How to transport ski boots. Carrying skis on an airplane: airline rules, recommendations
Many fans of winter sports are interested in how to transport a snowboard on an airplane? How much could it cost? How to save money on a flight and what conditions do popular Russian air carriers offer for snowboarders? We’ll talk about all of this in this article.
Special conditions for transporting a snowboard on an airplane
It is worth noting that the popularity of this sport has significantly influenced the policies of many airlines. The fact is that usually transporting a snowboard on an airplane is a very expensive service. Boards are classified as oversized luggage and a considerable check is issued for their transportation (on average 20-50 euros per set for foreign airlines). If the carrier does not provide special conditions, the weight of the snowboard is taken into account in the total weight of baggage allowed for free transportation, which is 20 kg. in economy class.For every kilogram of excess weight, be prepared to pay at least 11 euros for foreign airlines and 300 rubles for domestic ones. But a number of large companies in winter, especially for fans of extreme sports, offer special conditions that provide for the carriage of snowboards on the plane absolutely free of charge. Moreover, we are talking not only about the board itself, but rather about a full set of equipment in a case, into which you can compactly put the necessary equipment, clothes, and fairly heavy boots with bindings. Whether there are special conditions for transporting such oversized items in a particular company, it is worth checking by phone with representatives of the air carrier or on the company’s website.
How to transport snowboard equipment
The board itself is quite durable, so you can transport it without any cover, but doing it with it is certainly more convenient and still calmer. Before you pack your snowboard for an airplane, find out how much the cover itself weighs. Models with a rigid reinforced frame can weigh up to 6 kg, but the permitted weight of a ski set for air transportation is usually no more than 20 kg (varies among different airlines). Take this point into account so that you don’t have to pay extra at the airport for excess weight. We recommend monitoring your weight and not exceeding the permitted limits; lately everything has been very strict at airports.
Some universal tips for properly packing a case:
- do not place objects near the board that could scratch it;
- it is better to have a separate protective cover for the mask;
- to further protect the snowboard from possible impacts during transportation, it can be covered with a layer of clothing;
- it is advisable to write your contact information on the case so that you can quickly identify it or, in case of loss (and such cases do occur), quickly find it;
- do not overload the case: the handles and fastenings are designed for a certain permissible weight recommended by the manufacturer. In addition, overweight is fraught with additional financial costs.
Ski bag return rules
We wrote above how to transport a snowboard on a plane, now we’ll tell you how much it will cost. The price depends on the specific airline. Ski kit is classified as oversized baggage, so it must be checked in and accepted after the flight in a separate place for oversized baggage (as a rule, such baggage is transported to the freight elevator). If you are flying to rare destinations, then you should notify the carrier company in advance that you plan to transport a snowboard (preferably at the stage of booking a ticket). Otherwise, you may not be allowed to take oversized cargo on board.
Carriers do not have any requirements for the length of the cover itself. In general, you can transport a snowboard on an airplane without a cover; we know of many cases when boards flew safely without any covering. But in this case you need to remove the fastenings.
When flying with transfers, when tickets are on different airlines, there is one important nuance. At the transfer point, the permissible norms and rules for transporting equipment may be different and you may be subject to additional payment.
How to deal with overweight
The loyalty of airlines towards passengers with snowboard covers allows you to travel with your own equipment as cheaply as possible. But the weight of the cases is always strictly regulated: you can carry luggage weighing up to 20 kg for free, for anything heavier you will have to pay extra. Experienced snowboarders who often carry snowboards on planes have figured out how to get around this ban a little. The fact is that initially the cover is weighed, and then the passenger himself carries it to the freight elevator. Along the way, you can quietly upgrade your case (no one will re-weigh it). You can also transfer something from an overloaded case to your hand luggage or main luggage (if possible). Or put snowboard boots on yourself =)Basic airline conditions for transporting sports equipment
Here we list the most popular airlines and their stated requirements for the transportation of ski equipment:
S7 transportation of a snowboard: in addition to basic luggage, free transportation of a snowboard and equipment (helmet, boots, clothing, goggles and other accessories) in a case with a total weight of up to 20 kg is allowed; Group booking of tickets is allowed, in which several snowboards can be transported in one case (no more than the number of people in the group);
Aeroflot snowboard transportation: free 1 case with 1 snowboard, 1 piece of luggage with 1 pair of boots; Aeroflot allows snowboards to be carried free of charge on an airplane in a case with a total weight of up to 23 kg;
UTair: two cargo spaces for snowboards and related equipment are provided free of charge, with a total weight of up to 20 kg;
Transaero: one snowboard and a bag with additional accessories (up to 10 kg) free of charge with your main luggage.
