Can You Bring a Longboard On A Plane?

Nothing is appealing about having to leave your longboard behind when you travel. Part of the fun of skating and longboarding is getting to ride at unfamiliar locations. So, can you bring a longboard on a plane?

You can bring a longboard as a carry-on at select airlines, almost all airlines allow a longboard as checked baggage. Some airlines do not allow you to carry on a longboard due to its length, so it’s important to check with your airline in advance. If allowed, place your longboard underneath the seat in front of you or in a bag in the overhead compartment.

It’s worthwhile to invest in a longboard travel bag because they make it easier to check and carry on longboards. Airlines don’t charge you extra to travel with a longboard unless you check it in a bag that weighs more than 50 pounds. Follow along as we explore everything that you need to know about bringing a longboard on a plane.

Can You Bring a Longboard as a Carry-on Luggage?

You can bring a longboard as a carry-on with several airlines. For example, Southwest Airlines lets you bring a longboard on the plane as carry-on luggage if it fits underneath the seat in front of you. That can be limiting for some riders with larger longboards, the type of longboard is important.

Some airlines don’t require you to conceal your longboard in a bag if the wheels face upwards. You can also bring a longboard on the plane if it’s in a bag and you place it in the overhead compartment. It’s important to research your airline’s policy so that can comply.

Otherwise, you may have to check your longboard before or even after security, and pay the required fee by the airline. In the worst case scenarios you may have to leave your longboard behind at the airport if you don’t meet their requirements.

Can You Fly with Your Longboard as Checked Baggage?

You can check your longboard as luggage when you fly. Conceal your longboard in a bag that doesn’t exceed 50 pounds and check it. If it weighs more than 50 pounds (which a longboard alone doesn’t), you will likely have to pay an additional fee depending how friendly the airline worker is that day.

You can either check your longboard alone in a bag or you can strap it to your suitcase in a customized way. A common way to connect your longboard to suitcase is to first tape it and then plastic wrap it to hold it and protect it

It helps to remove the trucks and wheels and put them on the sides of your luggage to maximize space. That way, you can pack everything else that you need without having to carry on a bag full of your essentials.

Choosing the Right Checked Bag for Your Longboard

You can always find a bag that is longer and skinnier in size so you can safely pack your longboard inside of it. Honestly, if you want the least amount of hassle when travelling this is your best bet. Keep in mind, a checked bag must be a certain size depending on your airline, this will be measured in linear inches.

Linear inches is calculated by adding up the width, length, and depth of the bag. An example of a large size check-in suitcase is 30 inches x 20 inches x 12 inches. This equals 62 linear inches, which is known as the common standard limit, but honestly most airlines are measuring weight over size, just double check your airline to check their size limits to be safe.

Longboards are pretty big, sometimes as long as 60 inches and these will require special bags for checking them, which is will touch on later in this article. But standard size longboards still won’t fit in a standard size suitcase, that’s why I recommend choosing a duffle style bag.

Here are some longer bags that may fit your longboard (click on name for latest price):

Name	How it Looks	Size (Inches)
Rockland Rolling Duffel Bag		40″x17″x17″
43″ Sports Duffle Bag by RicoRich		43.3″x13.4″x15.8″
Amazon Basics Ripstop Wheeled Duffel		37.5″x18.25″x16″
Rothco Canvas Zipper Duffle Bag		Standard (21″ X 36″) Jumbo (25″ X 42″) Giant (30″ X 50″)

 

Are there any Size Restrictions for Longboards on a Plane?

All airlines are different, some allow skateboards and longboards as carry-on luggage and others do not. All airlines do allow longboards to be taken as checked luggage though, but size limits and restrictions are based on individual airlines, so fees may or may not apply.

As a carry on option its often known that you can only bring a longboard on a plane if it measures under 45 linear inches, as this is standard carry-on size. However, as mentioned already your specific airline may allow your board, just ask beforehand.

Are there any Additional Fees for Taking a Longboard on a Plane?

You are only required to pay an additional fee to bring a longboard on a plane if you check a bag. However, many airlines let you check one bag for free anyway. You can avoid paying additional fees if you simply put your longboard in the bag that you check.

