If you want to bring a longboard on a plane, the restrictions can be more strict compared to bringing a skateboard on a plane due to a longboard’s size.
According to TSA regulations, you can pack a longboard in both your carry on and checked bags, though airlines will have their own restrictions.
Even when it comes to skateboards, airlines are hit-and-miss if you want to bring them onboard a plane and into the overhead compartment.
Only Allegiant, Delta, Southwest, and United will allow you to pack your skateboard as a carry on item.
When it comes to bringing a longboard on a plane, they will mostly have to be checked, given that they can range from 25 to 50 inches in length and are about 10 inches wide.
If you want to bring your longboard as a carry on, Southwest is your best bet.
You should also remove the trucks before getting to the airport.
Domestic vs. International Flights
In the USA, carry on and checked bag allowances are more generous than other countries and airlines also charge less if you want to check in additional or special items.
So if you want to check in a longboard, you will find that the same rules apply worldwide – i.e. you will very likely only be able to check in your longboard – and the cost may be greater, too.
Does a Longboard Count as a Carry on or Personal Item?
Given that longboards range from 25 to 50 inches in length and are about 10 inches wide, they will technically neither count as a carry on nor personal item
Personal items generally have a size restriction of 17 inches long, 10 inches wide and 9 inches high, and must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you.
Carry on items must generally be no larger than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide and 8 inches high.
Sometimes airlines allow passengers to bring larger items as a carry on.
This includes longboards, and as mentioned Southwest is the best choice.
How to Pack Your Longboard for Air Travel
Flying with a longboard doesn’t have to be complicated.
There are just a few things you should keep in mind.
Consider packing your longboard in a golf bag, as you will be able to fit your longboard along with extra wheels, gloves, a helmet etc. at a very reasonable price.
Get to the airport earlier than normal, as you will be checking in additional luggage.
Contact the airline beforehand and state where you are flying from to get a definitive, up-to-date answer, as airlines sometimes change their regulations.
If an airline allows you to take your longboard as part of your carry on, make sure you remove the trucks.
You Can Bring a Skateboard on a Plane
According to the TSA, you can bring a skateboard on a plane in both your carry on and checked bags.
If you want to travel with your skateboard as a carry on, the final decision will rest with the airline you are flying with.
And Even an Electric Skateboard
According to TSA regulations, you can bring an electric skateboard on a plane as a carry on, as long as it has a battery capacity that is less than 100Wh.
If your electric skateboard has a battery capacity of between 101Wh and 160Wh, airline approval is needed.
If your electric skateboard has a battery capacity that is greater than 160 Wh, it won’t be allowed.
In all cases, your electric skateboard will not be allowed to be checked in as checked baggage.
The final decision will rest with the airline you are flying with, so keep in mind that you might not be able to fly with your electric skateboard at all.
Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.
Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.
Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).
