You’ve booked your ski or snowboard trip, gone shopping for apparel and equipment, and you’ve been checking the forecast for snowfall updates. The next step is to pack for your winter adventure! But before you do so, you need to figure out all the fine details on how to travel with your gear. For advice on how to have a seamless adventure this snow season, look no further! We’ve curated a list of all the ski and snowboard equipment guidelines on major U.S. airlines, so you know exactly how to fly with skis and snowboards.
Airline Ski & Snowboard Baggage Policies
Alaska Airlines Ski & Snowboard Baggage Policies
On Alaska Airlines, oversize baggage fees are waived for all ski and snowboard gear, including gear that exceeds 62’’ (linear). Instead, skis and snowboards will count as standard checked baggage. Prices apply per usual. If you plan on checking more than one bag for your winter adventure, the first checked bag will be $30, and $40 for the second.
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American Airlines Ski & Snowboard Baggage Policies
American Airlines offers standard checked luggage pricing for skis and snowboards, and all other equipment that weighs less than 50lbs/23kgs. Overweight and oversize fees apply to items heavier than 50lbs/23kgs. A pair of skis or one snowboard AND one equipment bag will be counted as 1 regular checked item. However, only one piece of additional equipment (besides skis/a snowboard) will be counted within that 1 regular checked item. This can include boots, a helmet, or bindings. If you pack more than 1 additional equipment item, travelers will be charged for an additional bag.
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Frontier Airlines Ski & Snowboard Baggage Policies
Your ski or snowboard bag and boot bag will be counted as a single checked bag on your Frontier Airlines flight—unless your boot bag weighs more than 25lbs. If that is the case, your luggage will be counted as two separate items, and you will be charged up to $60 per bag, per direction. Prices go up to $100 per bag per direction if weighing more than 51lbs.
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Southwest Airlines Ski & Snowboard Baggage Policies
As always, with Southwest, two checked bags are included in the price of your airline ticket. However, Southwest Airlines allows up to two bags to count as one item, regardless of if they’re packed and tagged separately. One bag may contain one set of snow skis, poles, and ski boots. Your ski and snowboard equipment disqualifies you from excess size charges. However, excess weight charges (bags exceeding 50lbs) may apply.
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Delta Airlines Ski & Snowboard Baggage Policies
On Delta Airlines, standard checked baggage prices apply for your ski equipment. Meaning your first checked bag is $30, and your second checked bag is $40. However, due to the special sporting equipment policy, travelers can bring one pair of skis or one snowboard and one boot bag. Both will be counted as a single checked bag. If the combined weight of both bags exceeds 50lbs, there will be an excess weight fee.
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United Airlines Ski & Snowboard Baggage Policies
Only one ski or snowboard bag can be checked on your United Airlines flight. However, your ski/snowboard bag and boot bag count as a single item. Plus, your ski/snowboard bag may include up to two pairs of skis or a snowboard, as well as associated equipment. Normal baggage fees apply, meaning your first checked bag is $30, and your second checked bag is $40. A third bag will cost $150 USD. Excess weight fees apply, meaning if your bag weighs more than 50lbs, you will be charged at a rate of up to $200 per bag. Similarly, if your bag weighs more than 70lbs, you will be charged at a rate of up to $400 per bag.
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Now that you know how to fly with skis and snowboards, it’s time to find a ski bag, a snowboard bag, and a boot bag that fits your needs! Be sure to stop by your local Sun & Ski Sports for advice from our in-store experts. Or check out our Adventure Resource Guide for more tips and tricks on how to get ready for your winter vacation. With articles like the Snow Ski Buying Guide and The Snow Packing List – Ski and Snowboard Luggage, you can find advice for every type of winter adventure.