Helmet on board

[mark manley]

I asked a friend who works for the TSA, these are the people who check your luggage at US airports where they are more strict than many countries and she said there there is no problem with a helmet as checked or carry on luggage.

[shu...]

I have always carried my helmet on board in a small pack or duffle bag. No problem with Southwest, United, American, Lufthansa, Condor, or Turkish Air.

I would call them again and check with a different person.

If they do not allow it on board, I would pack it full of soft items, pad it on all sides, put it inside my zipped riding jacket, inside my gear bag and send it as checked luggage. Not much else you can do. I would be pretty confident that it would be okay, but, if not, it would be just the first of your trip's challenges.

.........shu

[brclarke]

I've flown with my helmet and gloves in a carry-on bag many times and have never been grief. If the security guys look at it, the only comment I've gotten is mild interest and a few curious questions about renting a motorcycle at my destination.

Honestly, it sounds to me as though the person on the phone didn't know what he/she was talking about.

[maria41]

Same here. Been flying few times with my helmet over the years (Moscow, Bishkek, Istanbul, Rio, USA, Vietnam...) and never had any questions asked.


Helmet is always in a carry bag. Always went through security with no issues.

[hakunamatata]

Thanks to all of you. It's a good idea to call them again, maybe they'll tell me I can carry it on

[Grant Johnson]

Maybe not call them, you'll often find, as in many things, that "head office" has no idea what is actual practice on the ground.
We have carried our helmets on many flights all over the world, and never had an issue - but we do carry them in a helmet bag, not obvious, for protection and so as to not advertise them.
If they give you a hassle at the gate, escalate it to the top. A helmet is no more dangerous than a carry on bag, in fact much less so as it's a lot lighter than some of the monsters people carry on board!
Unless they can show you, in writing, that it's against airline regulations, you will win. And I'd be surprised if anyone took it that far as it's ridiculous.
Good luck and let us know what happens!

[hakunamatata]

I've just called them again, the lady didn't understand first the words "motorcycle helmet" and started laughing "what, motorcycle?
Then she said it's fine to carry it on.
The only thing is its dimention which are too big, but I'll take that risk if you all say you've never had a problem

Thanks