Intro: Can You Bring A Skateboard On A Plane?
Can you bring a skateboard on a plane with you? In this article, we’ll look at the best ways to fly with a skateboard in the United States, airport security, and various airline rules.
Whether you’re a professional skateboarder or need to transport your skateboard, we’ll give you the best way to find each airline’s policy on air travel with sports equipment. That way, you’ll avoid any extra or oversized fees at the check-in counter.
Always check the rules of your airline and the TSA to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Electric Skateboards and Safety Reasons
Because of FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) hazardous materials regulations that cover dangerous items and the risk of battery fires, the battery size of larger lithium batteries often exceeds the maximum battery size.
Since battery overheats would be less likely to be noticed in the cargo bin and cause a fire hazard, larger battery capacity lithium-ion batteries can’t be transported in checked bags. Smaller batteries are limited to 100wh.
Many electric board skateboards are too large to be brought onboard as carry-on luggage, so flying with an electric skateboard with a lithium battery can be difficult. Many airlines ban them completely, along with similar items like hoverboards.
Penny Boards
| A penny board is a type of lightweight, smaller board. Penny boards are typically made of plastic called polypropylene and have smooth wheels, making them good for cruising and commuting over shorter distances. Some Penny Boards are close to 22 inches long, which is the maximum carry-on luggage size. Penny Boards such as the Penny Australia, The Original Plastic Skateboard, measure exactly 22″ for the skateboard deck and could be the best choice for a carry-on skateboard that doesn’t take up much space. Although each airline has different rules, The Penny Australia board should be an easy way to meet the requirements of domestic airlines that allow skateboards as carry-on bags, such as Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and Spirit. |
Can You Bring a Skateboard On a Plane? Linear Inches Method For Checked Bags
Can you bring a skateboard on a plane? In airline travel, luggage is subject to size restrictions, and the linear dimensions of a bag are used to determine if it is within the size limits for checked bags.
The linear dimensions of large checked suitcase luggage are usually measured in inches, which are calculated by adding the baggage or skateboard’s length, width, and height.
For example, if a skateboard measures 30 inches in length, 12 inches in width, and 6 inches in height, its linear dimensions would be 48 inches (30 + 12 + 6). Airlines have different size limitations for luggage, so check with the specific airline to determine what the maximum linear dimensions are for your trip.
What Do The TSA Skateboard Rules Say?
Here’s what the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) general rules say about Skateboards (not applicable to electric skateboards) as far as going past the security checkpoint.
Carry-On Bags: Yes (Special Instructions)
Checked Bags: Yes.
So according to the TSA, you shouldn’t have trouble at the security checkpoint with a skateboard, provided it’s under the required size.
The TSA specifies the following dimensions for carry-on bags: 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches high, including handles and wheels. The dimensions of personal items should not exceed 18 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 8 inches tall.
Can you bring a skateboard on a plane? Remember that you’re limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item. For airlines that allow skateboards as carry-on luggage, you can’t also bring other hand luggage items as a carry-on. Also, many airlines, especially budget airlines (or Ultra Low-Cost Carriers), have additional charges for carry-on luggage.
Protecting Your Skateboard
The best way to ensure your skateboard doesn’t get damaged is to bring it as carry-on luggage if your airline lets you (and if it’s small enough). This also avoids the possibility of it getting lost on a connecting flight.
When checking your skateboard, help protect it by investing in a hard-sided case or duffel bag. The last thing you want is to arrive at your destination and receive the bad news that baggage handlers damaged your skateboard.
If you’re not also packing clothes in with the skateboard, it’s a good idea to protect your board with packing material such as bubble wrap.
Here’s a link to some top-rated skateboard bags, backpacks, and cases.
Can You Bring A Skateboard On a Plane: Airline Skateboard Policy
Can you bring a skateboard on a plane? You will need to check with your specific airline for their different airline rules on size and weight restrictions, which we will list below.
Some airlines allow you to bring shorter skateboards as carry-on baggage in the overhead bin, while others allow them as checked baggage only.
Remember, you’re still limited to one piece of carry-on luggage, not including a small personal item. Also, many low-cost airlines have extra fees for carry-on baggage in the overhead compartment, so check the specific airline policy. Some airlines don’t allow carry-on items on certain basic economy fares.
