skatingforums
On the Ice => Sitting on the Boards Rink Side => Topic started by: AgnesNitt on May 14, 2012, 06:26:44 PM
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Apparently earlier this year, TSA changed its policy for carrying skates on board to 'allowed'
Gel shoe inserts are 'prohibited' .
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#8
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Not that I fly often, but that's great news! :)
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I've never flown with my skates and didn't know they were prohibited before, but that's good.
Clearly, though, the TSA has never cut their fingers on a freshly sharpened blade :)
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Clearly, though, the TSA has never cut their fingers on a freshly sharpened blade :)
You'll need to wrap the blades securely. That's on the page somewhere. I read an article that said the TSA realized skates were too awkward to use as weapons.
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You'll need to wrap the blades securely. That's on the page somewhere.
On the page is this: NOTE: Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
I would guess that a pair of soakers would be considered adequate sheathing for skate blades. If you want to be extra cautious, you could put some tape (such as masking tape or packing tape) around the soakers and blades to ensure the soakers cannot easily be dislodged.
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I've been carrying skates onboard for awhile now. Unfortunately, not all TSA supervisors are up to date on what's allowed and what isn't. The important thing is to bring a print-out of the TSA website showing that ice skates are not on the list of prohibited sporting goods. If I hadn't had my print-out to show the supervisor on my way to my Adult Sectionals competition in March, she would have made me check my skates. After reading it, she muttered something like, "You learn something new every day. . ."
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Please note that this is only applicable for internal flights in the USA. European countries (and also Australia) still specifically prohibit ice skates in carry-on baggage.
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Please note that this is only applicable for internal flights in the USA. European countries (and also Australia) still specifically prohibit ice skates in carry-on baggage.
I wonder who has jurisdiction on international flights? If you're leaving the US you have to pass TSA security, there's no other security on an international flight unless you connect elsewhere, but presumably the airlines have a say?
I've seen in some countries signs posting that some things are permitted on internal flights but prohibitied internationally (liquids), but I've never seen that for the sharps.
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I wonder who has jurisdiction on international flights? If you're leaving the US you have to pass TSA security, there's no other security on an international flight unless you connect elsewhere, but presumably the airlines have a say?
The security is performed by the country you are leaving. I know skaters who have carried skates on in the US (they were never specifically prohibited before- it was up to the individual screener), and then been made to check them when they have a connecting flight in another country. They have all said they prefer this, because they at least know the skates made it out of the US with them.
Many airlines will say they allow things, but if you can't get it passed the screener, it doesn't matter that the airline allows it. If an airline doesn't allow something that TSA does allow, they either have to do their own screening at the gate, or communicate this to TSA.
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Apparently earlier this year, TSA changed its policy for carrying skates on board to 'allowed'
Gel shoe inserts are 'prohibited' .
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#8
Good news about skates! But you can't wear gel shoe inserts on the plane? ???
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The security is performed by the country you are leaving. I know skaters who have carried skates on in the US (they were never specifically prohibited before- it was up to the individual screener), and then been made to check them when they have a connecting flight in another country. They have all said they prefer this, because they at least know the skates made it out of the US with them.
Not sure why getting them out the US helps them. I want them to arrive at the same destination that I do. The only time my luggage has gone missing it was leaving the UK for Canada and my bag missed the flight (came on the next one). I fly regularly to and from the US and have yet to have my bags go missing. TSA have so far opened them twice, with the second time no note being attached to tell me they opened the bag.
All airports have the same risk of luggage missing planes (and some airports have the additional risk of bags "disappearing" into airport workers cars).
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I'm glad that the TSA clarified the rule.
AFAIK, I've never cut myself on a "freshly sharpened blade," but I have scratched myself with the toepick or heel. I wouldn't think that soakers are enough to protect someone from getting poked or scratched.
I've done carry-on several times with no problem. I put the guards on, use a twist-tie or cable tie to secure the front, then put the soakers over everything or inside the skates to save space. If I don't really need the skates where I'm going, I just check them in my luggage.