No fees apply if you carry on your longboard, so if your airline allows it this is a great option. If the airline doesn’t allow your longboard and you get through security, when boarding the plane they can either check the bag for a fee or deny you from taking it on.

If your longboard is long and over the linear dimensions when packed away, it is possible you will have to pay for oversized luggage fees. However, many airlines have a sporting equipment baggage options where the fees are similar to standard baggage options.

Do All Airlines Allow Longboards?

Almost all airlines allow you to bring longboards, but they vary in terms of their policies. Many airlines don’t let you bring your longboard as a carry-on, but they will let you check them. The general policy is that you can check your longboard or substitute it for a carry-on bag if it fits the carry-on size requirements.

What Airlines Allow Longboards?

Several airlines allow you to check or carry-on longboards, such as Delta, Southwest, American, Alaska Airlines, Virgin America, and Spirit. It’s worth checking your airline’s skateboard and longboard policy before your trip. For example, Virgin America only lets you check your longboard as luggage whereas Southwest lets you bring it on the plane.

Remember that airlines can change policies at any point in time, I can make a list today but it can change tomorrow. It is best to call ahead and get the most up to date information from your airline directly.

How to Take Your Longboard on a Plane as Carry-On Luggage:

1. Do Your Research

Before you do anything, it’s important to make sure that your airline will let you take your longboard on the plane as carry-on luggage. Refer to the policies listed on their website. Once you’ve done that, measure your longboard to make sure that it’s not too big to fit under a seat.

Seat width varies between airlines, so you will need to look up your airline. If it is too big to fit under a seat, you will need to place it in a bag. Look for a bag that has extra room on either side so that you can pack other things besides your longboard if need be.

2. Place It Under The Seat

Place your longboard underneath the seat in front of you if it isn’t too big. Never put your longboard on under the seat in front of you with the wheels on the ground. This is a safety hazard and the longboard can roll under other seats and into the aisle. Make sure that your wheels face upward and that your grip tape is on the ground so that it won’t roll.

3. Board The Plane Early

Check-in for your flight as early as possible so that you get preferential boarding. You will want to get on the plane before it’s packed if you have to put your longboard in a bag. That way, you can place it in the overhead compartment without having to worry about fitting your longboard around other people’s bags.

All the recent times I have travelled the airline began offering free checked carry-on baggage, so if this happens, feel free to check your longboard to your final destination. If only one flight your longboard will be one of the first items on the carousel from your flight.

How to Take Your Longboard on a Plane as Checked Baggage:

1. Pack Well

Carefully pack your bag so that you can fit more than just your longboard. Either purchase a longboard travel bag or get luggage that is big enough for a longboard. Place your longboard in the bag with the wheels facing up so that there is more room. Remove the wheels and trucks and set them to the side if you want to maximize space.

2. Visit The Ticket Counter

All that you need to do is visit the ticket counter at your airport to check your longboard. Your airline will likely let you check one bag for free as long as it doesn’t exceed the weight limit. Checked bags typically need to be under 50 pounds before additional fees apply. Once you’ve checked your longboard, you can simply go through security and board the plane.

Can You Buy Longboard Travel Bags?

Longboard travel bags make traveling as easy as possible. You can easily sling a longboard travel bag on your back and walk onto the plane without a problem. This is a great option if you plan to put your longboard in the overhead compartment. You won’t have to worry about scuffing the wheels or grip tape and your longboard will fit in the compartment much more easily.

Check out some longboard bags you can take on your next trip (click name for latest price):

Name	Image	Size
YS Sport Portable Longboard Carry Bag		47 x 11 x 6 inches
DreamFire 46 inch Longboard Carry Bag		46 x 14 x 5.5 inches
GoRide Skateboard or Longboard Backpack Bag Carrier		20 x 12 x 6 inches

Read Related: 5 Best Longboarding Backpacks

Final Thoughts

You can easily bring a longboard on a plane. The easiest way is to put your longboard in a bag and check it as luggage. Otherwise, you can bring your longboard on the plane and put it under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment.

But first, research your airline in advance to find out if they will let you bring your longboard as a carry-on. Some airlines only let you check skateboards and longboards as luggage. Typically, no additional fees apply to checking longboards as long as the luggage doesn’t exceed 50 pounds or the airlines total size limits.

Any questions or tips I would love to hear from you in our comments section below.