How to travel with hats

[Hurricane Jack]

For those like myself who have taken to wearing a cowboy hat quite often, how do you travel with your cowboy hat when on an airplane? I know you can use a hat can, but I really would like to avoid using one if possible. What is everyone’s suggestions? Thanks!

I've flown a lot wearing a Western hat on board. When I want to take it off I fold down the drink tray & cradle the hat between the front of the tray & the seatback in front of you. Really any brim 3 or 3-1/4 & up will fit perfectly. And if it happens to be a foldover divided tray where you don't have to have it open all the way, all the better.

 

[Rmccamey]

Take along a plastic bag to wrap it in. A, in case you have to put it on the floor under your seat and B, to go through x-ray. I've had more hats scuffed, crushed, and stained going through the 2 minutes at security checkpoints than I ever have had on the plane ride itself. As Brent said, I usually go with fedoras rather than westerns. My unlined Mayser is durable and tough but light weight and easy to recrease without steam. It has become my international travel hat for the past 4 years - Ireland, Singapore, Paris, Germany, italy.

 

[Edward]

I've flown with felts and straws - all fedoras, not Westerns, mind - never had a problem. Thrown them up in the OH locker with my jacket and that's been it. Never had to put them under my seat, though it makes sense to carry a plastic bag for that just in case. Once or twice I've tucked a brimmed hat into a hat box in my hold suitcase, and just worn a cap in transit. Always used that latter method when taking a boater anywhere. Never had a hat lost or damaged yet.

 

[Olivier]

Hi Everyone,

I’ll be travelling to Montréal, Canada soon … a short 27h from Melbourne.
I’d like to board with my loved Akubra cattleman but I’m worried it could be damaged during the flight … does anyone have a good idea or experience to share ? Thanks heaps !

 

[Short Balding Guy]

Check the above link out. Lots of sage wisdom and experiences.

Cheers, Eric -

 

[jlee562]

I mean, it's an Akubra, so there's probably not much that could happen that could not be fixed by steam, but if you are really concerned, get a hat case.




It's about as convenient as you would imagine carrying another piece of luggage would be, but it'll protect your hat.

 

[Monte]

If you wear it, an airport employee will have you remove it and they'll touch it and check under the sweat. It is unpleasant but should not damage it to speak of.

 

[jlee562]

If you wear it, an airport employee will have you remove it and they'll touch it and check under the sweat. It is unpleasant but should not damage it to speak of.

Hmm, this may be dependent on the individual airport/agent. I've never had anyone check under the sweat. I have put hats through the xray machine for sure.

 

[Olivier]

Check the above link out. Lots of sage wisdom and experiences.

Cheers, Eric -

Thanks Eric

 

[Olivier]

I mean, it's an Akubra, so there's probably not much that could happen that could not be fixed by steam, but if you are really concerned, get a hat case.




It's about as convenient as you would imagine carrying another piece of luggage would be, but it'll protect your hat.

Thanks Jlee562

 

[Just Daniel]

I wear hats when I travel and have never hat an issue. It makes for a great accessory with a bloody mary at any airport bar.

When seated on a flight I just use the hat to cover my eyes and sleep.

Hi Everyone,

I’ll be travelling to Montréal, Canada soon … a short 27h from Melbourne.
I’d like to board with my loved Akubra cattleman but I’m worried it could be damaged during the flight … does anyone have a good idea or experience to share ? Thanks heaps !

 

[Frunobulax]

Hmm, this may be dependent on the individual airport/agent. I've never had anyone check under the sweat. I have put hats through the xray machine for sure.

They're probably looking for those $20s they keep hearing about behind the sweats. Or they're FL Members trying to get a peek at the re-order tag.

 

[M Brown]

I travel with my hat on my head.

 

[crawlinkingsnake]

Ain't never traveled with more than two. One I'm wearing, and one in a box I got when I ordered a Biltmore President few years back.

 

[crawlinkingsnake]

Oh and that would only be when driving. If on a plane, it's only one.

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

They're probably looking for those $20s they keep hearing about behind the sweats. Or they're FL Members trying to get a peek at the re-order tag.

Yeah they just don’t get it when i say “Don’t touch my hat”!!
Then i pull out my pocket mirror to show them behind the sweat band.
Probably explains why i’m on the “no fly” list.
And then those private body searches...sheez!!
B

 

[Frunobulax]

And then those private body searches...sheez!!
B

Um, that was the Boom Boom room at the Cheetah Club, B, not the airport.

It's out by the airport, though.

 

[quikrick]

Um, that was the Boom Boom room at the Cheetah Club, B, not the airport.

It's out by the airport, though.

Reminds me of the song,
Boom Boom in the Zoom Zoom Room.
-Debbie Harry, Blondie

 

[jlee562]

Found on the interwebs, magnetic hat holder.
https://www.lindsayalbanese.com/products/luggage-tag-toptote-hat-holder-lindsay-albanese

 

[belfastboy]

Hmm, this may be dependent on the individual airport/agent. I've never had anyone check under the sweat. I have put hats through the xray machine for sure.

Yes, I take it off at check in so they can reconcile me to my passport pic, take it off passing through the screening and again when they check my pic at the boarding gate. No one has ever inspected the hat or band.