All the posters here are correct, and have some good ideas, let me expand with my experiences/suggestions. As for packaging, I have seen everything, many airlines even have bags for skiis in airports near too ski areas. I would not reccomend this as they are little more than a long/narrow trash bag. There are hard cases available, I would pick up a Ski or Skiing magazine and look in the back. I personally use a large double ski bag, as I usually bring 2 pair for myself, it even has enough room for my wife's skiis if necessary (gets pretty heavy though). As for padding, I also pack all my things that I don't mind wrinkled (ski socks, undergarments, etc.) around the skiis, protects them and cuts down on other baggage that can really add up for a long ski trip. So basically I would probably get a soft case and tie the skiis together and pad them. I would figure out how many skiis you need to carry and go to the store to CHECK IF YOURS FIT. I had long skiis (210cm) and they did not dit insome bags, also some singles have a tough time closing around large bindings. As for quality, thats up to you. I am on my 3rd bag as the airlines wrecked all the others. (no compensation of course) Not sure if you can get a ballistic nylon/guarenteed bag like my Briggs and Riley regular cases, otherwise don't spend too much and expect to replace it every 5 -10 trips. I know I wrote a lot, but have been through it and hope it helps! Let us know what you go with.