Flying With Skis? Here’s What Major Airlines Allow

Claire Weiss |
Different airlines have different rules regarding ski and snowboarding bags. | Photo: Alaska Airlines

[Updated June 2025]

Are you already planning your next ski trip to Europe, South America, or perhaps dreaming of conquering Corbet’s Couloir? Before you set off, it’s essential to know what you can bring and what it will cost you in checked baggage.

United Airlines

United allows one ski or snowboard equipment item per passenger as checked baggage, provided it is securely packed in a suitable container. This includes:

  • Up to two snowboards in one bag.
  • Up to two pairs of skis and associated equipment in one bag, plus one ski boot bag.

If the combined weight of your ski bag and boot bag exceeds 50 pounds (23 kg), overweight charges will apply. A boot bag without a corresponding ski bag is treated as a regular checked bag. Standard first- or second-checked bag fees may apply. Any additional ski equipment beyond your allowance will incur an excess baggage charge. If your ski or boot bag exceeds 50 pounds (23 kg) and contains non-ski items, you’ll be charged accordingly.

American Airlines

You can check:

  • One pair of skis or one snowboard.
  • One boot bag containing only boots, bindings, and a helmet.

These two items count as a single checked bag for fee purposes. The boot bag must not exceed 45 inches (length + width + height) and should only contain the listed items. If you add anything else, you’ll face an excess baggage fee. On routes to, from, or through Brazil, once your free bag allowance is used, ski equipment costs $28.05.

alyeska northern lights
Northern lights at Alyeska, AK. | Photo: Frozen Foto

Alaska Airlines

You can check:

  • One pair of skis (with poles) or one snowboard, plus one boot or helmet bag.

These count as one checked item. If your boot or helmet bag contains clothing or other items, standard baggage fees apply. Ski and snowboard equipment may exceed 62 inches (linear) without an oversize fee.

Air France

Ski equipment must weigh no more than 23 kg (50 lb) in Economy or 32 kg (70 lb) in Business/La Première. Total dimensions should not exceed 300 cm (118 in). On some aircraft, equipment longer than 180 cm (70 in) is not permitted. Group travel (10+ passengers) requires advance approval at least 48 hours before departure.

Portillo. Photo Credit: Andrei Morozov
Portillo, Chile, is a bucket list ski destination. | Photo: Andrei Morozov

KLM

You can check:

  • A snowboard (max. length 300 cm/118 in) and boots, or
  • A pair of skis, two poles, and boots.

This counts as one checked item instead of a suitcase. Avalanche rescue backpacks can be checked but must be reserved in advance. On flights to, from, or via the United States, avalanche rescue backpacks with an explosive trigger mechanism are not permitted in hand or checked baggage.

Lufthansa flying
Lufthansa offers numerous flights to or near ski destinations worldwide. | Photo: simpleflying.com

 Lufthansa

You can check ski or snowboard equipment free of charge on most routes, except to and from the USA, Mexico, and Central America. Additional equipment is allowed up to 32 kg in First or Business, or 23 kg in Economy. An extra pair of skis or a snowboard costs €50 on continental flights or €100 on intercontinental flights.

Southwest

You can check:

  • One pair of skis or one snowboard, one set of poles, and one pair of ski or snowboard boots free of charge.

These can be packed in up to two bags, but they count as one checked item. Southwest allows two free checked bags; ski equipment can be substituted for a free bag. Overweight fees apply if over 50 pounds (23 kg).

delta, baggage fees
Delta Airlines has many flights to different ski destinations across North America. | Photo: Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines

Ski and snowboard equipment are allowed as checked baggage. One ski or snowboard bag and one boot bag are accepted per person. The combined weight of the ski or snowboard bag and the boot bag must not exceed 50 pounds; otherwise, excess weight charges will apply. Linear dimensions may exceed 80 inches (203 cm) without excess size charges. All standard baggage charges apply.

Japan Airlines

Sports equipment is included in your free baggage allowance, provided it meets size and weight limits (three bags at 32 kg for First or Business classes, two at 23 kg for Economy). Excess baggage fees apply if over limits.

Japan's cultural icon threatened by tourists
Hidden is the overtourism that threatens this beautiful mountain. Photo Credit: Visit Mt. Fuji

British Airways

Economy passengers get one free checked bag (max. 23 kg). A second bag costs £65 at the airport (£60 online). Sports equipment can be checked as part of your free allowance or as an additional paid item. Overweight charges apply for items weighing more than 23 kg.

Hawaiian Airlines

Thinking about skiing or snowboarding in Hawaii from Mauna Kea? 
You can check:

  • One pair of skis or one snowboard, one pair of poles, one pair of bindings, and one pair of boots.

Standard fees and restrictions apply. Just don’t forget sunscreen and a swimsuit!

LATAM Airlines

You may check one pair of skis, boots, and poles. Weight limits vary by route, typically ranging from 50 to 75 pounds (23-32 kg, with a maximum of 99 pounds (45 kg) allowed for an additional fee. Special baggage dimension limits are 115 inches (292 cm) for South America and 62 inches (158 cm) for North America and Europe. Larger sports equipment must be shipped as cargo.

Most airlines allow one pair of skis or a snowboard, plus a boot bag, as part of your standard checked baggage allowance—but the fine print matters. Weight limits, oversize rules, and the contents of your boot bag can all impact fees. Always double-check your airline’s most recent policies before you fly, and pack strategically to avoid surprises at the check-in counter.

And here’s a pro tip from seasoned travelers: bring your boots in your carry-on. Bags can get lost, but your ski day shouldn’t.


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