Latest posts for the topic "Baggage Allowance when taking skis"

Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Tue, 8 Jan 2008 19:07:13 GMT

For the first time we are taking skis with us having previously rented in resort, obviously we;ve paid the GBPwhatever ski carriage that the TO charged us but on my tickets it states a weight allowance of 20 kgs. Can anyone tell me if this includes the skis or not, I had posted this on snowheads but didn't really get a definitive answer so thought the combined knowledge and experience might save the day

If the 20kgs is including skis then I may have to make some seriously harsh clothing choices, and don't even get me started on whether the wife will have to ditch the kitchen sink or the bathroom sink

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Tue, 8 Jan 2008 19:34:29 GMT

I'm flying with Easyjet and its 20kg for your case alone and your ski bag goes as an extra which is what the charge is for, panic over you can take your sinks

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Tue, 8 Jan 2008 19:37:20 GMT

I know that with Easyjet, paying the sports equipment supplement increases your baggage allowance by 12kgs.

Last time we flew we had two pairs of skis in a double bag which weighed over the 12kgs. However we hadn't reached the 20kg main allowance so weight wise we were ok. The lady did ask me how many skis were in the bag and informed me that I should have paid for two pairs but she would let me off this time. The three previous times nobody questioned it at all.

In the future I'm going to take off the bindings (they're the rail mounted type) and put them in the main bag or hand luggage. That way I can get both pairs of skis in a 'single' ski bag and be under the weight limit.

Now can I squeeze in three pairs

On a side note. We are flying with Monarch to Mayrhofen at the weekend on a chartered flight. When I called them to find out how much it was going to cost to take the skis I was told it was all included in the cost of the flight! However Rocketski, the agent, is charging GBP21 for ski carriage. Sounds like a nice little earner to me

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Tue, 8 Jan 2008 20:53:19 GMT

i'd imagine the 20kg is ex skis. my skis x2 and boots weigh 24kg or something! i'd suggest you fly air canada (standard 2 bags of up to 23kg) infact a destination is coming to mind....

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Tue, 8 Jan 2008 21:10:05 GMT

go on... surprise me
Infact, aren't you supposed to be there now please tell me you haven't flown all that way just to post on here

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Tue, 8 Jan 2008 21:19:07 GMT

Quite interesting, in a sad geeky kind a way, my Streetracer 10 ski weighs 3.2kg per ski with the binding and only 1.8kg without. Bloomin heavy bindings.

I don't reckon I'm gonna get all three pairs of skis in one bag and keep it under the 12kg. It's a shame the bindings won't come of my Salomon Thrusters. Perhaps the Girlfriend won't mind if she leaves one of her skis behind.

Now what are the chances of the bindings being convescated from your hand luggage? How annoying would that be!!

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Tue, 8 Jan 2008 21:34:29 GMT

Rossfra8 wrote:i'd suggest you fly air canada (standard 2 bags of up to 23kg) infact a destination is coming to mind....

Can I guess? Can I? Me! Me!

Is it... Bulgaria?

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Tue, 8 Jan 2008 22:21:15 GMT

I leave in 5 hours. Fly in 8.

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Tue, 8 Jan 2008 22:21:55 GMT

Admin, close, very close.

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Tue, 8 Jan 2008 22:53:16 GMT

where in canada are you going?

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Wed, 9 Jan 2008 08:11:49 GMT

give me a B, give me an A, give me an N, give me two F's, put 'em all together what do you get

BANFF

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Wed, 9 Jan 2008 11:01:51 GMT

It's a lot colder there today than in Nova Scotia.

Edmonton is at -18C, Calgary at -7C and Halifax going to +10 today. Spring skiing in the east!!

I'd be watching for your plane to fly over Ross but we are so thick in the fog that I can't see across the street.

Ross, if you're going to Sunshine we (I) will look for you here - be sure to wave.

http://www.theweathernetwork.com/index.php?product=weather_cams&pagecontent=weather_cams&camregion=canada&camera=CMAB0007

Have a good trip!

Mike

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Wed, 9 Jan 2008 13:02:10 GMT

May I suggest several "secrets" about flying with skis!

