Last Updated: November 17, 2023
Can you Bring a Skateboard on a Plane? (Answered)
Knowing what TSA allows and what you have to put in your checked luggage is challenging. Especially when you have something unusual like a skateboard!
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Can you bring a skateboard on a plane?
Skateboards On A Plane
- Yes, you can bring a skateboard on a plane
- They should be packed properly with a cover
- The final say is with the airline
Keep reading this article to learn how to pack your skateboard while traveling and how to store it during the flight. Let’s dive in!
Is Bringing a Skateboard on a Plane Allowed?
You can bring a skateboard on a plane if you don’t plan on skateboarding on board! The TSA allows skateboards if you pack them properly. However, the final decision is the airline’s, as there might be some restrictions regarding packing.
Carry-On
Most airlines allow you to bring a skateboard in your carry-on bag. The skateboard itself might be considered a carry-on. So, if you have a proper skateboard bag, all the better. Still, you can carry your skateboard on board.
Some airlines allow you to bring your skateboard on a plane if it fits under the seat. Naturally, you must keep the wheels up so the skateboard doesn’t roll away.
Alternatively, you might have to place a longer skateboard in the overhead compartment. Most airlines will require some sort of skateboard cover.
Checked Luggage
There are no restrictions on packing skateboards as checked luggage. You can either pack the skateboard in its own bag or in your checked bags.
Airlines that Allow Skateboards on a Plane
Unfortunately, not many U.S. airlines permit bringing a skateboard on their planes. That’s because skateboards can easily roll away. In turn, this might hinder flight attendants’ job, cause disturbances mid-flight, or injure a passenger.
Still, if you’re flying Southwest or United, you can bring a skateboard as a carry-on. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t travel with your precious skateboard. Instead, you’ll need to check it.
Here are the rules and regulations of some popular U.S. airlines:
- United: You can bring non-powered skates as carry-on items.
- Southwest: Storing the skateboard in a bag or under the seat is permitted. If you don’t have a skateboard cover, simply covering it with a trash bag will be enough to keep it overhead.
- Spirit: The airline allows skateboards as a carry-on and in your checked luggage. However, you must sign a limited liability release.
- JetBlue: If the skateboard meets the size requirements, you can bring it as a carry-on.
- American: You can only carry one skateboard in your checked bags.
- Delta: You can bring a skateboard in both the carry-on and checked luggage if it doesn’t exceed 115 inches and if you have a suitable skateboard cover.
Cost of Bringing a Skateboard on a Plane
There’s no additional cost specifically for bringing skateboards on a plane. These items are treated just like your personal bags.
Accordingly, the cost of bringing a skateboard on a plane is the same as checking an extra bag or taking a carry-on.
Most airlines, such as Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, and Frontier, don’t charge any fees for carry-on bags. However, they permit only one carry-on bag per passenger.
So, if you already have a carry-on bag, you’ll need to check your skateboard. This will typically cost about $30. Checking your skateboard as a second checked bag costs about $40.
That said, flying Southwest has its perks. That’s because you can take your skateboard on board, and it doesn’t cost extra to check it, even as a second bag!
You’ll still need to get a travel-friendly skateboard bag, though. A travel skateboard bag might cost anywhere between $30 and $90.
How to Pack a Skateboard for Air Travel
Traveling with a skateboard is relatively easy, especially if you have a skateboard travel bag. You still don’t want to risk breaking your precious board, though. For this reason, here’s a step-by-step guide on traveling with a skateboard:
Double-Check Your Airline Regulations
Usually, you’ll face no trouble if you bring your skateboard in your checked luggage. The main problem is with carry-on. Since each airline has different regulations, it’s best to refer to your airline’s website or even call them before flying.
Pack Your Skateboard
Next, it’s time to pack your skateboard. While you can just put your skateboard in your checked or carry-on bag if it fits, we recommend packing it separately for safekeeping.
If you’re taking your skateboard as a carry-on, attaching it to your backpack is pretty simple. Don’t forget to take a plastic or a trash bag with you so you can stow your board in the overhead compartment.
Check-In Early
Everyone knows the importance of checking in early. However, if you’re traveling with a skateboard, this is non-negotiable. The reason is that checking in early guarantees you’ll find a spot in the overhead compartment. This way, the skateboard won’t cause any hassle during the flight.
Stow Your Skateboard Properly
Lastly, whether you’re stowing the skateboard overhead or under your seat, you must stow it properly. Start by putting the wheels up so that the skateboard doesn’t roll. Then, place the skateboard in a trash bag to keep it from damaging other items in the overhead compartment.
Can You Bring Your Longboard on a Plane?
You can bring a longboard on a plane as checked luggage or a carry-on, depending on the airline rules.
Since longboards are larger, you must double-check your longboard’s dimensions and match them to the airline’s regulations regarding carry-on items.
As for stowing the longboard, you must also put the wheels up and get a separate bag to keep the bag in during the flight.
Can You Bring Your Electric Skateboard on a Plane?
Electric skateboards are classified as hazardous, as they contain lithium batteries. These batteries can spark an electric fire spontaneously.
Accordingly, with some exceptions, you can neither bring them in your carry-on nor checked luggage. Having said that, if you remove the batteries from the electric skateboard, you should be allowed to get it on the plane.
The final decision rests on the airline and TSA officer. So, contacting the airline before taking your electric skateboard to the airport is best.
Can You Use Your Skateboard in the Airport or on a Plane?
The smooth floors of airports seem like perfect skateboarding terrain, and skateboarding can help you get by faster in an airport.
However, it would be best not to use your skateboard in the airport. The reason is that airports are hectic. You don’t want to knock over anyone’s luggage or run into other passengers.
Still, you can use your skateboard if you have a long layover and the airport lounge is somewhat empty. Just don’t do any tricks, and be respectful of others.
As for the flight, you can’t skateboard on a plane.
Will My Skateboard Undergo Security Screening?
Generally, any item you bring to the airport will undergo a security screening, including your skateboard. You don’t need to worry. The TSA permits bringing skateboards on planes. So, you’ll be in the clear, as long as your skateboard doesn’t operate on lithium batteries.
Wrapping Up
Can you bring a skateboard on a plane?
Yes, TSA permits bringing skateboards on a plane. Each airline has its own rules, though. Some airlines allow you to stow your skateboard under the seat, while others only permit skateboards on checked luggage.
If you take a skateboard on a plane, you’re responsible for stowing it properly. It shouldn’t roll around the plane or damage other passengers’ items.
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
