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The Ultimate Guide to Ski and Snowboard Travel Policies: Top 10 Airlines Last Updated: 01/16/2025 |
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We know how exciting it can be to plan your dream ski trip, but traveling with gear can be overwhelming. With varying rules on weight limits, size restrictions, and fees, knowing how to fly with skis and snowboards can save you time and stress. Which kind of luggage do airlines require? Will your ski boot bag count as a carry-on? We've broken down the top 10 airlines flying to ski destinations to help you navigate the rules, fees, and best practices for flying with your gear so you can focus on enjoying the slopes.  1. Flying with skis on Alaska Airlines Bag Guidelines: One ski/snowboard bag and one boot bag count as one checked item as long as combined weight does not exceed 50 lbs. Size/Weight Limits: Ski/snowboard equipment may exceed 62" (linear), without incurring an oversize fee but may not exceed 50 lbs or will be subject to overweight fees. Fees: $35 for the first checked bag; $44 for the second. Recommended Bags: Both hard-sided and soft bags are accepted, but hard-sided are recommended. Damage Policy: Liability for damaged items follows standard policies, but fragile items aren’t guaranteed. Extras: Oversize dimensions are accepted without extra fees. 2. Flying with skis on American Airlines Bag Guidelines: One pair of skis/snowboard plus boots counts as one checked item. Size/Weight Limits: When traveling with any sports equipment, the maximum linear size (length + width + height) is 115 in / 292 cm and the maximum weight is 70 lbs / 32 kgs, subject to the airplane size and available cargo space. Fees: Standard checked bag fees apply, starting at $40. Standard checked bag fees of your destination apply up to 50 lbs / 23 kgs and standard overweight fees applies over 50 lbs / 23 kgs to 70 lbs / 32 kgs. Oversize fees do not apply. Damage Policy: We will only be liable for any damage to sports equipment if: They are in hard-sided case The
outside of the case is visibly damaged 3. Flying with skis on Delta Airlines Bag Guidelines: Ski/snowboard bag and a separate boot bag count as one checked item. Size/Weight Limits: Overweight baggage fees apply to bags that exceed 50 lbs and bags cannot exceed 115 linear in/292 cm (length + width + height). Fees: Standard checked bag fees start at $35 for your first bag. Recommended Bags: All Sports Equipment must be packed in a durable protective container designed specifically for the equipment. (ie, Hard-sided cases) Damage Policy: Compensation offered for damages if items are packed correctly. Extras: No additional fee for oversize ski equipment. 4. Flying with skis on Southwest Airlines Bag Guidelines: Ski/snowboard bag and boot bag count as one of the two free checked items. Size/Weight Limits: If the item of sporting equipment exceeds 50 pounds in weight, excess weight charges will apply. If the item of sporting equipment exceeds 62 inches in size (outside length plus width), excess charges will not apply. Fees: No fees for the first two bags. Recommended Bags: Snow sports equipment packed in a plastic bag will be transported only with a limited release of liability. Items packed in a soft-sided cases and unprotected/unpacked items only with a limited release of liability. Damage Policy: Limited liability for damages. Extras: Two free checked bags for all passengers. 5. Flying with skis on United Airlines Bag Guidelines: One ski/snowboard bag and one boot bag count as one checked item. Size/Weight Limits: 50 lbs weight limit; oversize dimensions allowed. Fees: Standard fees start at $40 for the first bag. Recommended Bags: Not specified, but we recommend hard-sided cases due to handling conditions. Damage Policy: We aren’t liable for damage to sports equipment. 6. Flying with skis on JetBlue Bag Guidelines: One ski/snowboard bag and one boot bag are considered one checked item. Size/Weight Limits: No oversize fees; standard weight limit of 50 lbs applies. Fees: Checked bag fees start at $35. Recommended Bags: Either hard-sided or soft bags; however, hard-sided cases are preferred. Damage Policy: Damage to checked sports equipment will only be covered if the item is checked inside a hard-sided case designed to protect its contents, and only if permitted items are in the case. Any items checked inside a soft-sided container will be accepted, but not covered by liability. 7. Flying with skis on Spirit Airlines Bag Guidelines: Ski equipment counts as one checked item. Size/Weight Limits: Ski equipment (water or snow) is charged as a standard checked bag. Please be mindful that overweight (over 50 pounds /22.6 kg) and oversized (over 62 inches / 157.48) baggage costs more. Fees: Fees vary by booking timing; typically $50+. Recommended Bags: Not specified, but we recommend hard-sided cases due to handling conditions. Damage Policy: A limited liability release will need to be signed when traveling with skis and snowboards. 