Ski transportation. Carrying skis on an airplane: simple rules
When planning a winter holiday on the mountain slopes, it is worthwhile to find 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 cost depend mainly on the airlines used - traditional or budget.
Special conditions for transporting a snowboard on an airplane
Snowboards are considered excess baggage in relation to the permitted cargo, which is subject to the rules of additional payment for overweight, excess dimensions or the use of additional baggage. According to these rules, charged up to 50 EUR in excess of the ticket price for foreign flights and 2000-3000 rubles. on domestic flights.
But many air carriers apply special conditions for the transport of ski equipment, allowing you to take a snowboard on board the aircraft for free. It is not considered an additional piece of baggage, the dimensions are not always limited, but the weight allowed for transportation in this way is often limited. So when packing a snowboard and equipment in a bag, you need to monitor the total weight.
Important! Information about special conditions can be obtained from the contact centers of the airlines.
How to transport ski equipment
In order to properly pack a snowboard in luggage, to prevent damage during transportation, it is necessary to place it in a bag in compliance with the general rules:
- Do not allow the location of objects with sharp corners in close proximity to the board in order to avoid scratches and chips;
- It is possible to lay clothing for additional protection of the bindings;
- For the mask, it is necessary to provide a separate package;
- 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 extra charge for extra pounds;
- It is recommended to leave contact information on the cover. This will help to quickly locate the cargo in case of loss.
Rules for handing over a bag with skis
Skis on an airplane are oversized cargo, which is subject to special delivery and collection rules. It is necessary to hand over the packed ski equipment for loading onto an airliner at a special rack for oversized cargo. There are also separate places for collecting ski bags at the airport of arrival. Sometimes they are unloaded next to the conveyor belt.
A snowboard on an airplane does not have to be carried in a bag. Modern boards are made of durable materials and will not be damaged even during open transportation. This is allowed by the rules. But the bindings from the snowboard must be removed.
When the flight is not to the generally accepted ski destinations, it is better to call the Contact Center in advance and find out the possibility and conditions for transporting a specific cargo. Some airlines refuse to transport ski equipment.
Important! If the flight is performed 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 in order to avoid material losses.
Can I put clothes and other things in a ski bag?
When transporting skis on an airplane, airlines do not allow other personal items to be packed in one bag. But the official ban can be bypassed, since no one checks. However, reasonable limits must be observed so that the weight of the cover fits within the norm.
How to eliminate overweight
If possible, excess items and items are packed in checked baggage and hand luggage. Heavy boots are sometimes put on. Flying skiers have come up with a way to put everything you need in a bag and avoid paying extra for overweight. The package with ski equipment is weighed only once at check-in, and then the passenger takes it to the counter for oversized cargo. At this point, you can put the necessary things in the case, because there is no re-weighing.
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 (a pair of skis) and one set of equipment are allowed for transportation |
| Aeroflot | Weight limit - 23 kg. Dimensions are not limited. Ski bag and 1 boot bag |
| S7 (except 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 USA, Mexico, Central America) | Weight limit - 32 kg, size limit - 158 cm. One set is allowed |
| Swiss (except Light fare) | Weight 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 US and Canada) | Maximum weight - 32 kg, dimensions - 158 cm. One snowboard (pair of skis) and one set of equipment are allowed |
| Air France (except Economy Mini and Basic fares) | Weight limit - 23 kg. The length of the bag with skis is not more than 300 cm. Permission to transport one snowboard (pair of skis) and one set of equipment |
| KLM | Choice of ski transportation only instead of checked baggage. Skis and equipment are packed in a common bag with a weight limit of 23 kg and a maximum length of 300 cm. Additional baggage is subject to payment |
| LOT | Weight restrictions - 23 kg, dimensions - 158 cm. One snowboard (a pair of skis) with a set of equipment |
| Ural Airlines (except Promo fare) | 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: EUR 34.99 (purchase on the website), EUR 40 (ticket office), EUR 60 (payment at the airport). Weight is limited to 20 kg, dimensions are not limited. One pair of skis (snowboard) must be placed in one bag with equipment. Otherwise, there is an additional charge for one more piece of baggage. It is necessary to inform the airline about sports cargo in advance, as the number of available seats is limited |
| Finnair | If free baggage is included in the fare (mark 1pc), then you can take a snowboard instead. If you need to carry another suitcase, then an 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 of free transportation of sports equipment, 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 Contact Center of the company. Dimensions are not limited, maximum weight - 32 kg |
| Brussels Airlines (free, except for Check&Go fares and flights to the US and Canada) | Weight restrictions - 12 kg, dimensions - 158 cm. It is impossible to meet the norms, so you will have to pay extra for exceeding them |
| Victory | Supplement for the transport of ski equipment: 1499 rubles. (payment when booking on the website), 4000 - at the airport (Russian directions), 55 EUR (foreign directions). Weight restrictions - 20 kg |
How to quickly buy a ticket with free transportation of sports equipment
When buying tickets on some sites, for example, aviasales, filters are applied to search for air tickets. First, the direction of flight is selected, and after the list of issued flight options, the “Winter inventory” filter is activated, which can be indicated by a snowflake. As a result of its application, flight options with free transportation of ski equipment remain.
