise in popularity of electric skateboards has brought about new considerations regarding air travel. Here are some key points to keep in mind if you’re planning to bring an electric skateboard on a plane:
- Research airline policies: Electric skateboards typically contain lithium-ion batteries, subject to specific air travel regulations. Check the policies of your chosen airline regarding the transportation of lithium-ion batteries and electric skateboards. Some airlines may have restrictions or requirements in place.
- Battery regulations: Lithium-ion batteries used in electric skateboards are generally classified as “large lithium-ion batteries” by airlines. They are typically not allowed in checked baggage due to safety concerns. However, you may be able to bring them in your carry-on luggage, subject to specific watt-hour (Wh) limitations imposed by the airline.
- Prepare the battery: Before your flight, ensure the battery is fully charged and take measures to prevent accidental activation. Power off the electric skateboard and secure the battery to prevent movement or short-circuiting during transit.
- Declare your electric skateboard: When going through airport security, be prepared to declare your electric skateboard. Remove the battery from the skateboard if required by the airline’s guidelines and place it in a separate bag for screening.
- Follow instructions from airline staff: If you have any questions or concerns regarding your electric skateboard’s transportation, consult the airport’s airline staff. They will provide guidance based on their specific policies and procedures.
Does a Longboard Count as a Carry-On or Personal Item?
Determining whether a longboard counts as a carry-on or personal item depends on the airline’s policies and the dimensions of golf bag and your longboard. (Read Can You Take A Screwdriver On A Plane)
Most airlines have specific size and weight restrictions for carry-on baggage, and longboards typically exceed these limits. As a result, longboards are often not allowed as carry-on items.
However, some budget airlines also may allow longboards as checked baggage if they are correctly packed and meet the airline’s guidelines.
It’s crucial to research the specific policies of your chosen budget airline and review their guidelines for baggage allowances, size restrictions, and any additional fees that may apply.
