Ice Skates and flying

[FlyingGoggles]

Right, random thread title but I find myself needing advice and the airline websites are as clear as mud (well, to me!).

I'm potentially competing at a figure skating competition in Glasgow next April time (awaiting confirmation of dates). I don't fancy the train, so was planning on flying - choice of EMA, BHX and MAN all within equal distance.

Question is, how do I need to pack my skates for the trip? Obviously they've got to go in the hold (which worries me, they're my most prized possession!) but do they get counted as sports equipment, or normal baggage? Do I need to do anything to them apart from secure them in my skate bag? Are they even allowed on an aircraft??

Any advice, greatly appreciated. Also any airlines that operate direct flights from the airports listed, so I can start looking at prices would be most helpful - the comparison sites seem to want to send me via London, Southend or Stornaway...

[MathFox]

I did check the list of "prohibited items" and skates are not on the list, so you would be fine bringing them into the cabin. (I would recommend in a bag, with protectors on the blades.) If you're planning to stay overnight, you'll likely check in a bag or suitcase and I guess your skates fit in the weight allowance for checked luggage.

[ExXB]

Ice skates, aka 'blades' can be very sharp. Are you sure they would be allowed in the cabin? Any hockey players out there?

[FlyingGoggles]

To be fair, I've seen articles that say the TSA now allows skates as carry on. Not entirely sure how I feel about that! I've had a fair few nicks from my figure skates after a sharpening, they hurt!

I don't think the UK allows them onboard, but if they do it'd put my mind at ease - no worrying they'll end up in Paris while I'm in Glasgow!

[carousel]

Not allowed in cabin baggage in the UK (you are allowed to miss your flight while arguing the toss at security)

[MathFox]

From the mouth of the beast: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-...g/items/skates

But it could be that the UK has different rules to irritate travellers.

[wiggy]

No mention of skates at all on the UK list here:

https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-rest...orts-equipment

Then again skating probably is not a major sport here (hope that doesn't offend) so they simply have not made the list.

However as I understand it airport security managers are free to some degree to add their own restrictions, and I think it could be down to the opinion of whoever does the screening on the day. Looking at the list on the same website detailing workers tools you'll see most of which are a "no" in hand baggage. comparing and contrasting the likes of blades and chisels with the structure of skates and TBH I think you'd at the very least end up with a discussion over getting them through as carry on.

Edit to add: Not sure who the OP is flying with but just found this, scroll down to "Objects with a sharp point or sharp edge", penultimate item on that list.......


https://www.easyjet.com/en/terms-and...angerous-goods

[FlyingGoggles]

Yeah, I've no intention of trying to get them into the cabin! They're 10.5 inch blades with a spiked bit at the front - I think that's a definite no from most security people! Was just more concerned that they couldn't be taken in the hold.

I'll be away for about 3 nights so will pack clothes into a carry on and check the skates.

No offence caused either, wiggy, skating isn't as big a thing here as it is in the USA

[Metro man]

I got a roll of duck tape taken off me as it could be used to restrain someone, so you'd be surprised what isn't allowed in the cabin. It's not worth taking a chance with the opinion of a security guard who isn't very well paid and is worried about losing his job if he lets something through that may be doubtful.

All kinds of stuff can go in the hold as you can't get to it inflight, BUT some airports such as Manila screen all bags prior to entering the terminal and won't allow knives even in check in luggage.