How to Carry a Helmet on a Plane

To carry a helmet on a plane, take it as part of your hand luggage in a padded helmet bag, either worn on your head through the airport or packed inside your cabin bag with soft clothes around it, because cabin baggage is far safer for a helmet than the hold. A helmet is bulky and awkward, but it is light, and airlines in general terms treat it as an ordinary personal item. With a little planning, it will arrive in the same condition it left in.

Can You Take a Helmet as Hand Luggage?

Yes, in general terms you can take a helmet as hand luggage on a plane. A helmet is not a prohibited item, and it does not count as a weapon or a dangerous object. Most airlines allow you to carry it on board, either inside your cabin bag or as a separate personal item, as long as it fits within the airline’s size and weight limits for hand luggage.

The practical issue is space. A full-face motorcycle helmet is large, and it may not fit inside a small cabin bag. Many travellers carry it in a helmet bag and treat it as their personal item, alongside a cabin suitcase. If you are flying with a small airline or on a budget ticket that allows only one small bag, check the rules before you travel, because a helmet carried separately may be counted as a second item.

Should You Pack a Helmet in the Hold or the Cabin?

A helmet should go in the cabin whenever possible. Checked luggage is thrown, stacked, and squeezed, and a helmet in the hold can be crushed by heavy suitcases or dropped onto a hard floor. The foam liner inside a helmet can be damaged by a hard impact, even if the shell looks fine, so the gentle handling of cabin baggage is much safer.

If you have no choice but to check a helmet in, pack it with great care. Put it inside a hard suitcase, surrounded on all sides by soft clothes, with the opening facing down so the shell takes any pressure. Stuff the inside of the helmet with soft clothes to help it hold its shape, and do not put anything heavy on top of it. A padded helmet bag inside the suitcase adds another layer of protection.

How Do You Pack a Helmet for a Flight?

Packing a helmet for a flight is about protecting the shell and keeping the liner in shape. Start with a padded helmet bag, which guards against scratches and light knocks. If you do not have one, wrap the helmet in a thick jumper or a towel, and put it inside a sturdy bag. Avoid using a thin plastic bag, which offers no protection at all.

Stuff the inside of the helmet with soft items, such as socks, a t-shirt, or a small towel. This stops the liner being squashed and uses the empty space inside the helmet well, which is useful when luggage space is tight. It also stops the helmet rattling around inside the bag.

If the helmet is going inside a cabin bag, place it on top of your other items, with soft clothes underneath and around it. Do not wedge it in so tightly that the shell is under pressure, and do not put heavy items on top of it. The vents and visor are the most delicate parts, so make sure nothing hard presses against them. If your helmet has a removable visor, consider taking it off and wrapping it separately to protect it from scratches.

What Happens at Airport Security?

At airport security, a helmet is treated like any other large item in your bag. You will usually be asked to take it out of your bag and place it in a tray, in the same way you would with a laptop or a large camera. This is routine, and there is nothing to worry about. The security staff may look inside the helmet, but they will not damage it.

If you are wearing the helmet, you will need to take it off before going through the security scanner, just as you would a hat. Put it in a tray with your other belongings, and collect it on the other side. It is a good idea to keep the helmet bag handy so you can put it straight back in its bag after the check.

How Do You Protect a Helmet From Damage on a Plane?

Protecting a helmet on a plane is mostly about keeping it from being knocked or squashed in the overhead locker. When you put your bag in the locker, place the helmet bag on top of other items, or in a space where it will not be crushed when another passenger pushes a suitcase in beside it. If the locker is full, hold the helmet bag on your lap or under the seat in front of you rather than forcing it in.

Avoid putting a helmet in the overhead locker without a bag. The hard plastic of the locker and the edges of other bags can scratch the shell, and a loose helmet can roll around during turbulence. A padded bag is the simplest protection, and it also makes the helmet easier to carry through the airport.

If your helmet has a visor, keep the visor closed or protected during the flight. An open visor can catch on things and get scratched or bent. Some riders wrap the visor in a soft cloth for the journey. If you want to learn more about the safety systems inside modern helmets, reading about what MIPS is for helmets is a good place to start before your trip.

What Should You Do When You Land?

When you land, check the helmet before you use it. Look over the shell for scratches or cracks, check the visor for marks, and make sure the vents are clear. Give the straps and buckle a quick check, and press the liner gently to make sure it still feels even and firm. If anything looks wrong, do not use the helmet until you have had it checked properly.

If the helmet has been in a hot aircraft hold or a warm overhead locker, let it cool to room temperature before wearing it, especially if you are heading straight out to ride. A helmet that has been in the sun on a tarmac can feel warm inside, and it is more comfortable once it has aired out.

Does a helmet count as hand luggage on a plane?
Yes, in general terms a helmet can be carried as hand luggage or as a personal item, as long as it fits within the airline’s size and weight limits. Check your airline’s rules if you are on a budget ticket with a single small bag allowance.

Can I check a helmet in with my luggage?
You can, but it is riskier than carrying it in the cabin. If you must check it in, pack it inside a hard suitcase surrounded by soft clothes, with the inside stuffed to hold its shape.

Do I need to take my helmet out at security?
Yes, in general terms you will be asked to place it in a tray at security, like a laptop. It is a routine check and will not damage the helmet.