Someone was discussing this just yesterday. I guess she reads Agnes' blog or our board because I haven't seen this discussed anywhere else on the 'net!
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TSA have so far opened them twice, with the second time no note being attached to tell me they opened the bag.
I'm not sure they have to.. when I flew with a bicycle a couple of years ago they very clearly unpacked it because I had several items placed within water bottles (my gloves, electrolyte tablets, etc - nothing that wasn't allowed, just small stuff I didn't want to get lost) and those were all over the place inside the case when I picked it up in baggage claim. There was no note that they'd inspected it. Nothing was missing, and thankfully nothing was damaged by the careless way they repacked it.
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Not sure why getting them out the US helps them.
No idea. But the two Team USA skaters I've talked to about this have both said they prefer to carry their skates on until they are forced to check them outside of the country.
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Not sure why getting them out the US helps them. I want them to arrive at the same destination that I do. ... All airports have the same risk of luggage missing planes (and some airports have the additional risk of bags "disappearing" into airport workers cars).
I would guess that their reasoning is that it is better to get the skates closer to the final destination before relinquishing control of them, so that if there is baggage handling mistake, it will be corrected more quickly. Which sounds reasonable to me. (Over the years, I've had bags get delayed several times, but each time the bags were delivered to me in about 18 hours of arriving home. Never had a delay on the out-bound part of the trip.)
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This is probably obvious, but:
You could remove the blades, so they aren't ice skates anymore. Then you check the blades.
There is a good chance you could buy new blades on site if they get lost, though you'd have to take your chances with the available sharpeners (the biggest skating events have "official sharpeners" who are very good, but who may nonetheless do things differently from your accustomed pro) - or you could have another pair, sharpened by your pro, shipped ahead of time by an independent route so at least one arrives. (Post offices in many countries, including the U.S., allow you to ship things to them that they will hold for pick-up.)
There are quite a few skaters who have extra pairs of blades (sometimes boots too) anyway, so they can ship one pair to a favored sharpener while skating on another, and to deal with equipment failures
Yes, it's expensive.
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It seems so unfair that a tiny group of nut cases has made air travel such a hassle for everyone. In a way, all the extra hassle means they've won.
Maybe specialized airlines should let you watch airport workers put your luggage on and off the plane, and take it to and from you while you watch. That would cut the theft issue.
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This is probably obvious, but:
You could remove the blades, so they aren't ice skates anymore. Then you check the blades.
Remove the blades? Really? Why would you post that as a suggestion? The rest of us know better than to take your advice, but the newbies could be tricked.
Just a word to the wise: don't take your blades off. Unless you need them when you get off the plane for a show/competition/clinic, just check your skates. Get to the airport early so there's less chance of their going astray.
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You are right: people who aren't willing to learn to do it properly shouldn't do it. Do it wrong, and you strip a mounting hole, or a screw top, or remount screws in the wrong holes (if old ones weren't filled).
But it's very possible.
I know at least two respected sharpening pros with a sizable mail order trade of skaters who remove and remount their own blades every 1 - 4 weeks or so. It's possible the techs showed them how.
Many techs remove bent blades from boots for sharpening.
I've also known a few skaters who remove their blades when they travel.
And a couple skaters who regularly moved one pair of blades between freestyle and dance boots, nearly every day they skate. I'm rather surprised that can work, and wonder how long their boots last.
When the defunct Ultima Matrix I removable runner system came out, a major advertised selling points was removability - though the soft mounting screws and nuts were proved quite problematic. Someone should come out with a removable runner system that is less problematic, to address this issue.
But yes - don't do it if you won't learn how to do it right.
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I know at least two respected sharpening pros with a sizable mail order trade of skaters who remove and remount their own blades every 1 - 4 weeks or so. It's possible the techs showed them how.
If skaters are getting their blades sharpened every week (or even every two...), the pro is doing something wrong...
Are they skating full days on artificial ice?
I have to agree with FigureSpins that removing blades for travel is an absurd suggestion, even if you do know so many people who do this. And you know MULTIPLE skaters who remove blades from dance boots to freestyle boots and every time you skate? Why in the world would anyone do that?
