Rigid boxes for snowboard and ski for air travel [closed]

I'll be flying with Air Canada this winter (domestic flight in Canada) for a ski trip.

From their website, we can see

Snowboards must be packed in a rigid and/or hard-shell case specifically designed for shipping

Does it mean we are not allowed to have ski / snowboard in a soft bag?

Note: we will be two persons, one snowboard, one pair of skis and the boots

Edit for clarification: my question was if I absolutly need a hard shell case, or they will refuse it. Someone (@DavidRicherby and @mkennedy) answered in the comment, it looks like it's just for insurance, lot of people travel without hard cases

air-canada winter-sports

Best Answer

From experience, I can tall you that neither me or any of my friends have ever packed boards, skis or any other gear in hard shell cases. I don't think I've ever even seen one...we'll probably, but so few that they weren't noticeable.

What you will see by far most often is semi-rigid/rigid-back ski/board bags, canvas like material with foam inserts, such as these.

For clarity, I don't recall any one specifically flying AC, but most of the US airlines for sure.

You will probably get a better answer somewhere where there is an AC specific forum, like a place where flyers talk about their airlines and things...

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Can you bring snowboard on a plane?

How to Carry a Snowboard on a Plane. Major airlines, both domestic and international, allow passengers to travel with snowboards. Don't expect to carry the board into the cabin, however \u2013 snowboards must be checked.

How do you pack skis and snowboards together?

Yep. United Airlines allows up to two snowboards per bag or up to two pairs of skis per bag (as long as the bags are under 50 pounds). A boot bag should technically hold a pair of boots and a helmet.

Can you put skis and snowboard in same bag?

Skis and poles must be packed in a rigid and/or hard shell case specifically designed for shipping. If carried separately, a set of ski poles will count as one piece of checked baggage. No oversize charge applies to skis or snowboards, but overweight charges may apply to skis.

How to Pack for Your Snowboard or Ski Trip / Traveling and Flying with Your Snowboard or Skis

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