Just started packing your suitcase and wonder if you can put or bring shoes inside your carry-on bag?
Generally, you can put any type shoes inside your carry-on luggage. There are no limits on the number of pair shoes you can place inside your carry-on or personal item, but your carry-on needs to be within your airline size and weight limits. It is best if you wear your bulkiest shoes and pack lighter, versatile pairs, sometimes using shoe bags or shower caps to keep luggage clean.
You don’t have to experience it before you can know it. To simplify it and help you sail through the airport, I put this post together and show you my experience, and provide you with some tips for packing shoes in your carry-on and checked bag.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR
You can bring shoes on a plane in both carry-on and checked luggage.
There is no limit on the number or type of shoes you can put inside your carry-on bag
Make sure your bag stays within your airline size and weight limits.
You don’t need to remove shoes from your carry-on during screening.
You will need to take off your shoes at security checkpoint ( exceptions apply for TSA PreCheck members, children under 12, or adults over 75).
To save space inside your bag, you can wear your bulkiest pair and pack lighter ones using shoe bags or plastic bags to keep your luggage clean.
There are no rules on placing any types of shoes inside your carry-on bag, most airlines do only insist on luggage size and weight.
So as long as your carry-on bag or personal item is with the allowance limits you have nothing to worry about.
It is the TSA and other airport security folks that want to make sure everything in your bag is safe and sound.
And if any shoe passengers wear or place inside their bag is clean.
You might have seen some folks trying to smuggle illegal things into their shoes.
Do You Still Need To Take Your Shoes Off at The Airport?
Taking shoes off is one of the most awkward things passengers do not like to do at the airport.
But still, yes all passengers except people older than 75 years, children under 12 years old, and TSA PreCheck holders will be required to remove their shoes or footwear when going through the security checkpoint.
Sure, there will be other exceptions, like the case of Sema who broke her ankle.
Slip-on shoes can help you get through security lines faster.
Can You Bring Heels In a Carry-on?
Yes, high heels are good to take in carry-on luggage without any issues.
This passenger asked the TSA if his wife can take high heels in her carry-on bag.
The TSA customer service replied, “Thank you for reaching out to us. High heels are allowed in carry-on bags.”
However, some types of shoes will not be permitted in carry-on luggage, like these beautiful spiked shoes Nealie wants to take, and the TSA customer service replied that it is recommended to take these types in a checked bag.
Do I Have To Take Shoes Out Of My Carry-on?
No, you don’t have to take your shoes out of your bag; your shoes will be screened along with your other items.
Here is an answer from the AskTSA team confirming to John that he will only need to remove the shoes he is wearing, any extra shoes can remain inside his bag when going through x-ray screening.
Can I Pack Shoes In My Checked Bag?
Yes.
In fact, if you are not traveling carry-on only, it is advised to bring your shoes inside your checked baggage, so you can save space in your carry-on.
You don’t have specific restrictions regarding the quantity or the type of shoes you can bring.
Just keep an eye on the luggage weight that comes with your ticket. You can then pack many pairs of shoes in your checked suitcase.
How Many Shoes Can You Bring On a Plane?
Can you take extra shoes on a plane? As I stated above, there are no limits to the number of shoes you can bring on a plane.
However, there is a maximum weight for each airline which you should not exceed, a standard 50 pounds per checked bag as well as a standard size of 62 inches.
But if you want to bring only two to three pairs of shoes, you are just fine.
Shoe type
Approximate size (length)
Carry-on allowed
Checked bag allowed
Sneakers / Running Shoes
26–32 cm
Yes
Yes
High Heels
24–30 cm
Yes
Yes
Dress Shoes
26–31 cm
Yes
Yes
Boots (Ankle Boots)
26–33 cm
Yes
Yes
Hiking Boots
28–34 cm
Yes
Yes
Slippers
24–30 cm
Yes
Yes
Work Boots (Steel-toe)
28–35 cm
Yes
Yes
Platform / Spiked Heels
26–32 cm
Sometimes
Yes
Ice Skates / Sports Shoes
28–34 cm
Sometimes
Yes
How To Carry Shoes On Backpack?
Carrying shoes in a backpack can be easy if you are traveling with light shoes like sneakers or flip flops, but it mostly depends on the type of backpack.
If you are traveling with a backpack only, make sure that you consider the size of your shoes.
Here are some tips on how to pack your shoes in a backpack.
Wrap each shoe separately with paper or a piece of cloth. Before that, make sure that they are well cleaned.
Put them in a plastic bag, soles facing opposite each other with another piece of cloth in the middle (just like the manufacturer packs them).
Place them in the middle of the backpack after you stuff some of your belongings and clothes first. It is better to avoid placing them at the bottom of the backpack.
How To Pack Shoes In a Suitcase?
Check out this video by Elizabeth. She shares all the tips she learned over the years as a frequent traveler on how to pack shoes and socks in both carry-on and checked luggage.
According to this post from reuters the average woman owns 19 pairs of shoes, that explains why travelers often pack multiple pairs when flying.
Can You Take Shoes On International Flights?
Dr. Scholl’s Shoes Women’s Madison Sneaker
Flying with shoes internationally is the same as flying domestically and it is not something you need to worry about, since a lot of people are able to fly with them to various countries.
Just make sure that you don’t take large quantities of brand new shoes to other countries.
Customs will definitely ask you the reason for transporting these large quantities.
You will have to pay taxes for them; otherwise they will be seized.
Final Thoughts
You can put shoe inside your carry-on bag or even wearing them when traveling on any airline without any issues.
Since a lot of people are able to wear or take all types of shoes both domestic and international flights.
Just make sure that you don’t take large quantities of brand new shoes to other countries. Customs will definitely ask you the reason for transporting these large quantities.
You will have to pay taxes for them; otherwise they will be seized.
I hope this helps
Happy travels
FAQs about bringing shoes on planes
Can you put shoes in cabin baggage on any airline ?
Yes, you can put shoes in your cabin baggage. Shoes are allowed in carry-on luggage whether you are flying, United, American or Delta, just make sure your bag is within your airline size and weight limits.
What is the 3 shoe rule for carry-on travel?
The 3-shoe rule is a packing tip that suggests bringing three types of shoes: one pair you wear on the plane, one comfortable everyday pair, and one versatile pair for specific activities or occasions.
Can you tie shoes to your carry-on bag?
Yes, you can tie shoes to your carry-on bag using the laces if you run out of space. Just make sure they are secure and that the airline allows extra items outside your bag.
Can you carry an extra pair of shoes on a plane?
Yes, you can bring an extra pair of shoes on a plane. You can pack them in your carry-on, personal item, or checked luggage.
What is the most confiscated item at airports?
Liquids that exceed the 3.4 oz (100 ml) limit are among the most commonly confiscated items at airport security. Large toiletries, drinks, and gels are often taken if they don’t follow the liquid rules.
Do shoes count toward your carry-on limit?
Yes, shoes will be counted as part of your carry-on luggage if they are packed inside your bag. If you wear them on the plane, they don’t count toward your baggage limit.
Do You Need to Remove shoes from your carry-on during airport security?
No, you don’t have to take out shoes from your carry-on. You can keep them inside your bag while it goes through the X-ray scanner. If the security officer want to inspect them they will ask you to remove them.
Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist
passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.
