Can I take roller skates through airport security?
I regularly travel nationally and occasionally internationally to play roller derby. If my roller skates get lost in transit (it has happened to people I know) my entire trip is ruined, so I prefer to take them as carry-on. When I'm going through airport security however, it is hit and miss as to whether they let you take them through. It varies between airports and even security staff. One time a security officer asked their supervisor and they were cleared to go through, another time the supervisor said no.
Are roller skates specifically allowed through airport security as carry on? I'm interested in Australia, the UK, the USA and Spain right now, but more broadly continental Europe as I may be flying there sometime in the future.
Best Answer
Unfortunately, it's going to be hit-or-miss for quite some time.
Most of the organizations that publish screening rules specifically prohibit roller skates, but they also do not specifically allow them. TSA being the notable exception: roller skates
However, they also always note: The final decision rests with TSA on whether to allow any items on the plane.
Because of this, you may, as has already happened, encounter a zealous screener who sees the skate as a tool or the toe stop as a blunt object or equates the prohibition of ice skates to all skates.
Realistically, all you can do is get there early enough to repack and check the skates if you are prevented from taking them into the concourse. In terminals with multiple separated checkpoints, you can always try at another checkpoint if refused at the first.
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Can you bring roller skates to the airport?
TSA Guidelines for Traveling with Roller Skates According to the TSA, travelers are allowed to bring roller skates, rollerblades, and/or ice skates on a plane in either their carry-on bag or in their checked baggage.How do you fly with skates?
It's best to put them in a bag of some kind, depending on the type of skates you have. \u201cYou could carry them on a skate leash, which might look cool but is not a good idea. They might be considered a dangerous item because of the metal parts, and rejected when you get to the cabin door,\u201d he points out.TSA to Let Pocket Knives on Airlines Under New Rules
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