Carrying skis on an airplane: simple rules. Carrying skis on an airplane: airline rules, recommendations How to carry ski equipment on an airplane
Planning winter holidays on the mountain slopes, it is worth finding out in advance what conditions and prices for the transportation of skis, snowboards and sports equipment are offered by air carriers. Almost all companies allow you to transport ski equipment in the luggage compartment. Restrictions may only apply to routes served by aircraft with insufficient unusual cargo capacity. Conditions and costs depend mainly on the airlines used - traditional or low-cost.
Special conditions for transporting a snowboard on an airplane
In relation to cargo permitted for transportation, snowboards are excess baggage, to which the rules of additional payment for overweight, excess dimensions or use of additional baggage space apply. According to these standards, charged up to 50 EUR over the ticket price for foreign flights and 2000-3000 rubles. on domestic flights.
But many air carriers apply special conditions for the transportation of mining materials. ski equipment, allowing you to take a snowboard on board the plane for free. It is not considered an additional piece of luggage; the dimensions are not always limited, but the weight allowed for transportation in this way is often limited. So when packing your snowboard and equipment into a case, you need to monitor the total weight.
Important! Information about special conditions can be obtained from airline contact centers.
How to transport ski equipment
To properly pack a snowboard in luggage, preventing damage during transportation, you must place it in a case in compliance with the general rules:
- Avoid placing objects with sharp corners in close proximity to the board to avoid scratches and chips;
- Clothing can be padded for additional protection of the fastenings;
- Separate packaging must be provided for the mask;
- Don't put too many things in your snowboard bag. The handles for carrying it may not be able to withstand heavy weight, which will also cause additional payments for extra pounds;
- It is recommended to leave it on the case contact information. This will help quickly locate the cargo in case of loss.
Rules for returning a ski bag
Skis on an airplane are oversized cargo, which is subject to special rules for delivery and receipt. Packed ski equipment must be handed over for loading onto an airliner at a special rack for oversized cargo. There are also separate places for collecting ski cases at the arrival airport. Sometimes they are unloaded next to the conveyor belt.
It is not necessary to carry a snowboard in a case on an airplane. Modern boards are made of durable materials and will not be damaged even during open transportation. The rules allow this. But the bindings must be removed from the snowboard.
When the flight is not to generally accepted ski destinations, it is better to call the Contact Center in advance and find out the possibility and conditions for transporting specific cargo. Some airlines refuse to transport ski equipment.
Important! If the flight is carried out with a transfer when connecting flights of different air carriers, you should be aware of possible differences in transportation rules alpine skiing at different stages of the flight. It is better to find out about this in advance to avoid material losses.
Is it possible to put clothes and other things in a ski bag?
When transporting skis on an airplane, airlines do not allow you to pack other personal items in one case. But the official ban can be circumvented, since no one is checking. However, reasonable limits must be observed so that the weight of the case is within the normal range.
How to eliminate overweight
Where possible, excess items and items are packed in checked baggage and carry-on baggage. Heavy boots are sometimes worn on oneself. Flying skiers have come up with a way to put everything they need in a case and avoid paying extra for being overweight. The package containing ski equipment is weighed only once at check-in, and then the passenger takes it to the oversized cargo counter. At this point, you can put the necessary things in the case, because re-weighing is not performed.
