Cost of Carrying Skis on Flights

Cost of Carrying Skis on Flights (how to lower them)

  • By Daniel K
  • Travel Tips
  • 16.08.2016

Perhaps you love skiing and want to go on a winter holiday in order to practice this sport. However, you may first want to learn more about the cost of carrying skis on flights. These costs can be lowered once you know how to do it, and which airlines are the best choice when it comes to it.

Start off by checking the airplane fares and see what each of them offers. Most airlines charge extra for carrying skis on the plane, but this is not mentioned clearly. Generally the fees are higher if you choose to travel with a budget airline, so you will not be able to save as much money as you hoped. In fact, your best bet is opting for a more expensive airline that will not charge you any extra. Make sure to book your flight ahead of time and mention you need a carriage, as additional costs might apply in the case of late purchases. If the fees are not mentioned on the airline's website, give them a call and ask. This will not only put your mind at ease but also enable you to check their ski offers.

Some airlines have their own policies when it comes to carrying skis. Most often, carriages are required, however some other options might be available to you. You could also choose to have your skis shipped to the location before you travel. This will generally lower the costs but also help you feel more comfortable on your flight.

If you do your research, you will learn that some options are pretty convenient. British Airways offers to fly your skin equipment without asking for a fee, under the condition of not having any other luggage. If you don't plan on bringing too many bags with you, this could be an option worth looking into. You could also get an offer to have your skis carried over to your destination for free, as part of a program. This offer is usually only available if your equipment does not weigh more than 20 to 30 kg.

If you fly with Helvetic, this airline provides a cool option of having your ski equipment flown over for free. The offer includes the boots, and any other piece of gear you need for your skiing trip. The downside is that travelers are not allowed to have any other checked-in luggage. Still, it is something worth considering for a quick weekend ski trip. If your luggage is heavier than 20 kg, you will however need to pay some extra fees. Another airline that doesn't charge a fee for your ski equipment is Virgin.

Usually, the fee you will have to pay all depends on how heavy your luggage is. The less baggage you have, the less you will have to pay. If you want to make things easier for yourself, try to travel light and don't bring a lot of bags. Overall, this will reduce your expenses by a great deal and ensure a more pleasant ski vacation.