Helmets and Flying

[Responsible]

Hi all

I'm flying out west (via WestJet) for an Adventure ride soon. I am loathe to put my new helmet in checked baggage, because of the rough treatment it is likely to receive. Has anyone flown with a helmet as carry-on lately? It doesn't quite fit the size requirements, but I am quite certain it would fit in a regular overhead stowage compartment.

Pete

[MGill]

Likely fit under the seat in front of you?
That would make it a “personal item” so you would still be able to
take a “carry on” for the overhead bin.

[Responsible]

Under seat storage is a bit of a crapshoot. Some seats have obstructions underneath.

I will call WestJet to see what they say, but I'm pretty sure the Counter Drone will just regurgitate the rules on the webpage. I am hoping someone might have some recent first hand experience.

Pete

[Responsible]

Just FYI. The Counter Drone was surprisingly helpful. It turns out that if the helmet won't be completely accepted as carry on baggage, and you don't want it to go into checked baggage, there is a third option of 'gate checked' which is reserved for things like musical instruments, medical devices, fragile items, and motorcycle helmets are included! This means you hand it off at the gate and they put it in storage space in the cabin, and hand it back when you disembark.

Pete

[stevebem]

Good to know. Thanks.