Checking ski equipment on plane

I'm taking my skis with me on a plane for the first time, and so I'm a little unsure of the best practices to make sure everything arrives safely.

Equipment: How can I make sure my skis arrive in two pieces and not more? Is there anything possible to protect the ski bindings (they stick out from the skis) or the poles? What about the boots, how banged up will they get? I have a ski and boot bag, but they're not really padded.

Luggage policies: Most airlines seem to allow an additional boot bag for free, as long as it only contains boots. Can I stuff additional gear in my ski bag, provided it's under the 50 lb limit? Does the weight limit count the combined ski/boot bags, or just the skis?

Airport: Do most airports have a separate check in and pickup counter for oversize equipment like skis?

Best Answer

Strap your ski together (and poles if possible) before putting them in your ski bag, you can even wrap them up in a blanket if there is enough space in the bag.

I've known people that put extra clothing in their ski bags.

Put your boots in the boot bag and keep it with you as a carry on; check that you can do so with your airline.

I Usually buckle my boots and put an extra pair of socks in them.

Airlines have specific drop in and pickup areas for larger luggage like ski bags; as Tom wrote, airports near ski areas will have them marked.

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Can you check skis on a plane?

Passengers can check one piece of ski or snowboard equipment per person. Ski equipment includes up to two snowboards in one bag or up to two pairs of snow skis and associated equipment in one bag plus one ski boot bag.

Can you bring skis as a carry on?

Skis and ski poles are not allowed as airplane carry-ons, but the Transportation Security Administration does allow them as checked luggage items. The tips and bindings have the greatest danger of damage, and improperly packed skis can also become warped during handling and travel.

How do you transport ski equipment?

Some airlines offer a free first checked bag, which would allow flying with your skis and boots at no added cost. In this case, separate ski bags and boot bags are often accepted as just one checked bag. Other airlines may charge oversized baggage fees that will require you to shell out additional dollars.

BIGGEST SKI TRAVEL MISTAKES TO AVOID 🚫 #5-11 | PACKING \u0026 PRE FLIGHT CHECKS

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