Airlines offering free transportation of skis and snowboards
| Air carrier | Conditions |
| Czech Airlines (except Lite fare) | Weight limit - 23 kg, dimensions (total length, width and height) - 158 cm. One snowboard (pair of skis) and one set of equipment are allowed for transportation |
| Aeroflot | Weight limit - 23 kg. Dimensions are not limited. Bag with skis and one piece of luggage for boots |
| S7 (except for Economy Basic tariff) | Weight limit - 23 kg. Unlimited dimensions. Skis and equipment in a common case |
| Alitalia | One set instead of one piece of checked baggage. Weight limit - 23 kg. Any dimensions |
| Lufthansa (except Light fare and flights to the USA, MEXICO, Central America) | Weight limit - 32 kg, size limit - 158 cm. Carriage of one set is allowed |
| Swiss (except Light tariff) | Weight is limited to 23 kg. Maximum dimensions - 158 cm. One snowboard (pair of skis) and one set of equipment. Boots can be packed in a separate bag |
| Austrian Airlines (except Light fare and flights to the USA and Canada) | Maximum weight - 32 kg, dimensions - 158 cm. Carriage of one snowboard (pair of skis) and one set of equipment is allowed |
| Air France (except Economy Mini and Basic fares) | Weight limit - 23 kg. The length of the case with skis is no more than 300 cm. Permission to transport one snowboard (pair of skis) and one set of equipment |
| KLM | Option to transport skis only instead of checked baggage. Skis and equipment are packed in a common case with a maximum weight of 23 kg and a maximum length of 300 cm. Additional luggage is subject to payment |
| LOT | Weight restrictions - 23 kg, dimensions - 158 cm. One snowboard (pair of skis) with a set of equipment |
| Ural Airlines (except Promo tariff) | Weight limit - 23 kg, dimensions - 203 cm. You can carry one snowboard with equipment |
| Utair (except for Light tariff) | Maximum weight - 23 kg, dimensions are not limited. One snowboard (pair of skis) with equipment |
Airlines to avoid when transporting ski equipment
| Air carrier | Conditions |
| Airbaltic | Supplement for additional baggage space one way: 34.99 EUR (purchase on the website), 40 EUR (ticket offices), 60 EUR (payment at the airport). Weight is limited to 20 kg, sizes are not limited. One pair of skis (snowboard) must be placed in one bag with equipment. Otherwise, there will be an additional charge for one more piece of luggage. It is necessary to inform the airline about sports cargo in advance, as the number of available seats is limited |
| Finnair | If free luggage is included in the tariff (mark 1рс), then you can bring a snowboard instead. If you need to bring another suitcase, then the additional item is paid: 15-30 EUR (European destinations), 60-75 EUR (intercontinental flights). Weight limit - 20 kg, maximum dimensions - 220 cm |
| Turkish Airlines | Despite the company's claims that sports equipment is carried free of charge, there is a complex system of fees for additional items. You can pay up to 90 EUR and more. For specific information, it is recommended to contact the company's Contact Center. Dimensions are not limited, maximum weight - 32 kg |
| Brussels Airlines (free, except Check&Go fares and flights to the USA and Canada) | Weight restrictions - 12 kg, dimensions - 158 cm. You cannot meet the standards, so you will have to pay extra for exceeding them |
| Victory | Additional payment for transportation of ski equipment: RUB 1,499. (payment when booking on the website), 4000 - at the airport (Russian destinations), 55 EUR (foreign destinations). Weight restrictions - 20 kg |
How to quickly buy a ticket with free transportation of sports equipment
When purchasing tickets on some sites, for example, aviasales, filters are used to search for air tickets. First, the flight direction is selected, and after the list of flight options provided, the “Winter Inventory” filter is activated, which can be indicated by a snowflake. As a result of its use, there are still options for flights with free transportation of ski equipment.
When searching, you can use the “Winter inventory” filter
When transporting ski equipment, you need to take into account all the nuances. Cheap ticket can be booked quickly, but with additional fees the flight will be more expensive than buying an air ticket at fares with luggage included. So that the tourist mood is not spoiled immediately, it is important to carefully analyze the conditions for transporting skis in various airlines.
Watch a video on how to travel with a snowboard
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With the coming of the new ski season Many people are beginning to have questions about transporting equipment to a ski resort. It is impossible to answer all questions unambiguously, because the requirements of different companies differ, sometimes radically. In this article, we decided to summarize all the pressing issues, make a summary table of popular airlines and finally collect all the information about the transportation of skis and snowboards on airplanes.
Most often, the weight of ski equipment is about 10 kilograms. Some airlines count this weight as part of their total baggage allowance, but you may still be able to check in a bag to fill the gap.
