Ski and Snowboard Airline Luggage Policies [72 Airlines Listed]
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Skiing and snowboarding can be expensive hobbies when you take into account your lift passes, accommodation, and of course, après ski! It’s always a welcome relief to find out that you won’t incur any excess charges for taking your ski bag on the plane and you’ll avoid the unnecessary cost of renting your equipment.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
Flying with Ski and Snowboard Equipment
We’ve put together a helpful chart detailing 72 popular international airlines’ policies on ski and snowboard carriage, including the size and weight restrictions, and if your equipment can be checked within your free allowance.
There are some airlines that have a generous maximum checked luggage size of 118 inches (300 cm), so your ski or snowboard bag would fit comfortably within this.
However, there are many airlines that state they accept ski equipment in the free allowance, but that free allowance is only 62 inches (158 cm), which isn’t nearly long enough to accommodate equipment.
You won’t get very far carrying an adult pair of skis with a 62 inch (158 cm) allowance as the average length of a ski bag is 69-79 inches (175-200 cm). Unless you hit the slopes on a pair of blades, be prepared to pay oversized charges on the airlines with this size restriction.
There are a few airlines that champion winter sports, allowing free ski carriage in addition to your standard baggage allowance. Asiana Airlines, El Al Israel Airlines, and Swiss Air are the select few that provide this generous allowance, so be sure to check out these airlines for your next ski trip.
Chart of Size/Weight Restrictions by Airline
| Airline | Fees and Details | Size/Weight Restrictions |
| Aer Lingus | 1 ski/snowboard bag + 1 boot bag are included in the free allowance for flights to/from North America. For other flights, equipment is charged at €40 (~$45) when booked online and €50 (~$56) at the airport. | Baggage allowance is based on fare Sports equipment can be carried as part of your free checked baggage allowance or as part of an additional purchased allowance if required. |
| Aeroflot | 1 ski/snowboard bag + 1 boot bag are included in the free allowance. | 50 pounds (23 kg) |
| AeroMexico | Ski carriage must be purchased at $75 for flights within Mexico and $150 for international. | Maximum length: Narrow-body cabin: 80 inches (204 cm) Wide-body cabin: 115 inches (294 cm) |
| Air Asia | Ski carriage must be booked separately, with the fee dependent on the destination. Fees online are AU$50-60 (~$35-42) and AU$70-80 (~$48-55) at the airport. Use Air Asia’s baggage calculator for your route. | Some routes have a ~30 pound (15 kg) limit. For other routes, you can purchase weight in ~11 pound (5 kg) increments. |
| Air Canada | 1 ski/snowboard bag + 1 boot bag are included in the free allowance. These must be packed in a rigid or hardshell case, and a boot bag may be checked separately providing it does not contain any other items such as clothing. | No oversized fees will be charged, but the equipment must not exceed the standard weight allowance for your fare type, otherwise excess fees will be charged. |
| Air China | 1 ski/snowboard bag is included in the free allowance. | No oversized fees will be charged, but the equipment must not exceed the standard weight allowance for your fare type, otherwise excess fees will be charged. |
| Air Europa Líneas Aéreas | 1 ski/snowboard bag is included in the free allowance. | No oversized fees will be charged, but the equipment must not exceed the standard weight allowance for your fare type, otherwise excess fees will be charged. |
| Air France / KLM | 1 ski/snowboard bag + 1 boot bag are included in the free allowance. | 118 inches (300 cm) maximum length |
| Air India | 1 ski/snowboard bag + 1 boot bag are included in the free allowance. | No maximum size is disclosed, but if the luggage exceeds your standard weight allowance, then excess charges will apply. |
| Air Malta | A sports equipment voucher can be purchased online for €40 (~$45) or at the airport for €50 (~$56). | No maximum weight or size disclosed |
| Air New Zealand | 1 ski/snowboard bag + 1 boot bag are included in the free allowance. | Maximum length: 78.7 inches (2 m). Regional domestic services have a maximum size limit of 70.9 x 31.5 x 47.2 inches (1.8 x 0.8 x 1.2 m) Maximum weight: 50 pounds (20 kg) |
| Alaska Airlines | 1 ski/snowboard bag + 1 boot bag are included in the free allowance. | Alaska waives the oversized and overweight fees for sports equipment. Fees may be imposed if the bag contains content unrelated to the equipment. |
| Alitalia | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots and a helmet are allowed in the free allowance. | 50 pounds (23 kg) |
| Allegiant Air | 1 ski/snowboard bag is included in the free allowance. | 50 pounds (23 kg) and 80 inches (203 cm) |
| American Airlines | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots and a helmet are allowed in the free allowance. | 50 pounds (23 kg) and 126 inches (320 cm) within free allowance. 51-70 pounds (23-32 kg) is permitted with oversized fees applicable. |
| All Nippon Airways (ANA) | Ski equipment is allowed in the free allowance provided it is packed in 1 bag. | 50 pounds (23 kg) and 115 inches (292 cm) |
| Asiana Airlines | 1 ski/snowboard bag + 1 regular bag are allowed in the free allowance. | Total weight of ski bag and regular bag combined must not exceed ~70 pounds (32 kg). On domestic flights, the ski equipment must not exceed ~26 pounds (12 kg). |
