Sportube® and the Airlines

Nothing protects equipment like a hard shell case. Some airlines will no longer take responsibility for broken skis or boards when packed in a soft bag.

Breakage happens, so why run the risk of having to deal with it on a sunny day with two feet of fresh powder!? Why worry about damage to expensive rods and reels packed in a soft case?

All Sportube cases are accepted by the airlines.

In fact, many airlines are actually supporting & recommending the use of hard cases.  For example, Northwest "recommends hard-shell cases when checking your ski equipment."

According to these airlines, if not using a hard sided case, it will be necessary to sign a limited liability release form.  As an example, Frontier requires Limited Release: "Yes, if not packaged in a hard-sided case."

What airlines are saying about hard sided cases!!!

Liability release form required on plastic [bag]/ soft [nylon] ski bags only. Execution of liability release form not required on hard-shell cases.

Sportube cases are allowed at no additional cost, assuming you are within the airlines’ baggage limitations as defined under their Contracts of Carriage. Typically, an airline will have a free checked baggage allowance for 2 to 3 bags (depending on their rules) per paying passenger.

In lieu of one bag, the airline will typically allow 1 set of ski equipment (1 pair of skis, poles, boots, and bindings) per passenger.

It is important to note however, that each airline is different. Rules and regulations can change; therefore we recommend that passengers check with their appropriate airlines prior to travel for the most up-to-date information.

Tips for travel

Note: If padlocked luggage (other than a Travel Sentry TSA Approved lock) is deemed suspect and a search is required, then TSA will remove the padlock by any means necessary and will not be held responsible for any damage that may occur. Consequently, as of 2004, all models of Sportube Ski & Snowboard cases are supplied with a non-locking Wire Case Pin.

Travel Sentry TSA combination locks allow you to securely lock your luggage. The TSA recognize Travel Sentry locks and by using a special key are able to unlock, inspect and securely re-lock your luggage.

We also recommend the following procedures to avoid having your case searched:

 

  1. Only pack equipment into your Sportube e.g. Skis, poles, snowboard, rods, etc.
  2. Ship your equipment in the Sportube via FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.

It is worth nothing that these guidelines from the TSA are only recommendations and are not yet a mandated FAA regulation, therefore they are subject to change.

We recommend that travelers check with their airlines or the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) web site for further information prior to travel.