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I'm glad that the TSA clarified the rule.
AFAIK, I've never cut myself on a "freshly sharpened blade," but I have scratched myself with the toepick or heel. I wouldn't think that soakers are enough to protect someone from getting poked or scratched.
I've done carry-on several times with no problem. I put the guards on, use a twist-tie or cable tie to secure the front, then put the soakers over everything or inside the skates to save space. If I don't really need the skates where I'm going, I just check them in my luggage.
Someone was discussing this just yesterday. (She has never competed or traveled by plane with skates, has no real plans at this point, either.) I guess she reads Agnes' blog or our board because I haven't seen this discussed anywhere else on the 'net!
I always just leave the cloth soakers on my blades and it has always been good enough for the TSA supervisor. I'm extremely hesitant to put hard guards on my blades in case there is any moisture left in them. Blades rust fast!
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Unless you've just skated that day, the guards should dry quickly enough if you bang them on the ground first and keep them outside your skate bag to get some air. If you know you have to pack them away, put the guards under the air dryer at the rink or airport.
If you rub some vaseline or WD-40 over the blades before putting on the dry guards it will stop rust dead. I've seen plenty of skate soakers with holes at the heels and toes, so I think my solution's safer in general. IMO, people are more important than a few rust spots.
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Sharpening every week via mail order... I wonder how they find time to skate?
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Good news about skates! But you can't wear gel shoe inserts on the plane? ???
Yeah, that was so weird I couldn't resist posting it. Also someone might have them in their skates.
I'm glad that the TSA clarified the rule.
<SNIP>
Someone was discussing this just yesterday. I guess she reads Agnes' blog or our board because I haven't seen this discussed anywhere else on the 'net!
If they read my blog give them big hug! :hug006 I need all the fans I can bribe.
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Sharpening every week via mail order... I wonder how they find time to skate?
Well, since they are removing the blades- they must have a second pair of blades.
I truly am interested in how you remove your blades THAT FREQUENTLY without stripping the holes. I know it can be done, but it doesn't seem like it could be done very often before the hole is rendered unusable.
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Would skatingsafe gel pads be banned by the same principle then?
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Would skatingsafe gel pads be banned by the same principle then?
Don't know. It doesn't fit in shoes, so I guess not. And anyway, you could always wear them and call them 'medical appliances' for mild arthritis or rheumatism
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I think this is getting O.T., but I think most of the mail order sharpening customers send boots with skates on them. It's just more expensive to ship that way than to ship blades, and some customers who are far from their sharpening pros interchange multiple pairs of blades before they bring or ship them for sharpening.
Of course, many of these people have multiple pairs of boots and/or blades, so they can keep skating while other pair are sharpened. For a seriously competitive or professional skater, it's just one of the costs of skating, and other costs can be much greater.
Many "seriously" competitive figure skaters skate 15-20 hours / week. A pro told me he advices sharpening every 40 hours, but some prefer sharper blades. There have been times when I sharpened my own every skating day or two, but eventually decided I was using very sharp blades to compensate for incorrect body alignment.
And yes, some skaters have to skate on artificial "ice".
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Back to the original topic - boots and blades are usable as weapons. People do get injured by blades on the ice. Maybe you've seen it, or seen someone come pretty close. Before the nut cases ruined our world, who would have thought a little box cutter knife was all that dangerous? Even without blades, boots are dangerously heavy objects.
I think we need to completely appreciate why some security person might be worried about carry-on skates. The last thing you need to do is make a scene about it in the airport.
I wonder what archers, fencers and skeet and trap people do, let alone the people who re-enact ancient battles.
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Many airlines will say they allow things, but if you can't get it passed the screener, it doesn't matter that the airline allows it.
Exactly. If you want a ruling for a specific country, you're better off looking at an official government travel advice site, e.g.
http://travelsecure.infrastructure.gov.au/domestic/prohibited_list.aspx (http://travelsecure.infrastructure.gov.au/domestic/prohibited_list.aspx)
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Foreigntravel/AirTravel/DG_176922 (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Foreigntravel/AirTravel/DG_176922)
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Back to the original topic - boots and blades are usable as weapons.
