taking a helmet on a plane

[azguzzirep]

My helmet is too large to fit into my suitcase, which leaves me two options.

A) carry it on-board, or
B) buy a new helmet in Phx, and only carry it on board on the return trip.

What have you done?
 P.S. international flight.

[Steve Cas]

Overhead compartment; works on domestic flights. Don't see why it should be a problem with an overseas trip.

[molly]

On the flights I use (UK/Europe) all hand luggage has to fit through a certain sized measuring grid. I would check with the airline you are using to determine the size of hand luggage you are allowed. Don't think you can bend the rules, things are getting tighter on security and allowances all the time.

[Vagrant]

I have carried it on several times as a "personal item". the last 2 trips overseas I used a soft bag for the ridding suit and helmet so I didn't have to mess with it. 
FYI, I have always taken the Gerbing jacket, controller and battery connection. rather than actually disconnect the battery like you would on a personal bike I just loosen the terminal and slide the connector in. It's nice to be warm while others are freezing.

[Mr Pootle]

On the flights I use (UK/Europe) all hand luggage has to fit through a certain sized measuring grid. I would check with the airline you are using to determine the size of hand luggage you are allowed. Don't think you can bend the rules, things are getting tighter on security and allowances all the time.

And some airlines only allow one item of hand luggage,  which includes, for female passengers, a handbag. But you could try getting round that by wearing your helmet, saying that you're scared of crashing.
I'm flying back from Spain with Ryanair next week. A ridiculous 15kg hold allowance. You can pay to increase it by 5kg, but no more than 4 days before you fly, unless you also pay to reserve a seat. But no word yet on whether the toilet doors have a coin slot.

[yogidozer]

why not just wear it on the plane? great conversation starter. 

[Kev m]

I've carried it on before. If you have a backback or some sort of small carryon you could try strapping it to it if they try to say only one carry on. I can't see them making a big deal out of it, but you never know.

You could stress it's a safety item that is damaged by rough handling or impact if they try and give you guff.

I would just carry it and not worry about it.

[Yeahoo Whoyah]

B) buy a new helmet in Phx

Do that.  Coming to Phoenix from Germany most times of the year you're gonna fry (in that big full face Schuberth?). Live dangerously!....in Phoenix buy a cheap 3/4 with vents and leave it behind. Then you don't have the carry on hassle at all.   

[Lee Davis]

I recently bought two new Moto Guzzis in El Paso, which is 250 miles away from my home. For both bikes I flew to Phoenix and then to El Paso with a back pack, and carried my helmet. The airlines don't consider a helmet as one carryon, but rather like a purse or a hat. Both times, I put the backpack and helmet in the overhead. It really is a non issue on flights.

[decotriumph]

I have a nice helmet bag that I use when I carry a helmet on a plane. There's room inside the helmet and a little extra around it in the bag so you could carry a few other items as well. Here's a similar one:
https://www.amazon.com/Raider-BCS-8B-Deluxe-Helmet-Bag/dp/B0000AX5XB

[malik]

I've carried a helmet on international flights (AUS-NZ & AUS-UK) as hand luggage, in addition to a daypack & an Ortlieb rack pack. Sometimes in a helmet bag & sometimes naked. They seems to ignore the helmet. It fits in the overhead lockers. (Vozz helmets come with a useful zipped bag for just this purpose).

Depending where you are headed, a cheap helmet bought locally is an option, but it's an extra hassle for day 1.

Note that your Li charger has to travel with cabin luggage - but that's convenient, as the USB plug in the seat often don't work.

[pehayes]

No issue with US domestic airlines and with major international carriers.  However EasyJet and RyanAir in Europe and JetStar in Australia are desperate for every penny they can get.  You'll probably find that carry on dimensions on those cheap airlines will have one dimension of 9".  Try folding your helmet to fit in to a 9" space!!!!  And if you have to check it under, they will now charge you DOUBLE because you came to the plane with a checkable bag instead of declaring and checking and paying from home before you went to the airport.  When I go, I borrow a helmet at local destination.

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[azguzzirep]

If I buy a helmet in phx it will be a nice one. Flip up chin bar, sun visor, the works! Stuff here is stupid expensive (VAT) and it would be nice to have a new helmet.

Might buy some new mc boots, too!

[swooshdave]

I carried it on all the time along with a backpack. It's luggage + personal item. I'll put it in the overhead, too big to fit under the seat.

No way I'm letting the luggage monkeys throw it around unless it was in a hard case.

[pebra]

I've never had problems with taking the helmet into the cabin with me, domestic and international, including Ryanair.

