When it comes to packing for a flight, passengers are typically well aware of regulations surrounding liquids, medical equipment, and even their pets. But when it comes to packing for the less common items, such as a football, the clarity on regulations gets blurry. Fret not, because here's your guide on flying with your football, soccer ball, dodgeball, or other similar-sized sports equipment.

Can you pack a football in your luggage?

The answer is yes. However, not all airlines have the same policy for traveling with them. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) dictates that footballs, soccer balls, basketballs, and baseballs are allowed all carry-on and checked baggage.

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Passengers do not have to be part of any football or sports team to be entitled to carry their footballs overseas. There are no significant restrictions on packing them in checked luggage, and some carriers allow them in the cabin. Several carriers specifically list basketballs and footballs under sports equipment, with Jetlbue giving additional advice for transportation:

"Dodgeballs and other balls may be packed in a checked bag or carry-on. Due to air pressure changes, balls that you inflate (dodgeball, football, soccer, etc.) should be partially deflated for transport."

TSA Security Screening for Balls
Photo: Transportation Security Administration 

Golf balls, baseballs, and even bowling balls are all allowed through TSA screening checkpoints as well.

How should you pack your football?

The TSA requires passengers to ensure that their footballs are mostly deflated or entirely deflated when packed into their baggage, and this isn't just about space or weight concerns. When flying, atmospheric pressure reduces as the altitude increases, and the aircraft cabin gets depressurized. However, the difference in air pressure will cause the air trapped inside an inflated football to expand, and the football will pop.

While the odds of this happening are slim to none, all footballs must still be mostly deflated with just a tiny bit of air left inside or entirely deflated before being allowed onboard the aircraft. And yes, this does mean passengers should bring along an air pump to re-inflate their footballs after landing at their final destination.

TSA searching luggage
Photo: Carolina K. Smith MD | Shutterstock

The TSA allows passengers to travel with an air pump. However, if packing the ball pump in your carry-on, it might help to keep it accessible or remove it for security, as the sharp tips might trigger additional screenings.

Is it best packed in carry-ons or checked-in?

In addition to mostly deflating or entirely deflating them, passengers should check with the individual airlines to see if they are allowed to be stored in carry-on luggage. The answer typically varies between airlines, with some preferring that passengers check the football in, while others allow them in cabin baggage.

Emirates Rugby World Cup livery
Photo: Emirates

Carriers such as JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, American Airlines, Lufthansa, and United Airlines highlight that either option is acceptable. However, they advise passengers to double-check with their agents to ensure that checking in deflated footballs for their particular flight is accepted. Otherwise, it might be possible to check the bag at the gate as they do when the overhead bins are full.

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Several carriers state all footballs need to be checked in. Emirates is one example, and Air Canada's website confirms, "Bats and balls are accepted only in checked baggage."