(snip)
Even without blades, boots are dangerously heavy objects.
Actually, carry-on luggage should be prohibited too - those are really dangerous! A person can easily be knocked off the feet with one.
My fairly small handbag stuffed full happens to be heavier than my Klingbeil boot without the blade is (street size 10, so no tiny little thing).
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I wonder what archers, fencers and skeet and trap people do, let alone the people who re-enact ancient battles.
I used to fence and knew several international level fencers. Most took the weapons apart (often they are held together with a hex nut in the handle), packed blades carefully in padding / protective plastic tubing and packed them as hold luggage. The rest of the guards, grips etc went in hand luggage along with spare wires and other equipment just in case, so if the hold baggage went awol they could just buy a new blades (or borrow them from a friend) and set everything up to their liking as much as possible at a competition. Blades break fairly routinely so spare blades (even higher quality ones) are often for sale at competitions and competitors would often have quite a few with them.
I'm really praying my skates don't go missing when I fly to/from Madrid for my ice dance camp as I'll have to pack them in my suitcase in the hold. Eeeekkk!
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Another ex-fencer here. I travelled interstate with my fencing gear many times. You pack the blades in hard plastic tubes, pad everything well, take the bag to the oversize luggage counter and then hope for the best. I never arrived with broken blades, but I may have just been lucky. They're a lot more fragile than skate blades, and harder to pack.
Does remind me of a funny story though - one novice fencer turned up at check-in and when asked what was in his bag, proudly said "Weapons!". This was pre-9/11, but still very much the wrong thing to say! :D
Taka - are you flying direct? If so, and you arrive at the airport in plenty of time to check in, there should be a very, very low risk of your bag going missing, particularly if its identifiable with a baggage tag. Also, when bags do miss the flight, they usually go on the next one, so they're delayed rather than lost. I seriously wouldn't worry.
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Taka - are you flying direct? If so, and you arrive at the airport in plenty of time to check in, there should be a very, very low risk of your bag going missing, particularly if its identifiable with a baggage tag. Also, when bags do miss the flight, they usually go on the next one, so they're delayed rather than lost. I seriously wouldn't worry.
When they say plenty of time they actually mean within the guideline times they tell you. Those times are based on how long it takes for your bag to make its way through the baggage system. If you're really late they have to hand transport your bag, although that will guarantee your bag makes the plane. If you're too early the bag can be put in storage (within the baggage system) and then you have to hope the computer remembers your bag and takes it out and sends it to the plane in time.
Baggage systems are quite fascinating things to simulate.
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Yep, flying direct. I'm just being paranoid... lol!
(My main problem is how I get clothing etc for 10 days AND all the skates & gear I'll need for 5 days of ice dance + off ice work within my baggage allowance! :o ::>))
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Yep, flying direct. I'm just being paranoid... lol!
(My main problem is how I get clothing etc for 10 days AND all the skates & gear I'll need for 5 days of ice dance + off ice work within my baggage allowance! :o ::>))
Don't pack alternatives and pack layers for skating. Only the under layers need changing. Now I'm regularly travelling for work, I've cut down on the alternative options and only pack exactly what I need. It's amazing how little that actually is. And the Madrid camp is in summer so clothes weigh less! Try doing one of the skate / ski camps and fitting that all in your luggage allowance.
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There's also my father's favourite bit of packing advice - lay everything you want to pack out on your bed, and then halve it. You'd be suprised how well this works, and doesn't leave you short of clothing.
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I never considered that heavy purses might be dangerous. If TSA administrators banned heavy purses, ladies would would chase them down swinging purses and stiletto heel shoes. ::>)
Back to the O.T. topic - some of the people who sharpen frequently, walk on rubber floors or carpet to and from where they put on the skates. That may wear out the edges more than the entire skating session.