When searching, you can use the filter "Winter inventory"
When transporting ski equipment, all the nuances must be taken into account. A cheap ticket can be booked quickly, but with additional fees, the flight will be more expensive than buying a ticket at rates with luggage included. 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
With the beginning 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 it really so? Let's see how to properly pack and check in your skis so that there are no unpleasant and unforeseen situations.
First, during or after ticket purchase the airline must be informed that you are planning to carry 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 in your luggage without prior notice and completely free of charge, in addition to the main luggage. This means that you are entitled to take 20 kg of checked baggage, 8 kg of hand luggage and your skis with boots. But it's still better to be safe.
Secondly, skis for transportation on an airplane should 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 to the conscience, because the porters at the airport do not stand on ceremony with luggage. When putting the skis in the bag, fasten them together to avoid friction and damage the surface. Please note that ski equipment should consist of two places: skis and poles in one case, and boots in another. By the way, nowadays many airlines ask pack cases in transparent film in order to avoid problems during loading, it is better to clarify this in advance.
Skiing is oversized baggage, 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 aircraft. On some airlines, you may be asked to go to a dedicated baggage counter. After the flight, you need to pick up your skis from the department where you handed them over.
Now you know how to carry skis on an airplane. It is not so difficult, it is enough 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 keep your luggage within the allowable limits. Thus, you will avoid extra fees. And, of course, before transporting skis on an airplane, be sure to check with the airline rules for transporting ski equipment in order to avoid any misunderstandings as much as possible.
Many airlines carry skis and snowboards absolutely free of charge. You just need to pack everything well in a special case and bring it to the baggage check-in. We tell you about the rules for transporting ski equipment. Go!
Fans of skiing and snowboarding will not let you lie: skiing in your favorite boots and once liked skis and boards is a real pleasure. Of course, you can rent everything you need for skiing, but then you rely on chance: the choice of boots, skis and boards in 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 sticks or a board in the case, but also quite a lot of things. This is especially useful when flying with airlines that charge baggage fees. For example, Sibir has rates where you can fly with a ten-kilogram carry-on bag and at the same time take skis or a board with you. Or at the Pobeda airline, which charges for absolutely everything, you can pay only for the transportation of ski equipment and put all the things you need in a bag and not pay separately for baggage. Moreover, the denser you stuff the contents, the more valuable the most valuable thing will be - skis or a board.
Free transport of ski equipment
Aeroflot
If you are going to go skiing and snowboarding - in our country or in the near abroad - most likely you can fly there with 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 a snowboard and the second with boots. If you are flying Economy Class, the total weight must not exceed 23 kilograms.
Aeroflot is also friendly to those who wish to transport water skis, bicycles, hockey equipment, golf clubs, fishing tackle, diving and surfing equipment. However, the rules of transportation and payment may differ, learn about them before the trip.
"Russia"
On regular flights of Rossiya, the rules for carrying hand luggage, luggage and ski equipment are fully consistent with the "parent" company - Aeroflot. But on charters, the conditions may differ, you can find out about them from the tour operator, which 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 cities of Russia are operated.
S7 Airlines (Siberia)
With any ticket for S7 flights (regardless of whether you have paid baggage allowance or not), passengers can take a set of skis or a snowboard with boots. The weight of equipment in economy class must not exceed 23 kilograms.
