strange carry-on request

[packofjedis]

Anybody think the TSA would have a problem with a full size soccer ball in my son's carryon? He has a soccer backpack that it will fit fully into.

Just making sure, because he sure would be mad if we had to toss the ball at the security point.

 

[debster812]

I'd actually deflate it, and bring along a compact hand pump, to re-inflate it when you arrive.

 

[uva185]

TSA should not have a problem with it but there is a very good chance it will pop in the air with the pressure difference. I would definitely deflate it.

 

[taitai]

Not a problem at all. My sons brought basketballs and footballs to China in their backpacks and didn't have an issue. As long as it fits under the seat you are golden. We always bring a basketball on our trips and never once have had a problem.

The cabin is pressurized so no need to deflate.

 

[uva185]

The cabin is pressurized so no need to deflate.

Its pressurized, but not ground level. It would probably be fine, but why risk it.

If you take a small bag of chips a board a flight you can watch the bag poof up as you increase in altitude.

 

[taitai]

Its pressurized, but not ground level. It would probably be fine, but why risk it.

If you take a small bag of chips a board a flight you can watch the bag poof up as you increase in altitude.

By that account, pretty much anything that is closed would pop on a plane and yet pretty much nothing does (soda cans, yogurt containers, water bottles). I always bring a little blow up sleeping pillow and it never pops.

The pressure a soccer ball experiences getting booted by the player is far greater than a small change in cabin pressure. Most cabins are set to 8000ft. pressure. Many mountain towns and ski resorts are at higher altitudes than the pressure an airline cabin is set and yet they have soccer fields and basketball hoops and all the rest and sporting equipment just explode all day long there.

Do whatever you want. We have been bringing basketballs and footballs on planes both domestic and international for at least two decades (my hsuband and now my sons are HUGE athletes and MUST have their basketballs in case they find a hoop at their destination) and have never, ever had a problem either with TSA or the integrity of the ball. It seems like more a hassle to deflate and bring a pump. However, do whatever you are most comfortable doing.

 

[skelooch]

I too use an inflatable pillow, If I inflate it while still on the ground to a comfortable softness, by the time we reach cruising altitude is is very firm and needs to be deflated some. I suppose if it were firm when taking off it might split a seam, you never know.
I think I would deflate the ball a bit.

 

[dzorn]

DD carried hers last trip in her carry on. No problem

Denise in MI

 

[packofjedis]

I'm going to take it. If it were going to explode, I'm sure the TSA or flight attendants wouldn't let us on with it.

I'll probably deflate it just a little and bring a pump.