So – you have the time off, the money saved, and you’re ready to explore the world and have a winter adventure…
The first thing to start researching when buying a ticket is BAGGAGE POLICIES (yes – I know, not the funnest part of the adventure but it is a necessary evil). Luckily, I’ve taken most of the pain out of the research. I’ve created a list of that’s is broken down into each airline. You’ll find information on checked baggage, overweight and oversized baggage, along with information on traveling with skis and snowboards. You’ll also find a link from our sponsor with a coupon code for your next purchase.
AIRLINE
1ST BAG
Overweight
Overweight
Oversized
Oversized
Bag Fee
Bag Fee
Bag Fee
Bag Fee
(50 – 70 lbs)
(71 – 99 lbs)
(62² – 80² )
(63² – 175² )
3RD – 5TH
2ND BAG
BAG
$225 for each AIR CANADA
Free
$70
additional
Contact
$100
$100
airlines
bag
Contact airlines
SPECIAL INFORMATION: CHECKED BAGGAGE
Please arrive at the airport at least 120 minutes before departure if checking additional bags, or overweight or oversized pieces. Because passengers are considered unknown shippers for cargo purposes, Air Canada Cargo can ship only cats and dogs from or via the U.S. For any other type of shipment, please contact another shipping company. Do not wrap bungee cords, ties or straps around baggage.
SPORTS EQUIPMENT INFORMATION:
Sports equipment bags and cases can’t contain clothing or other personal items. They must be used only to carry sports equipment. General allowances: Any sports item (including helmet, skates, slalom) that is checked in separately will count as one piece of checked baggage. Ski boots are the only exception (see details below). If your baggage count (item of sports equipment + number of other bags to be checked) exceeds the maximum number of items allowed by your fare type, additional checked baggage charges will apply. All other additional checked baggage rules apply, unless otherwise indicated below. Ski or snowboard boot bag: One boot bag is permitted per passenger and won’t count as a piece of checked baggage if: it’s carried along with skis or snowboard and it contains only boots. A boot bag will count as a separate piece of checked baggage if: it contains – or is designed to contain – other items, or it’s not carried along with a snowboard or set of skis. If brought on board as carry-on baggage, ski and snowboard boots must be carried and remain in the boot bag at all times. Skis (including poles): One or more sets of skis (snow or water) carried together in the same container count as one piece of checked baggage. See exception at top of Ski and Snowboard section. Skis and poles must be packed in a rigid and/or hard shell case specifically designed for shipping. If carried separately, a set of ski poles will count as one piece of checked baggage. No oversize charge applies to skis. But, any overweight charges will apply See ski boot bag information above. Snowboards: One snowboard counts as one piece of checked baggage. See exception at top of Ski and Snowboard section. The snowboard must be packed in a rigid and/or hard shell case specifically designed for shipping. No oversize charge applies to snowboards.
AIRLINE
1ST BAG
2ND BAG
Overweight Bag
Overweight Bag
Oversized Bag
Fee
Fee
Fee
(50 – 70 lbs)
(71 – 100 lbs)
(63² – 115² )
$75
$75
$75
3RD – 5TH BAG
$75 FOR EACH Alaska Air
$25
$25
ADDITIONAL BAG
SPECIAL INFORMATION: CHECKED BAGGAGE EXCEPTIONS TO STANDARD BAGGAGE CHARGES During peak travel periods, we may limit the number of bags that can be checked per passenger. ² We will accept your checked bags at the airport from 4 hours before your flight time until approximately 1 hour before your flight time.
SPORTS EQUIPMENT INFORMATION SKI & SNOWBOARD INFO For these sports-equipment types, you may check the following multiple pieces as one checked piece. Unless otherwise noted, all standard, overweight, and oversize fees apply. Refer to our Checked baggage page for more information about these fees. Refer to our checked baggage policy for checked piece, overweight, and oversize charges. Skis/snowboards 1 piece of ski/snowboard equipment is defined as 1 pair of skis with poles or 1 snowboard, plus 1 boot/helmet bag. If boots/helmet are checked in a bag that also contains clothing or additional items, standard checked baggage fees will apply to the bag. Ski/snowboard equipment may exceed 62² (linear), without incurring an oversize fee.
