If you’re an adventurous person who loves skateboarding wherever you go, you may wonder if you can take your dear skateboard to your next flight destination. Luckily, you are not alone, and this question has been asked by many! Can you bring your skateboard on a plane?
A skateboard shorter than 32″ is usually allowed in a plane, as long as it is safely stored under your seat with the wheels facing upwards. Sometimes, the airline may ask you to disassemble your skateboard, and you also have many other approaches to get your skateboard on the plane with you.
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Is A Skateboard Allowed On A Plane?
If you’re not completely clear on whether a skateboard is allowed on a plane, there’s some good news! Most airlines allow skateboards on planes as long as some rules are followed.
Additionally, airlines have regulations for package size and weight considerations, so as long as the skateboard doesn’t make the whole package overweight, it should be acceptable.
Should A Skateboard Be In Checked Or Carry On Luggage?
According to the TSA, skateboards can be placed in checked luggage and carry-on bags. However, in the case of a carry-on bag, there are special instructions that need to be followed.
When a skateboard is as short as 32″, most airlines will allow you to fly with it in your carry-on luggage, as long as the wheels are covered with a trash bag.
Most airlines will not allow this with skateboards longer than 32″ and will require you to check them in with your checked luggage instead.
Looking at these regulations, it seems like it’s perfectly acceptable to take shorter skateboards, such as mini cruisers, on the plane as well.
Are There Restrictions To Take A Skateboard On A Plane?
All that matters is the sizing and the weight of the skateboard. No airline will compromise their trip by allowing heavy or large-sized, unchecked items inside their plane.
Are There Extra Charges To Take A Skateboard On A Plane?
Most airlines will not have additional charges when you take your skateboard as part of your carry-on luggage.
So, if you travel alongside your skateboard as your carry-on bag, you will save a few bucks. Most airlines will allow users to check one bag and have one carry-on bag.
Each bag typically has a weight limit of 50 pounds, along with a size restriction. The most common maximum size bag allowed is a total of 62 linear inches.
There could be charges based on travel region and the cabin. Skateboards exceeding 50 pounds will have additional fees, and skateboards with outside linear dimensions over 115 inches are not allowed.
Can You Take An Electric Skateboard In A Plane?
Taking an electric skateboard on a plane faces a much greater challenge than a regular one. Most airlines have very strict regulations on an electric skateboard and won’t allow them on a plane, as it could become a fire hazard, compromising everyone’s safety during the flight.
According to the TSA, they do not mind electric skateboards going through security and being placed in the belly of the plane, as long as the board’s battery does not exceed the lithium-ion requirements.
With the airline’s approval, passengers can carry up to two spare lithium-ion batteries not exceeding 160Wh.
However, you should still be prepared to be disappointed, as almost all airlines will not allow you to transport an electric skateboard, even if it has been disassembled.
What Are Some Tips For Taking A Skateboard On A Plane?
Of course, you don’t want to go through all the trouble only to end up helpless and sad at the airport before your flight and not be able to board your skateboard.
So, before arranging your flight, make sure to call your airline and make sure you get permission to take your skateboard on board with you. If the airline has approved your request and asked you to refer to their guidelines to bring your skateboard, you must follow them discreetly.
Airline operators will provide you with specific weight and sizing numbers for compliance. Weigh and measure your skateboard, and check if the numbers fit the airline’s guide.
If you notice that there is any excess size or weight, you should be prepared to at least pay for the additional fees.
It may also be good to remember that a skateboard should be wrapped correctly, and the wheels should be properly wrapped. In the case where the wheels and tricks have been disassembled, each part should be safely placed inside a sealable plastic bag, such as a zip lock bag.
How Should A Skateboard Be Packed To Bring On A Plane?
Knowing how to pack your skateboard before your flight could make all the difference. Prepare a suitable bag to pack your skateboard.
You can use a duffel bag or a skateboard bag that comfortably fits the size of your deck. A garbage bag may work, but if you feel like this will not work, you have another option.
You can make use of a suitable-sized backpack, and many skate brands make packs that are designed explicitly for suiting skateboards. Some of these bags are so nifty.
They have the same design as regular backpacks but with skateboard straps at the back, allowing airline users to slide their skateboards back there, taking them on the plane with them.
If your desired backpack has no skateboard straps, you can luckily still make it work, but you may be sacrificing some of your comfort.
Some skater commuters also advise dismantling your skateboard’s wheels and trucks. While this hack may be helpful, it could cause you much more hassle at the end of the day, as you will need to reassemble your board as soon as you are done with your flight.
If all your attempts to package your skateboard seem to fail, you can still take your skateboard as part of your checked luggage, but you will need to be extra cautious about the total weight, as additional fees may need to be paid to gain permission for the skateboard to go onto the plane.
