Do you enjoy skiing? Have you gone to any of the top skiing states in the US? But now you are ready to venture out and fly to your next skiing adventure; it’s time to get an airline approved ski bag for your skis or snowboard to bring on the flight.
Flying with your skis and snowboards is easy with the right ski bag or case. But how do you choose the right ski bag? Does it have to be TSA or airline approved? Let’s discuss all of this as we move forward.
Quick Overview Of The Airline Approved Ski Bag (Updated List)
| Rating | Preview | Product | More Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8 |   | Element Equipment Deluxe Padded Snowboard Ski Bag Airline Approved Ski Bag | More Details |
| 4.5 |  | Sportube 3 Series Snowboard And Ski Case Airline Approved Ski Bag | More Details |
| 4.5 |  | Element Equipment Wheeled Padded Ski Bag Airline Approved Ski Bag | More Details |
Why Do You Need An Airline Approved Ski Bag?
Do you ski or snowboard? If both, an airline-approved ski bag is needed to carry skis or boards. Skis, poles, and boards are a part of your check-in baggage, following TSA guidelines; however, size and weight restrictions differ from airline to airline.
Length And Weight Limits
For example, Air France will allow ski boards, poles, and one pair of boots to be in a travel case that does not exceed 118 inches (300 cm) in length. On the other hand, British Airways allows ski and snowboarding equipment in a travel case up to 75 inches (190 cm) in length. Delta Airlines will charge excess size fees if the ski bag is over 80 inches (203 cm).
Most airlines also accept ski bags with a maximum weight of 50 lbs.
One Bag Fits All
Do you need a separate bag for your ski boots or helmet? It will be easier to have all your ski gear in one bag. However, some airlines have rules about putting your ski boots or helmet in the same airline approved ski bag.
Most airlines allow one pair of skis per bag as checked baggage, provided it meets the airline’s size and weight limits. For example, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, Etihad Airways, and many others allow one pair of skis per bag. On the other hand, United Airlines and Cape Air allow up to two pairs of skis or snowboards in one bag and one boot bag.
Soft-Sided Ski Bag Or Hard-Shell Ski Case
Will it be a hard-sided ski case or a soft-sided ski bag? While most airlines are not specific about the type of material for your ski bag or case, Air Canada requires that you pack the ski poles and boards in a rigid and hard-shell case.
So, when booking your flight, inform the airlines that you are traveling with your ski equipment and ask what the rules are for carrying an airline approved ski bag in terms of length, soft-sided or hard-sided bag, how many skis per bag, and weight limits.
Airline Approved Ski Bag Product Reviews
Without further delay, here are the reviews of the airline approved ski bag,
Snowboard Ski Bag
Airline Approved Ski Bag
The Deluxe Padded Snowboard Bag from Element Equipment is a polyester-made, well-constructed, and spacious bag that can fit other stuff like a helmet, a pair of boots, a tuning kit, and even some clothes along with your board. The bag has protective 360-degree padding and a removable padded shoulder strap. It also has a carry handle that makes transporting easy.
The snowboarding board bag is lightweight and water-resistant. This ski board bag comes in two lengths: 157 cm (62 inches) and 165 cm (65 inches). Both are 30 cm wide (12 inches) and 17 cm tall (6.5 inches). The bag is sturdy with its double stitching, waterproof liner, and reinforced construction, making it withstand rough handling between flights.
Benefits
- It is a premium bag designed by snowboarders.
- It has 360-degree protective padding.
- It uses 600D polyester with a PVC coating that makes it waterproof.
- Spacious main compartment that can fit the board, a helmet, boots, bindings, and extra outwear.
- It comes in 2 lengths – 157 cm (62 inches) and 165 cm (65 inches).
- 30 cm (12 inches) wide and 17 cm (6.5 inches) tall
- Reinforced construction with double stitching, padded shoulder strap, waterproof liner, and burly carry handle.
Drawbacks
- The bag’s plastic smell lingers for a while.
Airline Approved Ski Bag
The hard-sided ski and snowboard case from Sportube will fit three pairs of adult skis or poles or two snowboards, bindings, and boots.
Due to the high-density polyethylene material, the blow-molded hard case for ski gear is lightweight and durable. In addition, the rugged, protective case offers a shield around your valuable winter sports equipment.
The Sportube ski case features heavy-duty rubber wheels for easy transporting from the car to the airline check-in counter. It has an easy pull-attachment point and a pull handle, making carrying comfortable. It is highly resistant to substantial impacts and rough handling during the flight. No buckles, zippers, or straps that will get ripped, broken, or damaged.