AIRLINE
1ST BAG
AMERICAN
2ND BAG
$25
AIRLINES
3RD BAG
$35
Oversized
Bag Fee
Bag Fee
(71 – 100 lbs)
(62² – 126² )
$200
$200
Overweight Bag Fee
4TH BAG
$150
Overweight
(51 – 70 lbs)
$200
$100
SPECIAL INFORMATION: CHECKED BAGGAGE Fees and seasonal limitations vary by destination. Contact Reservations for help and to make sure your oversize baggage will fit on the plane. Also, more than one fee may apply to a bag. For example, the checked bag fee + oversize fee + overweight fee. WE DO NOT ACCEPT CHECKED BAGS OVER 126² (INCHES). WE DO NOT ACCEPT CHECKED BAGS OVER 100 POUNDS. We calculate the size limits of your bag by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, length + width + height. For all regions, your checked baggage allowance is: Dimension: 62 in Weight: 50 lbs For First / Business Class and Brazil, weight is 70 lbs
SPORTS EQUIPMENT INFORMATION: SKI & SNOWBOARD INFO Special rules, exceptions and packing instructions apply to specialty items. The maximum weight and size for all items is 100 lbs and 126 inches (length + width + height). If your equipment exceeds allowances, contact a freight forwarder. All baggage fees are non-refundable and apply per person, each way. Overweight and/or oversize charges may apply. When traveling domestically with any sports equipment, there are specific rules you need to be aware of. From size and weight requirements to cost, here’s everything you need to know. ALLOWANCES & REQUIREMENTS: You can travel with: 1 pair of skis or a snowboard 1 bag containing a pair of ski or snowboard boots You cannot travel with lighters or torches for applying ski wax. You’ll be charged the checked bag fee of your destination and the following items will be treated as a single item: 1 pair of skis A snowboard 1 boot bag with only boots/bindings, helmet and life preserver Your boot bag can be up to 45 inches (length + width + height) and must contain only boots/bindings, helmet and life preserver. If you put anything else in your boot bag, you’ll have to pay an excess baggage fee. You may be asked to open your bag at the airport. When you’re traveling to, through or from Brazil, once you’ve used your free bag allowance, your ski equipment will cost $28.05. Maximum Weight & Size: One pair of skis/snowboard up to 126 inches and one boot bag containing boots/bindings only and not to exceed 45 inches (length + width + height). We will only be liable for any damage to sports equipment if: They are in hard-sided case The outside of the case is visibly damaged
AIRLINE
1ST BAG
2ND BAG
4TH – 1OTH
3RD BAG
Overweight Bag
Overweight
Oversized Bag
Fee
Bag Fee
Fee
(51 – 70 lbs)
(71 – 100 lbs)
(63² – 80² )
$100
$200
$200
BAG
$200 FOR DELTA
$25
$35
EACH
$150
ADDITIONAL BAG
SPECIAL INFORMATION: EXCESS BAGGAGE FEES Delta does not currently accept cash as a form of payment for transactions and checked bag fees at Las Vegas (LAS) and Portland, OR (PDX). Customers without an accepted form of payment may elect to purchase a Visa gift pre-paid credit payment card from a kiosk provided by a third party vendor for a nominal fee. Size & Weight Restrictions To avoid extra charges for oversize or overweight baggage, your checked bag must: weigh 50 pounds (23 kg) or less not exceed 62 inches (157 cm) when you total length + width + height Bags exceeding 100 lbs. (45.36 kg) are not allowed. Bags larger than 80 inches (203 cm) are not allowed.
SPORTS EQUIPMENT INFORMATION Ski or Snowboard Equipment Ski and snowboard equipment are allowed as checked baggage. One ski/pole bag or one snowboard bag and one boot bag is accepted per person. The combined weight of the ski/snowboard bag and the boot bag may not exceed 50 lbs. or excess weight charges will apply. Linear dimensions may exceed 80 inches (203 cm) without excess size charges. All standard baggage charges apply.
AIRLINE
1ST BAG
JETBLUE
3RD
2ND BAG
$25
Overweight Bag Fee
OR MORE BAGS
(63² – 80² )
(51 – 99 lbs)
$100 FOR EACH
$35
Oversized Bag Fee
$100
ADDITIONAL BAG
$100
SPECIAL INFORMATION CHECKED BAGGAGE We offer fare options that include different numbers of checked bags. Should your plans change after booking a particular fare, bags may be checked online or at the airport for additional fees. Checked bags that exceed 62² (157.48 cm) in overall dimensions (length + width + height) or exceed 50 pounds (22.68 kg) will also incur a fee. Please note: Boxes will not be accepted as checked baggage on international flights.
