Flying with tall boots

[Silverbridge]

I have also put them in a taller suitcase and checked it, when I was going somewhere to ride for a week, and needed to pack the clothes for that long.

But if it’s only for one or two days, I put my boots under the seat in front of me in a boot bag as my other/second carry on item. And I put a duffel bag large enough for my helmet and riding clothes and other clothes, overhead. Those are my two items-- the duffel and the boots. I wouldn’t want to put my boots overhead, I too would worry that someone else’s roller bag would crush them down.

Just a few weeks ago I flew AZ-Iowa-Chicago-AZ to try a horse and did the under-the-seat method. Had no problems through security with my spurs and belt stored down inside my boots.

I’m surprised at all the people saying they wear their tall boots on a plane. I can’t imagine doing that, I hardly ever wear them anywhere outside of riding. My ankles and toes would be bleeding if I wore them that long. An airplane seat is uncomfortable enough already. And anyway in an airport I’d be paranoid about getting jumped or harassed by an emboldened bigot. (But that is probably not a worry for a female).

[joiedevie99]

I’ve done this many, many times. I never check luggage. I usually bring a large duffel bag as my main carry-on item. Mine fit in my Vera Bradley Grand Traveler. It’s technically over the carry-on dimensions, but no one cares since its very soft and squishy, and I don’t fill it. Sometimes I bring a smaller duffel bag or large backpack, and just let the tops of the boots stick out through an open zipper. As a last resort, I bring an open-top LL Bean tote and just let them stick up out of that inside their boot bag. I’ve never tried wearing them on the plane.

[twoscompany]

I was in a rush flying out of Tampa a few weeks ago and had to wear my boots/spurs through security- no issues! On the flight there I had my boots and spurs in my carry on (not ideal, had to fold them over at the ankle to get them to fit. Rather squish the ankle than the spanish top) and I wasn’t given any issues. I had my helmet in my purse/tote for the flight home and no one asked any questions.

[BatCoach]

@Silverbridge

I’m surprised at all the people saying they wear their tall boots on a plane. I can’t imagine doing that, I hardly ever wear them anywhere outside of riding. My ankles and toes would be bleeding if I wore them that long. An airplane seat is uncomfortable enough already. ).

I think if OP has softer, thinner leather boots - like parlanti etc for hunter/jumper those would be ok to fly in (prob with top slightly unzipped) as opposed to the very stiff structure of a dressage boot like Petrie or deniro. Neither is a super comfy choice, but the hunter/jumper style boots are much easier to make work in a situation like this,

[ThreeFigs]

I took my dressage boots on a flight to Texas to try out horses. I used my regular boot bag, stuffed the boots with my breeches, shirts, socks and undies. What didn’t fit went in my awesome tote bag – helmet, smaller handbag, Ipad and so forth. The boot bag fit very nicely into the overhead and my tote went under the seat. I got lots of questions about the odd-shaped boot bag and it was quite the conversation starter! Boot bags are tall, for sure, but they do not take up much space in width or depth, so don’t worry.

[jskowronek]

@BatCoach

I think if OP has softer, thinner leather boots - like parlanti etc for hunter/jumper those would be ok to fly in (prob with top slightly unzipped) as opposed to the very stiff structure of a dressage boot like Petrie or deniro. Neither is a super comfy choice, but the hunter/jumper style boots are much easier to make work in a situation like this,

I have ariat heritages they are pretty comfy so i could wear them in a pinch but i would rather not because i feel weird unzipping/taking them off on the plane but i may do that when I go home for a weekend in a few weeks because it would prevent checking a bag for such a short trip!