Carrying skis on an airplane: airline rules, recommendations. Carrying skis on an airplane: simple rules Will skis fly for free?
With the start of the ski season, many tourists have a question: how to transport skis on an airplane? Most travelers are sure that there can be no problems with transporting skis. But is this really so? Let's see how to properly pack and check in your skis as luggage so that unpleasant and unforeseen situations do not arise.
Firstly, during or after purchasing a ticket must be reported to the airline that you are planning to transport alpine skis. If you buy a ticket remotely, then discuss all the conditions with the agent who sells you the ticket. Otherwise, there is a risk that you will go to a mountain resort without the necessary equipment. Of course, some airlines will take your skis into your baggage without prior warning and completely free of charge, in addition to your main baggage. This means that you have the right to take with you 20 kg of checked baggage, 8 kg of hand luggage and your skis and boots. But it’s still better to be safe.
Secondly, skis for transportation on an airplane should be pack well. It is better to purchase a special strong case for this purpose; pay special attention to the straps and handles - they must be attached conscientiously, because baggage handlers at the airport do not stand on ceremony with luggage. When placing skis in a bag, secure them together to avoid friction and damage to the surface. Please note that ski equipment must consist of two places: skis and poles in one case, and boots in the other. By the way, many airlines are currently asking pack cases in transparent film In order to avoid problems during loading, it is better to clarify this in advance.
Skis are oversized luggage, it is for this reason that during check-in they will be set aside from other things and sent to the luggage compartment of the plane. On some airlines, you may be asked to go to a separate counter for non-standard baggage. After the flight, you need to pick up your skis from the department where you returned them.
Now you know how to carry skis on a plane. It's not that difficult, you just need to know a couple of simple rules. Rest assured that skis are far from the longest item that tourists are trying to transfer and the airline is interested in their size at the last moment. Weight is much more important, so try to ensure that your luggage does not exceed the permissible limits. This way you will avoid unnecessary surcharges. And, of course, before transporting skis on a plane, be sure to check with the airline rules for transporting ski equipment in order to protect yourself as much as possible from all kinds of misunderstandings.
Skiers often travel by air when going on vacation to the best ski resorts in the world. In addition to the main luggage, such passengers take sports equipment on the road - skis and poles. This equipment has large dimensions, exceeding the norms of standard luggage for passengers.
In this article we will tell you how to transport ski equipment on an airplane, how to properly pack and arrange it, and whether additional payment is required.
How to transport skis on a plane
A set of ski equipment may include not only skis and poles, but also additional accessories - overalls, helmet, boots, goggles. Each airline regulates the rules for transporting sports equipment at its own discretion. For example, low-cost airlines, where the lowest ticket prices are set, do not offer free baggage allowance at all.
When purchasing air tickets from a specific company, inquire about the rules for transporting sports equipment, taking into account the selected tariff plan. You can read about transporting a bicycle on an airplane.
Basic rules for transporting skis on airplanes:
- Sports equipment must be packed in special cases equipped with a carrying handle.
- The passenger should agree in advance with the airline regarding the transportation of skis and other sports equipment on the plane.
- Boots, helmet, goggles and other additional sports equipment are packed in a separate bag.
- If, according to the airline's rules, transportation of skis on the plane is free, the passenger can take one standard set with him. For transportation of a second pair of skis you will have to pay extra according to the tariff for non-standard baggage.
- You cannot put other personal items in the ski bag.
In the cabin or luggage of an airliner
Some airlines have a seat system for travelers' luggage. If the fare includes two free seats, the passenger can take skis and a suitcase with other personal items at no extra charge.
Sports equipment is checked out at the airport near a special baggage claim counter. The specialist will mark the ski case with a special tear-off tag, and attach the second part of the tag to the traveler. Using this document, he will be able to receive his luggage at the airport of arrival.
