Flying with your helmet and gear
#1
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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
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
#2
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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.
That being said, i wouldn't check it as the Puma bag was a soft side and I had the same concern as you.
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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.
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.
#7
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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.
My daughter flew with her helmet last year, simple opening of the bag, inspection of the inner lining and your good to go.
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#8
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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.
That being said, i wouldn't check it as the Puma bag was a soft side and I had the same concern as you.
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.
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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.
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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.