Why don't you try sending an email to the airline to find out?

[malik]

If I buy a helmet in phx it will be a nice one. Flip up chin bar, sun visor, the works! Stuff here is stupid expensive (VAT) and it would be nice to have a new helmet.

Might buy some new mc boots, too!

I have a mate over here in Oz who manages to get his helmet of choice (Schuberth flip front) at around half price from German inter web sites. Schuberth is not sold here.

One advantage of buying a helmet in the destination country, is that the stickers show that they are legal there - just in case you come across a revenue collector who got out of bed the wrong side that day. Another is that shopping for gear means you are going to meet locals - all sorts of side benefits.

Another consideration - you can get a good range of wet weather gear gear in countries where it rains a lot. Good range of summer gear where it get hot a lot. Great ultra light camping gear in the States, without paying freight & GST/VAT. You get the drift.

[knowmaddd]

I've taken a helmet as carry on from the US to Europe. British Airways.  No problem with security.

[Sasquatch Jim]

  It is a hat.  wear it.

[timax]

Garuda to Indonesia is no problem and domestic in Australia no problem either. Open face bell in its drawstring cover.

[garbln]

A few years ago when flying home from Italy I bought a Italian made helmet at the airport in Rome.  I found it at a clothing/fashion type shop, it was used like a prop for the displays at the airport shop.  I talked the clerk into selling it to me, I carried it home with me back to the states.  The crew (all Italian) saw me board with the bag and asked what it was, I showed them my new Italian helmet and they cheerfully waved me on board saying that probably was the neatest souvenir I could bring home.  The only problem I had was when I commented to my wife that I was ready for the crash.  She did not think it was funny and suggested I may not say that again till we got home.  I have never seen one like it since. 

Anyway you shouldn't have a problem flying with a helmet. I know a few people who have done fly and rides with no problems.

[rtbickel]

Sitting in the Denver airport with an open face in a soft duffle. First trip bringing one and no problem with security check or the airline on the trip here. It fit nicely in the overhead.

[twowheeladdict]

I've done "Fly and Buys" before.  I have a Bell Star that comes with a nice helmet bag with an extra pocket.  I stuff my riding gloves and other soft items into the helmet and carry it on board. 

When I am on a road trip and want to carry my motorcycle gear, I have a wheeled duffle that will hold Jacket, Pants, Boots, Liners, Rain Gear, Helmet, etc.  You could check a bag like that as well.

[twowheeladdict]

A few years ago when flying home from Italy I bought a Italian made helmet at the airport in Rome.  I found it at a clothing/fashion type shop, it was used like a prop for the displays at the airport shop.  I talked the clerk into selling it to me, I carried it home with me back to the states.  The crew (all Italian) saw me board with the bag and asked what it was, I showed them my new Italian helmet and they cheerfully waved me on board saying that probably was the neatest souvenir I could bring home.  The only problem I had was when I commented to my wife that I was ready for the crash.  She did not think it was funny and suggested I may not say that again till we got home.  I have never seen one like it since. 

Anyway you shouldn't have a problem flying with a helmet. I know a few people who have done fly and rides with no problems.

How about sharing a photo of this one of a kind helmet?

[Tom]

I carry mine all the time.  Happens to be 1/2 helmet.    Cycle Gear has helmets on clearance sale.   

[swooshdave]

One advantage of buying a helmet in the destination country, is that the stickers show that they are legal there - just in case you come across a revenue collector who got out of bed the wrong side that day.

You would not believe what passes for a helmet over here. Remember not all heads are worth protecting.

It's bad when you advertise you have the least effective helmet on the market!

[John Ulrich]

It's bad when you advertise you have the least effective helmet on the market!

Some people have $50.00 brains some have $700 worth

[azguzzirep]

Bought a new flip face helmet and boots today!


free img

[Rusnak_322]

I don't know how much time you have before you leave, but I have UPS'd helmets to the hotel as it was cheaper then the checked luggage cost each way.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Tom]

Cheaper to buy a new helmet.  He's going Germany to AZ.  International UPS.  BUX.

[twowheeladdict]

Some people have $50.00 brains some have $700 worth

That is too funny!  But truthfully that $700 helmet isn't going to protect you any more than a $150 helmet.  The only real differences at that point are comfort, weight, and graphics.  There have been many studies to prove that.

My BIL and Sister were in a head on wreck while wearing beanie helmets and neither got any injury above the waist.  You just never know.  Personally, I prefer a modular helmet and no windshield in front of me.