Other articles on the topic of carrying luggage on an airplane:
Carriage of ski equipment in popular airlines
Each carrier sets certain rules for carrying sports equipment on an airplane. During the ski resort season, almost all major Russian airlines, with the exception of low-cost airlines, allow free transportation of skis in the luggage compartment of the aircraft.
Aeroflot
On this carrier's planes, free transportation of skis is allowed from November to March. The permissible weight of equipment is 23 kg. There are no size restrictions. In addition to a bag with one pair of skis and poles, a passenger can carry a bag with one pair of boots for free.
During the off-season, transportation of skis on Aeroflot aircraft is carried out for a fee. The company has the following tariff: the cost of transporting sports equipment on domestic flights is 2,500 rubles, on international flights – 50 euros.
UTair
Free transportation of one pair of skis, two poles and boots is allowed. The weight of sports equipment should not exceed 23 kg. For exceeding the allowance, the passenger will have to pay extra at the excess baggage rate. There are no size restrictions. Additional sports accessories are transported for a fee in a separate bag.
Ural Airlines
On the aircraft of this carrier, free transportation of sports equipment is allowed for all passengers traveling at the selected fare, with the exception of Promo.
The free baggage allowance applies to one pair of skis + a pair of poles, a helmet and boots. The permissible weight is 23 kg, there are no restrictions on dimensions.
The passenger must agree in advance on the carriage of sports equipment on the plane. This must be done no later than 24 hours before departure of the flight.
Cost of transporting skis according to the Promo tariff:
- on domestic flights – 2000 rubles;
- for the CIS countries and Georgia – 2500 rubles;
- for international destinations – 40 euros.
S7
On airplanes, you are allowed to carry a pair of skis, two poles, a helmet and boots at no extra charge, provided that the baggage weight limit is met (up to 23 kg in economy class, up to 32 kg in business class).
Free transportation of sports equipment is allowed in any season of the year.
Victory
A passenger can transport skis on a Pobeda plane for a fee. Tariffs for transportation of sports equipment: 1,500 rubles on domestic flights, subject to booking seats through the company’s call center or. If a passenger orders the service at the airport, the cost increases to 4,000 rubles. At foreign airports, the tariff for ski space on an airplane is 55 euros. There are no restrictions on dimensions, weight – 20 kg.
When planning to take skis and other sports equipment on the plane, check with the company in advance for the rules and regulations for the transportation of oversized items and inquire about the current tariffs. Be sure to coordinate your upcoming transportation in advance with authorized representatives of the selected airline.
When planning a winter holiday on the mountain slopes, it is worth finding out in advance what conditions and prices for the transportation of skis, snowboards and sports equipment are offered by air carriers. Almost all companies allow you to transport ski equipment in the luggage compartment. Restrictions may only apply to routes served by aircraft with insufficient unusual cargo capacity. Conditions and costs depend mainly on the airlines used - traditional or low-cost.
Special conditions for transporting a snowboard on an airplane
In relation to cargo permitted for transportation, snowboards are excess baggage, to which the rules of additional payment for overweight, excess dimensions or use of additional baggage space apply. According to these standards, charged up to 50 EUR over the ticket price for foreign flights and 2000-3000 rubles. on domestic flights.
But many air carriers apply special conditions for the transportation of ski equipment, allowing you to take a snowboard on board the plane for free. It is not considered an additional piece of luggage; the dimensions are not always limited, but the weight allowed for transportation in this way is often limited. So when packing your snowboard and equipment into a case, you need to monitor the total weight.
Important! Information about special conditions can be obtained from airline contact centers.
How to transport ski equipment
To properly pack a snowboard in luggage, preventing damage during transportation, you must place it in a case in compliance with the general rules:
- Avoid placing objects with sharp corners in close proximity to the board to avoid scratches and chips;
- Clothing can be padded for additional protection of the fastenings;
- Separate packaging must be provided for the mask;
- Don't put too many things in your snowboard bag. The handles for carrying it may not withstand a lot of weight, which will also cause an additional charge for extra pounds;
- It is recommended to leave contact information on the case. This will help quickly locate the cargo in case of loss.