There are companies that count luggage space and limit it by weight. That is, one bag with skis and equipment will just occupy one piece of luggage. As they wrote at the end of the article, in this case tourists fill all the free space of the case with their personal belongings.
Rules for transporting skis on Aeroflot and S7 aircraft
Aeroflot and S7 airlines have almost the same requirements for transporting skis.
One passenger has the right to carry one piece of baggage free of charge, no more than 32 kg (at S7 airline 32 kg is intended for business class fares and 23 kg for economy class). This standard may include:
- One set of ski equipment. It includes one pair of skis with poles, a cover, as well as additional ski equipment: goggles, .
- One set of snowboarding equipment. Inventory in a case, also a pair of boots.
- Hockey equipment - equipment and 2 sticks in a case.
Baggage weighing more than 32 kilograms will have to be paid at oversized rates. Standard size restrictions on three planes do not apply to skis, snowboards and other ski equipment!
Free transportation of skis on Aeroflot aircraft is only possible in winter time and this is one of the most loyal carriers for Russians. These rules also apply to Aeroflot codeshare flights from Rossiya and Aurora airlines.
Summary table with requirements and prices for transporting ski equipment from popular air carriers:
| Carrier | Freight cost | Conditions | Period | Phone for information |
| Aeroflot | For free | Maximum 32 kg in total, any size. Included in 1 piece of luggage. | from November 1 to May 15 | 8 800 444-55-55 |
| S7 | Business class 32 kg, economy class 23 kg and included in 1 piece of baggage. | All year round | 8 800 700 07 07 | |
| Lufthansa | Report your intention to transport skis at least 24 hours in advance. Economy class 23 kg, business and first class 32 kg. Light class tickets are available for a fee. | +7 495 411 8444 | ||
| Swiss | +7 495 411 84 43 | |||
| Austrian Airlines | Limit 23 kg | +7 495 705 91 04 | ||
| Air France | Up to 23 kg economy, 32 business class. The size of the sum of three dimensions is no more than 300 cm. | +7 495 411 66 55 | ||
| Airberlin | from 50 to 180 Euro | Weight no more than 20 kg, overall size is not limited. | 8 800 5550737 | |
| Czech Airlines | from 15 Euro | Weight up to 15 kg. Dimensions for the sum of three sides should not exceed 158 cm. |
If something does not agree with the size and weight standards, then contact support at least 36 hours before departure. The air carrier will easily allocate additional luggage space, but for an additional fee.
Low-cost companies try to save on everything, so most often you will have to pay extra for ski equipment. There is a clear relationship between the cost of a plane ticket and the possibility of transporting oversized ski and snowboard equipment.
Popular questions
How to transport ski poles on an airplane?
The poles are included with the skis, so pack them in the bag without any hassle. Remember that some airlines have a free carriage rule: 1 person - 1 set of ski equipment. We do not recommend packing several sets in one case. But there are exceptions, so in any case, call the support service in advance, book an additional piece of luggage, or inform them that you will be carrying oversized luggage.
What is the best way to put your skis in a case to avoid damage during the flight?
A cover is required. Simply tying your skis and poles together with tape will not work; many companies require you to wrap them with something additional. And so everything is simple - if the weight is not standardized, then fill the case with additional clothes of your own: sweatshirts, glasses, some other equipment. Firstly, it will be denser, and secondly, you will save on the weight of luggage or hand luggage.
Just be careful with the edges of your skis, they can cut your clothes. There are ways to avoid this.
Where to drop off and pick up skis at the airport?
Most often, to accept oversized cargo, they allocate separate terminal or stand. You will also receive it at a separate counter, and not on the belt with regular luggage. And don’t forget that the language will take you to Kyiv, just ask the airport staff.