Where S7 Airlines flies: this airline has a lot of destinations convenient for skiers both in Russia and abroad.
Georgian Airways
If you want to go skiing and boarding in Bakuriani or Gudauri, you might like Georgian Airways flights. 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 Alma-Ata area - for example, in 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 must 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 kite surfing. A separate fare exists for 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 a very decent ski resort Tsaghkadzor. If you want to fly with Armenia Airlines, the transportation of ski or snowboard equipment must be agreed with the airline when buying a ticket. Transportation of inventory will not require additional payment if the total weight together with the rest of the luggage does not exceed the rate specified in the fare. The same goes for transporting golf clubs.
Where Armenia flies: flights to the cities of Armenia are operated from rather "rare" Russian airports - Voronezh and Mineralnye Vody.
Payment for the transport of ski equipment depends on the tariff
Utair
All year round, ticket holders of all tickets, except for the cheapest Light fare, can transport sports equipment: in principle, it does not include free baggage allowance and only allows flights 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 for Promo. The weight must not exceed 23 kilograms if you are flying in economy class.
Where Ural Airlines fly: as the name suggests, this airline has many interesting destinations for skiers in the Urals, but not only. For example, an airline flies from Moscow to Sochi.
Paid transportation of ski equipment
"Victory"
Pobeda Airlines charges an additional fee for the transportation of everything: hand luggage, luggage, and, of course, ski equipment. The weight of one bag with skis or snowboard and other related equipment must not exceed 20 kilograms. If you pay for the transportation of ski equipment when buying a ticket on the airline's website or through a call center, then the price will be 1499 rubles. If you have not done this in advance, then you will be asked to pay for this piece of baggage at the airport: in Russia it will cost four thousand rubles, abroad - 55 euros.
Where Pobeda flies: in addition to flights to Sochi, there are many destinations in the Urals - Yekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Perm, Novosibirsk and others. As well as Gyumri, Tbilisi and Alma-Ata in the "ski" countries of the CIS.
The best vacation for a skier is a ski vacation. The best weekend is the ski marathon. But the question arises of transporting skis. Of course, it is convenient to get there by private car, but there is a limit to the comfortable distance. For example, do not drive around by car. Even by train it will take a very long time. Airplane is the best transport to have a great ski weekend at any distance from home.
In the article we will tell you how to carry skis on an airplane, the rules for transporting skis on an airplane and how to carry skis for free.
How to transport skis on an airplane?
When transported by plane, it is not enough to pack the skis in a bag. Bind your skis with special bindings so they don't rub against each other. Then fasten the sticks with skis and wrap it all with pimply film, put in a case and wrap the cover itself in a film for luggage. Yes, it’s a chore, but believe me, it’s better than suing the airline for broken equipment later.
Olympic medalist in Turin Ivan Alypov broke ski poles while loading luggage. Despite the fact that they were packed in a special tube, Ivan did not have much experience in skiing. So play it safe, lay and roll everything you can. Some skiers recommend stuffing clothes into the bag so that both the luggage is free and the skis are good.
It is always necessary, regardless of the airline, warn the carrier about the upcoming transportation of skis! Need to do it at least 48 hours before departure, Better yet, when buying a ticket. At the same time, check if the rules of transportation and the features of checking in 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 bag, so you can carry 2 pairs in one bag. Restrictions on the sum of dimensions have been canceled by many or increased from 203 to 350 cm. By weight, usually up to 23 kg., But 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 luggage included. For example, "Victory". Low-cost airlines always charge for luggage.
So, the list of major airlines carrying skis for free:
Aeroflot
For free carry skis 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 transport of skis all year round, except for Economy Basic rates.
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 skis, only on 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 skis, only on weight - 23 kg.
At the same time, this free baggage allowance in excess of the established allowance does not apply to related 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 skis, only on 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 skis, only on weight - 20 kg.
VIM airlines
Free ski transport on all fares. Case with 1 set of equipment (1 pair of skis and 1 pair of poles) in a case with a total weight of not more than 10 kg. Additional equipment (boots, gloves, glasses) in a case with a total weight of not more than 6 kg.
Lufthansa
Free transport 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 the Light tariff.
Air France
Free transport 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 (ski/snowboard bag and shoe bag) count as one piece of checked baggage. Their carriage is included in your free baggage allowance.
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