I often see this question coming up so I did some digging and decided to make a list of all airlines in the US and their rules regarding bringing a skateboard on an airplane. Good news! Many airlines allow skateboards on a plane as long as you follow the rules.
Skateboards as checked bagage are always allowed but fees may apply. Allegiant, Air Canada, South West, WestJet, and United Airlines allow a skateboard as carry-on. Sometimes a 32″ skateboard is allowed if you store it under your seat with the wheels facing up. A disassembled skateboard is often allowed if you ask nicely.
Here’s a list of North American airlines that allow skateboards, usually you have to check them in.
| North American Airlines | Fees | Checked or carry-on |
|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | $45 | Checked |
| Delta Airlines | $30 | Checked |
| United Airlines | $35 | Checked and carry- on |
| Air Canada | $30 | Checked |
| Southwest Airlines | $90 per additional baggage | Checked and carry- on |
| Alaska Airlines | $30 | Checked |
| JetBlue Airways | $65 | Checked |
| Spirit Airlines | $26 | Checked |
| WestJet | $40 | Checked and carry- on |
If stowed in an overhead bin you need to cover the wheels using a trash bag. This only apply to a small number of airlines. Most of the airlines don’t allow you to carry on your skateboard and require you to check them in instead. Looking at these regulations it means that shorter longboards, like mini cruisers can also be carried on a plane.
In most cases, you can’t bring an electric skateboard or electric longboard on a plane, unless you remove the batteries. If you’re confident enough there are a few ways to bend the rules a little.
Contents
List of Airlines & Rules Regarding Skateboards
The policies vary most airlines allow you to take your skateboard on a plane as long as you stick to the regulations. Here’s a list of common US airlines and their policy. Make sure to check their websites as things may change.
Make sure to double check the policies as in time the rules may change over time. Give them a call to be certain and prevent extra charges. many airlines claim you’re allowed to take you skateboard as a carry on but size restrictions tell otherwise!
Here is the list of airlines and their policies for carrying skateboards, listed alphabetically:
Alaska Airlines
Carry-on❌
Checked ✅
Skateboards are subject to standard checked baggage fees and waivers. Accepted as checked baggage, provided a skateboard is properly packed in a soft- or hard-sided case designed specifically for the equipment. Check their policy.
American Airlines
Carry-on❌
Checked ✅
Skateboards are not allowed as carry-on baggage. Must be checked in and might be charged the same fee as the 1st or 2nd bag fee of your destination.
The standard checked bag fees for your destination will apply for bags weighing up to 50lbs/23kgs and measuring up to 126in/320cm (length + width + height). If your bag weighs between 51lbs/23kgs and 70lbs/32kgs, the standard overweight fee will apply. Check their policy.
Allegiant
Carry-on ✅
Checked ✅
Low-cost airline requires you to purchase overhead bin space. Skateboard must either be small enough for under the seat in front of you or purchase overhead bin space.
Due to hazardous materials restrictions, Allegiant does not allow electric skateboards, balance gliders, hoverboards, or self-balancing boards of any kind that use lithium metal or lithium ion batteries in either checked or carry-on baggage.
Air Canada
Carry-on ✅
Checked ✅
Skateboards are freely allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage.
You are allowed to bring one board or one bag containing boarding equipment as one piece of checked baggage, subject to the maximum weight and size restrictions. The maximum total linear dimensions for checked items is 158 cm (62 in), and the maximum weight is 23 kg (50 lb). If your board or bag exceeds these limits, Air Canada Cargo can handle the shipment for you.
If your board or bag is over 158 cm (62 in) in total linear dimensions or over 23 kg (50 lb), oversize and overweight charges will apply. Items must be packed in a rigid or hard shell container designed for shipping, as other packaging may be refused for carriage. Air Canada is not liable for damage resulting from inherent defects, quality issues, or vices of the baggage. Read their policy.
Delta Airlines
Carry-on❌
Checked ✅
Checked and carry-on baggage policies allow skateboards. When packed as checked baggage, standard baggage policies apply, and the skateboard must be in a bag. For carry-on baggage, size restrictions must be followed.
Additional policies include:
- Standard baggage fees and allowances apply based on the cabin and travel region.
- Skateboards over 50 lbs will be charged an excess weight fee.
- Skateboards with outside linear dimensions over 115 linear inches (292 cm) will not be accepted.
- Items exceeding the baggage allowance may incur additional or overweight baggage fees.
