Make sure you become familiar with airline luggage guidelines if you are planning to bring your ski or snowboard equipment with you when you fly. It is best to know ahead of time what restrictions your airline may have on traveling with ski equipment.
Ski or Snowboard Bag
If you bring your skis or snowboard with you on a trip, you will need to purchase a bag in which to place your ski equipment. There are a variety of ski bag:
- Padded
- Light padding
- No padding
- Hard shell
Some, especially the hard shell, even have wheels on one end of the bag, making it easier to walk your ski equipment through the airport.
The hard shell protects your ski equipment best, but whatever you choose, you should add additional padding to make sure that tough handling on the part of the airline doesn't result in damage to your equipment. Make sure to put jeans or a small coat at each end of the ski bag. Many airlines will only compensate you for damage to your ski equipment if it is in a hard shell bag.
How to Pack Equipment
One way to prevent scratching or other damage is to tape your skis together, so they won't shift when they are picked up. You can also tape your poles to the skis. Just fit the skis together and then put the poles upside down, so they will fit against the skis.
Again, some padding on each end is a good idea, as well as around the bindings. While some people opt to check their boots, many prefer to carry their boots on board, either in a small bag or tied together and over their shoulders. They can then be stowed in an overhead container or under the seat.
Check-In
Most airlines consider a ski bag, although oversized, just one piece of luggage. If there are fees for checked luggage, these will apply to your ski bag. If you're flying First Class or are an Elite member of the airline, you will probably have these charges waived. For example, American Airlines, Continental and United Airlines charge $15, $25 and $100 for first, second and third checked bags, with a 50 pound limit. Delta charges $15, $25 and $125. Most airlines consider the ski bag and the boot bag as one piece of luggage. Southwest is the best deal, with fees of $0, $0 and $25. One pair of skis, poles and boots count as one item, as well as one snowboard and pair of boots. Skis longer than 62 inches are charged a $50 oversize fee.
Another Option
Rather than bringing your equipment with you on your plane, you could have it shipped to your destination and have it ready to use when you arrive. This may prove more expensive, but more convenient.