I was wondering can I take skates on a plane? As I am traveling to to Germany next year for a competition. If so, do they have to go in the hold or can they go in hand luggage? What do I do if I need them for a skating competition and don’t want to be separated from them. There is lots of information out there, from lots of different sources. I have done plenty of research on line, condensed it down for you and this is what I found.
After considerable research, I can tell you that the answer is …….. No, not in the hand luggage (carry on luggage), but usually yes in the hold luggage. This is a general rule, airlines do differ, so if you want to be sure, check with your airline. I know you didn’t want to read that. You probably wanted me to say, ‘yes its fine’, but there’s a bit more to it than that. As a general rule they are rarely allowed on board in hand/carry on luggage and are almost always O.K in the hold. This is a very general rule though. In the course of my research, I have found many different answers. This is because all of the airlines differ. Each country does have a common rule for all airlines that fly out of that country, but these governmental rules do differ from country to country. It is the prerogative of the airline in question to decide what goes on their aircraft over and above those rules. The only way to be sure is to check with your airline, the rules in the country you are departing from and the rules in the country you are arriving at. This is long winded, but it is the only way to be sure something doesn’t go wrong. If its a skating holiday or a competition, you need to be sure. If you are in any doubt, then assume that they have to go in the hold. See below for the other factors you should consider when taking ice skates onto a plane.
How should I pack my ice skates for travel?
Well, there doesn’t seem to be many posts about this online, nor information from airlines. But consider that the last person that has the say so on whether to allow your skates on a plane is the checkpoint officer at the air port. So if you have confirmed with your airline first that its O.K to take them on, it cant hurt for he or she to see that your ice skating blades are securely covered. After all it is they who will decide how safe the object is, to go onboard the aircraft, over and above any guideline saying that you can. When I travel next, I will be putting my skate guards on ready. I will cut them to length, so as not to take up too much room in the bag and maybe wash them first as they will have to go next to clean items. Then I will put my soakers on over the top of the guards. I have to take them all anyway. After all I will still need to potentially walk around the rink in guards whilst abroad and will still want to put soakers on after skating. So as I am taking them all anyway, I will put them on, to show that I have taken every precaution in covering the blades.
Another important point is that you want to protect your skates from other luggage, especially when they are being thrown around in the hold, potentially with other bags on top of them. Try to pack a layer of clothing above and below them, to soften the impact from any items that may be stacked on top of them. If you don’t have ice skate blade guards, then consider packing the ice skates with the blades facing inwards. I know that if you pack them with the blades facing outwards, they fit better in the case, because the boots sort of fit together. The trouble is, if you don’t have blade guards, the blades could move in the case and you could end up piercing your own case with your blades.
Take any information on the competition or the event with you on the plane
This isn’t a rule or a regulation, but it it has two benefits. Here they are:
- If you have your skating documents with you, you are showing airport officials why you need to be taking your ice skates onto a plane. That is, only after you have been given permission by the airline.
- You also have a very good reason for your travel to that country, so it could help with passport control/immigration.
Its also reassuring to know that you have all your details to hand. If you are anything like me, you check your documents, tickets, passport and boarding passes at least 20 times before you get onto the plane.
How much do ice skates weigh?
If you are going to pack your skates in your hand luggage, you may need to allow for the weight. You need to check with your airline here. Some airlines have weight and size restrictions on hand luggage, whilst others just have size restrictions.
If you are flying with an airline that has restrictions on weight, it will be handy to know the weight of your ice skates. My ice skates weigh 2.9 kg or 6lb 6oz and they are Wifa Skatec Delux, in a size UK mens 10, thats a US mens size 10.5. My partners womens skates weigh 2.1 kg or 4lb 10oz, they are the same model of Wifa skatec Delux in a UK women’s size 5.5 or US womens 8.
All skates have different weights, there are different sizes and models. There are light weight versions, with light weight blades. I have given the weights of my partner and I’s skate weights, but don’t forget to weigh your hand/carry on luggage when it is totally packed. But as a rule, don’t forget to allow about 2 – 3 kg for your ice skates whilst traveling.
Can I take my Zuca bag on a plane as hand luggage?
Well I have done my research here and the answer is inconclusive. Some airlines will accept them, some wont. The problem is that the airline limitations for hand luggage are normally very specific. They normally give you a maximum height, width and depth. These are not really negotiable. I have heard that some airlines will take the total of all of these measurements and set a maximum total linear length (the width, height and depth added together). Skaters have in the past argued that although their zuca bag doesn’t fit exactly inside the measurements required, they are inside the total linear length, ie, all of the dimensions added together. Some skaters have had success with this approach. For some airlines, the zuca bag may fit directly inside the required dimensions. You need to find out the dimensions specified for your airline. These are normally clearly stated on their website, as will be the weight, although this can be variable according to what type of ticket you have and whether you have upgraded your luggage allowance. If you are in any doubt, contact your airline, as you don’t want to be leaving your zuca bag at the airport.
Do I need to insure my skates when traveling with them?
Well its probably a good idea. I mean, if not for the value of the ice skates, then for a little bit of peace of mind. The good news is that your holiday or general travel insurance will usually cover your luggage. Of course its always worth checking the small print, but most travel insurances cover your baggage. There are limitations to the cover offered by standard travel insurance, with regards to baggage.
What if the airline damages my ice skates?
If you get to your destination airport and are waiting patiently for your baggage, only to find it looks like its been run over by a bulldozer, then report the damage before you leave the airport. This is important as you may be issued with paperwork (a Property Irregularity Report) that you may need to make a claim against your travel insurance. It also wouldn’t hurt to take a few photos of your damaged baggage as well.
What do I do if my ice skates or baggage are stolen when traveling?
This is a nightmare situation right, especially if your ice skates are stolen on a competition trip. But here is what to do.
- Report the theft to the local police as soon as possible. This is important, because some insurance companies have a time limit or an exclusion clause in the policy with regards to how quickly you reported the theft.
- Get a crime reference number, there is a good chance that you will need this when making a claim.
- Be aware that some companies have exclusions in the policy if the baggage was unattended at the time.
- If you are attending a competition, let the organisers know, they may cut you some slack or be able to help, they may not, but its worth a go.
- Consider shipping out some ice skates from back home if you have a spare pair, using a 24 hour worldwide courier.
What do I do if my skates and or baggage are delayed
Well, as general rule, your travel insurance won’t cover this. But some airlines willing to pay for items like toiletries and clothing until your baggage arrives. This however is of little conciliation to a skater that has lost their skates temporarily, as this of course could throw the ice skating competition out of the window, but at least you may be able to get something to wear. If your baggage is delayed in this way, report it before you leave the airport.