Skittl1321 wrote: "...skaters who remove blades from dance boots to freestyle boots and every time you skate? Why in the world would anyone do that?"
Every time they skate, not that I skate. :) (a) They don't want to pay for two sets of blades and (b) they practice freestyle and dance in the same practice sessions.
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Back to the O.T. topic - some of the people who sharpen frequently, walk on rubber floors or carpet to and from where they put on the skates. That may wear out the edges more than the entire skating session.
Why wouldn't they just wear blade guards???? ???
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Why wouldn't they just wear blade guards???? ???
Lazy? I don't wear blade guards except the week before a competition. They are too hard to put on/take off (I have Matrix blades, so they are fatter than most guards.) Before that my blades were cheap so I didn't really care about any extra damage/loss of life. Very few skaters at our rink where guards. Only a few bother to walk on their toepicks.
I'm still baffled at a skater who has money/need for a second pair of boots, but not a second pair of blades. Wouldn't removing the blades every time THAT skater skated really shorten the life of the boots? (At least for me, boots are the expensive part.) The idea is really quite baffling. Even if you use the same holes, it seems like taking the blades off and putting them back on would result in ever so slightly different mountings that you have to get used to each time. And how can removing the screw this many times NOT strip the holes?
It is interesting how so many other dance/freestyle combo skaters have managed to combat the problem without taking their blades off.
So Query- what is the life of a screw hole for the skaters who do this? How long until the boot soles are trashed?
As for TSA: Everything can be a weapon. A shoelace would make a really nice garrot.
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Why wouldn't they just wear blade guards???? ???
I get decent life out of each sharpening and don't want to risk breaking something stepping on ice with guards on. Too many precedents around me.
Skaters really need guards that fare better if accidentally got on ice!
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I don't wear guards to walk the 10 feet between the ice and my skate bag, I will put on guards if I will be walking around on the mats for a while - like during a resurface.
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There's also my father's favorite bit of packing advice - lay everything you want to pack out on your bed, and then halve it. You'd be surprised how well this works, and doesn't leave you short of clothing.
I met a woman at Aspen, who traveled to the US from Sweden with a single bag with(edit) all her clothes and(end edit) her skates in it for a two week skating trip.
When the Big Guy and I talk now about traveling light, we say, " Pack it like Gudrun."
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Yep, flying direct. I'm just being paranoid... lol!
(My main problem is how I get clothing etc for 10 days AND all the skates & gear I'll need for 5 days of ice dance + off ice work within my baggage allowance! :o ::>))
In order to avoid using up precious space in my luggage, you'll see me wearing my bulky warmup jackets and coats onto the plane! :sweat
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In order to avoid using up precious space in my luggage, you'll see me wearing my bulky warmup jackets and coats onto the plane! :sweat
What about actually wearing the skates with hard guards? 88)
Just take them off for screening as if they were regular shoes.
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What about actually wearing the skates with hard guards? 88)
Just take them off for screening as if they were regular shoes.
You might get away with it if you were wearing these:
(http://www-hollywoodlife-com.vimg.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/122311_nice_boots_them_shoes_600111223113125.jpg)
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Thanks everyone!
In order to avoid using up precious space in my luggage, you'll see me wearing my bulky warmup jackets and coats onto the plane! :sweat
I'll be doing this I think... particularly if the summer weather here is as bad as last year. I'll need all my warmer stuff on not to freeze getting out to the airport! :P
I managed to travel for months living out of a 60l backpack so I just have to reconnect with my inner backpacker and be very careful about what I choose to take! Capsule wardrobe anyone?
What I never quite understood is that things like knives are banned by security but glass bottles (eg from duty free) aren't? A broken glass bottle can be used as a dangerous weapon and can kill just as easily as a blade...
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Good thing the crazy high heel skates don't have toepicks, otherwise the skater would fall flat on their face.
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What I never quite understood is that things like knives are banned by security but glass bottles (eg from duty free) aren't? A broken glass bottle can be used as a dangerous weapon and can kill just as easily as a blade...