Over the years you discover many little "secrets" that I have so far kept to myself.

When I go for a ski trip which is over two weeks, I often pay a specialized ski shipping service which will ship skis ( up to 4 pair) anywhere! You get to resort and skis are already in storage waiting for you!

It is worth while to pay extra fee for another pair of skis if you are going to Rockies or major powder areas!

I stuff my ski bag will all my underwear, socks, gloves, hats. Great "protection" barrier!

Often I will have two ski bags! One I register right away under my name! Then I wait around airline counter for a "little old lady" who has smallish bag! I ask he if I can register my ski bag under her ticket! In return I will carry he bags and destination airport! Works every time!!!

When I test skis for ski companies, I get letter from them in which they stipulate that this is my job, thus need the 10 pairs of skis at ski resort XZY! They do have "secret" rates!

Often ski tour companies have skiers who go off with no skis! I find out who has no skis that is going with same flight! I ask them to take my skis in return for 1 hour per day of ski lessons! Works every time!

For five years I was traveling with a major ski company program, since their staff were allowed lower ski bag rates! Find out!

Never but never allow your boots to be more than 1 meter away from you! You can always get new skis if they are lost! You can never replace your boots!

I always wait till "last call" to get on plane! Neophyres rush to be first,,struggle in crowded ailes to use overhead bins! Wait till you hear that call, "Pavelski" passenger,,,,,final final call!!!!
All seats are taken! Aisles are cleared! Overhead bins are full! Guess where your boots are packsack go? In that "private" closet for service people near toilets!

You can also send your two pair of skis a week ahead with a skier in same ski touring company! They will be stored at ski resort!

Hope this helps some of you!

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Wed, 9 Jan 2008 16:35:48 GMT

Pavel. Most of the concern on this thread is from UK based skiers. The issues they face with carriers tend to be connected with weight and money. The carrier's view is that skiers take more weight away with them, and that can make them money.

So with that in mind:

1.Stuffing your ski bag with clobber is now a no-no with B.A. who now have inserted a clause in the booking conditions. Most of the budget airlines have a weight limit on ski kit, even if you reserve space and pay. Expect to be questioned on the contents at check-in.

2.Offloading your ski bag to a little old lady in the check in line might work...if you give her the cash to check your kit in, and ask her to lie to the check in staff when they ask "Did you pack your bags yourself?" Second thoughts...not too wise a strategy in this age of terrorism threats. Many airlines in the UK have punitive charges for failing to reserve space.Tour Operators in the UK often double the charges for booking skis onto a flight at check in.

3.Many UK airports and airlines have a nonsense rule about no ski boots as hand luggage. Various excuses have been used, my favourite this week is "It's the steel toecaps"

Today, an aquaintance told me that his daughter had her ski boots taken off her at security on her way to skiing in Europe last week. She was lucky to get them back on her return. She felt obliged to purchase more in resort. As she was late, she was not in the mood to put up a fight to keep her boots.

We are driving to skiing FNO, or taking the train, as flying from the UK to well, anywhere is just stressful.

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Wed, 9 Jan 2008 18:12:33 GMT

pavelski wrote:...
Never but never allow your boots to be more than 1 meter away from you!... Guess where your boots are packsack go? In that "private" closet...

Pavel, you are an excellent narrator!
Can you still remember the Rax family?
Well, some more Rax babies have been born in the meantime and their father has once promised to proudly
show you how they are running.
In next two weeks babies are playing between StAnton and Vienna.

Back to the topic "Air Baggage": we should breed even shorter skis, small enough to feel well in a ladies' necessaire.

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Wed, 9 Jan 2008 19:09:41 GMT

One of those things that makes living in the US easier. I normally have two alpine snowboards (w/o bindings, a pair of skis (w bindings) and clothes in my ski bag. Alpine SB boots in my checked bag and ski boots in my carry on. I normally fly Delta. I'm sure this won't last forever as every year the US get a little more like the UK in terms of regulation.

Trencher

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Wed, 9 Jan 2008 19:23:23 GMT

thanks all, hasn't really allayed my concerns but all interesting stuff. I guess I'll have to pick up the phone to the airline for clarification.