Rules for returning a ski bag
Skis on an airplane are oversized cargo, which is subject to special rules for delivery and receipt. Packed ski equipment must be handed over for loading onto an airliner at a special rack for oversized cargo. There are also separate places for collecting ski cases at the arrival airport. Sometimes they are unloaded next to the conveyor belt.
It is not necessary to carry a snowboard in a case on an airplane. Modern boards are made of durable materials and will not be damaged even during open transportation. The rules allow this. But the bindings must be removed from the snowboard.
When the flight is not to generally accepted ski destinations, it is better to call the Contact Center in advance and find out the possibility and conditions for transporting specific cargo. Some airlines refuse to transport ski equipment.
Important! If the flight is carried out with a transfer when connecting flights of different air carriers, you should be aware of possible differences in the rules for transporting alpine skis at different stages of the flight. It is better to find out about this in advance to avoid material losses.
Is it possible to put clothes and other things in a ski bag?
When transporting skis on an airplane, airlines do not allow you to pack other personal items in one case. But the official ban can be circumvented, since no one is checking. However, reasonable limits must be observed so that the weight of the case is within the normal range.
How to eliminate overweight
Where possible, excess items and items are packed in checked baggage and carry-on baggage. Heavy boots are sometimes worn on oneself. Flying skiers have come up with a way to put everything they need in a case and avoid paying extra for being overweight. The package containing ski equipment is weighed only once at check-in, and then the passenger takes it to the oversized cargo counter. At this point, you can put the necessary things in the case, because re-weighing is not performed.
Airlines offering free transportation of skis and snowboards
| Air carrier | Conditions |
| Czech Airlines (except Lite fare) | Weight limit - 23 kg, dimensions (total length, width and height) - 158 cm. One snowboard (pair of skis) and one set of equipment are allowed for transportation |
| Aeroflot | Weight limit - 23 kg. Dimensions are not limited. Bag with skis and one piece of luggage for boots |
| S7 (except for Economy Basic tariff) | Weight limit - 23 kg. Unlimited dimensions. Skis and equipment in a common case |
| Alitalia | One set instead of one piece of checked baggage. Weight limit - 23 kg. Any dimensions |
| Lufthansa (except Light fare and flights to the USA, MEXICO, Central America) | Weight limit - 32 kg, size limit - 158 cm. Carriage of one set is allowed |
| Swiss (except Light tariff) | Weight is limited to 23 kg. Maximum dimensions - 158 cm. One snowboard (pair of skis) and one set of equipment. Boots can be packed in a separate bag |
| Austrian Airlines (except Light fare and flights to the USA and Canada) | Maximum weight - 32 kg, dimensions - 158 cm. Carriage of one snowboard (pair of skis) and one set of equipment is allowed |
| Air France (except Economy Mini and Basic fares) | Weight limit - 23 kg. The length of the case with skis is no more than 300 cm. Permission to transport one snowboard (pair of skis) and one set of equipment |
| KLM | Option to carry skis only instead of checked baggage. Skis and equipment are packed in a common case with a maximum weight of 23 kg and a maximum length of 300 cm. Additional luggage is subject to payment |
| LOT | Weight restrictions - 23 kg, dimensions - 158 cm. One snowboard (pair of skis) with a set of equipment |
| Ural Airlines (except for Promo tariff) | Weight limit - 23 kg, dimensions - 203 cm. You can carry one snowboard with equipment |
| Utair (except for Light tariff) | Maximum weight - 23 kg, dimensions are not limited. One snowboard (pair of skis) with equipment |
Airlines to avoid when transporting ski equipment
| Air carrier | Conditions |
| Airbaltic | Supplement for additional baggage one way: 34.99 EUR (purchase on the website), 40 EUR (ticket offices), 60 EUR (payment at the airport). Weight is limited to 20 kg, sizes are not limited. One pair of skis (snowboard) must be placed in one bag with equipment. Otherwise, there will be an additional charge for one more piece of luggage. It is necessary to inform the airline about sports cargo in advance, as the number of available seats is limited |
