A common question by those that need to travel and have a passion for skateboarding, is can I take a skateboard on a plane? It’s also a completely fair question as well, because you see people take snowboards and skis etc, so why not a skateboard. Usually there are two sets of rules to consider, the first is does the country have regulations for flying and the second is does the airline have regulations for flying. It might be that one will let you take a skateboard on to the flight and another may not etc. Lets explore the ability to take a skateboard on an air plane in this article.
Where can I find the rules for taking a skateboard on a plane?
The UK has government guidelines for sports equipment that you can take with you as hand luggage on to an aeroplane in this link but unfortunately it doesn’t state anything for skateboards.
The USA however does highlight some slightly different rules, as can be found here on the TSA website. It states that you can definitely add them to your checked in luggage, but that special instructions are applied for hand luggage. For the special instructions it states the following for carrying a skateboard on a plane “Skateboards are allowed in carry-on bags. Please check with your airline for any size or weight restrictions.”, which to be honest just passes the responsibility to the airline.
Which Airlines allow a skateboard on a plane?
I will emphasise, that I will extract from official airline pages right now, but they may be subject to change, so please do not rely on my website for your final answer. Check with the specific airline you’re flying with.
Easyjet – “You can take most sports equipment as well as your hold luggage when you fly with us.” aka check with them for skateboards.
British Airways – “These sporting items need to be carried in the hold, so it’s best to pack them in a protective bag or pack them in your suitcase. ” aka it must be checked in. Link
Delta Airlines – “Skateboards are allowed as checked baggage and standard baggage policies apply.” Link
American Airlines – “Allowance and Requirements: 1 skateboard” Link
Virgin Atlantic – It’s not detailed, so get in touch with them.
Ryanair – It’s not detailed, so get in touch with them.
KLM – It’s not detailed, so get in touch with them.
Jet2 – It’s not detailed, so get in touch with them.
As you can see from the list above a lot of airlines have different rules and really make the decision based on discussions with yourself. I would advise even if the website says it’s ok, to still check with the plane operator before you take a skateboard on a plane.
Why would different airlines act differently to a skateboard on a plane?
I think the biggest factor here for considering why a skateboard would be allowed on a plane, is the size of the skateboard. Lets face it they vary in size hugely, from a small penny board through to a much larger long board. You can understand how a penny board might be acceptable in your hand luggage but you can likely also understand how inconvenient it is for other passengers if you’re trying to stuff a long board in the overhead hangers on a plane. I think for most who ride a standard Popsicle you’ll likely be fine, so it should just be a simple call to the plane operator to check.
Do you really want to take a skateboard onto a plane?
A rather different question here, that’s worth considering is not, do you want to take a skateboard wherever you are going, but rather do you trust it to remain in one piece on an air plane if you have to check the skateboard in. I’d recommend getting a good skateboard carrier/bag for protection and or if you can somehow stuff it into your suitcase. A large suitcase can vary in size from 70-80 cm and the length of a Popsicle board 70-85 cm, so it’s a tight squeeze, but take the trucks off etc, and you could manage it.
If I personally couldn’t vouch for the security of my skateboard, it wouldn’t go with me. I just wouldn’t be happy with the end result of a broken board as I land in my destination, perhaps I would rather just buy a set up when I get there and bring it home with me, it’s half the travel at least.
Can I take an electric skateboard on a plane?
At this point we’re no longer considering a skateboard as a plank of wood and some wheels. We need to recognise the skateboard is a machine and this obviously brings in new considerations. The primary problem that comes up here, is the plane operators concern over batteries. From what I can tell, it looks like air plane operators would rather be super cautious and say no to allowing an electric skateboard on a plane and protect themselves from potential issues. I’d check with the airline but don’t be too hopeful.
Remember the plane transfers!
Assuming you have decided, yes I’m doing this and you’re now planning for that trip to the one skate park that sticks in your mind beyond all others. You need to always remember different countries will have different rules, so check government websites. Also remember you may be flying with multiple plane operators, who will also have different rules. You do not want to be caught out in the transfer zone where your skateboard is removed from a flight and discarded (I’d like to think the operator you start your travel with, will be helpful enough to identify faults here, but there are no guarantees).
I’ve covered some of the basics in this article, hopefully it’s been helpful or provided some thought provoking considerations for next time you want to travel and take a skateboard on a plane. If you’re planning a trip with the deck in hand, then maybe it’s worth checking out the most famous skate parks