Transportation of ski equipment is important point, which many people forget about when booking an air ticket, this is especially true for low cost airlines, where visually low price on a ticket may be offset by the expensive service of transporting sports equipment. Well, it’s better to remember this at the time of purchase, having carefully studied the website and tariffs, otherwise you will have to pay much more at the airport. It is also very important to know what the airline understands by “sports equipment”, as airlines have very different views on this seemingly very simple issue.
In general, today I will consider the issue of transporting skis or snowboards to a ski resort. Is it possible to carry two pairs of skis in one case? How to avoid paying for a ski rack at a car rental? Where to put the shoes?
Your experience and interesting tips in comments:)
1. Before purchasing an air ticket, be sure to check whether the airline charges for the transportation of skis?
For example, Aeroflot, Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, UIA do not charge a fee for transporting ski equipment in winter, but in each specific case it is better to check this information on the carrier’s website. There are also additional nuances when the airline transports for free only a certain number of sets of ski equipment, each of which must be pre-reserved at the airline’s call center.
2. How does the airline regulate the set of ski equipment?
Usually one set is a pair of skis and boots in a case, i.e. 2 pieces with a total weight of no more than 20 kg. But there are exceptions, especially among low-cost airlines. For example, Rainair only counts one place, i.e. It's best to stash your boots in your checked baggage. EasyJet also has a size classification - "large" or "small" sports equipment.
Here are some examples of the cost of transporting a set of ski equipment from low-cost airlines.
Attention! This is the cost of one set one way, i.e. feel free to multiply by two.
Victory - 1999 rub.
WizzAir Hungary - 30 euros
WizzAir Ukraine - 750 gr
EasyJet - 30 euros
Ryanair - 50 euros
An important nuance - you need to pay for the service of transporting ski equipment at the time of booking an air ticket, since in the future the cost of the service will increase if you add ski equipment to an existing booking in the system (plus a fee for payment is possible again credit card), and at the airport the service will cost twice as much.
3. Is it possible to carry two pairs of skis in one case?
Usually the website indicates a limit of “1” pair of skis, but in practice they rarely pay attention to this point. I use a two-pair case and always carry two pairs of skis in one case, thereby saving half the cost. At the WizzAir-Ukraine call center they even once told me that this is not prohibited, the main thing is that the cover is tightly closed.
4. How to return and where to receive skis at the airport?
Typically, a set of ski equipment is checked in at a separate check-in point for oversized baggage, and it is also received in a specially designated place.
Therefore, if you don’t see skis on the baggage carousel, you don’t need to panic, but you just need to ask the airport staff where the unloading point for oversized baggage is.
Here, for example:
My case for transporting skis is Atomic AMT. It is presented in the line PRO products, which can be purchased in flagship stores Sportmaster HYPER. This is a lightweight case for two pairs of skis and poles. Made from dense Poly 600D material. Length adjustment from 165 cm to 185 cm with tightening straps. Adjustable shoulder strap. You can even put it in a backpack while riding without any problems; when folded, it won’t take up much space.
And if there is only one pair of skis in it, then the entire set of ski clothes fits absolutely comfortably into the case, which is also very convenient if there is little space in your checked luggage.
A large selection of covers is presented.
5. Transporting skis in a car.
If you rent a car, then in the ski areas there is usually an option for a ski rack at a cost of 10-15 euros per day, usually this is the simplest magnetic roof rack. I prefer to save on this option and bought such a trunk at home a few years ago for 45 euros. It is compact and not heavy, even if you take it with you every season in your luggage.
My car trunk looks something like this. It is written on the box that you do not need to exceed the speed of 110 km/h, it is placed on the roof, fixed with a magnet, and removed simply and conveniently.
However, on the very first trip with this trunk, an unexpected “surprise” awaited me in the form of a full-size glass roof in the Peugeot 3008. There were no options, there were no other cars, so it wasn’t very comfortable that time. Now, when I book a car, I always indicate in the comments that I am bringing a magnetic trunk and ask for a car with a regular roof.
So we got to ski resort! The trails are waiting, but more about them next time :)
Winter is the same best time of the year! Those bright moments when you rush down the mountain, cheerfully skirting the hills or emerging from the fresh powder. I have already talked about my experience in selecting ski equipment. I can absolutely unequivocally say that after spending time in the store SKI .
