How do you travel with ski equipment?

Most airlines will allow you to check your ski or snowboard bag into the hold and some will allow this to be in substitution of your free baggage allowance. You’ll need to check the allowance for your airline in the table within this article as airlines have different restrictions on size and weight.

How much does it cost to bring skis on a plane?

This depends on your specific airline as each one has a different baggage policy for sporting equipment. Some airlines allow passengers to check their equipment within their free baggage allowance and others will have special baggage fees per one-way flight.

Do skis count as checked baggage?

Some airlines allow ski or snowboard bags within the free checked allowance. Check the table within this article to see if your airline allows this, and take particular attention to the size and weight restrictions to see if you’ll be charged overweight/oversized excess fees.

Can I take ski boots as hand luggage?

Most airlines allow passengers to take their ski boots as a carry-on, but the bag would need to adhere to the airlines’ maximum size and weight restrictions.

Does ski carriage include boots?

Some airlines recognize ski boots as part of your ski equipment and allow you check in a ski bag and a boot bag separately. However, some airlines require you to pack your boots within your ski or snowboard bag.

Ski and Snowboard Airline Luggage Policies [For 75 Major Airlines]

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

Flying With Ski and Snowboard Equipment
Chart of Size and Weight Restrictions by Airline
Luggage Options
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

Flying With Ski and Snowboard Equipment
Chart of Size and Weight Restrictions by Airline
Luggage Options
Final Thoughts

Flying With Ski and Snowboard Equipment

We’ve put together a helpful chart detailing 75 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 range.

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 allowance (158 cm) as the average length of a ski bag is 69 to 79 inches (175 to 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 and 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 (~$40) when booked online and €50 (~$50) 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) Maximum weight: 70 pounds (32 kg)
Air Asia	Equipment must be packed in a recognized ski and or snowboard bag and can be packed together with 1 pair of skis, poles, and boots OR 1 snowboard and boots. You will need to purchase a Sports Equipment Allowance according to size (20/30/35/40 kg) which will vary by carrier.	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. Passengers traveling between Canada and Europe, the Middle East, or Africa can carry skis or snowboard free of cost over and above their regular baggage 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 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.	Maximum weight: 50 pounds (23 kg) Maximum length: 62 inches (158 cm) 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	1 ski/snowboard bag + 1 boot bag are included in the free allowance.	118 inches (300 cm) maximum length 50 pounds (23 kg) in economy and premium comfort class 70 pounds (32 kg) in La Première
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 (~$40) or at the airport for €60 (~$60).	Maximum weight: 70 pounds (32 kg) Maximum size: undisclosed
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 (23 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.
Allegiant Air	1 ski/snowboard bag is included in the free allowance.	40 pounds (18 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 to 70 pounds (23 to 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.	1 ski/snowboard bag and 1 regular bag combined must not exceed ~70 pounds (32 kg) to be considered as 1 checked bag; if weight is 70 to 99 pounds (32 to 45 kg) it’s considered as 2 checked bags.
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. This excludes European routes on the Economy Light fare and routes from/to/via the U.S. Domestic economy light €70 (~$70) per one-way, European flights €80 (~$80) per one-way, and €200 to €250 (~$200 to $250) per one-way on intercontinental flights.	79 inches (200 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare allowance
Avianca	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 Economy light tickets. European Economy light €80 (CHF90/$90) per one-way and €200 (CHF230/$230) per one-way on intercontinental flights.	79 inches (200 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare allowance
Cape Air	Ski equipment is allowed in the free allowance: 2 pairs of snow skis in 1 bag + 1 ski boot bag.	Cessna 402/Britten Normal Islander: Maximum length 70 inches (117) Tecnam Traveller: Maximum length 42 inches (106 cm) Maximum weight of your fare allowance
Caribbean Airlines	Ski equipment is allowed in the free allowance.	62 inches (157 cm) and 50 pounds (23 kg)
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.	115 inches (292 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)
Copa Airlines	Ski equipment is classed as “large sports equipment” and must be purchased for $150 for both international and domestic flights.	115 inches (294 cm) and a maximum weight of 100 pounds (45 kg)
Czech Airlines	Ski equipment is not accepted within the free allowance and must be purchased for €75 (CZK1,800/~$77).	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	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 (~$42) if booked online and £47 (~$54) 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 Lite Fare bookings.	75 inches (190 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.	70 pounds (32 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.	70 pounds (32 kg) and 62 inches (158 cm)
EVA Air	A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance. EVA Air requests that passengers pre-advise of the size and weight of the equipment when booking.	109 inches (277 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare allowance for the piece concept.
Finnair	1 ski/snowboard bag is allowed in the free allowance. If boots are packed separately, then this would be considered a separate piece.	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 from the ski bag, then this must not exceed 25 pounds (11 kg). Oversize charges do not apply.
Garuda Indonesia	A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in addition to 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 (160 cm) for ATR aircraft
Georgian Airways	Ski equipment is not accepted within the free allowance and must be purchased for €80 for European flights and €30/$40 for Israel flights.	Maximum weight of your fare allowance
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	Sports equipment is accepted as checked baggage, so the baggage fee depends on the specific route. To most destinations: neighbor islands $25 and North America $30. International flights include a free 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 on long-haul flights. For short and medium-haul flights, the cost will be €45/$55/£40.	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 $42 Iceland-Europe,$49 Iceland-U.S./Canada, and $58 Europe-U.S./Canada.	50 pounds (23 kg)
ITA Airways	Ski equipment is classed as “small sports equipment” and must be purchased for domestic, international, and intercontinental (excluding U.S.) flights. Domestic and International flights: €40/$45 pre-booking; €50/$55 at the airport Intercontinental (excluding U.S.) flights: €70/$80 pre-booking; €90/$100 at the airport For U.S. flights: ski equipment is allowed in the baggage allowance	118 inches (300 cm) and 50 pounds (23 kg) of maximum weight
Japan Airlines	Sports equipment is handled as normal baggage and will be charged an extra baggage fee if weight or size is over the free baggage allowance.	80 inches (203 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare allowance
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,) otherwise this is charged at the standard checked bag rate. Ski equipment is not accepted on flights to/from the Dominican Republic.	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
KLM	1 ski/snowboard bag + 1 boot bag are included in the free allowance.	118 inches (300 cm) maximum length 50 pounds (23 kg) in economy and Premium Comfort class 70 pounds (32 kg) in business
Korean Air Lines	A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance if packed in 1 bag.	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	1 pair of skis/poles or snowboard, 1 pair of boots, and 1 helmet in a single package. Ski/snowboard bags are considered special baggage and are subject to a fee of $125 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. Passengers must pre-advise the airline of this baggage when booking.	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. Lufthansa advises registering your sports baggage up to 24 hours before departure due to limited space.	124 inches (315 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare allowance
Luxair	Ski equipment must be purchased for €50 (~$51) and includes 1 pair of skis or a snowboard, boots, and a helmet.	70 pounds (32 kg) and 118 inches (300 cm)
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. All flights £30 (~$37) online, £50 (~$61) airport.	Combined weight of 50 pounds (23 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/poles or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance and each individual item will be considered as separate pieces.	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.	62 inches (158 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare type
Ryanair	Ski equipment must be purchased. At the time of booking, ski carriage is €45 (~$45)/£45 (~$51) and post-booking €50 (~$50)/£50 (~$57).	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 50 pounds (23 kg)
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.	62 inches (158 cm) and the maximum weight of 50 pounds (23 kg)
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)
Spirit Airlines	Ski equipment can be transported for the same fee as a checked bag. This ranges from $54 to $99 depending on where and when you add your bag.	40 pounds (18k g) and 62 inches (158 cm)
Sun Country Airlines	Ski equipment is allowed in the free allowance. (Cannot verify, site access denied)	50 pounds (23 kg) 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. Outside of this allowance, a fee of $150 applies.	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 $77 applies for domestic flights, flights to Europe and Morocco, $149 for intercontinental flights, and $178 for Dominican Republic flights.	62 inches (158 cm) and the maximum weight of your fare type
Turkish Airlines	1 set of skiing equipment can be transported free of cost on international flights. For domestic flights, the transportation fee is 169 TRY (~$9). 1 skiing set includes 1 pair of skis, a pair of ski poles, a pair of ski boots, and a helmet, or 1 snowboard, a pair of shoes, and a helmet. Reservation is mandatory.	50 pounds (23 kg)
United Airlines	Up to 2 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards (in 1 bag) and 1 boot bag are 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 light fares).	50 pounds (23 kg)
Volaris	Ski equipment must be purchased for an additional charge either during booking, through the call center, or at the airport. Charges vary depending on route and time of booking. Refer to Volaris ancillary fees.	98 inches (250 cm) and 55 pounds (25 kg) of maximum weight
WestJet	A pair of skis or a snowboard with boots are allowed in the free allowance (if applicable to your fare type) or can be purchased for the same fee as regular checked luggage. Multiple sets of skis are permitted in a single bag if they fit.	50 pounds (23 kg). Oversize fee does not apply.

