Bookings for the winter season are already open, and PROturizm decided to study the issue of transporting mining ski equipment. Some air carriers provide this service free of charge during the season. Others, especially low-cost airlines, are giving fans of the slopes unpleasant surprises.
How to transport a snowboard on a plane?
While beginners can rent sports equipment on site, experts take their own skis and snowboards with them. Sports tourists from Moscow and St. Petersburg are deprived of real mountains, and even to Sheregesh and Sobolinaya they have to travel by plane.
Rules for transporting skis and snowboards
Carrying snowboards or alpine skiing may be included in the weight allowance for free baggage transportation, or may be provided as additional free kilograms.
A snowboard or alpine skis are transported as oversized cargo in luggage compartment airplane. The airline must be notified in advance of such baggage. Ski equipment must be packed in a special case. Airlines have different rules for transporting equipment.
Promo and Economy Light fares do not include luggage transportation. Please note that the conditions for free baggage allowance depend not only on the ticket price, but also on the route of the flight.
If your ticket includes free baggage allowance, ski or snowboard equipment is usually included. Otherwise, any luggage will have to be paid additionally.
For example, the Russian low-cost carrier Pobeda has very strict prices for the transportation of equipment. When checking in immediately before the flight, the price will be 4,200 rubles, through the website it is slightly cheaper – 2,000 rubles. for one set.
How is ski equipment transported?
As we already said, airlines have tariffs with free baggage allowance. Typically, this is a piece of luggage weighing up to 20 - 23 kg and dimensions in the sum of three dimensions no more than 158 cm (or 203 cm). If the parameters of your sports equipment correspond to these numbers, then it will be carried free of charge.
The number of free checked bags varies among airlines. For those companies where only 1 piece of luggage is allowed, it will not be possible to add up the weight of skis and the weight of other luggage.
Progressive airlines allow ski boots to be folded separately into a second case.
Seasonal concessions for skiers
During the winter season, European air carriers can transport your ski equipment for free. Our Aeroflot Airlines and Russia Airlines also periodically provide benefits for the transportation of equipment for skiers and snowboarders.
At this time, free transportation of winter equipment is allowed in addition to the normal baggage allowance, as additional baggage. An approximate option of luggage with a set of winter equipment: ~20 kg of regular luggage free of charge + hand luggage (5-8 kg) + ~20 kg (1-2 additional pieces) set of winter equipment.
During the season, airlines allow you to put your skis (snowboard) in one case and your boots in a second case.
People who customize boots to their feet (boot-fitting) value them so much that they do not risk checking them in as checked luggage and carry them with them as hand luggage. The helmet and mask-goggles can also be folded into a backpack ( hand luggage).
Airlines providing free transportation of skis and snowboards
Aeroflot, UTair, S7, Lufthansa, Austrian, SWISS, Russia.
AK Russia - during the season indicates the dates when additional 15 kg of ski equipment can be transported free of charge in addition to the main luggage. It is allowed to pack boots in a separate case; folding other things is prohibited.
Aeroflot and UTair allow you to pack boots separately (with skis you get 2 pieces). Maximum weight: Aeroflot – 23 kg, UTair – 20 kg. Sizes without restrictions.
S7 sets the maximum weight of equipment for one passenger – 20 kg. It is allowed to combine equipment for 2 or more people, but the weight of the unit extra baggage should not exceed 32 kg, and the dimensions of the sum of 3 dimensions should not be more than 203 cm. Otherwise, baggage will be paid additionally.
Lufthansa provides free transportation of ski equipment: for economy fare - up to 23 kg, for business class - up to 32 kg. 1 set for one passenger. (Except flights to/from the USA and Canada, Central America and Mexico).
SWISS – the norm for free transportation is limited to a total limit of up to 32 kg: separate skis (snowboard) + separate boots.
Austrian Airlines (excluding flights on US and Canada routes and Economy Light fare) allows the carriage of 1 set of ski equipment.
Notifying the air carrier about the transportation of equipment
Be sure to notify the airline in advance (at least 36 hours in advance) of your desire to check in your snowboard or skis as baggage. Buy a special case to transport them. Check your equipment as oversized baggage directly at the airport. Please check it in for transport on the plane in the luggage compartment.
