As much fun as a ski trip is, flying with your ski and snowboard gear can leave a lot to be desired. The requirements, policies, and costs of different airlines can make your head spin. So in this guide to flying with skis and snowboard gear we help you navigate airline policies and try to make your next ski trip more stress-free. We’ve done some of the research for you, but rules can change, so always double-check airline websites.
Tips For Flying With Ski And Snowboard Gear
Nevertheless there are some general tips that apply to checking all equipment. First off, be sure the airline will accept your equipment and confirm the price before booking your flight. The bag size should adhere to the airline’s policies. Prior to flying, take a photo of your skis and snowboard equipment and bag in case you need to make a damage claim. Add a luggage tag since others may have the same bag as you. And lastly, check your airline’s liability policy regarding equipment damage.
At the airport, travelers will most likely need to check their gear bags in a separate, oversized luggage line, which can sometimes take longer than the regular checked bag line. So you’ll want to give yourself some extra time to make sure you have plenty of time to make your flight. If you fly to ski and ride often, you might try sticking with the same airline so you know the general rules. Alternatively, you can avoid using the airlines for checking and lugging it all by using services like Luggage Free or Ship Skis.
You can save considerably if you do some research before checking in. Some airlines or certain cabin classes offer free checked bags. Do you have plenty of frequent flyer miles? Be sure to ask if checked ski equipment is a benefit. You are among their best customers.
Many airlines will count a boot bag and ski or snowboard bag as one item as long as they weigh less than 50 lbs. together. Depending on when you elect to check baggage during the booking process, checked items usually cost between $30 and $50. Here’s our quick guide to several airlines and their policies.
Air Canada
One or more sets of skis and poles carried together in the same container count as one piece of checked baggage on Air Canada flights (ski poles that are carried separately will count as a piece of checked baggage, so make sure you pack them in with the skis). Skis and poles must be packed in a rigid and/or hard shell case specifically designed for shipping. The policies for a snowboard are the same. There are no oversized charges for skis or snowboards, but overweight charges will apply (must be less than 50 lbs.).
A boot bag containing only boots does not count as checked baggage if it’s carried along with skis or snowboards. However, if a bag is unaccompanied or found to be transporting items other than boots, it’s charged separately. Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items;only sports equipment.
Alaskan Airlines
Ski and snowboard equipment for Alaska Airlines is defined as either one pair of skis with poles or one snowboard, along with one boot/helmet bag. Additional sets of equipment beyond the first will be considered special items and subject to extra fees. Equipment exceeding 115 inches (linear) in length will incur an oversized fee and equipment weighing more than 50 lbs. will incur an overweight fee.
American Airlines
One pair of skis or one snowboard and one equipment bag will count as one checked item. These bags must include your ski gear, including skis/snowboard, boots, bindings, and a helmet. The maximum weight is 50 lbs. If the equipment bag contains anything other than approved items or is overweight, it will be charged as a standard checked bag, and additional fees may be charged. You may be asked to open your bag for inspection. If traveling in the U.S., a checked bag costs $40, while it’s $35 if you pay online. If you have AAdvantage status or Oneworld status, you may be eligible for up to three free checked bags.
Delta
A ski/pole bag or one snowboard bag and one boot bag are accepted per person and count as one checked bag. The combined weight of the ski/snowboard bag and the boot bag may not exceed 50 lbs. or excess weight charges will apply; however, no excess size charges are applicable. All standard baggage charges apply. If the outside linear dimensions (length + width + height) exceed 115 linear inches (292 cm), the item will not be accepted. Items in excess of baggage allowance will be subject to additional or overweight baggage fees.
Frontier
Skis (or snowboards), ski poles, and boots all count as one checked bag. A pair of boots may be checked separately from the ski bag as long as it does not exceed 25 lbs. (if it does, it will be considered a separate bag). For example, one piece of luggage, one ski bag, and a boot bag less than 25 lbs. equal two items, but a piece of luggage, one ski bag, and one boot bag over 25 lbs. would equal three. If a boot bag weighs over 25 lbs. it will be considered a second bag. Overweight charges apply on 50-plus lbs. Boot bags can be carried on if within allowable carry-on dimensions (24″H x 16″W x 10″D, 35 lbs.).
JetBlue
One item of ski or snowboard equipment counts as a checked bag and includes either one pair of skis with poles and boots or one snowboard with boots. If ski or snowboard boots are packed separately, they must be in a snow boot bag to be considered part of the same item. Overweight fees apply if the combined weight of the ski/snowboard bag and boot bag exceeds 50 lbs. (22.68 kg). Equipment must be packed in a sturdy container, as ski boxes are not provided. Ski and snowboard equipment can be checked in at airport self-service kiosks.
Southwest
When substituting ski equipment for a free bag, Southwest allows up to two bags to count as one item, even if they are packed and tagged separately. Equipment — including one pair of skis or one snowboard, one pair of ski/snowboard boots, and one set of poles are allowed — but must be packed in a container(s) acceptable to the carrier. Snow ski equipment will not be subject to excess size charges; however, excess weight charges may apply. The first two bags checked on Southwest are completely free. After that, there is a $75 fee for any additional bag.
United
United accepts up to two snowboards in one bag or up to two pairs of skis and associated equipment in one bag to go along with either boot bag. A boot bag on its own is subject to normal baggage fees. Ski and boot bags must be less than 50 lbs. to avoid overweight charges. Service charges apply whenever bags are checked and are determined by the airline. Ski equipment, in addition to the baggage allowance, will be assessed at the excess baggage charge. Bags containing non-ski-related items will be subject to standard baggage charges. United is not liable for damage to snow ski or snowboard equipment.
April 15, 2025
