Planning a tennis vacation is so exciting; bringing your best tennis racket with you can make the experience even better.
After consulting with seasoned tennis players who regularly travel abroad and examining TSA and airline regulations, we have determined that…
” Tennis rackets are allowed on airplanes, both in carry-on and check-in luggage, according to the TSA. Yet, some airlines have restrictions and certain considerations that may still prevent you from bringing one on board. “
Thus, the key question is how to bring tennis rackets along as well as practical tips for a trouble-free travel experience with your tennis equipment.
Keep reading to discover…
Can I Take a Tennis Racket as Hand Luggage?
Yes, you can. And the real experience is If you bring one or two rackets, use a small tennis backpack that can act as carry-on baggage or personal item. With three or more rackets, opt for a tennis racket bag or duffel bag that can fit in the overhead bin. If six or more, the only way is to pack them into checked luggage.
How to Bring Tennis Rackets on Plane
The optimal way to travel with your tennis rackets will depend on how many you plan to bring. This guide aims to help you make the best decision.
Bring One or Two Rackets (as personal item or carry-on)
A tennis backpack (or regular backpack) can accommodate two rackets. Keep in mind that you may still be able to bring one carry-on item since a backpack would be considered a personal item if it fits under the seat in front of you.
Bring Three to Five Rackets (as carry-on)
When bringing 3 to 5 tennis rackets, use either a tennis bag or a duffel bag that’s smaller than the dimensions 22 x 14 x 9 inches (45 linear inches), please note this dimension may vary from airline to airline. Otherwise, you’ll have difficulty fitting it in the overhead bin.
Since you already have one carry-on, you are permitted to bring a personal item on board.
Bring Six Rackets or More (as check-in)
In this case, there is no way to bring 6 rackets on the plane as hand luggage, the best way to go is to use a larger tennis bag as checked luggage. To protect your rackets during transport, you should pack them with bubble wrap or clothes between each racket.
Which Type of Tennis Bag Can I Bring as Hand Luggage?
All tennis racket bags on the market are more than the typical carry-on policy of 45 linear and 22 inches in length (22 x 14 x 9 inches).
For example, the Wilson Roger Federer Team 3-Pack Bag measures 30″ L x 13″ H x 5″ W. These measurements surpass length and linear sizes. Additionally, most 3-pack racket bags are about this size. It’s not worth looking for the 6, 7, or 12-pack tennis racket bags as they are significantly bigger than 3-pack ones.
Anyway, except for tennis backpacks, no type of tennis racket bag (including 3-pack varieties) can be brought on the plane as hand luggage.
How to Securely Pack Tennis Rackets
Protect your racket from any scratches by wrapping it in the bubble wrap that came with its original packaging. Secure the racket handle by wrapping a rubber band around it. No matter how many rackets you’re about to bring, we recommend packing like this.
Latest Major Airline Carry-On Policies
Airlines still have the right to reject your tennis racket on board. Before getting on the plane, it’s always a good idea to do a final check if the tennis racket is allowed on board.
| Airlines | Carry-on Baggage Dimensions | Carry-on Baggage Weight | Personal Item | Tennis racket allowed on board? | Link to Policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 22x14x9 inches | Not specified | 18x14x8 inches | Yes | View |
| Delta Airlines | 22x14x9 inches | Not specified | Not specified | Yes | View |
| United Airlines | 22x14x9 inches | Not specified | 17x10x9 inches | Yes | View |
| Southwest Airlines | 24x16x10 inches | Not specified | 16.25×13.5×8 inches | Yes | View |
| Air Canada | 21.5×15.5×9 inches | Not specified | 17x13x6 inches | Yes | View |
| Air China | 22x16x8 inches | 11 lbs | Not specified | Not specified | View |
| AirAsia | 22x14x9 inches | 15 lbs | 15.7×11.8×3.9 inches | No | View |
| ANA | 22x16x10 inches | 22 lbs | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| Air France | 21.7×13.8×9.9 in | 40 lbs | 16x12x6 inches | Not specified | View |
| Cathay Pacific | 23x22x14 in | 15 lbs | 16x12x6 inches | Not specified | View |
| easyJet | 22 x 17.7 x 9.8 in | 33 lbs | 17.7x14x7.9 in | Yes | View |
| Emirates Airline | 22x15x8 in | 15 lbs | Not specified | No | View |
| Qatar Airways | 20x15x10 in | 15 lbs | Not specified | Not specified | View |
| Saudi Arabian Airline | less than 62 linear inches | 15 lbs | Not specified | Not specified | View |
| Ryanair | 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.9 in | 22 lbs | Not specified | Not specified | View |
| British Airways | 22 x 18 x 10 in | 51 lbs | 16x12x6 in | No | View |
| Lufthansa | 21.6×15.7×9 in | 17.6 lbs | Not specified | Not specified | View |
| Virgin Atlantic | 22x14x9 in | 22 lbs | Not specified | Not specified | View |
| Singapore Airlines | less than 45 linear inches | 15 lbs | 15.7×11.8×4 in | Not specified | View |
Carry-on VS Check-in
You usually have two choices when flying with your racket: taking it as a carry-on item or checking it in. Compare the pros and cons to find the best option that suits you.
Carry-on
Pros:
- best for taking one or two rackets
- no worries about scratches
- no packing needed
Cons:
- difficult to bring more than two rackets
- a few airlines are not allowed
Check-in
Pros:
- bring as many as you can
- less worry about airline policies
Cons:
- chances of being damaged
- have to pack them well
FAQs
Can I carry tennis rackets by hand on the plane?
Yes, if you bring one or two tennis rackets; no, if you bring more than three. To optimize your chances of success, be sure to confirm that tennis rackets are allowed. Be aware of security measures at the checkpoint and any flight personnel, and do your best to remain low profile.
Can you put a tennis racket in checked baggage?
Yes, you can put your tennis racket in checked luggage. Care must be taken to ensure the rackets are protected during transportation and packed securely.
Do Airports recommend packing a tennis ball?
No, they don’t. Tennis balls can be placed in either a carry-on bag or checked luggage. It’s your choice.
Can you pack a tennis racket in a suitcase?
We recommend avoiding carry-on suitcases as they are too small to store a tennis racket. For the larger suitcase, look for one over 27 inches in length as most rackets are 27 inches long. To keep your racket secure, wrap it with soft clothing or bubble wrap between each one.
In Conclusion
The easiest way to bring your tennis racket when you travel is to pack it in your tennis backpack as cabin baggage. Be sure to check with your airline before flying if they have any limitations regarding tennis gear.
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