Can You Skateboard In An Airport?

There’s a lot of traffic at the airport, so skateboarding is a bit unusual. But if you think about it, airports make for perfect skateboarding terrain (oh….those smooooooth buttery concrete floors) and you can quickly get from one place to another on a skateboard while traveling.

Of course, you wouldn’t want to bump into people. It’s not the most conducive place for skateboarding. There can be different security restrictions on sporting equipment at different airports, depending on their location in the world. The US is generally accommodative of respectful skaters in and around the airport as long as you’re not impeding travelers.

Many skaters have asked this question, and the answer is yes, you can skateboard in an airport and around an airport (like a multi-story parking garage or a parking lot) to pass the time while you’re traveling. It’s not recommended if there are long security lines, busy areas with lots of people or lots of cars. If you’re hanging out in a general check-in area, have a long layover and not boarding a plane right away, go for it! Just keep your eyes peeled for obstacles (like other passengers, luggage carts, security guards etc.), and avoid doing tricks in areas with high traffic.

There are different local rules or potentially laws in each airport regarding what can and cannot happen. Some airports do not have any rules regarding skateboarding activities on their premises, while others do. You may get into trouble with TSA or security guards if you skateboard in an airport where it is prohibited. Although skateboarding in an airport is not explicitly prohibited by law. Those who skateboard do so at their own risk.

While skateboards are not generally listed on the airport’s banned items, there are some airports (especially outside of the US) that may not like you skateboarding around the airport. So check with each airport you are traveling through (especially if it’s not in the US).

Although skateboards generally aren’t on the airport’s list of prohibited items (here in the US anyway), you still will need to go through check-in to get the skateboard on the plane. There are a number of people who claim that security stopped them while skateboarding at the airport. However, some skate past security without being confronted with anything about what they are doing.

It is important to remember that skateboarding in an airport is a matter of safety and that skateboarding must be done with caution. People are all over the place, so it’s a bad idea to skate when the airport is really crowded with cars or passengers.

Security can take it upon themselves to stop skateboarding anywhere on airport grounds. Safety and security is of utmost importance to an airport, and it impacts the safety of passengers.

If you’re bored and waiting for a looooong layover you may want to pass the time by skating in the parking structures or open air spaces at the airport.

How To Skateboard In An Airport

It is generally true that airports are always very busy. Even early mornings and at night, airports are busiest. Many people catch early morning flights, especially people traveling for business.

There is also limited visibility in the mornings and at night, which can make skateboarding a little more challenging. If you are hell-bent on skateboarding in an airport, then you should go in the afternoon or evening when there is less traffic in the airport.

You should always bring a skateboard backpack with you to carry your skateboard when not in use. It’ll save your arms when your skateboard or longboard isn’t in use.

Some skateboarders have claimed they were not stopped at the airport by anyone. Some have also claimed to have skated through security guards with no problems as long as they were respectful.

Although some skaters have claimed that passengers frowned at them, no one said they should stop skating. Hence, as long as you approach it with care, you should be able to do so. It is important to be mindful of people around you as well as to regulate your speed while skating.

There are several places in airports where skateboarding can be practiced. Just outside of the terminal or in the multi-level airport parking garage (or lot) is an ideal place to glide through, but be sure to be mindful of cars and passengers along the way.

There are also places where you can practice skateboarding in lounges, although it is a bit dangerous to do so because of the limited space (but the floor is so smooth and tempting that you won’t want to miss it if you can swing it).

It is possible to skateboard on an abandoned airport runway or an airplane hangar, etc. As long as you do so with permission from the proper authorities. Always wear a helmet and other protective wear and you should have a great time skateboarding around the airport.

You should know the rules governing the airport you want to skateboard in before engaging in any skateboarding activity there, especially those that concern skateboarding INSIDE the airport. Use protective wear, helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads, knee pads, etc. If there are no specific laws prohibiting the use of a skateboard in that airport, proceed with caution. In addition, be mindful of passengers and people at the airport. If you are stopped by security, obey.

The risks of skateboarding at an airport

If you’re planning on skateboarding at an airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure you know the local rules and regulations for skateboarding at an airport. Many airports have specific policies about skateboarding that you must follow, including obeying traffic laws and avoiding obstacles like security gates, passengers or other vehicles.

If you do happen to get into a conflict with a passenger or a security guard, don’t try to fight them—just stay calm and avoid confrontation. You don’t want to get into a situation where security escorts you out of the airport and you can’t board your plane as planned.

In addition to following the rules set by your destination or arrival airport, it’s important to take safety precautions when skateboarding at an airport. Make sure you wear appropriate footwear, gear and clothing and remember to use common sense when skating near busy areas like terminals or security checkpoints. And finally, always keep your eyes open for potential hazards like uneven surfaces or sharp objects nearby.

How to skateboard safely at an airport

Skating in an airport can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to remember that skating is generally frowned upon inside the airport. You might be able to skate on the sidewalks & garages outside the terminal, but you’ll need to be careful not to damage any property or harm passengers. If you decide to skate at an airport, make sure to follow these safety tips:

Always wear a helmet and pads. Skating can be dangerous if you don’t take precautions, and wearing a helmet will help protect your head and ears from injuries.
Stay away from the runways and taxiways. These areas are strictly off-limits to skateboarders at active airports, so stay away from them if you don’t want to get into trouble.
Follow the directions of security personnel carefully. They may ask you to stop skating or leave the area altogether – do as they ask without argument, or you could end up in serious trouble!

Can you Take a Skateboard on a Plane?

According to the United States TSA Website, Yes, you can take a skateboard as a carry on item or in your checked bag. To make your life easier I suggest you plan on taking a specially designed skateboard backpack. A skateboard backpack gives you a place for items you want to access quickly PLUS special Velcro straps to help carry around your skateboard (or longboard) when not in use.

While skateboards are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage, TSA agents have the final say on whether an item is permitted on a flight. Make sure to arrive at the airport a little early to allow time for any potential issues.

If you’re bringing your skateboard as a carry-on, make sure it fits within the airline’s size and weight limits for carry-on luggage (check with each airline on this one). Once on board, stow the skateboard in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you, depending on its size. Be mindful of other passengers’ luggage and avoid obstructing access to the overhead bins.

Remember that rules and regulations can vary between airlines and airports around the world, so always check with your specific airport, specific airline and review the guidelines before you travel. This is especially important if you are traveling overseas to foreign locales. You may be able to leave the US with your skateboard but you may not be able to return with it if the rules are more strict at your destination.

Conclusion

Can you skateboard in an airport? The answer to this question depends on the specific airport and its rules and regulations. In general, most airports allow skateboarding, but there may be certain areas that are off-limits or where skateboarding is not allowed altogether. It is always a good idea to check with the relevant authorities before you set out to skateboard in an airport, just in case.