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Wed, 9 Jan 2008 21:43:31 GMT

Bandit,
As always you are right! I forgot we are in "post-9/11" security mode!

I am sure my swiss knife will not pass security now!

Nor will the two bottles of water I always carry! Never mind the grapes and cheese I eat also!

That is why I am converting a Volks vanagon with four wheel drive for my trip to Utah next year! Yes slower but I can bring my skis, my boots, my food and yes bed!

Seems we are back into the 60's with Peace volks and propane heaters!

An interesting Airline Story!

I planned to do some windsurfing for 1 month with 10 fanatic surfers! We rented a house on the beach and since we were going to do serious windsurfing I insisted on bringing my "sinker" from Hawai! Called airline and got dimensions for kit!

At 4 AM at airport, the kit is refused due to "security" risk! Never mind that 8 of the surfers were RCMP officers! I had to open my board wrappers and all kit was inspected there! Seems my board looked like an American missile "stinger" launcher!
What is this world coming too!

Yes we had great month! Never saw TV never listened to news!

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:19:54 GMT

this is worrying...normally i take snow train to france, the 2 flights to canada had no trouble with board bag, but this year we're flying with first choice airlines to europe and apparently your board bag can't have anything else in it. i was planning on ignoring this as my coffin board bag is used as my only bag other than hand luggage. after reading this am i going to get away with this? or do i have to buy a small board bag and take extra luggage. so annoying!

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 08:52:36 GMT

I would have thought if your board bag was your only bag and it was within your standard weight allowance then I can't see why that would be a problem.

I think they don't like other kit in with the board if the board was being covered by a winter sports supplement charge but in your case, if the weight was ok, it wouldn't be.

But then these airline peeps do always have their own view on things.

Send them an email and if the response is positive then print it out and take it with you!

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:06:26 GMT

Not skis but boots: I have just been on the blower to Bournemouth airport (flying with Austrian Airlines) and they say that I can take the boot bag on board as hand luggage but it must be below 5 kgs, otherwise it must go in the hold as part of my main luggage allowance.

The boots tip the scales at 4.7 kgs!

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 11:00:00 GMT

Hamish wrote:Not skis but boots: I have just been on the blower to Bournemouth airport (flying with Austrian Airlines) and they say that I can take the boot bag on board as hand luggage but it must be below 5 kgs, otherwise it must go in the hold as part of my main luggage allowance.

With Easyjet you would have to rebag the boots so that they are in the '69' position as it were instead of side-by-side otherwise they wouldn't fit within their hand luggage dimensions. Interestingly, within reason, Easyjet don't have a hand luggage weight limit.

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:24:41 GMT

Some of the airline companies are ok on the skiboots as hand luggage issue. Not all airports behave the same way,and you have to negotiate the securidee numpty before you reach the gate. If you ask "why?" when refused an item, you won't be surprised to hear reasoned responses such as "Because"*

My funniest personal experience was at Valencia where the staff expected me to remove the zip from my trousers because it made their "wand" go off
I offered to remove the trousers since they cost me a packet, along with any other items of clothing that they deemed suspicious.
I'm convinced some of these folks just enjoy trying to humiliate travellers for their own amusement. I got to keep my trousers on, along with the rest of my clothes.

*With apologies to any airport security staff who can string a coherent sentence together.

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:47:25 GMT

It was late February 2007 and I was flying BA from Munich to London Heathrow after a couple of weeks in Sankt Christoph Am Arlberg.

We arrived at check-in and were informed that whilst we had been away BA had changed its baggage policy and now no single bag was to exceed 23kg. As all four of us (Wife, 2 children and me) take our own ski boots in a single bag, along with wax iron, box of tools etc, etc you can guess that this bag was over weight. (Interestingly our total baggage allowance was not exceeded).

The officious lady who was "here to help" refused to let us check-in. I offered to buy another bag and redistribute the weight but this wouldn’t do because there was a total bag limit!

So there, in front of hundreds of bemused fellow travellers we unpacked our boots and we all put them on. Now the bag weighed less than 23kg and all was well.

