Coochas

For the first time, we will be doing a fly, arrive, and drive event. Since my cars are 2.5 hours away from me at Speedsport it would be impractical to bring my gear there and have them tote it with the cars.

I have a big Sparco gear bag on wheels that should be able to handle two helmets, two HANS, suits and misc gear. Is it safe to simply check this bag? I have heard people say in the past that if you drop a helmet on the ground that it might not be structurally sound for on track. Would the same be true for a helmet in a bag being manhandled through airport conveyors and such?

TIA

Horus2000

I don't have a comment on checking the bag. However, I recently traveled with my helmet/hans in a Puma helmet bag as a carry-on. Granted I have an XL helmet, but I was surprised that it didn't fit under the seat in front of me and barely made it into the overhead. It's an awkward shape, particularly in width. But maybe you have a smaller head than me.

That being said, i wouldn't check it as the Puma bag was a soft side and I had the same concern as you.

ltc

When my son was racing, we did a lot of flying with his gear. He had a Sparco and Ogio gear bag on wheels which we always checked. It contained everything except the helmet.
We always carried it thru security and on the plane.
The only issue was failing the explosives swab test, due to gas/oil on the helmet (open cockpit / karts). They just inspected the helmet and let us on the plane.
I wouldn't trust the helmet as checked baggage, the risk of being dropped is something I didn't feel comfortable with.

Nordschleife

a few years ago the guy who won the Bathurst 500 was so pumped he couldn't take his helmet off, so he flew home in it. I guess the world has changed since then.

R+C

Circuit Motorsports

helmet goes carryon. everything else goes in a bag and checked. Tough to do it all just carryon.

Deadeye

Dave, I hope you found a direct flight-just sayin'

multi21

Never check your helmet. Ever see what the baggage handlers do with luggage?
My daughter flew with her helmet last year, simple opening of the bag, inspection of the inner lining and your good to go.

GuyIncognito

I had that problem too...Puma helmet bag, medium sized helmet + HANS, wouldn't fit in the overhead (too wide, plane was a Super 80 though...small bins) and was nowhere close to fitting under the seat.

both legs of the trip I was able to get the flight attendants to put the bag in the first class "coat check" closet but I wouldn't want to rely on that all the time.

Matt Romanowski

Packaged right it should be fine in checked luggage. Remember, helmets get shipped UPS everyday and I think it's UPS that teaches baggage handlers how to ruin stuff.

Iridium

they always freak out about my hans. run it three times etc.

Astroman

Haha. So true. Although I think FedEx is worse.

Coochas

Thanks for the replies guys. I think I'll try to carry them on or maybe take a trip to Speedsport and drop all our stuff off.

MUSSBERGER

And "never get off the boat". I carry it all on. From helmet to shoes.

Rob in VA

I wouldn't risk them losing your helmet. That could ruin your event.

pontifex4

I rented when I did an arrive and drive. Not ideal, but it worked. Something to consider.