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Tips For Flying With Ski Equipment

So, you have decided to take to the slopes and conquer the snowy tops of the mountains, but aren’t sure how to get your equipment to your destination.

Here at Bath Taxi Transfers, we thought we would give you a helping hand and provide you with some crucial tips on how to make sure your equipment travels safely with you so you can tear it up on the snow with ease.

1. Get Your Details In Check

It is wise to give your airline a call to get the correct information on how much you can take, weights and sizes of your luggage. Confirming the airline policy will not only give you important information but also peace of mind when packing your equipment and jetting off on your adventure.

2. If You Are Open To Renting Ski Equipment, Do It!

Due to ski equipment being large in size, you could be charged extra for their rather large size. If you can leave your personal equipment at home, you can travel lighter and rent your skis or snowboard. There are also many companies where you could even rent your ski boots, allowing you to travel even lighter and provide yourself with a less obtrusive journey.

3. Sent Your Ski Equipment Ahead Of Schedule

An option you may not have thought of is to ship your ski equipment, transferring the work onto someone else. This form of organisation is becoming increasingly popular, especially over the last few years, letting travellers like yourself to travel lightly. When you arrive at your destination, you will find that your equipment is ready and waiting for you, allowing you to bypass the frustration of hauling luggage with you and suffering extra charges. You will be able to take to the mountains straight away with your personal ski equipment instead of renting.

4. What UK Airlines Allow Ski Equipment?

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Virgin Atlantic allows you to take your ski equipment as part of your checked baggage since 2016 where their regulations were updated. Your equipment is transported for no additional charge so depending on where your final location is, it may be within your best interest to check out this airline first! British Airways are a little different where despite your ski equipment counts as one piece of your luggage within your allowance, if you are travelling with hand luggage only however or you have booked with just one bag, you will need to pay extra for your ski equipment, with an even heightened price tag if they weigh more than 23 kilos.

Latest Ski Equipment Allowances By Airline

Easyjet – You can buy one piece of sport equipment per customer.

Ryanair –  Fee charged per Item/ Per one way flight (£45 – 50). Maximum weight 20kg.

British Airways – British Airways accepts ski and snowboard equipment up to 190cm long but must be packed correctly in a specified ski/snowboard bag.

Air France – Equipment should not weigh any more than 23 kg or 32 kg in the Business class and that its total dimensions are 300 cm or under. You may need to get prior approval from their customer service department, this approval is always required when travelling as a group (10 or more passengers).

KLM – With KLM a set of ski’s or snowboard equipment may consist of one of the following 1. A board (in a bag: max. length 300 cm) and a pair of snowboard boots or 2. a pair of skis, 2 ski poles and a pair of ski boot.

Emirates – Customers luggage in all three classes should not exceed 300cm. A set of snow ski equipment may consist of one pair of skis, one pair of ski poles and one pair of ski boots or one snow board and one pair of boots.

Lufthansa – Their allocation for sports equipment is limited. They recommend making a reservation for your desired item(s) of sports equipment as soon as possible at your travel agency or through the Lufthansa Service Centre. Requests are only accepted until 24 hours prior to departure.

Aer Lingus – Aer Lingus will carry your sports equipment as checked baggage. The maximum weight allowable for sports equipment is 23kg.

Qatar Airways – Qatar Airways accepts any sporting equipment as checked baggage as part of the free checked baggage allowance mentioned on your ticket.

Virgin Atlantic – Virgin Atlantic will transport your ski or snowboard gear as part of your baggage allowance – as long as it doesn’t exceed 23kg.

  • Please note these may change, so please check your airlines website before your flight.

Before your trip why not read our blog 5 things to arrange before your flight.

Think you are ready to take on your snowy journey to the slopes and curve the mountain tops? Then why not contact us to make your airport journey as smooth as possible. Contact us today and we will provide with quick and reliable service for your next ski trip.