SPORTS EQUIPMENT INFORMATION SKI & SNOWBOARD INFO Ski and snowboard equipment are accepted on flights EXCEPT flights to/from the Dominican Republic. There is no additional charge for ski and snowboard equipment; however, one item of equipment will count as one of your checked bags. Skis and snowboards are exempt from the standard size requirements (62²) but should still follow weight and other equipment guidelines. One item of ski equipment is considered: One pair of skis, with one pair of ski boots and one pair of ski poles. (Please note: ski boots, if packed separately from skiing equipment, must be in a ski boot bag to be considered part of the one piece of checked baggage) or; One snowboard, with one pair of snowboard boots. (Please note: snowboard boots, if packed separately from snowboarding equipment, must be in a snow boot bag to be considered part of the one piece of checked baggage). Also note, customers will be charged an excess baggage fee if the snowboard exceeds our checked baggage weight requirements. The equipment must be checked in at the ticket counter. All ski or snowboard equipment must be in a sturdy container for protection since we do not provide ski boxes.
AIRLINE
1ST BAG
2ND BAG
EACH ADDITIONAL
Overweight Bag Fee
Oversized Bag Fee
BAG
(51 – 100 lbs)
(63² – 80² )
$75
$75
$75 FOR EACH SOUTHWEST
FREE
FREE
ADDITIONAL BAG
SPECIAL INFORMATION: CHECKED BAGGAGE Weight & Size Allowance: Southwest will accept the first two checked bags for free provided that the bags do not exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches (L+W+H). Overweight items from 51 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be accepted for a charge of $75.00 per item one-way. Only one $75.00 charge applies if the piece is both oversized and overweight, regardless of the weight as long as it does not exceed 100 lbs. Excess baggage which is also overweight or oversized will be charged excess baggage plus the applicable oversize or overweight charge. Any item weighing more than 100 pounds must be shipped as Air Cargo. However, Customers cannot use SWA Cargo unless classified as a Known Shipper as defined by the TSA or TSA approved Indirect Air Carriers (IAC). For full details about shipping cargo, visit www.swacargo.com. Exception: Military Passengers traveling on active duty or permanent change of station orders will be exempt from the two-piece Baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight Baggage charges, provided that none of the pieces of Baggage exceeds 100 pounds in weight and 80 inches in size (L+W+H). Liability: Southwest Airlines’ liability for lost, damaged, or delayed baggage is limited to $3,500.00 per fare-paying customer. Claims: Damaged or lost baggage must be reported, in person, within four hours of Customer’s arrival at destination. Late Check-In: When checking baggage, allow sufficient time for it to be placed on your flight. Baggage checked at curbside or at the ticket counter less than 45 minutes before scheduled departure will be tagged with a Late Check-In Tag.
SPORTS EQUIPMENT INFORMATION SKI & SNOWBOARD INFO Snow ski equipment, including skis or snowboards, ski boots, and ski poles: including one pair of skis or one snowboard, one set of poles, and one pair of ski/snowboard boots encased in a container(s) acceptable to Carrier. When substituting ski equipment for a free bag, Southwest Airlines allows up to two bags (containing one set of snow skis, ski poles, and ski boots) to count as one item, even if they are packed and tagged separately. Note: Snow ski equipment will not be subject to excess size charges. However, excess weight charges may apply.
AIRLINE
1ST
OVERWEIGHT
OVERWEIGHT
OVERWEIGHT
OVERSIZED
BAGS
BAGS
BAGS
BAGS
(41 -50 lbs)
(51 – 70 lbs)
3RD – 5TH
2ND BAG
BAG
BAG
OVERSIZED SPECIAL ITEMS THAT
(63² – 80² )
EXCEED 80²
(71 – 100 lbs) SPIRIT DURING BOOKING AT
$30
$40
$50
$30
$55
$100
$100
$150
$40
$50
$95
$30
$55
$100
$100
$150
$100
$100
$100
$30
$55
$100
$100
$150
SPIRIT.COM SPIRIT ONLINE CHECKIN (BEFORE/AFTER) RESERVATION CENTER
SPIRIT GATE
SPECIAL INFORMATION CHECKED BAGGAGE One personal item that fits in the smaller sizer box (like a small backpack) is included with your ticket (Bare Fare™). Another personal item or anything larger like a standard carry-on or checked bag will need to be paid for. PRO TIP: If you know you’re going to need a carry-on or a checked bag, buy it right when you book your flight to save major moola. Remember: You can bring one personal item and bring items like an umbrella, camera, infant diaper bag, assistive devices, outer garments (e.g., coats, hats and wraps), reading material and food for the flight for no additional charge. In some cases wheelchairs, car seats and strollers may be checked or carried on free of charge.