As a family we walked around Munich airport in our ski boots, through passport control AND security without them making any comment. We boarded the plane and again no one said anything!

Now my boots have the type of clips that end in a "T" are made of Titanium, Plutonium, Uraninium or some such fancy metal and could easily be used as a fairly handy weapon. Not to mention the fact that just by wearing the boots I could have probably kicked my way through the cabin door to hijack the plane.

You will be glad to hear that I didn’t do any of these things but I did discuss the issue with the Chief Steward and he was totally amazed at what he heard. All of which leaves me wondering about the real point of airline security …

Here is a pic of us AIRSIDE at the airport … (note the ubiquitous B 08 sign in the background!)

Happy flying,

Jan

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 12:58:03 GMT

Classic You always hear of people wearing their ski boots on the plane but that's the first time I've seen it!

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 13:36:34 GMT

Jan.
What an "original idea"! Just shows you how the more rules you establish, the more ways people are going to find "solutions"!

Brilliant! Must try next trip!

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:11:25 GMT

I always pack my ski boots in my nice padded suitcase. I dont understand why people put ski boots in those flimsy bags and then in the aircraft hold - they always look like they are likely to get damaged.

Last year I had a standard non padded ski bag for my skis which I filled with jacket and sallopettes to pack it out more - we flew with BMI from Manchester, no questions, no problems. IN the past, my mate has done the same from Stansted with First Choice Airlines, again no questions and no problems. In fact, they only ask to see a boarding card to get the skis put on the flight, so God knows why people pre pay for ski carriage.

However, this time I have got a brand new double padded ski bag, as the Mrs now has her own skis, and I am flying tomorrow from Gatwick with Thomas Cook with both sets in the bag. I have not prepaid for ski carriage, as if they ask for a fee, I can pay it at the airport.

I have bought skis out in resort twice, and each time got them on the flight home with no questions and no fee to pay. Usually, you simply check in as usual, and then take your skis with a boarding card to the outsize baggage place. Maybe I have just been lucky, but Innsbruck and Turin airports have never questioned anything other than proving it is your bag to take on the flight with you.

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:26:00 GMT

Jan I Stenmark wrote:
So there, in front of hundreds of bemused fellow travellers we unpacked our boots and we all put them on. Now the bag weighed less than 23kg and all was well.

As a family we walked around Munich airport in our ski boots, through passport control AND security without them making any comment. We boarded the plane and again no one said anything!

ellistine wrote:Classic You always hear of people wearing their ski boots on the plane but that's the first time I've seen it!

My friends are snurfers and wear their boots but I've never heard of ski boots being worn.

I wonder if that would be good or bad for deep vein thrumbosis?

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:37:27 GMT

Tony_H wrote:
However, this time I have got a brand new double padded ski bag, as the Mrs now has her own skis, and I am flying tomorrow from Gatwick with Thomas Cook with both sets in the bag. I have not prepaid for ski carriage, as if they ask for a fee, I can pay it at the airport.

Is that this Thomas Cook?

Thomas Cook Airlines can accept most types of sports equipment, although items will travel on a space and weight permitting basis only. You may have to pay a charge for some items, and you should also check that your Insurance covers your equipment.

Thomas Cook Airlines will also accept skis, boots and ski poles for carriage, although items will travel on a space and weight permitting basis only. These items do not form part of your normal baggage allowance.

You can pay for your Ski Carriage at the airport when you check in, the cost is around GBP15-GBP20. This can no longer be pre booked with the airline direct.

For more information, please visit their website Thomas Cook Airlines. For other airlines, please contact them direct.

Good Luck at check in, let us all know how you get on this time.

BTW The reason I feel folks generally don't want to be parted from their boots is because they cost a lot and take ages to get a good fit. This blog written by a SkiClub Rep last year gives a good example, with the entry "Delta Ate My Ski Boots"
http://www.megeveski.com/

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:28:41 GMT

Tony_H wrote:
However, this time I have got a brand new double padded ski bag, as the Mrs now has her own skis, and I am flying tomorrow from Gatwick with Thomas Cook with both sets in the bag. I have not prepaid for ski carriage, as if they ask for a fee, I can pay it at the airport.