6 September 2016, 15:03Bookings for the winter season are already open, and PROturizm has decided to explore the issue of transporting ski equipment. Some air carriers provide this service free of charge during the season. Others, especially low-cost airlines, are giving fans of the slopes unpleasant surprises.
How to transport a snowboard on a plane?
While beginners can rent sports equipment on site, experts take their own skis and snowboards with them. Sports tourists from Moscow and St. Petersburg are deprived of real mountains, and even to Sheregesh and Sobolinaya they have to travel by plane.
Rules for transporting skis and snowboards
Carriage of snowboards or alpine skis may be included in the weight allowance for free baggage transportation, or may be provided as additional free kilograms.
A snowboard or alpine skis are transported as oversized cargo in the luggage compartment of an aircraft. The airline must be notified in advance of such baggage. Ski equipment must be packed in a special case. Airlines have different rules for transporting equipment.
Promo and Economy Light fares do not include luggage transportation. Please note that the conditions for free baggage allowance depend not only on the ticket price, but also on the route of the flight.
If your ticket includes free baggage allowance, ski or snowboard equipment is usually included. Otherwise, any luggage will have to be paid additionally.
For example, the Russian low-cost carrier Pobeda has very strict prices for the transportation of equipment. When checking in immediately before the flight, the price will be 4,200 rubles, through the website it is slightly cheaper – 2,000 rubles. for one set.
How is ski equipment transported?
As we already said, airlines have tariffs with free baggage allowance. Typically, this is a piece of luggage weighing up to 20 - 23 kg and dimensions in the sum of three dimensions no more than 158 cm (or 203 cm). If the parameters of your sports equipment correspond to these numbers, then it will be carried free of charge.
The number of free checked bags varies among airlines. For those companies where only 1 piece of luggage is allowed, it will not be possible to add up the weight of skis and the weight of other luggage.
Progressive airlines allow ski boots to be folded separately into a second case.
Seasonal concessions for skiers
During the winter season, European air carriers can transport your ski equipment for free. Our Aeroflot Airlines and Russia Airlines also periodically provide benefits for the transportation of equipment for skiers and snowboarders.
At this time, free transportation of winter equipment is allowed in addition to the normal baggage allowance, as additional baggage. An approximate option of luggage with a set of winter equipment: ~20 kg of regular luggage free of charge + hand luggage (5-8 kg) + ~20 kg (1-2 additional pieces) set of winter equipment.
During the season, airlines allow you to put your skis (snowboard) in one case and your boots in a second case.
People who customize boots to their feet (boot-fitting) value them so much that they do not risk checking them in as checked luggage and carry them with them as hand luggage. The helmet and goggles can also be placed in a backpack (carry-on luggage).
Airlines providing free transportation of skis and snowboards
Aeroflot, UTair, S7, Lufthansa, Austrian, SWISS, Russia.
AK Russia - during the season indicates the dates when additional 15 kg of ski equipment can be transported free of charge in addition to the main luggage. It is allowed to pack boots in a separate case; folding other things is prohibited.
Aeroflot and UTair allow you to pack boots separately (with skis you get 2 pieces). Maximum weight: Aeroflot – 23 kg, UTair – 20 kg. Sizes without restrictions.
S7 sets the maximum weight of equipment for one passenger – 20 kg. It is allowed to combine equipment for 2 or more people, but the weight of a piece of additional baggage should not exceed 32 kg, and the dimensions of the sum of 3 dimensions should not be more than 203 cm. Otherwise, baggage will be paid additionally.
Lufthansa provides free transportation of ski equipment: for economy fare - up to 23 kg, for business class - up to 32 kg. 1 set for one passenger. (Except for flights to/from the USA and Canada, Central America and Mexico).
SWISS – the norm for free transportation is limited to a total limit of up to 32 kg: separate skis (snowboard) + separate boots.