| Austrian Airlines | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots and a helmet are allowed in the free allowance packed in 2 bags. It is necessary to inform Austrian Airlines of sporting baggage before travel. | 79 inches (200 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare allowance |
| Avianca & TACA | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. | 70 pounds (32 kg) and 90.5 inches (230 cm) |
| British Airways | Ski equipment is allowed in the free allowance provided it is packed in 1 bag. | 75 x 29.5 x 25.5 inches (190 x 75 x 65 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare allowance |
| Brussels Airlines | Ski equipment is allowed in the free allowance and boots can be transported in a separate bag. This excludes routes to/from/via U.S./Canada and for Check&Go tickets. Check&Go €50 (CHF60/$60) per one-way and €100 (CHF120/$130) per one-way on intercontinental flights. | 158 centimeters and the maximum weight of your fare allowance |
| Cathay Pacific Airways | Ski equipment is allowed in the free allowance. | 80 inches (203 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare allowance |
| China Airlines | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. Passengers must inform the airline at the time of booking. | 62 inches (158 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare allowance |
| China Eastern Airlines | Ski equipment is allowed in the free allowance. | Maximum weight of your fare allowance |
| China Southern Airlines | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. | Maximum weight of 50 pounds (23 kg) and total linear dimensions of 80 inches (203 cm) |
| Czech Airlines | Ski equipment is not accepted within the free allowance and must be purchased for €59 (CZK1,530/$67). | 70 pounds (32 kg) and 98 inches (250 cm) |
| Delta Air Lines | A pair of skis or a snowboard with a separate boot bag are allowed in the free allowance provided the combined items do not exceed the permitted size and weight allowance. | 50 pounds (23 kg) and 115 inches linear (292 cm) |
| EasyJet Airline | Easyjet does not have a free baggage allowance, so sports equipment must be purchased. Ski equipment is classed as “small sports equipment” with a fee of £37 (~$48) if booked online and £47 (~$61) if booked at the airport. | 44 pounds (20 kg) |
| EGYPTAIR | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. | 50 pounds (23 kg) |
| El Al Israel Airlines | 1 ski/snowboard bag + 1 regular bag are allowed in the free allowance. This excludes Light Fare bookings. | 110 inches (277 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare allowance |
| Emirates | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. | 118 inches (300 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare allowance |
| Etihad Airways | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. | 118 inches (300 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare allowance |
| Eurowings | Ski equipment is allowed in the free allowance provided it does not exceed the maximum weight allowance. | 50 pounds (23 kg) |
| Ethiopian Airlines | 1 ski/snowboard bag is allowed in the free allowance provided it does not exceed maximum weight and size. For flights to/from the U.S. or Canada, 1 piece of hold luggage + 1 ski/snowboard bag is allowed in the free allowance. | 50 pounds (23 kg) and 62 inches (158 cm) |
| EVA Air | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. If your bag exceeds 62 inches (158 cm) linear then it is necessary to contact EVA Air to check cargo space availability. | 62 inches (158 cm) |
| Finnair | 1 ski/snowboard bag is allowed in the free allowance. | 50 pounds (23 kg) and 79 inches (220 cm) |
| Frontier Airlines | Only select fare types include free baggage. All other fares must purchase baggage separately, and a pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are permitted as standard checked luggage. | 50 pounds (23 kg) and 62 inches (158 cm); if a boot bag is separate to the ski bag, then this must not exceed 25 pounds (11 kg) |
| Garuda Indonesia | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. | 50 pounds (23 kg) and 118 inches (300 cm) for most aircraft, 91 inches (230 cm) for CRJ1000 aircraft, and 63 inches (230 cm) for ATR aircraft |
| Georgian Airways | Ski equipment must be purchased for €80 (~$89). | 50 pounds (23 kg) |
| Hainan Airlines | A pair of skis or a snowboard with a separate boot bag are allowed in the free allowance. | 50 pounds (23 kg) and 80 inches (203 cm) |
| Hawaiian Airlines | There is a fee to transport sports equipment to most destinations: neighbor islands $35, North America $100, and international flights $150. For Australia and New Zealand flights, sports equipment is included in your checked allowance. | 50 pounds (23 kg) and 115 inches (292 cm) |
| Iberia | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots and a helmet are allowed in the free allowance split across 2 bags for long-haul flights. For short-haul flights, a checked bag fee is applicable. | 50 pounds (23 kg) maximum for the ski and boot bags combined |
| Icelandair | A pair of skis or a snowboard with a separate boot bag are allowed in the free allowance (if applicable to your fare). No clothing may be included in the ski bag. If purchased baggage is required, then the fees are £33 (~$43) Iceland-Europe, £39 (~$50) Iceland-U.S./Canada, and £46 (~$59) Europe-U.S./Canada. | 50 pounds (23 kg) |
| Interjet | Sports equipment is allowed in the free allowance. | 66 pounds (30 kg) and 138 inches (350 cm) |
| Japan Airlines | A pair of skis or a snowboard with a separate boot bag are allowed in the free allowance. | 50 pounds (23 kg) and 75 inches (190 cm) |
| JetBlue Airways | A pair of skis or a snowboard with a separate boot bag are allowed in the free allowance (if applicable to your fare). If boots are packed separate to the ski bag, then these must be packed in a designated boot bag to be classed as 1 item with the ski bag. | 50 pounds (23 kg) and no maximum size limit |