Be sure to email the site agent or airline if you are purchasing your tickets online.
It is better to immediately indicate information about the transportation of skis or snowboards at the time of purchasing a ticket. Or call the airline's call center to notify about the transportation of sports equipment on the plane.
Please note that equipment may not be accepted for transportation unless you notify the air carrier in advance.
Checking in and receiving oversized baggage
Your snowboard or skis must always be checked in as checked baggage. Set aside separate time for this. If you have already passed electronic registration, it is difficult to say whether you will be able to check your luggage without queuing.
You cannot use automatic drop-off baggage check-in counters for such baggage.
Some airports use separate counters for checking in and picking up oversized baggage. Accordingly, upon arrival, you also need to pick up your snowboard or skis not at the baggage carousel, but rather find the oversized baggage section.
Once you have checked your ski equipment, it will be sent to the aircraft's hold. Oversized baggage is never checked in as carry-on baggage.
Special cases for transporting snowboards and skis
To keep your equipment safe, you need to buy a special case. Snowboards or skis simply wrapped in film or sealed with tape are not accepted for transportation; this is prohibited.
Standard ski covers have handles. For ease of transportation, these handles may be asked to be secured with film so that they do not cling to other things.
In general, packing skis and snowboards for transportation is a separate issue with its own nuances. Some people remove fastenings from equipment during transportation, some buy expensive covers to protect their ski equipment, which also weigh 5 kg.
Dear skiers and snowboarders. The situation with air transportation has begun to change quite often, so PROturizm advises you to confirm your transportation details when purchasing an air ticket.
To go to ski resorts, many snowboarders have to travel by air. In winter, at airports at every turn you come across people carrying snowboards. How to transport a snowboard on a plane, how much it costs and how to save money on transporting your board, we will find out in this article.
Paid or free
Since ski tourism is the basis of the winter economy of a number of countries, many self-respecting airlines have agreed to accept one set of ski equipment per passenger for free transportation during the ski season (the specific dates should be checked in advance with the representative of the airline you are flying with).
A set of ski equipment means:
- One set of skis and poles + ski boots;
- One snowboard + snowboard boots.
By doing this, airlines attract an additional flow of passengers, and fans of winter holidays can save a lot of money.
However, it is worth finding out in advance whether your equipment will be accepted for free transportation. Some low-cost airlines, despite the general trend, charge a lot of money for transporting a snowboard. The fact is that if we consider snowboarding equipment as luggage, it falls under the heading “oversized luggage”, and therefore has an increasing factor when calculating the cost of transportation. If you are flying with a discount airline, be sure to calculate all the costs; the cost of baggage may be greater than your benefit in the cost of the flight.
In any form
The snowboard is accepted for transportation by air, packed in a special snowboard cover. Some airlines, such as Aeroflot, allow snowboards and boots to be carried in the same bag, while some foreign airlines, such as Czech Airlines, require that snowboards and boots be transported separately. In this case, you will need to have a special boot cover.
Officially, airlines prohibit transporting other personal items in a case with equipment, but in practice they do not find fault with this.
Therefore, people are actively filling up the free space in the case with their things. However, remember that you should not place hard or sharp objects next to the board that can scratch it, cover the crepes with something soft so that they reach their destination safe and sound, and be sure to stick identification marks and contact information on the cover. Just in case, take an extra bag, in case you come across strict dispatchers who will ask you to unload your things from the case.
Dimensions and weight
As a rule, airlines do not impose any requirements on the dimensions of snowboarding equipment. But the weight restrictions are quite strict: from 15 to 20 kg for all equipment, depending on the airline. Be sure to weigh your luggage at home when packing; the amount of re-sowing can be quite significant.
Be sure to check weight standards with all airlines you fly with. This advice is especially relevant for transit passengers, since rules and regulations may change during transfers.
The procedure for receiving and issuing equipment
To check in your snowboarding equipment, you need to take it to the check-in counter, where the dispatcher will bring your luggage onto the flight, weigh it and attach luggage tags to the covers. The case with your boots will be accepted at the counter there, but the case will have to be taken separately to the oversized baggage counter (usually close to the freight elevator). If you didn’t wrap it in film, you can add it to the case of things, because no one else will weigh it.
