Flying with Your Longboard: A Comprehensive Guide to Airline Policies

Traveling with your longboard can be tricky, but it’s definitely possible with the right planning. Many airlines allow skateboards, including longboards, on board, either as carry-on or checked baggage, as long as you comply with their specific rules. This guide breaks down the policies of various airlines, offering practical tips for a smooth journey with your beloved longboard.

Generally, skateboards, including longboards, are allowed as checked baggage, though fees may apply. A few airlines like Allegiant, Air Canada, Southwest, WestJet, and United Airlines sometimes allow longboards as carry-on, especially smaller ones that fit under the seat. Disassembling your longboard can also help get it on board more easily, often with a friendly request to the airline staff.

Here’s a breakdown of North American airlines and their general policies regarding skateboards, including longboards:

Note that if your longboard needs to be stowed in the overhead bin, some airlines may require you to cover the wheels using a bag, such as a trash bag. This precaution is mainly to protect other passengers’ belongings. Remember that most airlines prefer to have skateboards checked in as baggage rather than as carry-on items. Mini cruisers, due to their smaller size, might be more likely to be accepted as carry-on.

It’s essential to be aware that electric longboards or skateboards are usually not allowed on planes unless you remove the batteries.

skatepark viewed from airplane window

Detailed Airline Policies for Longboards

Navigating airline policies can be confusing. Here’s a comprehensive look at specific airline rules for longboards, ensuring you’re well-prepared for your travels:

Alaska Airlines

• Carry-on: ❌

• Checked: ✅

  Longboards are accepted as checked baggage, with standard checked baggage fees applicable. The longboard should be packed in a soft or hard case designed for sports equipment.
  Check their policy.

American Airlines

• Carry-on: ❌

• Checked: ✅

  American Airlines does not permit longboards as carry-on baggage. They must be checked, and standard checked bag fees, based on your destination, will be applied.
  Check their policy.

Allegiant

• Carry-on: ✅ (If it fits under the seat or you pay for overhead space)

• Checked: ✅

  Allegiant allows carry-on skateboards, including smaller longboards, if they fit under the seat in front of you. If not, you have to pay for overhead bin space. Electric skateboards or longboards are not allowed due to battery restrictions.

Air Canada

• Carry-on: ✅

• Checked: ✅

  Air Canada permits longboards as both carry-on and checked baggage. There is a limit of one board or bag of boarding equipment per passenger, with maximum dimensions of 158 cm (62 in) and 23 kg (50 lb). Exceeding these limits will lead to extra fees or shipment via Air Canada Cargo. They also require that the items are packed in a rigid case.
  Read their policy.

Delta Airlines

• Carry-on: ❌

• Checked: ✅

  Delta allows skateboards, including longboards, as checked baggage if they are packed in a bag and follow their size policies. Skateboards over 50 lbs will be charged excess weight fees, and items over 115 linear inches (292 cm) are not accepted. Electric skateboards are prohibited.
  Additional policies

Frontier Airlines

• Carry-on: ❌

• Checked: ✅

  Frontier does not allow longboards as carry-on baggage or with hazmat stickers. This also means no electric skateboards. Baggage prices vary, and oversized or overweight items might incur extra fees.

Hawaiian Airlines

• Carry-on: ❌
• Checked: ✅

Longboards are only allowed as checked baggage and must not exceed 62″ (157cm) or 50 pounds (22.5 kg). Your luggage must be available for inspection by the airline or government agencies. Check their full policy.

JetBlue

• Carry-on: ❌ (Confusing policy, best to assume they are not allowed)

• Checked: ✅

  JetBlue’s policy is unclear. They state skateboards can be carry-on or checked baggage if size requirements are met. However, carry-on size restrictions are often too small for longboards. It’s best to pack your longboard in a travel bag for a smoother experience. JetBlue’s policy

Ryan Air (EU)

• Carry-on: ❌

• Checked: ✅

  Ryan Air requires all skateboards, including longboards, to be checked in according to their terms and conditions.

Southwest Airlines

• Carry-on: ✅

• Checked: ✅

  Southwest Airlines allows longboards (non-electric) as either a carry-on or checked bag. If it fits under the seat, it doesn’t need to be in a bag, but wheels must face up. If stored in an overhead bin, the longboard needs to be in a bag or have covered wheels to avoid damage. their policy.

Spirit

• Carry-on: ❌ (Not recommended)
• Checked: ✅

Spirit accepts longboards only as checked baggage, with applicable fees. While they state they allow carry-on if the longboard is under 22 inches, they are strict with size and fees. It’s best not to try to bring a longboard as a carry-on. Spirit Airlines’ policy.

United Airlines

• Carry-on: ✅ (Non-powered boards)

• Checked: ✅

  United allows non-powered longboards as carry-on baggage. If they exceed the allowed baggage limit, excess baggage fees might apply. They do charge for checked bags.

WestJet

• Carry-on: ✅ (If size limits are met)

• Checked: ✅

  WestJet permits longboards as carry-on if they are within size requirements, otherwise they have to be checked. Oversized, overweight and extra piece fees apply.

Essential Tips for Traveling with Your Longboard

To make your journey as hassle-free as possible, here are some practical tips:

Don’t Stress Too Much About the TSA

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) generally allows skateboards, including longboards, on planes as carry-on or in cargo, but it always depends on the TSA officer’s decision. If they stop you at security try to be polite and explain the situation.

Be Careful with Connecting Flights Abroad

Connecting flights abroad may mean that you have to deal with different regulations. Some airports, like London, Frankfurt, and Sydney, might not allow longboards as carry-on. You might have to check in your board, which may cause you to miss your flight. Check the specific airport policies to avoid issues.

How to Pack Your Longboard for Air Travel

Disassembling your longboard is often the best way to get it onto a plane. Put your trucks in a backpack and carry your deck separately using straps. If you don’t have a bag, look for duffel bags with straps or backpacks with straps. Arrive early at the gate to get through the queue first, and be polite and friendly with the staff.

If checking it in, tape the bag securely and cover it with plastic wrap. If they give you trouble at the counter, explain politely that you’ve traveled before and never had problems and that their website doesn’t mention any restrictions.

Using a bag that fits your longboard is the safest option. They may ask what’s inside, you just say it’s your clothes and your skateboard. It’s better to be polite than demanding.

trucks removed from skateboard

Disassemble Your Longboard and Bend the Rules

Sometimes, disassembling your longboard can help avoid extra fees. Remove the trucks and pack them separately. The deck can be stowed in the overhead bin or under the seat.

Electric Longboards on a Plane

Generally, electric longboards are not allowed due to fire hazards. Some may try to disassemble and carry the batteries separately, but airlines often refuse to transport them. It is risky to attempt and could result in the loss of your gear, so it’s not recommended.

The Most Longboard-Friendly Airline

Southwest Airlines is often cited as the most longboard-friendly airline. They offer clear policies, charge no extra fees, and skateboarders generally have positive experiences.

Can You Take Your Longboard on a Train or Bus?

Yes, it’s easy to bring your longboard on a train or bus. Amtrak and Greyhound allow longboards, including electric ones, as long as they’re not gasoline-powered. Enjoy your travels!

Airplane seat image credits: Pexels

Ruben vee

Ruben Vee

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.