Have a great time, flying out the day you fly back(with First Choice) who have been next to useless when I rang them ref the weight, the fact that both skis and poles are in one bag. Bodes well for next Saturday morning

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 02:49:00 GMT

ellistine wrote:Quite interesting, in a sad geeky kind a way, my Streetracer 10 ski weighs 3.2kg per ski with the binding and only 1.8kg without. Bloomin heavy bindings.

I don't reckon I'm gonna get all three pairs of skis in one bag and keep it under the 12kg. It's a shame the bindings won't come of my Salomon Thrusters. Perhaps the Girlfriend won't mind if she leaves one of her skis behind.

Now what are the chances of the bindings being convescated from your hand luggage? How annoying would that be!!

Slightly Off-topic but....

What season Thrusters have you got?

I Rekon lots of people ought to email a certain Airline and ask for more Lax ski rules. (Should work if enough people do it)

Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 12:30:48 GMT

first choice allow 6kg for ski bag and 5kg for boots,i,m sure all these posts do is notify the airlines .

Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 12:59:24 GMT

pjheystack wrote:first choice allow 6kg for ski bag and 5kg for boots,i,m sure all these posts do is notify the airlines .

I'm sure you are correct. So here's my notification.....

Dear First Choice, B.A, charter and no-frills airlines,
Head Monster's with Railflex2 (mine) 7kg...without the bag. Then there's my Stockli Stormriders to pack as well. Good job I'm not travelling with First Choice though eh

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 14:04:27 GMT

bearing in mind I'l be leaving the house at 0300 for an early morning flight all I can say is that any check in clerk that tries telling me I can't take my skis as they're too heavy may well be in for a rude awakening, I'm usually a morning person but not when travelling

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 14:09:30 GMT

that got me thinking so just weighed the ski bag 15kg, that's with mine and the Bosses skis and poles plus a little padding Bring it on First Choice

BTW, I'm travelling under the name of Mr Sam Wiches

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 13:27:08 GMT

In my experience your skis are seperate to you baggage allowance, but you ski boots will be included in your baggage allowance . . . however this is based upon my experience flying to Canada either with Astaeus or Monach and Europe with Lufthansa . . . best to check with the indidvidial airline i guess . . .

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:46:46 GMT

freezywater wrote:BTW, I'm travelling under the name of Mr Sam Wiches

Best not to try that with Ryanair... Sam Wiches are an extra charge...

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:52:14 GMT

Ok, just back early hours of this morning from Mayrhofen. Here is what I can share with you:

Thomas Cook Airlines check in at Gatwick was the same as First Choice check in at Stansted, ie they expect people to turn up with suitcases and ski bags. I always pack my ski boots in my suitcase, as these are included in your 20 kilos luggage. Monarch were the same at Gatwick last year, as were BMI at Manchester.

Basically, no one checks to see that you have pre booked ski carriage. You simply check in your 20 kg bags and ask for another label to go on the ski bag and then drop the ski bag off at the outsize baggage area. No one even asked me there to see a boarding card. Therefore, with 2 sets of skis, I saved myself GBP30, or the equivelant of one nights dinner in resort. Had they asked me to pay there and then, I would have been more than happy to, but I see little point in volunteering to pay for ski carriage if they arent going to bother asking at check in.

As for the mystery surrounding weights, some airlines are slightly different, but the general rule is thus:

Ski boots are included in your luggage allowance, so I suggest pack them in your suitcase with clothes around them to avoid damage. Ski bags are not weighed. I had a large double padded one with me, and I was not asked howw many skis I had in them, or anything for that matter, and I found out that the airlines do not generally have a weight limit for ski bags.

However, I do know the rules are totally different for the not so low cost airlines, ie Ryanair and Easyjet, who seem to be penny pinching at every possible opportunity, and I have witnessed skiers being asked to open ski bags etc at check in of some of these airlines. If you want to travel with a budget airline, you can do it cheaply, but expect to be charged additional amounts for just about everything you take, which leads me to the conclusion that the cheapest way to go is on a last minute or special offer package from one of the main tour operators.