| Finnair | If a free piece of luggage is included in the tariff (mark 1рс), then you can bring a snowboard instead. If you need to bring another suitcase, then the additional item is paid: 15-30 EUR (European destinations), 60-75 EUR (intercontinental flights). Weight limit - 20 kg, maximum dimensions - 220 cm |
| Turkish Airlines | Despite the company's claims that sports equipment is carried free of charge, there is a complex system of fees for additional items. You can pay up to 90 EUR and more. For specific information, it is recommended to contact the company's Contact Center. Dimensions are not limited, maximum weight - 32 kg |
| Brussels Airlines (free, except Check&Go fares and flights to the USA and Canada) | Weight restrictions - 12 kg, dimensions - 158 cm. You cannot meet the standards, so you will have to pay extra for exceeding them |
| Victory | Additional payment for transportation of ski equipment: RUB 1,499. (payment when booking on the website), 4000 - at the airport (Russian destinations), 55 EUR (foreign destinations). Weight restrictions - 20 kg |
How to quickly buy a ticket with free transportation of sports equipment
When purchasing tickets on some sites, for example, aviasales, filters are used to search for air tickets. First, the flight direction is selected, and after the list of flight options provided, the “Winter Inventory” filter is activated, which can be indicated by a snowflake. As a result of its use, there are still options for flights with free transportation of ski equipment.
When searching, you can use the “Winter inventory” filter
When transporting ski equipment, you need to take into account all the nuances. A cheap ticket can be booked quickly, but with additional fees, the flight will be more expensive than buying an airline ticket at baggage-inclusive rates. So that the tourist mood is not spoiled immediately, it is important to carefully analyze the conditions for transporting skis in various airlines.
Watch a video on how to travel with a snowboard
Many airlines carry skis and snowboards absolutely free. You just need to pack everything well in a special case and bring it to baggage check-in. We tell you about the rules for transporting ski equipment. Go!
Fans of alpine skiing and snowboarding will not let you lie: skiing in your favorite boots and on the skis and boards you once liked is a real pleasure. Of course, you can rent everything you need for skiing, but then you are relying on chance: the choice of boots, skis and boards of your size may not be very large, and you will have to ride what they give you.
Yes, one day you will have to spend time and money to choose and buy what is right for you. But then you will ride with pleasure. Let's see which airlines are friendly to skiers and snowboarders.
Life hack: you can put not only a pair of skis with poles or a board in the case, but also quite a lot of things. This is especially useful when flying on airlines that charge baggage fees. For example, Siberia Airlines has tariffs where you can fly with ten kilograms of hand luggage and still take skis or a board with you. Or with the Pobeda airline, which charges for absolutely everything, you can only pay for the transportation of ski equipment and put all the things you need in a case and not pay separately for luggage. Moreover, the denser you pack the contents, the more intact the most valuable thing will be - skis or board.
Free transportation of ski equipment
Aeroflot
If you are planning to go skiing and snowboarding - in our country or in the near abroad - most likely you can fly there on Aeroflot flights. During the winter season (from November 1, 2017 to May 15, 2018), ski and snowboard equipment is transported free of charge. In addition to the main luggage, each passenger can bring two more cases to check-in: one with a pair of skis or snowboard and the second with boots. If you are flying economy class, your total weight should not exceed 23 kilograms.
Aeroflot is also friendly to those wishing to transport water skis, bicycles, hockey equipment, golf clubs, fishing gear, diving and surfing equipment. However, transportation and payment rules may vary, please find out about them before your trip.
"Russia"
On regular Rossiya flights, the rules for carrying hand luggage, baggage and ski equipment are fully consistent with the “parent” company - Aeroflot. But on charters, conditions may differ; you can find out about them from the tour operator, who is the consolidator of the flight.
