Bulky, heavy, cumbersome – no matter how you spin it, flying with skis and boots is a real hassle. While you may master the “art” after dozens of trips from your home to the slopes, the constant juggling of oversized bags, unexpected airline fees, and the risk of lost gear can make even the most seasoned traveler think twice. But here’s the good news. There’s a better way: ship your skis. Whether you’re looking for packaging tips, questions about baggage fees, or a hassle-free experience by shipping your gear ahead, here’s everything you need to know to relieve the stress of flying with skis and boots.
Guide to Flying with Skis and Boots
How do I pack my skis for flying?
Unfortunately, the airport won’t wrap your skis for you. So before jetting off on your winter getaway, you’ll need to purchase a soft travel bag or hard case for your skis or snowboard. Regardless of your choice, you’ll also need to add some additional protection inside of the bag when flying with skis and boots. Vulnerable parts of your skis like bindings, tips, and tails should be wrapped in bubble wrap or packing paper. Any kind of buffer to take the brunt of an outside force to the skis is an absolute must. Most travelers include ski boots in their carry-on; but, if you’ve run out of space, you’ll need to purchase a separate bag for your boots, too.
How much will flying with my skis or snowboard cost?
The cost of flying with skis, snowboards, or boots will vary depending on the airlines’ baggage fee policies, frequent flyer status, and more. Some airlines offer a free first checked bag, which might cover your ski gear if packed correctly. In some cases, a ski bag and a boot bag may count as one checked bag. Other airlines may charge oversized baggage fees or additional charges, which can quickly add up. To avoid surprises, we recommend researching the baggage policies and fees for your airline before booking your flights. Alternatively, ShipSkis offers transparent pricing and eliminates the guesswork, ensuring your gear gets to your destination stress-free.
What else can I put inside my ski bag when flying with skis and boots?
Simple answer? It depends on the airline. In some instances, you may be able to squeeze an extra pair of skis or boots into one bag and not have to pay extra fees. But, it’s generally best to pack lightly and leave out what you can to avoid any financial surprises at the airport.
Where can I expect my skis and boots to be when I land?
In most cases, your winter equipment will be waiting for you at the baggage claim. Sometimes your gear may be in a specified oversized luggage area. If you’re flying with skis and boots internationally, it may get a little trickier. Rather than assuming your gear will make the connecting flight, you may have to collect your bag and re-check it. It’s best to confirm with your selected airline what procedure you should follow.
What happens if my skis get lost or delayed by the airline?
When airlines misplace or delay your luggage, it can disrupt your entire trip. And when that luggage is your skis, the impact is even greater. Imagine arriving at your dream ski destination, only to find your gear hasn’t made it. Without your skis, you’re left scrambling to find rentals that might not fit your preferences or ability level, and you could even miss valuable time on the slopes waiting for your gear to arrive.
In some cases, locating lost luggage can take days, and even when the airline finds it, the delivery to your destination may not be quick. This is especially challenging if you’ve traveled internationally or to a remote ski resort where logistics take longer. Plus, dealing with the airline’s baggage claim process can be frustrating, involving lengthy forms, follow-up calls, and uncertainty about whether you’ll be reimbursed for any additional expenses.
What tips do you have if I am flying internationally with skis?
Flying internationally with skis means navigating complex customs regulations. Many countries have strict rules about importing sporting equipment, and failure to comply could lead to delays or extra fees. You may need to fill out paperwork, declare your gear at customs, or even pay duties or taxes depending on the destination. For connecting flights, there’s often the additional hassle of retrieving your skis, re-checking them, and going through customs again, all of which can be time-consuming and stressful.
Additionally, airlines often have stricter baggage policies for international travel. Overweight or oversized baggage fees can be significantly higher than for domestic flights, and weight limits are frequently more restrictive. This means packing carefully and keeping your ski bag as light as possible are essential to avoid hefty charges.
How can I make it easier flying with skis and boots?
The best way to handle flying with your skis and boots is to not do it. But, this doesn’t mean leaving your equipment at home! Thanks to specialty shipping services, like ShipSkis, you can send your winter gear and luggage directly to the slopes. Rather than flying with your skis and boots, ShipSkis will pick up your gear right from your doorstep so you can avoid carrying, checking, and claiming baggage at the airport. An on-time delivery guarantee ensures your skis, snowboard, snow boots, and luggage will be awaiting your arrival at your destination.
ShipSkis also services 180 countries across the globe. With a team of international specialists, ShipSkis will handle all customs paperwork on your behalf. Unlike flying with skis and boots, you won’t have to worry about your gear making or missing your connecting flight.
Learn more or get a free quote and start shipping your skis, snowboard, snow boots, and luggage today!