Helmet on board

[hakunamatata]

Hi,
I go from Madrid to Lima with PlusUltra Airlines. I called information and they told me that motorcycle helmet is a dangerous object and I cannot take it on board. I've read a lot of comments before and people said it was fine so I didn't expect that
Have you ever flown with these airlines? Was there any problem with a helmet?
How can I secure my helmet if I have to put it inn registered luggage?

Ania

[mark manley]

I have carried mine on many occasions as both checked and hand luggage, the only problem I had was when carrying it on at Baku airport when an overzealous security guard told me I could not take it, I drop it in their bin and a colleague of his discreetly brought it to me later and apologised.
I cannot believe it is classed as dangerous and I would suggest you pack it in your checked luggage and say nothing.

[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

[Mumbo68]

I flew into Malaga with mine and out again, not that airline though. I had it in a helmet bag with goggles etc....No problem, although I had the front seats on the plane and it wouldn't fit through the door of the storage locker for that seat. It slotted in nicely in the one behind though....Just something to think of incase you get asked to size check it before boarding in the metal frame thing they have...It was just a Troy Lee mx helmet too, the smallest most slim line helmet I've ever owned.
I'd say a helmet is less dangerous than a litre bottle of spirit that you could buy at duty free too !!
If you do decide you want to check it in MX dealers do gear bags that'll take all your gear and have a padded helmet compartment...Like a big duffle bag with wheels, they don't come cheap though.

[Mal_C]

Hi All,

Grant is correct in saying that there is a difference in operational knowledge between head office and the security check point. I have had no issues taking helmet as carry on. It is placed in a helmet bag or small backpack.

On one occasion I was on weight limit and wanted to carry on a few motorcycle parts. The ones I was concerned about were a brake line and a clutch cable (I thought they could be seen as a tool for strangulation (but so can a trouser belt!!)). I spent a bit time of phoning with no answer until I was given the direct number for the Shift Supervisor - Security. He was very helpful and suggested as a precaution I curl the brake line/cable and run a double zip tie through/around the ends of the line/cable (rendering them unable to be used for a secondary purpose). I had no problem.

Try and get your answer from someone as close to the check point as possible

Off the subject:
(Interestingly he asked when am I flying out. I told him and he said " I am a motorcyclist and I am the Security Supervisor on that day. IF you have any issues here is my mobile number just give me a call. Did not have to but great service)

Regards

[tweetyduck]

This all started in France during the skiing season. One of the airports/airlines banned them. It then spread. I've never had a clear answer from any calls i made from any airline. Last year a rang loads of airlines and airport customer services and got nowhere. I was told specifically by some of the ski resort airports that i would not be allowed to travel with any helmet but when there everyone had them (ski helmets) onboard. So unfortunately you are being caught by that slowly creeping rule and it seems to be up to the local staff on the day. They seem to have just said "Helmet" and that's caught every type. Its rather like your not allowed to carry dessicated coconut. Banned, completely even in checked luggage but have you ever seen that rule on any paperwork?