Where Rossiya flies: the main airports are Pulkovo in St. Petersburg and Vnukovo in Moscow. It is from them that most flights to other Russian cities are carried out.
S7 Airlines (“Siberia”)
With any ticket for S7 flights (regardless of whether you paid for baggage allowance or not), passengers can carry a set of skis or a snowboard with boots. The weight of equipment in economy class should not exceed 23 kilograms.
Where S7 Airlines flies: this airline has a lot of convenient destinations for skiers both in Russia and abroad.
Georgian Airways
If you want to go skiing and boarding in Bakuriani or Gudauri, you may want to consider flying with the Georgian airline Georgian Airways. For passengers from Russia and Ukraine, ski and snowboard equipment is transported free of charge.
Where Georgian Airways flies: flights to Georgia are operated from Moscow, Kazan and St. Petersburg.
Air Astana
If you decide to go skiing or boarding in the Almaty area - for example, at the Chimbulak or Ak-Bulak resorts, then you may be interested in Air Astana flights. Transportation of ski equipment is included in the ticket price; the total weight should not exceed the baggage allowance of your fare. Under the same conditions, you can check in equipment for tennis, squash, badminton, fishing, horse riding, roller skating, archery, surfing and kitesurfing. A separate rate exists for the transportation of canoes, bicycles, golf clubs and diving equipment.
Where Air Astana flies: flights to Kazakhstan are operated from Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, Magadan, Novosibirsk, Rostov-on-Don, St. Petersburg, Ulan-Ude, Khabarovsk and several other Russian cities.
Armenia
In Armenia there is one, but very decent ski resort, Tsakhkadzor. If you want to fly with Armenia Airlines, the transportation of ski or snowboard equipment must be agreed with the airline when purchasing a ticket. Transportation of equipment will not require additional payment if the total weight together with the rest of the luggage does not exceed the norm specified in the tariff. The same goes for transporting golf clubs.
Where Armenia flies: flights to Armenian cities are operated from rather “rare” Russian airports - Voronezh and Mineralnye Vody.
Payment for transportation of ski equipment depends on the tariff
Utair
Ticket holders of all tickets except the cheapest “Light” fare can transport sports equipment all year round: in principle, it does not include free baggage allowance and allows flights only with hand luggage. In economy class, the weight of ski equipment is limited to 23 kilograms.
Where Utair flies: the airline has an extensive route network in Russia and abroad.
"Ural Airlines"
At any time of the year, free transportation of sports equipment is allowed for all tariffs except “Promo”. Weight should not exceed 23 kilograms if you are flying in economy class.
Where Ural Airlines flies: as the name suggests, this airline has many interesting destinations for skiers in the Urals, but not only that. For example, an airline flies from Moscow to Sochi.
Paid transportation of ski equipment
"Victory"
Pobeda Airlines charges an additional fee for transporting everything: hand luggage, baggage, and, of course, ski equipment. The weight of one case with skis or snowboards and other related equipment should not exceed 20 kilograms. If you pay for the transportation of ski equipment when purchasing a ticket on the airline’s website or through a call center, the price will be 1,499 rubles. If you have not done this in advance, then you will be asked to pay for this piece of luggage at the airport: in Russia it will cost four thousand rubles, abroad - 55 euros.
Where does Pobeda fly: in addition to flights to Sochi, there are many destinations in the Urals - Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Perm, Novosibirsk and others. And also Gyumri, Tbilisi and Alma-Ata in the “ski” countries of the CIS.
The best vacation for a skier is a skiing vacation. The best weekend is a ski marathon. But the question of transporting skis arises. Of course, it is convenient to get there by private car, but there is a limit to the comfortable distance. For example, you can’t get around by car. Even by train it will take a very long time. An airplane is the best transport to have a great ski weekend at any distance from home.
In this article we will tell you how to transport skis on an airplane, the rules for transporting skis on an airplane, and how to transport skis for free.
How to transport skis on an airplane?
