Can A Motorcycle Helmet Be Used As Hand Luggage?

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Key Takeaways

  • A loose motorcycle helmet cannot be brought on a plane. It must be put in a travel bag or helmet bag and fit inside the overhead compartment.
  • We prefer to bring helmets in a carry-on because the baggage handlers are not gentle with checked baggage.
  • Nearly all airlines will allow a helmet if it meets the size and weight restrictions. Each airline has a different size policy.

Motorcycle riders face traveling dilemmas just like anybody else. This is why we often get asked if a motorcycle helmet can be brought on flights.

You cannot use a motorcycle helmet as primary hand luggage but it can be brought on many flights. It must fit in a bag and meet size and weight restrictions. A helmet is considered a loose item, so airlines won’t allow you to bring it on the plane as a personal item unless it is packed in a bag.

In this guide, we will explore various tips and guidelines that can help bring your motorcycle helmet on board a plane as smoothly and hassle-free as possible, from finding suitable bags to navigating airport security. Keep reading to learn what we know based on published airline policies.

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Are You Allowed To Use A Motorcycle Helmet As Hand Luggage?

A motorcycle helmet cannot be used as hand luggage, but it’s allowed on an airplane if you pack it inside a travel bag or carry-on bag.

It typically depends on the airline and the airports involved in our journey. Most airlines will allow helmets as carry-on hand luggage, especially if kept in a small backpack or a dedicated helmet bag.

However, we must always check the specific guidelines set by the airlines and airports, as policies can vary. Generally, helmets can be brought on board if they meet the size and weight restrictions for carry-on luggage.

When traveling with our helmets, we should keep a few things in mind:

  • Invest in a helmet bag to protect our gear during transit.
  • Be prepared to remove the helmet when going through security checks.
  • Ensure our helmets comply with airline and airport policies for size and weight.

We should avoid checking our helmets as baggage, as this could lead to scratches, dents, or even cracks due to the rough handling of checked bags.

Does A Motorcycle Helmet Count As A Carry On?

Yes, a motorcycle helmet will be a carry-on unless you put it in your checked bag. We can pack our helmet inside a carry-on bag only if it remains within the weight and measurement rules.

Many airlines also allow passengers to bring one personal item. But because of the size of a helmet, it’s not classified as a personal item on some airlines. Instead, it must be a carry-on because it will occupy space in the overhead compartment.

When traveling with your helmet as hand luggage, consider placing it in a padded helmet bag for added protection. This will help you ensure your helmet's safety during your journey.

It's important to note that you'll need to check with the specific guidelines of the airports and airlines involved in your travel. While many airlines allow motorcycle helmets as carry-ons, there might be variations in their policies. So, always double-check to avoid any inconveniences.

TSA Regulations For Motorcycle Helmets

TSA regulations allow motorcycle helmets in both carry-on and checked luggage. This flexibility allows us to choose the most convenient option for safe transportation.

But they are considered loose items, so you should pack them in a helmet bag, duffel bag, or travel bag with other riding gear. The bag should be big enough to carry your essentials, a riding jacket, and motorcycle gear. It still needs to meet the required size and weight limit too.

There are no guarantees when it comes to taking unbagged helmets onboard as hand luggage. TSA has clear rules on wearing anything resembling armor on flights. As a result, we must be mindful and abide by these guidelines.

Airlines classify helmets only as carry-on due to their size limitations. Most helmets won't fit under the seats and will need to be stowed in the overhead storage space. A crash helmet is a loose item too.

The only alternative is to put the helmet in your checked baggage. No airline will allow motorcycle helmets on the plane as personal items.

Do All Airlines Allow Motorcycle Helmets On The Plane?

When it comes to carrying a motorcycle helmet on a plane, we can confirm that most airlines generally allow it. However, it's important to remember that policies can vary between different airlines.

According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), helmets are allowed in carry-on and checked luggage. This means that, in most cases, we should be able to fly with our helmets without any issues.

However, it's always a good idea to check the specific regulations of the airline we are flying with, as their rules might differ. Some helpful tips when bringing crash helmets on a plane include placing them in a padded helmet bag and carrying them as personal hand luggage.

Remember, though, to ensure that our ticket fare allows for one personal hand luggage item, as some low-cost carriers might have different policies. Ultimately, most airlines allow motorcycle helmets as hand luggage. Verifying this before our flight is crucial to avoid any last-minute surprises.

Best Way To Bring a Motorcycle Helmet On a Plane

We all know that traveling with a motorcycle helmet can be a bit tricky. In this section, we'll discuss the best ways to bring a motorcycle helmet on a plane, focusing on whether to check it in or carry it on as hand luggage.

Checked Bag vs Carry On

First, it's important to know that you can indeed bring a motorcycle helmet on a plane. According to the Transportation Security Administration, crash helmets are allowed in carry-on and checked bags.

However, the final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

Carry On:

  • Easy access
  • Less risk of damage or loss
  • Most airlines consider it as hand luggage

Checked Bag:

  • Less hassle at security
  • Requires appropriate packing, such as a padded helmet bag
  • Ensure the airline's specific policies are followed

When deciding between checking your helmet in and carrying it on, consider the convenience, risk of damage or loss, and airline-specific policies. It can either fit in a carry bag or be used as your carry-on item.

Using a padded helmet bag is a good idea to protect your motorcycle helmet during the flight. This will ensure your helmet remains safe and free from scratches and minor dings.