That's what we always say as well. In fact, people who order wine on a plane often get given a small glass bottle. If you're in Business Class you'll also get metal cutlery - a fork could do some damage used in the right way. Banning nail clippers (not scissors, clippers) always amuses me as well "Turn the plane around or I'll clip you!" doesn't really work as much of a threat.
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I'm still baffled at a skater who has money/need for a second pair of boots, but not a second pair of blades.
I'm sure you know the answer. Many people like stiffer boots for freestyle than for dance. But some dancers are happy in freestyle blades. So they figure they need two pair of boots, but only one pair of blades.
Wouldn't removing the blades every time THAT skater skated really shorten the life of the boots?
It must reduce the lifetime of the hole, the screw and the screwdriver bit. But you can repair a stripped hole - e.g., pound a dowel into it. Likewise, if you strip the screw head, there ways to remove the screw. And you can buy new screwdriver bits.
BTW I didn't say I did it - only that I've met people who did. Honestly, it seems like a big waste of time.
The idea is really quite baffling. Even if you use the same holes, it seems like taking the blades off and putting them back on would result in ever so slightly different mountings that you have to get used to each time.
Not if the screws are installed correctly. Properly centered countersink screws (the ones with convex conical bottoms, fitting into holes with concave conical tops) fix the position very precisely. That's the whole point of countersink screws. However, as mentioned in another post, the screw countersinks all have to originally be installed precisely centered on the hole countersinks (not on the holes themselves!) for this to work properly. Some boot technicians aren't that careful.
Needless to say, if you are still on temporary mounts, it would be very hard to re-install them in the same position.
As for TSA: Everything can be a weapon. A shoelace would make a really nice garrot.
Don't give TSA the idea. They might take it seriously!
BTW, people are dangerous weapons too.
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If in skilled hands, a lot of things can turn into very dangerous weapons...
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If you have an iPhone there is a My TSA app that purports to let you know wait time on their lines. It may be available for Android also, don't know.
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Skates and gel pads passed security check point today faster than I ever remember, for domestic flight departing Chicago.
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Skates and gel pads passed security check point today faster than I ever remember, for domestic flight departing Chicago.
Good to know! Flying out tomorrow and bringing skates.
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Here's our experience flying with skates. My DD just finished competiting at ISI Worlds in Dallas last week.
We did not bring the zucca bag this year. We were flying on a smaller regional plane non-stop. Flying to San Jose, CA in 2009, we had issues on the way home with her zucca fitting in the overhead bin. We didn't want to chance them checking her skates and losing them. We put her skates, dresses, and a change of clothes for each of us in a pilot case/21" rolling suitcase. Good thing. The space in the overhead bins was limited and smaller than usual.
Going out in Minneapolis, the suit case got stopped. We talked with the TSA agent. He spent a long time looking at the x-ray, but didn't actually take out the skates. Wished DD well on her competition and we went on our way. Took about an extra 5 minutes.
Going out in Dallas, the bag got stopped again. This time the TSA agent called for a bag check. It took awhile maybe 5 minutes for someone to check it. They seemed to be a bit understaffed at that terminal. A different agent took the suitcase and opened it. Took out her skates and put them back in. Maybe another 5 minutes. Very nice and friendly. Wished DD well with her skating and we were on our way.
My advice would be - be prepared for a little bit of a wait in the security line or even for the bag to be pulled and opened. Both times we were allowed to carry the skates on. It just took a bit of extra time in the security line.
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I think the reasons I never get stopped when I carry on skates are that I always tell the screener in advance that "There are ice skates in this bag - I have ID." (USFSA/PSA cards are handy) and I put my guards and soakers on the blades securely. To me, that's demonstrating that I understand that safety is important and I don't intend to hurt anyone with them since it would take a bit of time to remove the guards.
Some people object to keeping the guards on en route because they're terrified that their blades will rust, but I'm not. I do wear high-quality blades. Plus, I make sure the blades and guards are dry and apply a swipe of WD-40 to the blade edges before putting the guards on with the soakers over them. Never had a problem with rusting, even on a tour bus flight with four (4!) stops that took 10 hours to reach my destination.
