My son has a back pack to which you can attach a skateboard. I am wondering if he will be allowed to carry it on board our flight (American Airlines). Has anyone had experience with carrying their skateboard on their flight? Thanks!

ymn.....I have only seen skateboards as checked.From AA.com it is acceptable as checked baggage:
Skateboard 1 skateboard Free in place of one 62 inch bag 50 lbs
62 inches ......I have never seen anyone ask to carry it on.Best of Luck!

My husband (age 28) has been a diehard skateboarder for years and he has always carried it on, attached to a backpack. I don't think he would ever even think to check it! We've never had a problem when he's carried it on. Your best bet would be to call the airline to confirm though.

My 12-year brother brought his skateboard with when we visited Hawaii. On the way there he was planning on carrying it on the airplane, but the reservationist insisted that he had to check it. Therefore, she put it in a large box and checked it. When we were returning he carried it on the airplane without any difficulties. Therefore, that was our experience when we traveled with my brother's skateboard.

My son has carried his on, in a skateboard backpack quite a few times. No problem so far.

It will entirely depend on the desk agent. Even just his/her mood that day. I have seen lots of skateboards carried on - but I have also seem some (on the very same airlines) having to be checked.

My son carried his on , going to Japan, no problem.

What happens with any over-sized or official not-regulation carry-ons is that the boarding gate person either ignores it or makes you "gate check" it. Sometimes if you check in with a live person, they will ask you at ticket counter to check it.

It depends on airline, type of equipment, how full a flight is, and perhaps the mood of the boarding gate personnel. Lots of people carry on lots of things that far exceed airlines "rules", but there is always the risk he will be forced to check it.