How Do You Travel with Skis On A Plane?

Traveling with your skis can be the ultimate test of your patience, but it’s all worth it when you hit the slopes with your own gear. Transporting your skis can sound as a hard job, but worry not. With the right preparation, you can navigate the process like a pro—and maybe even save a few bucks along the way. Let’s answer any question you might have and make sure your skis arrive at the mountain as ready for action as you are!

 

How Do You Travel with Skis on a Plane?

The key to flying with skis is preparation. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Get a Ski Bag

Invest in a sturdy ski bag to protect your gear. Hard-shell cases offer maximum protection, while padded soft bags are lighter and easier to carry. Some ski bags even have wheels, making them a breeze to transport through the airport.

2. Pack Your Skis Properly

• Remove Bindings (Optional): If your ski bag is tight on space, consider removing bindings.
• Add Padding: Wrap your skis in clothing or towels to prevent damage during transit. You can also pack boots, poles, and accessories in the same bag if it has enough space.
• Secure Everything: Use straps or bungee cords to keep your gear from shifting inside the bag.

3. Check Airline Policies

Each airline has specific rules for carrying skis. Double-check baggage policies, size limits, and fees before booking your ticket.

4. Arrive Early

Ski bags are oversized items, so plan to arrive early at the airport to ensure a smooth check-in process.

5. Keep Essentials in Your Carry-On

Pack your helmet, gloves, and goggles in your carry-on bag. These items are harder to replace if lost or delayed.

How Much Does It Cost to Bring Skis on a Plane?

The cost of bringing skis on a plane varies by airline and ticket class. Here’s what you can expect:

• Standard Fees: Most airlines charge between $30 and $150 each way to check a ski bag, depending on the route and weight of the bag.
• Weight Limits: Ski bags often count as a standard checked bag, but if they exceed the weight limit (usually 50 lbs or 23 kg), you may have to pay extra fees.
• Additional Costs: Some airlines charge a flat fee for oversized sports equipment, regardless of weight.

Which Airlines Carry Skis for Free?

While most airlines charge for ski bags, some offer free carriage under specific conditions. Here are a few traveler-friendly options:

• Swiss International Air Lines: Skis and snowboards travel for free on all flights.
• Air Canada: Includes skis or snowboards as part of your standard checked baggage allowance.
• Austrian Airlines: Skis can be carried for free if they fall within the checked baggage allowance.

Always double-check the fine print—free ski carriage usually depends on ticket class and destination. 

Do Ryanair Take Ski Bags?

Yes, Ryanair allows passengers to check ski bags, but they’re treated as special items, which come with an additional fee. As of now:

• Ryanair charges a flat fee for sports equipment, including ski bags.
• The fee varies depending on whether you book online or at the airport (it’s cheaper to book online).
• The weight limit for a ski bag on Ryanair is 20 kg, so make sure you weigh your gear before heading to the airport.

Can I Take Skis on Ryanair?

Absolutely! You can take skis on Ryanair by following these steps:

1. Add a Ski Bag to Your Booking: You can do this when booking your flight or by adding it later through “Manage My Booking” on their website.
2. Pack Light: Stick to the 20 kg weight limit to avoid extra fees.
3. Arrive Early: Oversized items like skis need to be checked in at the special baggage counter, which can take extra time.

Extra Tips for Traveling with Skis

1. Consider Renting Gear

If traveling with your skis seems like too much hassle, renting gear at your destination might be a good alternative—especially for short trips or budget airlines with high fees.

2. Label Your Ski Bag

Attach a tag with your name, address, and phone number to your ski bag. This makes it easier to identify if it gets lost.

3. Invest in Travel Insurance

Ski gear is expensive, so having travel insurance that covers lost or damaged equipment can give you peace of mind.

4. Pack Strategically

If your ski bag has extra space, use it for bulky items like jackets or pants. This can help you save space in your regular luggage.

5. Look for Ski-Friendly Airports

Some airports in ski regions are better equipped for handling ski gear, with shorter transit times for oversized baggage.

6. Get a pair of travel-friendly skis

The smaller the better! Skiblades (ranging from 65 to 120 cm) are much easier to carry around. Skiskates and Snowfeet even fit into your carry-on. Isn't that a blast? 

Why Travel with Your Own Skis?

While renting skis is an option, there’s something special about hitting the slopes with your own gear. Your skis are familiar, tuned to your preferences, and often better quality than rental options. If you love skiing, the extra effort to bring your own gear is usually worth it.

Traveling with skis on a plane doesn’t have to be a headache. Take a few a precautions before hitting the road and you should be a-okay. If you want a pleasant and hassle-free journey, opt for short skis - you won't even notice that you are travelling with skis!