What this guide covers
- Sports equipment that cannot be carried on board
- Items that can be carried on board depending on length
Most items that cannot be carried on board can go in checked baggage. Some items are not allowed in either, so also check the "Checked baggage" column.
1. Ball games and rackets
| Item | Carry-on baggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Golf clubs | Not allowed (golf club heads only are allowed) | Allowed |
| Golf swing training equipment, sectional putters | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Baseball bats | Not allowed (plastic ones that look like toys and cannot be used as weapons are allowed) | Allowed |
| Tennis rackets | Allowed | Allowed |
| Balls for sports | Allowed | Allowed |
| Pool cues | Not allowed | Allowed |
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
2. Winter sports
| Item | Carry-on baggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Skis, snowboards | Not allowed (short skis of 60cm or less are allowed) | Allowed |
| Ski poles | Allowed if 60cm or less when folded and not fitted with a sharp metal tip. Poles used as walking sticks by physically handicapped people, without a sharp metal tip, are allowed even if over 60cm | Allowed |
| Ice skates | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Ski and snowboard wax (solid) | Allowed | Allowed |
| Ski and snowboard wax (liquid, paste, powder) | Not allowed (liquids with a flash point above 60°C are allowed) | Not allowed (same) |
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
3. Other equipment
| Item | Carry-on baggage | Checked baggage |
|---|---|---|
| Hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, gateball sticks, cricket bats | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Boomerangs | Not allowed (ones without a metal blade are allowed) | Allowed |
| Batons | Not allowed (relay or baton twirling batons of 60cm or less are allowed) | Allowed |
| Trekking poles | Same as ski poles | Allowed |
| Crampons | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Bows and arrows, darts | Not allowed (darts without a metal drill-shaped tip are allowed) | Allowed |
Source: MLIT: "Examples of Dangerous Goods by Air Transportation" (English version, last updated April 24, 2026) (retrieved 2026-09-27)
According to MLIT, even an item listed as allowed may not be carried on board if the airline or security inspector determines that it can be used as a weapon due to its material, strength, shape, etc. Replicas and similar items of restricted items are also restricted.
Some airlines have stricter rules. Airlines may also have their own rules for checking large equipment, so check your airline's information too.