Answers to questions about how to carry a snowboard on a particular carrier’s plane should be agreed upon immediately before purchasing a ticket, since the stated requirements may differ depending on the season and flight direction, the availability of special offers and auction conditions.
There are no uniform rules for transporting ski equipment on airplanes; all airlines have their own conditions. Here we will look at the most common airline rules, but before departure (or better yet, before purchasing a ticket), ALWAYS check the rules for transporting skis with your airline. Search the website for information about sports or special luggage, or simply call the call center.
Below we will describe our experience of transporting alpine skis with various airlines, but this was in different years, the rules may have changed, so be sure to check!
Will skis fly for free?
Low-cost airline companies keep ticket prices at the lowest by saving on everything, and especially on luggage. Typically, the lowest ticket price will not include any luggage at all, only carry-on luggage. You have to pay extra for the transportation of luggage separately, and significantly; often the additional payment for a piece of luggage immediately eats up all the savings on the ticket. Skis and snowboards are considered oversized luggage, and their transportation costs significantly more than a regular bag. Therefore, in most cases, low-cost airlines are not suitable for traveling with skis.
As a rule, major airlines transport ski equipment free of charge, but subject to certain conditions:
- a set of equipment means 1 pair of skis and 1 pair of boots (1 snowboard and 1 pair of snowboard boots) for 1 person, sometimes a helmet may be included in this list. Moreover, the weight of equipment can either be included in the free baggage allowance (23-26 kg per person), or provided in excess of this allowance. If you want to take two pairs of skis with you, for example, for piste and for virgin skis, the flight of the second ones will in any case be paid;
- Free ski transportation is only available during the ski season. It varies from company to company, from about the end of November to mid-April. If you fly on a European airline in the summer to go to Chile or New Zealand, you will have to pay);
- sometimes free ski flights need to be booked in advance. Just call or write to the e-mail indicated on the baggage rules page, indicate your reservation code and the number of sets. You can do this immediately after purchasing a ticket, or a week before departure;
- skis must be packed correctly. Here, too, the requirements vary, but one thing remains the same: 1 ticket = 1 set, so each ski must be in a separate case. If the skis are packed in a case for 2 pairs, for the airline it will mean that one person is flying with two pairs of skis, and the second is simply without skis, so they will force you to pay.
How to pack skis for a flight
If skis are carried free of charge in addition to your normal baggage allowance, then boots are packed in a separate bag. That is, you should have 3 bags of checked luggage for each: 1 bag with skis + 1 bag for boots + 1 bag with luggage (not exceeding the baggage allowance) + hand luggage. 2 pairs of boots cannot be put in one bag for the same reasons as skis. It's stupid, of course, but there's no point in arguing.
If skis are included in the free baggage allowance, you are entitled to free 2 bags of checked luggage: 1 bag with skis + 1 bag with luggage in which you will have to stuff your boots + carry-on luggage. In this case, the weight of the cover and luggage should not exceed the free allowance, for example, 23 kg. Hand luggage is not included in this allowance.
Save space, you can put a lot of things in your boots, such as socks, shaving accessories or bottles. Some things (fleece, gloves, etc.) can be put in a ski bag, having first covered the fastenings with cellophane (things can get dirty with grease). A helmet takes up a lot of space, so it is wiser to take it in hand luggage, as well as fragile things: masks, glasses, tablet, computer, camera. But t It is better to transport the thermos in luggage, otherwise at each check it will have to be opened and shown that it is empty. Walkie-talkies can be transported both in luggage and in hand luggage, but in a disassembled state, without batteries. The rules for using walkie-talkies in different European countries are very different. Before traveling, be sure to make sure that the use of walkie-talkies in your range is permitted in your destination country.
Our experience of flying with ski equipment
Austrian Airlines , 2015 Skis are flying free, reservation required, equipment in excess of baggage allowance (26 kg of baggage + set of skis and boots free of charge).
SAS , 2015. Transportation of skis costs 3,300 rubles. Meals on board are also paid, although the company does not belong to the budget segment. We do not recommend skiers to use this airline.
Air France , KLM, 2014 Skis - free, reservation required, equipment included in baggage allowance (i.e. 26 kg, including skis and boots).
Aeroflot , S7 , 2013. Skis - free.
Lufthansa , 2012 Skis free of charge, reservation required, equipment in excess of baggage allowance.