It will be possible to receive oversized luggage in a separate place, and sometimes ski equipment is dumped in one large pile near the conveyor belt. In any case, the unloading site can be identified by a large crowd of people.
No matter how confident you are in your right to free transportation of snowboarding equipment, be sure to check the transportation details with the carrier, since in modern conditions airlines tend to change transportation rules.
With the onset of the new ski season, many people begin to have questions about transporting equipment to ski resort. It is impossible to answer all questions unambiguously, because the requirements of different companies differ, sometimes radically. In this article, we decided to summarize all the pressing issues, make a summary table of popular airlines and finally collect all the information about the transportation of skis and snowboards on airplanes.
Most often, the weight of ski equipment is about 10 kilograms. Some airlines count this weight as part of their total baggage allowance, but you may still be able to check in a bag to fill the gap.
There are companies that count luggage space and limit it by weight. That is, one bag with skis and equipment will just occupy one piece of luggage. As they wrote at the end of the article, in this case tourists fill all the free space of the case with their personal belongings.
Rules for transporting skis on Aeroflot and S7 aircraft
Aeroflot and S7 airlines have almost the same requirements for transporting skis.
One passenger has the right to carry one piece of baggage free of charge, no more than 32 kg (at S7 airline 32 kg is intended for business class fares and 23 kg for economy class). This standard may include:
- One set of ski equipment. It includes one pair of skis with poles, a cover, as well as additional ski equipment: goggles, .
- One set of snowboard equipment. Inventory in a case, also a pair of boots.
- Hockey equipment - equipment and 2 sticks in a case.
Baggage weighing more than 32 kilograms will have to be paid at oversized rates. Standard size restrictions on three planes do not apply to skis, snowboards and other ski equipment!
Free transportation of skis on Aeroflot planes is possible only in winter, and this is one of the most loyal carriers for Russians. These rules also apply to Aeroflot codeshare flights from Rossiya and Aurora airlines.
Summary table with requirements and prices for transporting ski equipment from popular air carriers:
| Carrier | Freight cost | Conditions | Period | Phone for information |
| Aeroflot | For free | Maximum 32 kg in total, any size. Included in 1 piece of luggage. | from November 1 to May 15 | 8 800 444-55-55 |
| S7 | Business class 32 kg, economy class 23 kg and included in 1 piece of baggage. | All year round | 8 800 700 07 07 | |
| Lufthansa | Report your intention to transport skis at least 24 hours in advance. Economy class 23 kg, business and first class 32 kg. Light class tickets are available for a fee. | +7 495 411 8444 | ||
| Swiss | +7 495 411 84 43 | |||
| Austrian Airlines | Limit 23 kg | +7 495 705 91 04 | ||
| Air France | Up to 23 kg economy, 32 business class. The size of the sum of three dimensions is no more than 300 cm. | +7 495 411 66 55 | ||
| Airberlin | from 50 to 180 Euro | Weight no more than 20 kg, overall size is not limited. | 8 800 5550737 | |
| Czech Airlines | from 15 Euro | Weight up to 15 kg. Dimensions for the sum of three sides should not exceed 158 cm. |
If something does not agree with the size and weight standards, then contact support at least 36 hours before departure. The air carrier will easily allocate additional luggage space, but for an additional fee.
Low-cost companies try to save on everything, so most often you will have to pay extra for ski equipment. There is a clear relationship between the cost of a plane ticket and the possibility of transporting oversized ski and snowboard equipment.
Popular questions
How to transport ski poles on an airplane?
The poles are included with the skis, so pack them in the ski bag without any hassle. Remember that some airlines have a free carriage rule: 1 person - 1 set of ski equipment. We do not recommend packing several sets in one case. But there are exceptions, so in any case, call the support service in advance, book an additional piece of luggage, or inform them that you will be carrying oversized luggage.
What is the best way to put your skis in a case to avoid damage during the flight?
A cover is required. Simply tying your skis and poles together with tape will not work; many companies require you to wrap them with something additional. And so everything is simple - if the weight is not standardized, then fill the case with additional clothes of your own: sweatshirts, glasses, some other equipment. Firstly, it will be denser, and secondly, you will save on the weight of luggage or hand luggage.
Just be careful with the edges of your skis, they can cut your clothes. There are ways to avoid this.