Austrian Airlines (excluding flights on US and Canada routes and Economy Light fare) allows the carriage of 1 set of ski equipment.
Notifying the air carrier about the transportation of equipment
Be sure to notify the airline in advance (at least 36 hours in advance) of your desire to check in your snowboard or skis as baggage. Buy a special case to transport them. Check your equipment as oversized baggage directly at the airport. Please check it in for transport on the plane in the luggage compartment.
Be sure to email the site agent or airline if you are purchasing your tickets online.
It is better to immediately indicate information about the transportation of skis or snowboards at the time of purchasing a ticket. Or call the airline's call center to notify about the transportation of sports equipment on the plane.
Please note that equipment may not be accepted for transportation unless you notify the air carrier in advance.
Checking in and receiving oversized baggage
Your snowboard or skis must always be checked in as checked baggage. Set aside separate time for this. If you have already passed electronic registration, it is difficult to say whether you will be able to check your luggage without queuing.
You cannot use automatic drop-off baggage check-in counters for such baggage.
Some airports use separate counters for checking in and picking up oversized baggage. Accordingly, upon arrival, you also need to pick up your snowboard or skis not at the baggage carousel, but rather find the oversized baggage section.
Once you have registered your ski equipment, it will be sent to luggage compartment airplane. Oversized baggage is never checked in as carry-on baggage.
Special cases for transporting snowboards and skis
To keep your equipment safe, you need to buy a special case. Snowboards or skis simply wrapped in film or sealed with tape are not accepted for transportation; this is prohibited.
Standard ski covers have handles. For ease of transportation, these handles may be asked to be secured with film so that they do not cling to other things.
In general, packing skis and snowboards for transportation is a separate issue with its own nuances. Some people remove fastenings from equipment during transportation, some buy expensive covers to protect their ski equipment, which also weigh 5 kg.
Dear skiers and snowboarders. The situation with air transportation has begun to change quite often, so PROturizm advises you to confirm your transportation details when purchasing an air ticket.
With the start of the ski season, many tourists have a question: how to transport skis on an airplane? Most travelers are sure that there can be no problems with transporting skis. But is this really so? Let's see how to properly pack and check in your skis as luggage so that unpleasant and unforeseen situations do not arise.
Firstly, during or after purchasing a ticket must be reported to the airline that you are planning to transport alpine skis. If you buy a ticket remotely, then discuss all the conditions with the agent who sells you the ticket. Otherwise, there is a risk that you will go to a mountain resort without the necessary equipment. Of course, some airlines will take your skis into your baggage without prior warning and completely free of charge, in addition to your main baggage. This means that you have the right to take with you 20 kg of checked baggage, 8 kg of hand luggage and your skis and boots. But it’s still better to be safe.
Secondly, skis for transportation on an airplane should be pack well. It is better to purchase a special strong case for this purpose; pay special attention to the straps and handles - they must be attached conscientiously, because baggage handlers at the airport do not stand on ceremony with luggage. When placing skis in a bag, secure them together to avoid friction and damage to the surface. Please note that ski equipment must consist of two places: skis and poles in one case, and boots in the other. By the way, many airlines are currently asking pack cases in transparent film In order to avoid problems during loading, it is better to clarify this in advance.
Skis are oversized luggage , it is for this reason that during check-in they will be set aside from other things and sent to the luggage compartment of the plane. On some airlines, you may be asked to go to a separate counter for non-standard baggage. After the flight, you need to pick up your skis from the department where you returned them.
Now you know how to carry skis on a plane. It's not that difficult, you just need to know a couple of simple rules. Rest assured that skis are far from the longest item that tourists are trying to transfer and the airline is interested in their size at the last minute. Weight is much more important, so try to ensure that your luggage does not exceed the permissible limits. This way you will avoid unnecessary surcharges. And, of course, before transporting skis on a plane, be sure to check with the airline rules for transporting ski equipment in order to protect yourself as much as possible from all kinds of misunderstandings.