AirBerlin , 2011. Skis are free only to “ski destinations”, otherwise the transportation of skis is paid. We flew Moscow-Berlin-Milan, we had to pay for the Berlin-Milan segment.
Pobeda Airlines . We haven’t flown yet, but according to the information from the website, transportation of 1 piece of luggage is 999 rubles, transportation of 1 pair of skis is 999 rubles. for a ticket Moscow-Perm.
Once again, I remind you of the need to check the rules for transporting skis with your airline!
Russian Railways heard the voice of numerous athletes: skiers, tourists, cyclists, track and field athletes! OJSC "Federal Passenger Company"(a subsidiary of JSC Russian Railways) established rules for the transportation of sports, tourist and hunting equipment on long-distance trains.
In accordance with the rules, snowboards, skis and poles are allowed to be carried free of charge on trains formed by JSC FPC. The equipment is placed in the hand luggage areas or together with the passengers carrying them in the carriage. Registration of transportation documents for this baggage is not required.
In addition, disassembled kayaks, non-disassembled kayaks and oars, as well as non-motorized bicycles, disassembled and packed, are allowed on trains. Inventory is also placed in hand luggage areas or in the carriage. For each kayak carried on the train, a baggage rate of 30 kg is charged, and for each bicycle, a baggage rate of 10 kg is charged.
Please note that equipment placed in the carriage should not interfere with other passengers.
We remind you that the size of sports, tourist and hunting luggage can exceed 180 cm in the sum of three dimensions.
Registration of transportation documents is carried out at the ticket offices of JSC FPC from the date of opening of sale of train tickets until its departure and does not depend on the date of purchase of the travel document by the passenger.
Ensuring the integrity and safety of luggage carried by a passenger is the responsibility of the passenger.
More details on the rules for transporting sports, tourist and hunting equipment on long-distance trains can be found on the Russian Railways website in the section
Transporting ski equipment is an important point that many people forget about when booking an air ticket, this is especially true for budget airlines, where the visually low price of a ticket can be offset by the expensive service of transporting sports equipment. Well, it’s better to remember this at the time of purchase, having carefully studied the website and tariffs, otherwise you will have to pay much more at the airport. It is also very important to know what the airline understands by “sports equipment”, as airlines have very different views on this seemingly very simple issue.
In general, today I will consider the issue of transporting skis or snowboards to a ski resort. Is it possible to carry two pairs of skis in one case? How to avoid paying for a ski rack at a car rental? Where to put the shoes?
Your experience and interesting tips are also welcome in the comments :)
1. Before purchasing an air ticket, be sure to check whether the airline charges for the transportation of skis?
For example, Aeroflot, Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, UIA do not charge a fee for transporting ski equipment in winter, but in each specific case it is better to check this information on the carrier’s website. There are also additional nuances when the airline transports for free only a certain number of sets of ski equipment, each of which must be pre-reserved at the airline’s call center.
2. How does the airline regulate the set of ski equipment?
Usually one set is a pair of skis and boots in a case, i.e. 2 pieces with a total weight of no more than 20 kg. But there are exceptions, especially among low-cost airlines. For example, Rainair only counts one place, i.e. It's best to stash your boots in your checked baggage. EasyJet also has a size classification - "large" or "small" sports equipment.
Here are some examples of the cost of transporting a set of ski equipment from low-cost airlines.
Attention! This is the cost of one set one way, i.e. feel free to multiply by two.
Victory - 1999 RUR
WizzAir Hungary - 30 euros
WizzAir Ukraine - 750 gr
EasyJet - 30 euros
Ryanair - 50 euros
An important nuance - you need to pay for the service of transporting ski equipment at the time of booking an air ticket, since the cost of the service will increase in the future if you add ski equipment to an existing booking in the system (plus a commission for payment by credit card is possible again), and at the airport the service will cost already 2 times more expensive.
3. Is it possible to carry two pairs of skis in one case?
Usually the website indicates a limit of “1” pair of skis, but in practice they rarely pay attention to this point. I use a two-pair case and always carry two pairs of skis in one case, thereby saving half the cost. At the WizzAir-Ukraine call center they even once told me that this is not prohibited, the main thing is that the cover is tightly closed.
4. How to return and where to receive skis at the airport?
Typically, a set of ski equipment is checked in at a separate check-in point for oversized baggage, and it is also received in a specially designated place.
Therefore, if you don’t see skis on the baggage carousel, you don’t need to panic, but you just need to ask the airport staff where the unloading point for oversized baggage is.