Where to drop off and pick up skis at the airport?
Most often, a separate terminal or rack is allocated to accept oversized cargo. You will also receive it at a separate counter, and not on the belt with regular luggage. And don’t forget that the language will take you to Kyiv, just ask the airport staff.
Before flying you should check:
1.
What's included in the ski kit?
2.
How should the equipment be packed? the period when you can transport skis at reduced rates.
3.
Restrictions on weight and size for packed ski kit, presence of foreign objects in the ski bag.
4.
How many sets can be carried in one case, per passenger.
5.
Payment rules.
6.
The need to pre-book a place to transport ski kit.
7.
Which counter at the airport to drop off skis at, which counter at the airport to pick up skis.
A standard ski kit is a pair of skis, ski poles or snowboard + a pair of boots, a helmet, goggles, and special clothing. According to the rules of some airlines, only a pair of skis, a pair of poles or a snowboard + boots are included in a set of ski equipment, which is subject to preferential rules for transporting sports equipment.
The ski kit can be packed in one or two pieces of luggage. A soft or hard case or container is used to pack skis and snowboards; the packaging should have handles convenient for transportation.
The fastenings are wrapped with packaging material or a spare set of thermal underwear so that the cover does not break through or the fastenings do not break during transportation; it should be remembered that the lighter the cover, the easier it is to move.
The period of time when you can transport a ski set under preferential conditions is limited, for example, in Russia it is from October 27 to March 29, while the set (skis, poles, boots) must be packed only in one case, weighing no more than 15 kg, no size restrictions; AirBerlin carries free baggage allowance + ski kit from November 1 to April 25.
If the ski kit is transported free of charge, then the passenger's personal belongings are prohibited in the case with the skis.
A set of ski equipment may be included in your baggage allowance; may be paid for as an additional piece of baggage; as excess baggage in terms of weight, size, or you need to pay a fee for transporting sports equipment.
Almost always, mandatory prior approval is required to transport ski kit. The booking or purchased ticket must contain a note about the availability of ski equipment, if required by airline rules, therefore, when purchasing a ticket, you must warn about the carriage of sports equipment. When purchasing a ticket online, you must contact the sales agent or the airline hotline.
You can check out a set of ski equipment at the check-in desk or at the oversized luggage counter.
Below are examples of carrying skis and ski equipment on an airplane.
Aeroflot– the weight of the ski set should weigh no more than 23 kg; the case carries only a pair of skis, a pair of poles + one piece of boots; The kit is included in your free baggage allowance. You must make a request to transport ski kit 36 hours in advance.
Transaero– if a pair of skis or snowboard + helmet + goggles + boots + overalls weigh less than 10 kg (without size restrictions), then a set of ski equipment is carried free of charge, in addition to the baggage allowance. The request must be made at least 24 hours before departure.
Turkish Airlines– it is necessary to measure the weight and size of the ski set and make a preliminary request for the transportation of equipment at least 48 hours in advance. Upon confirmation of the request, the kit is transported free of charge.
North wind– if a set of ski equipment weighs no more than 15 kg and is no more than 203 cm in size, then it is carried free of charge.
Yakutia– if a set of ski equipment weighs less than 20 kg and dimensions are less than 203 cm in the sum of three dimensions, then the equipment is included in the free baggage allowance.
S7, Orenburg Airlines– if a set of ski equipment weighs no more than 20 kg, with the sum of three dimensions not exceeding 203 cm, then it is allowed to be carried free of charge in addition to the free baggage allowance.
In a/k S7, if a set of ski equipment in the sum of three sizes is more than 203 cm, then each kg of actual weight is paid according to the tariff for this direction.
Utair– if a full set of ski equipment weighs less than 20 kg, without restrictions on size, then on regular flights it is carried free of charge in addition to the baggage allowance. Advance booking is required.
Ural Airlines– if the weight of one set of sports equipment and passenger luggage weighs less than 40 kg, then it is carried free of charge.
Easyjet– skis with boots should weigh no more than 20 kg.
Follow our instructions and you will never have any problems while traveling.
Planning winter holidays 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. Cheap ticket You can book quickly, but with additional fees, the flight will be more expensive than buying an airline ticket at fares with baggage 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