Delta does not allow the transportation of balance gliders, hoverboards, powered skateboards, motorized riding suitcases, and self-balancing boards of any type that use lithium or lithium-ion batteries on its aircraft. These items are strictly prohibited as both carry-on and checked baggage.
Frontier Airlines
Carry-on❌
Checked ✅
Skateboards are not allowed to be carried on board as a carry-on bag or checked with haz-mat stickers due to safety reasons. This means you can’t bring an electric skateboard.
Baggage prices vary depending on the Fare Option purchased, and additional fees for overweight and oversize baggage may apply if applicable.
Hawaiian Airlines
Carry-on❌
Checked ✅
Skateboards are not allowed as carry-on baggage but allowed as checked baggage if it does not exceed 62″ or 157cm or a weight of 50 pounds (22.5 kg).
Your baggage must be available for inspection by Hawaiian and/or authorized government agencies, with or without your knowledge or consent. Your baggage must also be suitable for travel. Check their full policy.
JetBlue
Carry-on❌
Checked ✅
Skateboards can be accepted as a carry-on if under 22″ or checked item which basically means you can’t bring your skateboard as a carry on.
JetBlue’s policy regarding skateboards on their planes is confusing. According to their policy, skateboards and longboards can be brought on the plane as either carry-on or checked baggage as long as they meet the size requirements.
However, the size restrictions for carry-on baggage are too small to accommodate most skateboards, which are typically longer than 22 inches.
Furthermore, a customer asked JetBlue on Twitter if a skateboard that meets the length requirements is allowed as carry-on baggage, and the answer was no, yet another tweet stated skateboard are allowed. Just assume you can’t and pack your board in a travelbag.
Ryan Air (EU)
Carry-on❌
Checked ✅
Skateboards must be checked in according to their terms and conditions article 8.4.7.
Southwest Airlines
Carry-on ✅
Checked ✅
A skateboard (non-electric) can be used instead of a carry-on or checked bag. If it fits under the seat, there’s no need to put it in a bag or cover it, but it must be stored with the wheels facing up to prevent rolling.
If it’s stored in an overhead bin, the skateboard must also have the wheels facing up and be placed in a bag or have the wheels covered (even a trash bag will suffice) to avoid harming other items. Straight from their policy.
Spirit
Carry-on❌
Checked ✅
Skateboards will only be accepted as checked baggage, and checked baggage fees apply.
According to Spirit Airlines’ policy, non-motorized and non-battery operated skateboards can be brought on board as a carry-on or personal item as long as they are within the size restrictions and are stowed with wheels up to prevent rolling.
However, the maximum size allowed is within Spirit’s carry-on or personal item dimensions, which is less than 22 inches. Skateboards count as one item towards a passenger’s bag allowance and carry-on bag fees apply.
Passengers must sign a limited liability release form as well. It’s important to note that Spirit Airlines is a budget Airline and strict when it comes to baggage allowance and fees. Definately not recommended to try to bring a skateboard as a carry-on. Fees for carry-on bags range from $14 to $39 and for checked bags from $21 to $6
United Airlines
Carry-on ✅
Checked ✅
United Airlines allows passengers to bring skateboards on board as carry-on baggage, as long as they are non-powered. According to their sports equipment policy, skateboards can be counted as part of a passenger’s baggage allowance, but if they are brought in addition to the baggage limit, an excess baggage fee may apply.
United Airlines charges service fees for first or second checked bags, and skating equipment that is carried in addition to the baggage allowance will be charged at the current rate for excess bags.
WestJet
Carry-on ✅
Checked ✅
WestJet (WS) permits each passenger to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item (such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop bag) free of charge. The dimensions of the carry-on bag should not exceed 45 linear inches (21 x 15 x 9 in) or 114 centimeters (53 x 38 x 23 cm), including handles and wheels, and there are weight restrictions as well.
- Skateboards may be brought as carry-on baggage if they are within the size requirements.
- All items must be packed for shipping to prevent damage.
- All applicable oversized, overweight and extra piece fees apply.
Tips When Bringing A Skateboard on a Plane
If you’re looking for more advice about traveling with your skateboard, check our 20 tips when traveling with a skateboard.
Don’t Worry Too Much About the TSA
Make sure to inform yourself properly and know the regulations of each airline. This will prevent any unpleasant surprises when you go through security. In general, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) allows skateboards on a plane or in the cargo hold.
The TSA website states that “The final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint“. They don’t want the hassle of checking a skateboard deck at the gate and if they stop you try to negotiate and be polite.
