Advice on Packing/Airplanes

[thevillageidiot13]

Escapists --

I go to college about 400 miles from home, meaning, whenever I come home for the holidays or whatever, I usually fly home.

Now, unfortunately, I also love skateboarding (a Sector 9 longboard, approximately 32 inches by 10 inches).

Obviously, I don't want to mail it home every time I go home, and it's too big to bring as a carry-on. And I'm scared that the airport people will get violent and ruin it if I check it in. Before, I would check it in with the same box it was shipped to me in, but it's a cardboard box, and I don't think it can handle too much more wear and tear.

So, Escapists -- do any of you know where I might be able to find some sort of case or bag large enough to fit my skateboard? And, if not, do you have any relevant advice/input that might help me solve my problem? How can I get my skateboard on a plane, and, if I need to check it in, how can I protect it from damage?

Thanks,
Me

 

[Onyx Oblivion]

I swore that I saw "Advice on Hijacking Airplanes".

I really recommend buying a second board just for home. Or a duffle bag.

 

[thevillageidiot13]

I swore that I saw "Advice on Hijacking Airplanes".

I really recommend buying a second board just for home. Or a duffle bag.

Yeah, no way in hell I can afford a second board.

The thing with a duffle bag is that it's not sturdy, so I'm not sure if it would protect my skateboard from too much abuse. That's my main concern.

 

[thevillageidiot13]

I did. Their policy is that my longboard is too big to bring as a carry-on, but you can check it in.

My question isn't so much "what to do" as "Where can I get something that my longboard will fit into and I can trust that it won't get hammered into splinters by the end of the flight?"

 

[KiKiweaky]

Well you can bring surfboards and stuff on planes so I dont think a skateboard will be a problem. Just ring the airline and ask them.

 

[SimuLord]

Only 400 miles? I'd take a Greyhound bus or a train that distance m'self. But that's because I avoid flying whenever feasible.

 

[DuplicateValue]

You could just put in in your main bag and pad it with clothes so it won't get damaged when it's thrown around.

 

[SpcyhknBC]

Well Christmas is coming up, so you could ask them (your parents) for one. Some airlines specify carry-on by linear dimensions, and if it's smaller than that, you should be good. I believe that it's 46" so you should be fine. An alternative is I know some airlines will let you buy a second seat at half price for oversized luggage. Your last option would be just leave it at college. Store it at a friend's place or get a storage unit. Other than pleading with them, I see no simple solution.