Snowboards, skis and poles, oh my! Flying with winter sports equipment can be a little intimidating. Luckily, many airlines are more than happy to accommodate travelers looking to revel in popular snow sports and flying with your equipment isn’t as complicated as it might sound. So get ready to hit the slopes and shred some serious powder while not worrying if your board will make it to the carousel. Here a breakdown of ski bag policy by airlines.
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American Airlines: Ski and Snowboard Equipment Policy
Similar to other airlines, American Airlines allows passengers to fly with one pair of skis or one snowboard, along with one equipment bag. This can include:
One pair of skis with poles or a snowboard
One pair of ski or snowboard boots/bindings
One helmet or life preserver
Keep in mind that if the equipment bag exceeds 50 pounds, the standard checked bag fee will apply. Be sure to pack light to avoid extra charges!
Delta Airlines: Ski-Friendly Checked Baggage
Delta Airlines also allows travelers to check ski and snowboard gear as part of their standard checked baggage allowance. Passengers can check:
One ski/pole bag or one snowboard bag
One boot bag
Note: The combined weight of both items must not exceed 50 pounds. If your gear is under the weight limit, you're good to go.
Frontier Airlines: Pay Attention to Carry-On Fees
Flying Frontier? You'll need to plan for a carry-on fee that ranges from $37 to $60, depending on when and where you book your ticket. Your ski or snowboard equipment will be treated as checked baggage, and you can bring:
One item (skis, poles, and boots or a snowboard, bindings, and boots)
A boot bag, free of charge, as long as it weighs under 25 pounds
Pack strategically to avoid surprise fees at the airport!
JetBlue: No Extra Charges for Ski Gear
Good news for JetBlue flyers: there’s no additional fee for ski and snowboard equipment! Each counts as a checked bag. You can bring either:
One pair of skis, one pair of boots, and one pair of poles
Or one snowboard and one pair of boots
JetBlue allows oversized equipment but ensures it adheres to weight guidelines. Equipment must be checked at the ticket counter and packed in a sturdy container. One caveat: JetBlue doesn’t accept ski or snowboard gear on flights to or from the Dominican Republic.
Southwest Airlines: Ski Equipment as Free Checked Baggage
Southwest Airlines is known for its generous baggage policy, and ski gear is no exception. Passengers can substitute sports equipment (including skis, snowboards, boots, and poles) for one of their two free checked bags per flight. Even better, Southwest allows up to two bags—containing one set of skis, poles, and boots—to count as one item, even when packed separately. Just make sure your gear is in an approved container. Read full policy
Spirit Airlines: Budget Flights with Ski Gear
If you're flying Spirit, expect to pay between $21 and $50 to check your ski or snowboard gear, depending on your booking. Each traveler can bring:
One pair of skis, one pair of poles, and one pair of boots
Or one snowboard and one pair of boots
Additionally, passengers must sign a limited liability release when checking their equipment.
Sun Country: Ski Equipment, No Problem
Sun Country allows passengers to bring one item of ski or snowboard equipment, which includes:
One pair of skis, poles, bindings, and boots
Or one snowboard, bindings, and boots
A maximum of two pairs of skis is allowed per bag, and the equipment can measure up to six feet in length.
United Airlines: Easy Ski Travel
United Airlines accepts ski and snowboard equipment as part of its checked baggage policy. Acceptable items include:
Water skis
Up to two snowboards in one bag and one boot bag
Up to two pairs of snow skis with equipment in one bag, plus one boot bag
Be sure your equipment is packed in a secure, suitable container to ensure a smooth check-in process.
Final Tips for Flying with Ski and Snowboard Equipment
Always double-check your airline's specific guidelines before you fly, as rules can change, and special circumstances might apply. Packing your gear properly and being aware of weight limits will ensure a hassle-free trip to the slopes.
Need help booking your next ski adventure? Contact 2 Getaway Travel for expert advice and a free travel quote today! Our consultants are here to help you plan the perfect vacation, from flights to accommodations and everything in between.
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