Checking skis typically refers to the process of preparing them for and checking them as baggage when traveling, most commonly for air travel. This involves understanding airline specific rules regarding size, weight, and how ski equipment is counted towards your baggage allowance.
Checking Skis for Air Travel
When preparing skis for air travel, the first step is to secure your equipment properly in a padded ski bag. This protects the skis and poles during transit. Ski boots are often packed separately or in a dedicated boot bag.
The process then involves checking this equipment at the airline counter, similar to checking any other piece of luggage. However, airlines often have specific policies for oversized or sporting equipment like skis.
Understanding Ski Baggage Allowance
A crucial aspect of checking skis is understanding how airlines count the different pieces of equipment. According to common airline guidelines, which can vary, skis (or snowboard), ski poles and ski boots all count as one checked bag.
There is also a specific rule regarding boot bags: A pair of boots may be checked separately from the ski bag as long as it does not exceed 25 lbs. (if it does, it will be considered a separate bag).
This means that even if your skis and poles are in one bag, and your boots are in another, they might still be considered a single item for your baggage allowance, provided the separate boot bag meets the weight limit.
Example Scenario
To illustrate this rule, consider the example provided: one piece of luggage, one ski bag and a boot bag less than 25 lbs.
In this scenario, the standard piece of luggage counts as one checked bag. The combination of the ski bag (containing skis and poles) and the separate boot bag weighing less than 25 lbs counts collectively as just one checked bag towards your allowance. Therefore, the traveler is checking a total of two bags: their standard luggage and the ski equipment bundle.
How Ski Equipment Counts Towards Baggage
Here’s a simple breakdown based on the rule provided:
| Items Being Checked | How it Counts Towards Baggage Allowance |
|---|---|
| Skis, Ski Poles, and Ski Boots (packed together) | 1 Checked Bag |
| Skis & Ski Poles (in ski bag) + Boots (in separate bag < 25 lbs) | 1 Checked Bag |
| Skis & Ski Poles (in ski bag) + Boots (in separate bag > 25 lbs) | 2 Checked Bags (Ski bag = 1, Boot bag = 1) |
Always verify the specific baggage policy, including size and weight restrictions, with your airline before traveling, as rules can differ and excess baggage fees may apply.