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Sun, 27 Jan 2008 11:12:13 GMT

OK, got back from hols yesterday and this is what First Choice at Stansted do. On arrival at the check in desk the computer tells them if you have pre-booked or not, they then ask you to WEIGH your ski bag, I guess this is more to do with Health and Safety issues here in the UK with the bag chuckers, wouldn't want them lifting something too heavy to throw!! Once weighed they were tagged and you then had to deposit them at oversize baggage where your boarding card was checked. On arrival at Innsbruck they simply stack them all outside the ski claim area, beware people on our flight found theirs had been nicked so if at all possible I would let one member of the party collect the 'cases whilst the other waits for the skis. Depsite having lots of racks for each country/airport the Austrians seem to bypass this nowadays and dump wherever the choose!! On the return leg through Innsbruck you simply take your skis to the oversize baggage area and give them your name and flight number and bingo!! skis are tagged and loaded. I paid the GBP30 carriage for mine and the wife's skis, and to be honest as they were packed in the one bag(along with some clothes for 'padding') I could probably have only paid for one ski carriage and not worried, but hey ho!!

Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Sun, 27 Jan 2008 14:06:26 GMT

Generally budget airlines and tour operators will charge to carry sports equipment including skis & snowboards but scheduled airlines including British Airways give you an additional allowance for sports equipment.
I took a windsurf board, 3 sails, 2 masts, 1 boom, 2 boogie boards & 1 skim board to Crete with BA for no additional charge !

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:29:46 GMT

freezywater wrote:OK, got back from hols yesterday and this is what First Choice at Stansted do. On arrival at the check in desk the computer tells them if you have pre-booked or not, they then ask you to WEIGH your ski bag, I guess this is more to do with Health and Safety issues here in the UK with the bag chuckers, wouldn't want them lifting something too heavy to throw!! Once weighed they were tagged and you then had to deposit them at oversize baggage where your boarding card was checked. On arrival at Innsbruck they simply stack them all outside the ski claim area, beware people on our flight found theirs had been nicked so if at all possible I would let one member of the party collect the 'cases whilst the other waits for the skis. Depsite having lots of racks for each country/airport the Austrians seem to bypass this nowadays and dump wherever the choose!! On the return leg through Innsbruck you simply take your skis to the oversize baggage area and give them your name and flight number and bingo!! skis are tagged and loaded. I paid the GBP30 carriage for mine and the wife's skis, and to be honest as they were packed in the one bag(along with some clothes for 'padding') I could probably have only paid for one ski carriage and not worried, but hey ho!!

Interesting, FW. I have travelled on the FCA flight from Stansted to Innsbruck a number of times, and never before have they asked to weigh the ski bags. You are right about Innsbruck though, they do just pile the skis up outside, so its best as you say to get someone to go outside and collect, whilst someone else gets the bags. Checking in at Inns is spot on though.

I am flying FCA from Manchester in 3 weeks to Turin, so not sure what policy they will adopt. I did however prepay for 2 sets of skis on this one, as we are going with a group, and everyone wanted to add their own skis to the invoice, so I forgot about chancing it at the airport!

Gatwick, with T Cook Airlines however, different ball game. Providing they dont read this forum, of course.

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:35:53 GMT

Let me share my experience as well. Flew with Alitalia from Heathrow to Bulgaria with connection in Milan.
On outgoing journey check-in was without a problem. On the website is written that I had to pay 20GBP for ski bag , but surprisingly they didn’t want to take the money when I was checking the ski bag. I even insist to pay. I had 4 bags altogether - Ski bag -16kg, Boot bag as a hand luggage -6kg , 55lt. Backpack - 8.3kg small 15lt backpack -2kg. They did say that I can’t take boots on the plane but after few minutes talking we settled the issue. On arriving in Bulgaria I was told that my ski bag with my skies and all the ski gear inside is left behind in Milan. I was more than happy as I didn’t have to carry the back to the resort myself. They delivered the bag next day to the place I was staying.
On the return journey same thing but I was 10 kg heavier (8 cart. Marlboro,3 kg of dry meat, 2lts of local Bulgarian drink altogether without the hand luggage (ski boots and 2 more Marlboro)topping up the staggering 34 kg. The girl on check-in desk asked me to pay 14 kg excess luggage and after my refusal and pretending that I will throw all my clothes away but not pay GBP140 she let me go. The flight was delayed and I end up stuck in Milan in Novotel overnight , had a nice 3 course dinner with 2 bottles of wine
and booked on the afternoon flight the next day.(They did offer me a morning flight).
To end my story I will say - if you want your flights to be delayed ,bags to arrive after you, claim half of your ticket back in vouchers, and the other half on the insurance coz of the delay FLY ALITALIA.