The hard-sided case comes with a non-locking, TSA compliant wire case pin that you can lock for overseas travel. In addition, you can conveniently strap this ski board case to any roof rack to protect your equipment from dirt, grime, or road salt.
Benefits
- Dimensions: 14-1/2 inches wide (368 mm), 7-7/8 inches tall (181 mm), adjustable length of 42 to 72 inches (1070 to 1830 mm)
- USA-made, lightweight hard-sided waterproof case for snowboards and ski gear such as boots and bindings
- The case will hold up to three pairs of Alpine skis and poles or two sets of snowboards with bindings and boots.
- It has a ski case exterior made from high-density polyethylene plastic, a durable case material.
- Two rubber wheels, six rubber band brake retainers, an easy pull handle, six ski straps, and a pin to close the case.
- It comes with a five-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Drawbacks
- The pinhole will not fit an extra TSA cable lock for added security.
Airline Approved Ski Bag
The wheeled padded ski bag is a top-of-the-line bag from Element Equipment. It has two rubber wheels for easy transport, even when loaded with two pairs of skis.
The wheeled ski bag offers 360-degree protective padding. In addition, the ski bag’s rugged construction is top-notch.
With the durable 600D ripstop polyester and PVC coating, it is water-resistant and sturdy. It can hold one or two pairs of skis up to 167 cm long. The width is 31 cm.
This Element Equipment ski bag has compression straps, double stitching, a waterproof liner, and carry handles.
Benefits
- It features a 360-degree protective cushion.
- The bag material is 600D ripstop polyester with PVC coating.
- Water-resistant.
- Lightweight.
- It can hold one to two pairs of skis.
- Reinforced construction
- Compression straps
- Waterproof liner
- Burly carry handles
- Two rubber wheels for easy transporting from one point to another.
- Dimensions: Width = 31 cm, Length = up to 167 cm, Depth/Height = 18 cm
Drawbacks
- The bag is floppy and hard to handle without an insert to keep the bottom firm.
What To Look For When Buying An Airline Approved Ski Bag
What are the critical factors to consider when buying an airline approved ski bag? There are numerous considerations, but the most important are the following:
Length And Volume
Look for a ski bag approximately ten centimeters longer than the longest pair of skis you plan to take on your flight. The extra ten centimeters will go a long way in packing a helmet, extra outerwear, or even boots.
However, remember to keep within the extra ten centimeters of the length of your ski bag, as it will fold in half if not packed to its total capacity. Also, not all airlines allow packing ski equipment and extras like outerwear in one bag.
Protective Padding
Your ski gear is expensive and needs all the protection and shielding it can get. The ski bag must have adequate padding to protect the equipment from strong impacts, whether a soft-sided bag or a hard case. A fully padded, airline approved ski bag, or hard-shell case will do the job.
Wheeled Or Not?
Carrying your ski gear can be challenging because the bag can be taller than you. In addition, the airline approved ski bag or case is narrow, and with weight unevenly distributed, it may be awkward to handle without the wheels. Hence, a wheeled soft-sided or hard-case ski bag is better for carrying heavier loads. It also makes for smooth mobility over paved surfaces. A wheeled ski bag with suitable straps and handles will be perfect for your ski gear.
Airline Approved Ski Bag FAQ
You may have some questions, so we have listed 3 of the most frequently asked questions.
Can I bring a ski bag on the plane?
Most airlines consider one ski or snowboard bag and a separate boot bag per person as one checked bag. Some airlines have a rule on disallowing non-ski equipment inside the ski or snowboard bag.
Do airlines charge extra for ski bags?
Like many other airlines, United Airlines counts ski and boot bags as one checked bag. Therefore, if the combined weight of the ski and boot bags exceeds 50 lbs, you may need to pay for the excess weight.
Can you fly with a soft ski bag?
Because airlines do not specify the bag material for a ski bag, you can choose a soft-sided airline approved ski bag or a hard-sided case. The only provision is that the ski bag is within the weight and size limits. In addition, Air Canada requires skis to be in a rigid or hard-shell case without extra items packed in the case, while other airlines don’t specify.
Additional Resources
If you are looking for more tutorials, walkthroughs, and troubleshooting on Accessories, here are some additional posts about Accessories:
Airline Approved Ski Bag – Conclusion
Familiarizing yourself with airline regulations on ski or snowboard luggage can help you select an appropriate and suitable ski bag. Additionally, it is beneficial to determine if multiple skis or snowboards are allowed, what extra items can fit within the ski bag and potential excess size/weight fees that you may incur. Feel free to contact the airline to ensure you have all the necessary information.
Happy travels, my friends.
