Can you carry on a softball bat?

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Jul 5, 2016
652
63
We have to travel to a tournament and I would prefer to not check certain items. Does anybody know if it is permitted to carry on a softball bat?
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
You can not carry on bat.

Not the end of the world if it gets lost.

Make sure you carry on uniform and glove.

Not sure if they would let metal spikes on plane either.
 

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
Gotta check bats, but DO NOT check anything that cannot be quickly replaced - gloves, uniforms.
 
Oct 3, 2011
3,478
113
Right Here For Now
scawabach, a bat is considered a weapon by the TSA and you can't carry it on. As others have said, you need to worry about things that can't be replaced immediately such as your uniforms. Bats can be borrowed from other teammates as well as gloves if need be from players sitting.
 
Last edited:
Mar 1, 2015
131
0
You can not carry on bat.

Not the end of the world if it gets lost.

Make sure you carry on uniform and glove.

Not sure if they would let metal spikes on plane either.


We were told NO on the metal spikes, but when we got to a tournament someone else on the team said they put them in their carry on and didn't have a problem. We carry on glove, uniforms, helmet, and turf shoes, plus some other odds and ends like batting gloves, mask, etc. We check bats and metal spikes, but may do a test run this spring for the metal spikes. Going to have to coordinate when both wife and I can go so one of us can go through security first and if they are pulled, the other can put them in a checked bag. Usually only one of us flies for softball.
 
Mar 20, 2014
918
28
Northwest
No on the bat - I even called the airline and went to the local airport to talk to the local TSA agents to see if there was some way that I could package it and still carry it on. Nope. Make sure that you wrap it because it will get banged around. We wrapped it in bubble wrap and then wrapped a towel around it and then let the TSA agents know what it was. Made it fine both ways.

As everyone said above - glove, mitt and uniforms in carry on (we didn't have any trouble with her cleats). DD's biggest concern besides her bat that had to be checked was her catcher's helmet (she has a big melon) but it got there just fine. You could also ship the bat directly to the hotel (along with anything else that you are concerned about) and bypass the cargo hold all together...
 

Spero Koulouras

Coach in Training
Aug 15, 2014
27
3
We have to travel to a tournament and I would prefer to not check certain items. Does anybody know if it is permitted to carry on a softball bat?
We played in the Canada Cup in Vancouver last summer. We thought we would be smart and put together a few big bags with bow nets, well-packed bats, balls, catcher gear and other bulky items. Bad idea for the bats, we played 3 days with only half of them and all the players upset. Lesson learned, each player responsible for their own gear. Pack bats well, and don't put all your bats in one bag!

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
 
Oct 19, 2009
1,277
38
beyond the fences
put bats in the catchers bags when traveling as a team. We always check several bags as team travel requires
bringing all equipment including balls, buckets, bow-net and helmets. (only 5 helmets needed for entire team)
 

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