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:43:06 GMT

Haha, nice story. I have heard many a bad thing about Alitalia, but it does vary from route to route. I heard that they put all their crappy old MD80 planes on routes to Eastern Europe, and they are always going tech.

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:00:30 GMT

Planes nowadays are much better than 3 years ago....there is another story coming...

summer 2003 return journey ALITALIA again form Bulgaria. I am waiting in the lounge area admiring the landing planes when I see this tiny dot approaching the runway ..landed ..and is still a dot… I can hardly read the "ALITALIA" logo on the side of it. Parked not far away from where I was standing and about 30 people left the plane. I was wondering how the hell they manage to squeeze to many people in that small thing.
Boarding time came and we was escorted to the plane -no need for ladder as the door stands less than a meter form the ground… After few smiles exchanged with my fellow travellers we began boarding or better say crawling to our seats . The overhead storage (size of a shoe box) was big enough to fit my 2 books ONLY. Hand luggage was strap on the seat on the other side of the alley. Lucky that we were les than 30 people. I spend the next 15 minutes thinking about the size of the steward and how big should be the food trolley to go down the plane. After this flight I stop complaining about the leg room in the economy class.

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Fri, 1 Feb 2008 16:03:27 GMT

Basic rules I find are...

Charter or Budget = you pay for ski/board/boot carriage.

Scheduled flights = you don't pay extra.

Generally.

What I would say is ignore what Thomas Cook et al say, especially about pre booking, unless you know it's their own charter flight or a budget like RyanAir or EasyJet.

If it turns out the flight is a scheduled by BA or whoever, then just look on the airline's site. But usually it's your normal 23kg allowance or whatever for hold bag, plus you get to take a ski bag and boot bag extra. In this case, just turn up at the airport with the bags.

If it's a budget airline, check the airline first for fees as the tour operator might charge extra for pre-booking over the airline's fees.

I should add that I have never I believe had a ski bag weighed, and taking a bigger bag with more items (two skis, a board, etc) is no problem. A good way with the cheapos to get someone else's gear in. Another tip is if you are thinking of changing skis out there, a bigger bag means you can carry two pairs back. Customs are non the wiser (though a good tip is to post your receipts back rather than carry them in the luggage).

Also, if you're taking skis etc and paying for them, consider a scheduled flight instead. e.g. RyanAir costs with taxes + baggage costs comes out just about the same as a scheduled BA flight, plus with BA you get free food and more comfortable seats.

P.S. Hand luggage is the one bag plus now an extra for laptops etc. Ensure you have valuable gadgets in the hand luggage, and don't store lithium batteries in the hold. I just chuck chargers and stuff in the hold with clothes but all things of value (other than skis) go in the hand luggage.

Oh and finally, with skis and boards you will be spending extra time waiting at Oversized Baggage for your stuff to come off the plain. Worth considering if time is an issue when getting out of the airport.

Re:Baggage Allowance when taking skis

Sat, 2 Feb 2008 15:26:20 GMT

I have been looking for cheap flights for March to take a late break this season and having found a few 1p flights with Ryanair, when you add items of luggage and skis, you are absolutely right, they are no cheaper than many of the other carriers.
BA in particular now seem to have good deals, the THE cheapest but certainly compeititve and free ski carriage too.
I also dont like having to fight for seats with Ryanair and Easyjet, or their weight restrictions, so depsite their claim for being the cheapest, they certainly arent the best VALUE FOR MONEY.

Think twice before booking flights.