| Kenya Airways | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. | 118 inches (300 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare allowance |
| Korean Air Lines | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. | 50 pounds (23 kg) and 115 inches (292 cm) |
| Kuwait Airways | Sports equipment is included in the free allowance provided it does not exceed the standard size and weight restrictions. | Depending on fare type: 50 pounds (23 kg) or 70 pounds (32 kg) and 62 inches (158 cm) or 98 inches (250 cm) |
| LATAM Airlines | Ski/snowboard bags are considered special baggage and are subject to a fee of $100 for flights to/from the U.S.. | 118 inches (300 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare allowance |
| LOT Polish Airlines | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. | 62 inches (158 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare allowance |
| Lufthansa | If your fare includes free baggage then 1 ski bag may be checked in addition to the free baggage and can be split across a ski and separate boot bag. This does not apply to an economy light fare where no baggage is included. Where it’s necessary to purchase a ski bag, the fee will be route dependent. | ~79 inches (200 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare allowance |
| Luxair | Ski equipment must be purchased for €50 (~$56) and includes 1 pair of skis or a snowboard, boots, and a helmet. | 70 pounds (32 kg) |
| Malaysia Airlines | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. | 62 inches (158 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare allowance |
| Norwegian Air Shuttle | Ski equipment must be purchased and includes a ski bag with no personal items such as clothes and a separate boot bag. International long-haul flights £50 (~$64) online, £60 (~$77) airport, and for most other flights £30 – £35 (~$39-45) online, £40 – £60 (~$52-77) airport. | ~44 pounds (20 kg) and the maximum size allowance of 118 inches (300 cm) |
| Philippine Airlines | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. | 62 inches (158 cm) |
| Qantas Airways | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. | Maximum weight of your fare type and no maximum size disclosed |
| Qatar Airways | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. | 50 pounds (23 kg) and 62 inches (158 cm) |
| RyanAir | Ski equipment must be purchased. At the time of booking, ski carriage is €45 (~$50)/£45 (~$58) and post-booking €50 (~$56)/£50 (~$64). | ~44 pounds (20 kg) |
| Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) | A pair of skis or a snowboard with a separate boot bag are allowed in the free allowance (if applicable to your fare type). Passengers must advise the airline that they will be transporting ski equipment in advance. | 62 inches (158 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare type |
| Singapore Airlines | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. | 62 inches (158 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare type |
| South African Airways | Ski equipment is allowed in the free allowance. | 50 pounds (23 kg) and 62 inches (158 cm) |
| Southwest Airlines | A pair of skis or a snowboard with a separate boot bag are allowed in the free allowance. | 50 pounds (23 kg) and 62 inches (158 cm) |
| Sun Country Airlines | Ski equipment is allowed in the free allowance. | 50 pounds (23 kg) and 62 inches (158 cm) |
| Spirit Airlines | No free luggage allowance and ski equipment can be transported for the same fee as a checked bag. This ranges from $21-$45 depending on where and when you add your bag. | 40 pounds (18k g) and 62 inches (158 cm) |
| Swiss International Air Lines | Ski equipment including boots and helmet are transported for free in addition to the standard checked allowance. | Maximum weight of your fare type |
| Thai Airways | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. | Maximum weight of your fare type |
| Transportes Aéreos Portugueses (TAP) Air Portugal | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. Outside of this allowance, a fee of $70 applies for domestic flights, flights to Europe, and Morocco and $140 for intercontinental flights | 62 inches (158 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare type |
| United Airlines | Up to 2 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards (in 1 bag) and 1 boot bag is allowed in the free allowance (where applicable to your route and fare type). | 50 pounds (23 kg) |
| Virgin Atlantic | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots and a helmet are allowed in the free allowance (not applicable to economy basic fares). | 50 pounds (23 kg) |
| Westjet | A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. Multiple sets of skis are permitted in a single bag if they fit. | 50 pounds (23 kg) |
Luggage Options
Ski Bag Options
Snowboard Bag Options
Boot Bag Options
HOT TIP:If you’re planning your next winter escape, check out our article on The Ultimate Guide to Season Ski Passes Around the World.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, airlines really allow a variety of weights and dimensions. While most seem to be right at a 50 pound maximum or based on your fare class, it’s always best to double-check this list as you plan your ski getaway.
Be aware that low-cost carriers EasyJet and Spirit have lower poundage allowances; 44 pounds and 40 pounds respectively. Whereas Avianca/TACA, Czech Airlines, and Luxair allow up to 70 pounds, regardless of fare class.
Most interestingly, Alaska Airlines waives oversized and overweight fees for sporting equipment, which is a nice bonus!