When transporting skis by plane, it is not enough to pack them in a cover. Secure your skis with special ties so that they do not rub against each other. Then attach the poles to the skis and wrap it all in bubble wrap, put it in the case and wrap the case itself in luggage film. Yes, it’s tedious, but believe me, it’s better than later suing the airline for broken equipment.
Medalist of the Olympic Games in Turin Ivan Alypov's ski poles were broken while loading luggage. Despite the fact that they were packed in a special tube, Ivan had plenty of experience in flying with skis. Therefore, play it safe, lay and wrap everything you can. Some skiers recommend stuffing clothes into the case so that the luggage can be freed up and the skis will be good.
It is always necessary, regardless of the airline, warn the carrier about the upcoming transportation of skis! This needs to be done at least 48 hours before departure, or better immediately when purchasing a ticket. At the same time, check whether the rules of transportation and the features of registering such baggage have changed.
The standard set is: case with 1 pair of skis and 1 pair of poles + 1 piece of luggage with 1 pair of boots. Almost always, airlines do not control the number of skis in a case, so you can carry 2 pairs in one case. Restrictions on the amount of dimensions have been canceled by many or increased from 203 to 350 cm. In terms of weight, usually up to 23 kg, and in general there are restrictions from 10 to 32 kg.
Free ski transportation: list of airlines
Most airlines take care of their customers and provide free ski transportation on the plane. The exception is low-cost airlines, that is, airlines with cheap tickets, but without baggage included. For example, “Victory”. Low-cost airlines always charge for luggage.
So, the list of major airlines transporting skis for free:
Aeroflot
For free transporting skis from November to March. From April to October, transportation of skis will cost 2500 rubles. on flights within Russia and 50 euros on international flights.
S7 Airlines
Free transportation of skis all year round, except for Economy Basic tariffs.
Case with 1 pair of skis and 1 pair of poles + 1 piece of luggage with 1 pair of boots. There are no restrictions on the dimensions of the skis, only on the weight – 23 kg.
Utair
Case with 1 pair of skis and 1 pair of poles + 1 piece of luggage with 1 pair of boots. There are no restrictions on the dimensions of the skis, only on the weight – 23 kg.
At the same time, this free carriage in excess of the established norm does not apply to accompanying equipment (sticks, boots, helmet) transported without skis/snowboards.
Ural airlines
Transportation of sports equipment free all year round, except for Promo tariffs.
Case with 1 pair of skis and 1 pair of poles + 1 piece of luggage with 1 pair of boots. There are no restrictions on the dimensions of the skis, only on the weight – 23 kg.
Nordwind
Case with 1 pair of skis and 1 pair of poles + 1 piece of luggage with 1 pair of boots. There are no restrictions on the dimensions of the skis, only on the weight – 20 kg.
VIM airlines
Free transportation of skis on all tariffs. Case with 1 set of equipment (1 pair of skis and 1 pair of poles) in a case with a total weight of no more than 10 kg. Additional equipment (boots, gloves, goggles) in a case with a total weight of no more than 6 kg.
Lufthansa
Free transportation of cross-country skis: 1 pair of skis + 1 pair of poles + 1 pair of ski boots. Weight up to 23 kg. Except for the Light tariff.
Air France
Free transportation of cross-country skis: 1 pair of skis + 1 pair of poles + 1 pair of ski boots. Weight up to 23 kg. In addition to Light and Basic tariffs.
Skis and snowboards must be transported in special cases, the length of which should not exceed 300 cm. Ski shoes can be transported in a separate bag. These 2 pieces of baggage (case with skis/snowboard and bag with shoes) are considered one piece of checked baggage. Their transportation is included in your free baggage allowance.
Finding cheap flights to ski resorts and marathons
For travel and active recreation, we use a search engine from. There is no need to waste time searching and comparing tickets from different airlines, all search results will be before your eyes. You can find and buy in literally 2 clicks.
Play sports, move, travel and be healthy! 🙂
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