Here, for example:
My case for transporting skis is Atomic AMT. It is presented in the line PRO products, which can be purchased in flagship stores Sportmaster HYPER. This is a lightweight case for two pairs of skis and poles. Made from dense Poly 600D material. Length adjustment from 165 cm to 185 cm with tightening straps. Adjustable shoulder strap. You can even put it in a backpack while riding without any problems; when folded, it won’t take up much space.
And if there is only one pair of skis in it, then the entire set of ski clothes fits absolutely comfortably into the case, which is also very convenient if there is little space in your checked luggage.
A large selection of covers is presented.
5. Transporting skis in a car.
If you rent a car, then in the ski areas there is usually an option for a ski rack at a cost of 10-15 euros per day, usually this is the simplest magnetic roof rack. I prefer to save on this option and bought such a trunk at home a few years ago for 45 euros. It is compact and not heavy, even if you take it with you every season in your luggage.
My car trunk looks something like this. It is written on the box that you do not need to exceed the speed of 110 km/h, it is placed on the roof, fixed with a magnet, and removed simply and conveniently.
However, on the very first trip with this trunk, an unexpected “surprise” awaited me in the form of a full-size glass roof in the Peugeot 3008. There were no options, there were no other cars, so it wasn’t very comfortable that time. Now, when I book a car, I always indicate in the comments that I am bringing a magnetic trunk and ask for a car with a regular roof.
So we made it to the ski resort! The tracks are waiting, but more about them next time :)
Winter is the best time of the year! Those bright moments when you rush down the mountain, cheerfully skirting the hills or emerging from the fresh powder. I have already talked about my experience in selecting ski equipment. I can absolutely unequivocally say that after spending time in the store SKI .
When planning a winter holiday on the mountain slopes, it is worth finding out in advance what conditions and prices for the transportation of skis, snowboards and sports equipment are offered by air carriers. Almost all companies allow you to transport ski equipment in the luggage compartment. Restrictions may only apply to routes served by aircraft with insufficient unusual cargo capacity. Conditions and costs depend mainly on the airlines used - traditional or low-cost.
Special conditions for transporting a snowboard on an airplane
In relation to cargo permitted for transportation, snowboards are excess baggage, to which the rules of additional payment for overweight, excess dimensions or use of additional baggage space apply. According to these standards, charged up to 50 EUR over the ticket price for foreign flights and 2000-3000 rubles. on domestic flights.
But many air carriers apply special conditions for the transportation of ski equipment, allowing you to take a snowboard on board the plane for free. It is not considered an additional piece of luggage; the dimensions are not always limited, but the weight allowed for transportation in this way is often limited. So when packing your snowboard and equipment into a case, you need to monitor the total weight.
Important! Information about special conditions can be obtained from airline contact centers.
How to transport ski equipment
To properly pack a snowboard in luggage, preventing damage during transportation, you must place it in a case in compliance with the general rules:
- Avoid placing objects with sharp corners in close proximity to the board to avoid scratches and chips;
- Clothing can be padded for additional protection of the fastenings;
- Separate packaging must be provided for the mask;
- Don't put too many things in your snowboard bag. The handles for carrying it may not withstand a lot of weight, which will also cause an additional charge for extra pounds;
- It is recommended to leave contact information on the case. This will help quickly locate the cargo in case of loss.
Rules for returning a ski bag
Skis on an airplane are oversized cargo, which is subject to special rules for delivery and receipt. Packed ski equipment must be handed over for loading onto an airliner at a special rack for oversized cargo. There are also separate places for collecting ski cases at the arrival airport. Sometimes they are unloaded next to the conveyor belt.
It is not necessary to carry a snowboard in a case on an airplane. Modern boards are made of durable materials and will not be damaged even during open transportation. The rules allow this. But the bindings must be removed from the snowboard.
When the flight is not to generally accepted ski destinations, it is better to call the Contact Center in advance and find out the possibility and conditions for transporting specific cargo. Some airlines refuse to transport ski equipment.
Important! If the flight is carried out with a transfer when connecting flights of different air carriers, you should be aware of possible differences in the rules for transporting alpine skis at different stages of the flight. It is better to find out about this in advance to avoid material losses.
Is it possible to put clothes and other things in a ski bag?
When transporting skis on an airplane, airlines do not allow you to pack other personal items in one case. But the official ban can be circumvented, since no one is checking. However, reasonable limits must be observed so that the weight of the case is within the normal range.