These policies are mostly for domestic flights. Major airlines can also have different requirements for an international flight, so check their page to see if that applies to your international destination.
Alaska Airlines
- Carry-On Baggage: No
- Checked Baggage: Yes
Can you bring a skateboard on a plane with Alaska? Yes, as a checked bag, but not as a carry-on.
American Airlines
- Carry-On Baggage: No
- Checked Baggage: Yes, under a maximum size of 115 linear inches
Can you bring a skateboard on an American Airlines flight? American doesn’t allow skateboards as carry-ons. American allows a skateboard as check-in baggage, and standard checked bag fees apply, including extra costs for overweight items.
Here’s a link to their policies
Allegiant Air
- Carry-On Baggage: No
- Checked Baggage: Yes, under 80 linear inches
Can you bring a skateboard on a plane with Allegiant? Allegiant doesn’t allow skateboards as carry-ons. Allegiant’s policies consider sporting equipment as checked bags, with normal checked bag fees.
Allegiant says they will accept skateboards in a container or bag acceptable to the carrier.
Here’s a link to their policies
Avelo Airlines
- Carry-On Baggage: No
- Checked Baggage: Yes, up to 62 linear inches. 62-80″ adds extra charges of $50
Can you bring a skateboard on a plane with Avelo? Avelo says skating equipment is acceptable as long as the equipment is non-powered.
Link to their baggage policy page
Delta Airlines
- Carry-On Baggage: Yes (Skateboards under 22″ only)
- Checked Baggage: Yes, Under 115 linear inches
Can you bring a skateboard on a plane with Delta? Yes, both as hand carry-on or checked bags. It has to go in a bag if you’re checking your board.
Skateboards are allowed as carry-on baggage, and standard carry-on size restrictions apply. This means a limit of one carry-on bag, which would be your skateboard.
Your board must be contained in a bag when it is checked baggage.
Frontier Airlines
- Carry-On Baggage: No
- Checked Baggage: Yes, up to 62 linear inches. 62-110 inches for a $75 additional cost
Can you bring a skateboard on a plane with Frontier? Frontier allows skateboards as checked bags only.
Hawaiian Airlines
- Carry-On Baggage: No
- Checked Baggage: Yes, under 62 linear or 80 linear inches with extra charge.
Can you bring a skateboard on a plane with Hawaiian?
Hawaiian doesn’t allow skateboards as carry-on luggage, but they do as checked luggage.
Here’s a link to their policy page
JetBlue
- Carry-On Baggage: Yes (Skateboards under 22″ only)
- Checked Baggage: Yes, under 62 linear inches, or 80 linear inches with a $150 oversize fee
Can you bring a skateboard on a plane with JetBlue? Good news, JetBlue allows shorter skateboards as carry-on baggage, provided it’s your only carry-on bag.
Here’s what their policy says, and a link to their sports luggage policy.
Southwest Airlines
- Carry-On Baggage: Yes (22″ length or less)
- Checked Baggage: Yes, up to 62 linear inches, or up to 80 inches with a $75 fee
Can you bring a skateboard on a plane with Southwest?
Southwest gives you an option and will accept a skateboard as carry-on baggage or a checked bag.
Here’s a link to their policies
Spirit Airlines
- Carry-On Baggage: Yes, skateboards only up to 22″ in length
- Checked Baggage: Yes, up to 62 linear inches, or above 62 linear inches for a $100 fee
Can you bring a skateboard on a plane with Spirit? Spirit accepts shorter skateboards as carry-on baggage.
Here’s a link to their policy
Sun Country Airlines
- Carry-On Baggage: No
- Checked Baggage: Yes
Can you bring a skateboard on a plane with Sun Country? While Sun Country doesn’t specifically list skateboards on their baggage page, they answered the question on Twitter social media. The skateboard would need to be in a bag or case and comply with the normal checked baggage rules.
United Airlines
- Carry-On Baggage: No
- Checked Baggage: Yes
Can you bring a skateboard on a plane with United? Sure, United is another airline that gives you the option of bringing a skateboard onboard as carry-on luggage. As always, this doesn’t apply to electric skateboards.
Here’s a link to their policies
Recap
Can you bring a skateboard on a plane? Thanks for reading! If you have any comments or questions email me here