SPORTS EQUIPMENT INFORMATION: SKI & SNOWBOARD INFO Can I bring my skis on my trip? You betcha! Put them in a bag and get ready to hit the slopes, or the lake. Ski equipment (water or snow) is charged as a standard checked bag. Please be mindful that ski equipment over 40 pounds (18.1 kg) is considered overweight and costs more, so save by keeping your bag light. A limited liability release will need to be signed when traveling with skis or snowboards. CUSTOMER SERVICE CONTACT INFORMATION (I tried to find the link for this release form and could not find one. I called the Customer Service line to see if they could direct me to where I can find it to print out ahead… Customer Service advised to wait until you reach the airport to fill this out – you can call the airport that you are flying out of and check to see what the procedure is. Good Luck!!)
AIRLINE
1ST BAG
2ND BAG
3RD
Overweight Bag
Overweight Bag
Oversized Bag
OR MORE
Fee
Fee
Fee
BAGS
(51 – 70 lbs)
(71 – 100 lbs)
(63² – 115² )
$100
$200
$200
$150 FOR EACH UNITED
$25
$35
ADDITIONAL BAG
SPECIAL INFORMATION CHECKED BAGGAGE BAGGAGE FACTS Make sure to check your bag in time Go to the Check-in and Airport Processing Times page to see the cut-off time for checking baggage at your departure airport. Please keep in mind that we can’t check your baggage if you do not meet these specified times. Keep your claim check You will receive a claim check (a type of receipt) for each checked bag. Please keep these claim checks until you collect all of your checked baggage at the end of your travel. Review the baggage process for any connecting flights United checks bags between the origin and destination stated on the ticket. See Connecting Flights information below.
SPORTS EQUIPMENT INFORMATION SKI & SNOWBOARD INFO United accepts one item of ski or snowboard equipment per customer as checked baggage. Equipment must be securely encased in a suitable container. An item of ski equipment consists of: Up to two snowboards in one bag. Up to two pairs of snow skis and associated equipment in one bag and one ski boot bag. If the combined weight of the ski bag and boot bag is over 50 pounds (23 kg), applicable overweight charges apply. A boot bag without an accompanied ski bag is considered one bag and normal baggage fees apply. First or second checked bag service charges may apply. Ski equipment in addition to the baggage allowance will be assessed at the current excess baggage charge for a single piece, whether or not it is presented as a single piece. Ski and boot bags weighing more than 50 pounds (23 kg) that contain other items in addition to or in place of appropriate ski equipment will be subject to the applicable overweight checked baggage service charge. United is not liable for damage to water ski, snow ski, or snowboard equipment. Excess Valuation may not be purchased for water ski, snow ski, or snowboard equipment.
AIRLINE
VIRGINAMERICA
1ST BAG
2ND BAG
3RD – 10TH BAGS
Overweight Bag
Overweight Bag
Oversized Bag
Fee
Fee
Fee
(51 – 70 lbs)
(71 – 100 lbs)
(63² – 80² )
$50
$100
$75
$25 FOR EACH $25
$25
ADDITIONAL BAG
SPECIAL INFORMATION CHECKED BAGGAGE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS At Virgin America, we allow you to bring a lot, and at very reasonable rates! All checked bags may have a maximum size of 62 inches, which is calculated by adding the length plus the width plus the height. Checked bags can be purchased when booking online or via the Contact Center, at check-in and at the airport. Oversized bags and overweight bags will incur additional fees. We require the guest’s name and contact information be displayed on the outside of each checked bag. Please note checked baggage cannot exceed 80 linear inches and any bag weighing more than 100lbs/45kg will not be accepted for check in at the airport.
SPORTS EQUIPMENT INFORMATION: SKI & SNOWBOARD INFO If you’re catching big fish in the Puget Sound, or aiming for a hole-in-one at Bethpage, we can help get your equipment there. The following items are considered within the checked baggage policy so long as they meet the limitations below: Ski equipment, subject to the liability requirements. Skis, poles and boots or a snowboard and boots must be enclosed in a single container or travel bag.
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