How to eliminate overweight
Where possible, excess items and items are packed in checked baggage and carry-on baggage. Heavy boots are sometimes worn on oneself. Flying skiers have come up with a way to put everything they need in a case and avoid paying extra for being overweight. The package containing ski equipment is weighed only once at check-in, and then the passenger takes it to the oversized cargo counter. At this point, you can put the necessary things in the case, because re-weighing is not performed.
Airlines offering free transportation of skis and snowboards
| Air carrier | Conditions |
| Czech Airlines (except Lite fare) | Weight limit - 23 kg, dimensions (total length, width and height) - 158 cm. One snowboard (pair of skis) and one set of equipment are allowed for transportation |
| Aeroflot | Weight limit - 23 kg. Dimensions are not limited. Bag with skis and one piece of luggage for boots |
| S7 (except for Economy Basic tariff) | Weight limit - 23 kg. Unlimited dimensions. Skis and equipment in a common case |
| Alitalia | One set instead of one piece of checked baggage. Weight limit - 23 kg. Any dimensions |
| Lufthansa (except Light fare and flights to the USA, MEXICO, Central America) | Weight limit - 32 kg, size limit - 158 cm. Carriage of one set is allowed |
| Swiss (except Light tariff) | Weight is limited to 23 kg. Maximum dimensions - 158 cm. One snowboard (pair of skis) and one set of equipment. Boots can be packed in a separate bag |
| Austrian Airlines (except Light fare and flights to the USA and Canada) | Maximum weight - 32 kg, dimensions - 158 cm. Carriage of one snowboard (pair of skis) and one set of equipment is allowed |
| Air France (except Economy Mini and Basic fares) | Weight limit - 23 kg. The length of the case with skis is no more than 300 cm. Permission to transport one snowboard (pair of skis) and one set of equipment |
| KLM | Option to carry skis only instead of checked baggage. Skis and equipment are packed in a common case with a maximum weight of 23 kg and a maximum length of 300 cm. Additional luggage is subject to payment |
| LOT | Weight restrictions - 23 kg, dimensions - 158 cm. One snowboard (pair of skis) with a set of equipment |
| Ural Airlines (except for Promo tariff) | Weight limit - 23 kg, dimensions - 203 cm. You can carry one snowboard with equipment |
| Utair (except for Light tariff) | Maximum weight - 23 kg, dimensions are not limited. One snowboard (pair of skis) with equipment |
Airlines to avoid when transporting ski equipment
| Air carrier | Conditions |
| Airbaltic | Supplement for additional baggage space one way: 34.99 EUR (purchase on the website), 40 EUR (ticket offices), 60 EUR (payment at the airport). Weight is limited to 20 kg, sizes are not limited. One pair of skis (snowboard) must be placed in one bag with equipment. Otherwise, there will be an additional charge for one more piece of luggage. It is necessary to inform the airline about sports cargo in advance, as the number of available seats is limited |
| Finnair | If a free piece of luggage is included in the tariff (mark 1рс), then you can bring a snowboard instead. If you need to bring another suitcase, then the additional item is paid: 15-30 EUR (European destinations), 60-75 EUR (intercontinental flights). Weight limit - 20 kg, maximum dimensions - 220 cm |
| Turkish Airlines | Despite the company's claims that sports equipment is carried free of charge, there is a complex system of fees for additional items. You can pay up to 90 EUR and more. For specific information, it is recommended to contact the company's Contact Center. Dimensions are not limited, maximum weight - 32 kg |
| Brussels Airlines (free, except Check&Go fares and flights to the USA and Canada) | Weight restrictions - 12 kg, dimensions - 158 cm. You cannot meet the standards, so you will have to pay extra for exceeding them |
| Victory | Additional payment for transportation of ski equipment: RUB 1,499. (payment when booking on the website), 4000 - at the airport (Russian destinations), 55 EUR (foreign destinations). Weight restrictions - 20 kg |
How to quickly buy a ticket with free transportation of sports equipment
When purchasing tickets on some sites, for example, aviasales, filters are used to search for air tickets. First, the flight direction is selected, and after the list of flight options provided, the “Winter Inventory” filter is activated, which can be indicated by a snowflake. As a result of its use, there are still options for flights with free transportation of ski equipment.
When searching, you can use the “Winter inventory” filter
When transporting ski equipment, you need to take into account all the nuances. A cheap ticket can be booked quickly, but with additional fees, the flight will be more expensive than buying an airline ticket at baggage-inclusive rates. So that the tourist mood is not spoiled immediately, it is important to carefully analyze the conditions for transporting skis in various airlines.
Watch a video on how to travel with a snowboard