Careful with Connecting Flights Abroad
This is where it gets a bit more complicated. Once you fly abroad different rules may apply, even if you’re catching a connecting flight. From what I could find is that London (UK). Frankfurt (Germany) and Sydney (Australia) won’t allow you to carry on a skateboard.
You’ll need to go outside of the airport and check in your skateboard, which could potentially mean missing your flight. I tried my best to find the exact policy but haven’t succeeded, I’ll be sure to update this post if I can find out more.
How to Pack a Skateboard for Air Travel
The best way to get your skateboard in a plane is by disassembling. Carry your trucks in a backpack and attach your deck using straps, assuming you have a skateboard backpack. If you don’t have a bag, check out some duffel bags with straps on or look for backpacks with straps.
The staff doesn’t have time to deal with a deck that’s just a bit oversized and won’t bother you unless they’re having a bad day. Just make sure you’re in front of the line, meaning you have to get through the gate a bit earlier and get in front of the queue.
Make sure to pack your board in the best stowable way possible and the crew won’t bother you. Like I said, be friendly, compliment the crew when you can and they won’t give you any trouble (depending on the airline).
If you don’t have a bag with straps and you’re forced to check in your skateboard just firmly tape your bag and cover it with plastic wrap. You don’t want your deck to go missing, strapping your trucks to your shoes isn’t an option, or is it? Just make sure you can show your luggage is one single piece.
If someone at the check-in counter is giving you a hard time, tell them “excuse me, I don’t understand. I’ve been traveling the world and this is the first time I’ve heard of this. I checked your site and it didn’t mention anything about this being prohibited” (keep smiling and stay polite).
The safest way is to get a bag that fits your skateboard. A normal skateboard would fit perfectly and the staff won’t really give you a hard time. They might ask what’s in there and you just say my clothes and my skateboard, no problem.
Don’t expect to get all these questions on a domestic flight though, they won’t give you any trouble. If they do (domestic and international) just force it while maintaining your cool. I’m not talking about security (avoid arguing with them) but the men and women at the desks.
Disassemble Your Skateboard and Bend the Rules
Sometimes it helps to disassemble your skateboard. Now, this isn’t a very practical solution but it might save you some money in case they charge extra fees.
Just remove your trucks and put them in a backpack, your deck doesn’t take up too much space and can be stowed in an overhead bin. Alternatively, you can put in under the seat in front of you or wedge it between the seats.
If you have a window seat you could put it on between you and the seat fuselage. As a last resort, strap it on your luggage and put your skateboard deck in the overhead bin. I can’t guarantee this will always work but if you act polite and friendly nobody of the cabin crew will bat an eye.
Put on your most confident face and stow your skateboard on the plane as soon as you can. The early birds always get their bags on the plane. Oh and if you’re wondering, you can ride your skateboard in the airport. Just make sure not to run anyone over or get in the way. Security might ask you to stop though.
Electric Skateboards on a Plane
Bringing an electric skateboard on a plane is difficult. Most airlines have strict regulations and won’t allow E-boards because of fire hazards. There are people who claim you can bring your electric skateboard when you disassemble it and carry the batteries in your backpack but curb your enthusiasm.
According to Thetechieguy the TSA doesn’t mind e-boards going through security as long as the board’s battery meets the lithium-ion requirements.
However prepare to be disappointed, almost all airlines won’t allow you to transport your board even if you disassemble it. You can try your luck but it might end up getting you in trouble. No legal trouble, but what if they refuse to take it on the plane? Are you going to trash your board?
So can you bring an electric skateboard on an airplane? No, they’re a fire hazard. Some people remove the batteries and get away with it but you’ll risk losing your expensive equipment.
Most Skateboard-Friendly Airline
And the winner is… South-West Airlines! They provide the most accurate information without having to dig through their website and many skateboarders only have positive experiences bringing their skateboard on board (heh). They don’t charge any extra fees and you’ll have no issues going through security. Cheers guys!
Can I Take My Skateboard on a Train or Bus?
Yes, you can bring your skateboard on a bus or train, no problem. Amtrak and Greyhound allow you to bring it along. You can even bring your electric skateboard! As long as your skateboard isn’t gasoline-powered you will be fine. Happy travels!
Airplane seat image credits: Pexels
I’m an aged skateboarder and still shred responsibly. Started skateboarding 25 years ago, peaked in the 2000’s, and still ride to this day. I am a total geek when it comes to skateboard gear, love test to stuff and share my findings.