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I think the reasons I never get stopped when I carry on skates are that I always tell the screener in advance that "There are ice skates in this bag - I have ID." (USFSA/PSA cards are handy) and I put my guards and soakers on the blades securely. To me, that's demonstrating that I understand that safety is important and I don't intend to hurt anyone with them since it would take a bit of time to remove the guards.
Some people object to keeping the guards on en route because they're terrified that their blades will rust, but I'm not. I do wear high-quality blades. Plus, I make sure the blades and guards are dry and apply a swipe of WD-40 to the blade edges before putting the guards on with the soakers over them. Never had a problem with rusting, even on a tour bus flight with four (4!) stops that took 10 hours to reach my destination.
We always tell the screeners... we have two pair of skates. Never had any issues flying out of Boston, Seattle,Spokane, Salt lake.At our home airport they have taken them out and wiped them down to look for something. They were in soakers but damp since they had just skated.Think its easier just to tell them upfront.
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Just got back from NYC. In SLC, had no issue at all with skates as carry ons. Going out of Newark, they inspected my bag but I printed the TSA ice skate flyer (which states they can be in carry on luggage) and got through without issue.
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In black and white... http://dl.dropbox.com/u/24118980/SpeedSkates_Flyer.pdf
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Last month I was stopped at JFK because of the skates in my carryon luggage. The inspector did not know about the rule change allowing them. I showed him a printout of the TSA Gudiance for ice Skaters and he allowed me through with my skates. He said they were not informed of the change. (It's been more than 2 years!).
I sent a respectful email to the TSA requesting that they inform all their inspectors of current rules.
Here is the TSA website showing that skates are allowed. Scroll down to ice skates.
http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items
I was unable to attach the TSA Guidance for Ice Skaters (too large). You could google it and download.
Mod Note: Merged with earlier thread so that all the relevant links would together.
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I'm rarely stopped, but I do print out a copy of that form and lay it across my skates in the bag just in case. I've always been let through after the agent sees the page or calls over a supervisor who confirms the rule.
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Mine have been through RDU, St. Louis, and LA with no problems. I didn't even have to show the sheet. Maybe it helps that all three of those airports serve NHL hockey teams have something to do with it.
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I've never had a problem with the actual skates, but they did once question me about the "Stinkees" inside of them (those "stuffed animal" things filled with odor-absorbing powder). When flying, be sure to clear your skate bag of other things that might be a problem!
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I know I sound like a broken record on this one, but don't forget if travelling internationally that other countries won't necessarily accept skates as carry on, and often explicitly prohibit them in their guidance. Check before you fly - you may be able to get your skates out of the US in your hand luggage, but you might not be able to get them back in the same way.
e.g. http://travelsecure.infrastructure.gov.au/domestic/prohibited_list.aspx (http://travelsecure.infrastructure.gov.au/domestic/prohibited_list.aspx)
http://www.londoncityairport.com/intheairport/page/securityandbaggage
(http://www.londoncityairport.com/intheairport/page/securityandbaggage)
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I just wanted to also mentioned that EU Air Safety regulations specifically state no sharp objects, but leaves it up to the individual airports to determine if skates can be considered sharp objects. I know for a fact that Brussels, Barcelona, Vienna, Venice, Innsbruck, London, and Frankfurt all prohibit you from carrying your skates on. I had this question last year, when travelling from Brussels to Sydney.
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I don't fly very often, but as others have said, skates ARE allowed as a carry on. But just in case you get stopped, it's a good idea to have a copy of the TSA rules with you.
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I don't fly very often, but as others have said, skates ARE allowed as a carry on. But just in case you get stopped, it's a good idea to have a copy of the TSA rules with you.
Skates are allowed as carry on in the US.
When travelling outside of the US check with the local country as rules vary.
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Skates are allowed as carry on in the US.
When travelling outside of the US check with the local country as rules vary.
Exactly. Not permitted as carry-on in Australia - and that's caught out a few skaters before, too.