Travelling with skis

I was wondering how it is to travel with skis on a plane... does it cost extra? Does it count as a luggage? It just seems like such a hassle, and ski shoes are also so heavy.

laila wrote:
I was wondering how it is to travel with skis on a plane... does it cost extra? Does it count as a luggage? It just seems like such a hassle, and ski shoes are also so heavy.

You pay an extra carriage charge for skis which includes your'e boots, it's part and parcel of a ski holiday, cost wise it is cheaper to take your'e own then to hire a similar quality product 8)

Laila
Can't get away with it these days as all of the airlines charge for ski carriage, nominally around £20. On the positive side when you get to resort you are good to go.

Finn

I think Swiss Air are still carrying Skis for free, if that helps.

There is not usually too much hassle taking your own. As long as you can get the Skis (properly packed of course) to the airport easily, then they are usually just booked in at check-in and often left in a special drop zone. Then you simply collect them on arrival at the destination airport and load them up on your transfer vehicle. They will be expecting people to bring their own Skis, so will have suitable areas for the the transfer.

If you have your own comfy boots, it's always worth taking them, surely you can get them in hold baggage. For all the hassle of carrying your own ski's, the cost, checking them in at the outsize counter at departure airport, picking them up at the destination airport, along with all the other passengers who want to take their own, it's really worth considering hiring in resort and there are usually discounts to be had. Also, dependant on the standard of ski's you hire, don't forget that you will probably be able to change ski's if you fancy it. All Austrian hire shops I've ever used have been really accommodating, and of course you won't have servicing costs, or the worry of ruining your own ski's if the slope is a bit bare. Last Xmas I hired VIP standard ski's for around £70. Euro rate was good, (bad, dependant on your point of view) and I hired in UK online. I swapped them twice and the second pair were brand new.

)

laila wrote:
I was wondering how it is to travel with skis on a plane... does it cost extra? Does it count as a luggage? It just seems like such a hassle, and ski shoes are also so heavy.

Depends who you fly with. Swiss are the only major carrier who dont charge. Tour Op holidays may charge you but the airline you fly with probably wont.... Ryanair and Easyjet do charge.

You are normally allowed a luggage allowance and then a ski carriage price based on certain restrictions, which may be size, number of skis or weight. Be careful as some airlines will take the opportunity to fleece you for more money if you exceed their restrictions.

If you have your own, take them with you and enjoy. Otherwise, whats the point?
Pack your boots in your suitcase too.

Trans-Atlantic is still (mostly) two 50lb checked bags. Skis would count as one of those bags. One less cost for a N America trip.

Trencher

Go by train. Ski carriage is free!