going abroad - take skates or leave behind?

[TimO]

good to know about the skates in the backpack. i have to get a few pairs through heathrow via washinton/dulles in 2 weeks. My speed skates are so long that i'm going to have to use them as carry-on. Hey, can you skate on the underground or do i have to carry shoes?

Probably not a good idea to try. People do, and have got away with it, but someone may ask you not to (platform staff or British Transport Police), and you'll be stuck walking around in your socks (or bare feet), not something I'd want to do on the Underground.

(I've always fancied trying the trick someone mentioned of skating in the opposite direction to the trains motion, so you appear to be stationary ).

[scarecrow]

haha, i might try that trick. i don't have to go far, my lodging is two stations away from the hyde park station. i might be able to get away with it. Now i just have to figure out how to pack my stuff to get through US customs without having my bag totally destroyed.

[Síle]

Now i just have to figure out how to pack my stuff to get through US customs without having my bag totally destroyed.

Might be impossible.

My dad left his bag unlocked when he flew back for Christmas and they still managed to break the lock.
They also opened a number of boxes of chocolates and dumped the contents out of the boxes and onto his clothes. (Melted chocolate on suits and shirts just isn't a good look) They then completely stoved in an antique silver dish that he had bought for my sister.

[Cowry]

Now i just have to figure out how to pack my stuff to get through US customs without having my bag totally destroyed.

Might be impossible.

My dad left his bag unlocked when he flew back for Christmas and they still managed to break the lock.
They also opened a number of boxes of chocolates and dumped the contents out of the boxes and onto his clothes. (Melted chocolate on suits and shirts just isn't a good look) They then completely stoved in an antique silver dish that he had bought for my sister.

That sucks... I had no problems going to and from NY; and I took 2 pairs of skates with me, one pair strapped on my backpack and one pair over my shoulder! But I didn't have anything in my suitcase they could destroy and my lock still works (I left it unlocked), so I think you just have to get lucky (or unlucky...).