Luggage Options

Ski Bag Options

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Snowboard Bag Options

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Boot Bag Options

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HOT TIP:If you’re planning your next winter escape, check out our articles on the ultimate guide to season ski passes around the world and our ski and snowboard trip packing list.

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 carriers such as Avianca, 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!

4 comments

Kevin J September 22, 2021

Where did you get you information regarding Qatar? I’ve been trying to figure this out and what I’m seeing is that skis as checked baggage from/to US to Europe will cost me $300 each way.

- Christine Krzyszton September 22, 2021
  
  Hi Kevin. Here is the link to Qatar baggage policy/fees for sporting equipment. https://www.qatarairways.com/en-us/baggage/excess.html
  
Giancarlo November 23, 2022

Are you certain both a ski/snowboard bag and a separate boot bag are included for Aer Lingus?

I just called and they said it all had to be in the same bag. If using separate bags, I would be charged for an extra bag.

I would love to know because I might be flying this airline soon for a ski trip.

Thanks!

- Jarrod West November 23, 2022
  
  Hi Giancarlo,
  
  I would follow the policy that the airline told you directly to be on the safe side.

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Ski and Snowboard Airline Luggage Policies [For 75 Major Airlines]

Flying With Ski and Snowboard Equipment

Chart of Size and Weight Restrictions by Airline

Luggage Options

Ski Bag Options

Snowboard Bag Options

Boot Bag Options

Final Thoughts

Frequently asked questions

How do you travel with ski equipment?

How much does it cost to bring skis on a plane?

Do skis count as checked baggage?

Can I take ski boots as hand luggage?

Does ski carriage include boots?

About Erin Miller

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