Whether you are planning to ski in the Alps, hit the slopes in Colorado, or enjoy a winter getaway in Japan, you may wonder if you can bring your skis on a plane.
Generally, you can bring skis on a plane. Most airlines let you bring ski gear as checked baggage, and many even consider your ski bag and boot bag as one checked item, as long as they’re under the usual 50 lbs (23 kg) limit.
In this post I will cover everything you need to know about bringing skis on planes in both domestic and international flights.
Let’s dive right in.
TL;DR:
You can bring skis on a plane, but you will need to place them in your checked baggage.
The TSA does not allow skis or ski poles through security checkpoints.
Most airlines accept ski equipment as a standard checked bag.
Fees vary by airline, though some carriers like Southwest and Air Canada may include ski equipment for free.
To protect your gear, use a padded ski bag, pack clothing around the skis for extra cushioning, and carry your ski boots and helmet onboard whenever possible.
Can You Bring Skis Through The Security Checkpoint?
The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) didn’t specifically mention skis on its website, but they mention ski poles, which are not allowed on board the airplane.
Screenshot from the TSA website
But what about skis?
I checked the TSA social media to find some answers from the TSA folks, but it turns out that they have the same rules as ski poles: you will need to transport them in your checked baggage.
Besides their size, you can tell that skis can be used as a bludgeon to hit someone in the head.
This is another reason why the TSA does not permit them in carry-on baggage.
So even if you are traveling with a single small ski, it won’t be accepted on board the airplane.
But a ski helmets are allowed through the security checkpoint and in carry-on baggage.
Screenshot from Twitter
Do Skis Count As Checked Baggage?
Yes.
Generally, the TSA and most airlines do allow skis in checked baggage.
If your ski equipment does not exceed the standard checked baggage allowance for your airline, then one pair of skis and snowboard boots will be considered one checked item.
Screenshot from Twitter
How Much Does It Cost To Bring Skis On A Plane?
According to Statista, the U.S. has recorded more than 60 million skier visits in each of the past four winter seasons, showing how popular ski travel remains worldwide.
So with millions of travelers flying to ski destinations every year, many airlines have specific rules and fees for transporting ski equipment.
Airlines
Skis Rules
American Airlines
According to AA one pair of skis, snowboard boots and bindings are considered one checked item, and the standard checked baggage fees will apply. But if the equipment bag exceeds 50 lbs / 23 kgs and 62in/158cm, it will be charged as a separate checked bag and the fee of overweight and oversize baggage will apply.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines will accept ski equipment and they can exceed the standard 62 linear inches, the cost if 30 for a single checked bag. If your bag goes above 115 linear inches, you will need to pay oversized checked baggage charges.
Frontier Airlines
Your ski equipment will be counted as a regular checked bag as long as it does not exceed more than 25 lbs, the standard checked baggage will apply, usually between $30 and $50, depending on your destination.
JetBlue
The standard checked baggage applies, but it can exceed the allowed size and a $30 fee will apply.
Delta Air Lines
On Delta the charges for the standard checked baggage fees ( $30 ) will apply as long as you don’t exceed the standard weight.
United Airlines
United Airlines accepts one item of ski or snowboard equipment per passenger as one checked bag, standard charges for the first checked bag will apply.
Southwest Airlines
Ski bags fly for free on southwest airlines.
Spirit Airlines
You will need to pay about $30 – $50 for checking in your skis bag, but if you pay the fees online it will be cheaper than the airport.
Air Canada
When you book a ticket except the economy basic fare one ski bag containing skis / snowboard equipment such as boots, helmet and goggles (even if you’re not traveling with skis) are allowed in checked baggage free of charge.
British Airways
The standard checked baggage rules are applied on British airways. You can take ski equipment as part of your checked baggage as long as the bag is within 190 x 75 x 65cm. All the items must be packed as one piece in order to count them as one bag.
How To Pack Skis For Flying?
You will need to ensure that you pack everything neatly and use a solid protective bag like the Sportube ski shield wheeled bag before handing it to your airline.
And if possible, pack ski boots and helmets in your carry-on bag.
Together, they will save a lot of weight and space and will help ensure that you don’t pay overweight luggage fees, while the crucial parts of the equipment stay with you.
Checked baggage is more prone to being damaged, crushed, or mishandled compared with carry-on baggage, which is always in front of you.
Screenshot from Twitter
So when you receive your ski bag, ensure that you check everything carefully and make sure that everything inside the bag is intact and that nothing is missing.
Never pack expensive small items in checked baggage. If the TSA inspects your ski bag, they will leave a notice inside containing their logo and information. If it happens that an item is missing from your bag, you need to immediately declare it to the airline before you leave the airport.
Final Thoughts
Skiing is a thrilling sport, and traveling with skis is pretty straightforward, so you can bring your skis on most airlines.
You just need to pack your skis properly and send them as checked baggage.
If you want to save some weight in your ski bag, take the helmet and ski boots with you on board the airplane.
An important thing to remember is that if you have a ski item that operates with a lithium battery, ensure that you remove the batteries from your checked bag and take them in your carry-on bag.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
FAQs About Bringing Skis On A Plane
Can You Bring Ski Boots As Carry-On Luggage?
Yes, in most cases you can bring ski boots as carry-on baggage as long as they fit within your airline’s cabin size limits. Many skiers actually prefer carrying their boots onboard because it’s much easier to rent skis than find comfortable replacement boots if your checked bag gets delayed.
Can You Put Clothes Inside A Ski Bag?
Most airlines allow you to pack clothing like ski jackets, gloves, snow pants, and base layers inside your ski bag. It’s a great way to save luggage space and also adds extra padding to protect your skis during the flight.
Can You Put Two Pairs Of Skis In One Bag?
Usually especially if the ski bag is designed for multiple skis. Just make sure the total weight stays under your airline’s limit, otherwise overweight baggage fees may apply.
Do Ski Bags And Boot Bags Count As One Checked Item?
Many airlines treat one ski bag and one boot bag as a single checked item when they are checked together. However, the boot bag should only contain ski equipment, so it’s always smart to double-check your airline’s policy before flying.
Are Skis Considered Oversized Baggage?
Technically yes, because skis are longer than standard luggage. But the good news is that many airlines don’t charge oversized baggage fees for ski equipment as long as it stays within the allowed weight limit.
Should You Use A Hard Case Or Soft Ski Bag?
Both work, but hard ski cases offer better protection if you travel often or have expensive skis. Soft padded ski bags are lighter, easier to carry, and usually have extra room for clothing and gear.
How Do You Protect Skis During A Flight?
The easiest way is to use a padded ski bag and wrap your skis with jackets, towels, or snow pants for extra cushioning. It also helps to secure the bindings and avoid leaving loose gear moving around inside the bag.
Gargie, is writer, traveler & a digital marketing specialist
passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures. She is a savvy traveler who likes to pack light, testing various luggage brands and seeking out budget-friendly airline options. Gargie enjoys creating unique recipes when she’s not on the go.