8. Flying with skis on Frontier Airlines Bag Guidelines: One item which may include skis, ski poles, and ski boots. One pair of boots (in a boot bag) may be checked separately from the ski bag, but still count as one item as long as the boot bag does not exceed 25 pounds. If the boot bag is more than 25 pounds, it will be considered a second bag. Size/Weight Limits: Overweight charges apply if item is 50 pounds or more. Oversized charges do not apply. Fees: Checked and carry-on bag charges, including excess, are charged based on Fare Option purchased. If the boot bag is over 25 pounds, it is charged as a second bag and the fee is based on the Fare Option purchased. Recommended Bags: Hard sided case. Damage Policy: Except where required under the Montreal Convention, Frontier is not liable for the mentioned items if you pack them and they are damaged or your luggage is lost, unless packaged in a hard sided case. Extras: 9. Flying with skis on Canada Air Bag Guidelines: Accepts ski or snowboard equipment, which may include one pair of skis or a snowboard with boots, poles, and a helmet packed in the same bag. Size/Weight Limits: Maximum length of 6.5 feet (2 meters). Combined weight of the ski bag and an additional boot bag must not exceed 50 lbs (23 kg). Fees: Counts as a standard checked bag; applicable baggage fees depend on the ticket fare and destination. No oversized charges apply to skis. But any overweight charges will apply. Recommended Bags: Skis and poles must be packed in a rigid and/or hard shell case specifically designed for shipping. Snowboards must be packed in a rigid and/or hard-shell case specifically designed for shipping. Damage Policy: Covers damages only if the equipment is packed in an appropriate bag designed for skis or snowboards. 10. Flying with skis on Allegiant Airlines Bag Guidelines: One ski bag and one boot bag count as a single checked item. Size/Weight Limits: Checked bags must be under 50 pounds (22 kilos) and under 80 linear inches (203 centimeters) in height + width + depth. Additional charges may apply for overweight bags, oversize bags, sporting equipment and/or excess baggage. Fees: Fees for oversized or additional baggage start at $75. Recommended Bags: Hard-sided cases are recommended for extra protection. Replacement Policy: Limited liability; damages must be reported immediately. *Be sure to do a final check with the airline directly as some of this information may be outdated. Updated on January 16, 2025. Shipping your skis to your destination As an alternative to traveling with your skis, there is another option, shipping your gear! Our partners over at Luggage Forward offer a door-to-destination shipping option. You simply schedule your pickup and drop-off locations and dates, and they’ll handle the rest. No need to lug your skis and snowboards through airports or worry about getting everything right. Let Luggage Forward handle the heavy work and ensure your gear arrives safely wherever you are staying. Conclusion Whether you’re packing your skis or opting for a hassle-free shipping solution, being informed and prepared can make all the difference. Understanding airline policies and planning ahead ensures that your gear is protected and your journey is stress-free. After all, the focus should be on enjoying your time on the slopes, not worrying about how your equipment gets there. With the right strategy, your dream ski trip is just a smooth glide away! Common Questions: How much does it cost to fly with skis? That depends on the airline. Some airlines don’t charge you at all, some charge you their normal baggage rate, and some may charge you an oversized fee. It depends on your airline, but you can expect $25-$50 for most airlines. Can you carry-on your ski boot bag? Yes! Of course, always check to ensure your boot bag meets the size requirements for carry-on luggage. While most airlines allow ski bags and boot bags to count as a single checked item, we actually prefer to carry boots with us. That way, if anything happens to the skis (lost, delayed, etc.), the trip can carry on. Renting skis is much easier than renting ski boots. Are there size restrictions for ski or snowboard bags? Most airlines accept ski and snowboard bags as checked items with specific size limits. For example, bags up to 292 cm in total dimensions are common, but oversized fees may apply for longer equipment. Check with your airline to avoid surprises. Do I need a hard or soft case for my gear? Most airlines will recommend using a durable, protective luggage that is made specifically for your equipment. We believe that hard cases are best for air travel as they are intended to withstand more abuse; however, some airlines will accept either hard cases or soft bags as long as your gear is secure, but may require you to sign a waiver releasing any liability for damage to your soft bag. What happens if my ski equipment is damaged during the flight? We recommend reporting the damage at the airport directly to the airline if possible. At a minimum, within 24 hours to increase your chances of getting your claim approved. Are there other alternatives to flying with your ski gear? Yes, as an alternative to taking your skis with you on the plane, you can instead ship your skis ahead of time and enjoy a door-to-destination travel experience. Our partners over at Luggage Forward offer an amazing program that allows you to travel stress-free and still enjoy your own skis when you finally arrive at your destination. Tags:
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