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Info on Flying w/snowboards as Checked Baggage

126K views 198 replies 100 participants last post by  Craig64 
#1 · (Edited)
I'm constantly flying, and during Winter I take my snowboard gear along when I can. I compiled a list of the fees & restrictions for checking your snowboard in as baggage on domestic flights, for the major US airlines. It's definitely something to take into consideration when you're searching for the cheapest flights. Keep in mind that sometimes this sporting equipment will exceed the airline's max size and/or weight, so they may charge you an additional fee for that.

By the way, if you're searching for flights/hotels, Kayak is the way to go. I find it to be the best since it searches all the airlines (except Southwest) and many of the travel sites too, then sends you straight to their site to buy the ticket, without charging any fees whatsoever.

All info. is taken directly from each airlines' site, but let me know if there are any discrepancies, or if any of their pricing/policies have changed. Hope this helps!

Airlines have merged and prices have changed, so I've updated the table today (10/30/12):

 
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#36 ·
I took my board with me on SW and didnt get a fee. The board is a 166. It might have had something to do with an entire lacrosse team checking their bags infront of me so the lady felt bad for me and didnt even measure, but none the less, it was free
 
#37 ·
I try to pack as lightly as possible. One board, one pair of boots, helmet/goggles/clothes. I just don't really see the point in packing extra boards etc., my quiver is one board total.

In all my travels, I have never approached 50 lbs on the bag, it tends to weigh in around 30-35 lbs max. Also, having a airline gold card helps with the fees, I'm lucky to have one of those Star Alliance gold cards and my luggage goes free. I also carry on a backpack with most of my ski clothes, base layers, etc., so I have something to wear in case my board doesn't arrive.

In terms of lost / delayed luggage, I've had one very bad incident with US Airways (in the summer, though), and my board, if it doesn't show up at the baggage claim, is always there the next day.
 
#50 ·
I just flew US Airlines to Alaska, they charged me $75 for an "oversized bag." Many airlines are implementing "Sporting goods equipment baggage fees" and are charging a flat rate ($50-$120). I'd say the day of free baggage checking for snowboards/skis are over.
 
#40 ·
Had a pretty good experience with United. Double packed a Dakine bag with my Ride Control 162 and Atomic Radon 164, both with bindings on them.
Didn't lose anything on the way there, although one member of the party managed to lose his ski boots on the way back (got put on the flight after ours, so no biggie).

You'd expect this from a company that has a major hub in Denver though... :p
 
#44 ·
I am flying southwest to Salt lake city in early January. I have never flown with my gear before and I am really paranoid about it. My flight is from STL to SLC, with a plane change in Denver. Does a plane change increase than chance of losing you baggage. Gotta admit, I would much rather drive, but SLC is too far. It seems that airlines lose luggage way more than they should. Are large snowboard bags less prone to being lost? How have others experiences been with southwest?

Prior up in the thread, people talked about pre-shipping their gear. When doing so, who keeps track of your stuff at the destination till you arrive? I would like to look into this
 
#46 ·
My flight is from STL to SLC, with a plane change in Denver. Does a plane change increase than chance of losing you baggage. Gotta admit... Are large snowboard bags less prone to being lost? How have others experiences been with southwest?
Never had any trouble with southwest and that's usually the airline I fly going west from detroit (also Delta). Of course, any transfer of airplane will increase the probability of your luggage being mis-handled - that's justhow the math works - but I've flown all over with a board and have never lost one. YMMV :)
 
#45 ·
I have had nothing but great luck flying with my snowboard/gear on Southwest. I fly out of Dallas, with many plane changes, and have not had any trouble yet! Never done the shipping thing ... you would have to have someone agree to receive and hold your package. Hotels/resorts usually charge for the service, but call where you are planning to stay and see what their policies are.
 
#47 ·
i've flown a bunch of times, both with and without snow gear, and the only time i've had it lost was a couple years ago when vancouver got dumped on, and i'm going to say that they were a little preoccupied with trying to get the planes out of the airport. We were delayed about 9 hours and were the last flight to leave for a couple days
 
#49 ·
They definitely charge you oversized bag fees, for size and weight at the airport. the total can be rediculous sometimes. I have paid over $100 at the gate for my board bag with 2 boards bindings boots and various boarding cloths in the bag for each way. where as it would be close if not less to ship it. I am an advocate on shipping my boards before hand, I think I posted on this thread over a year ago about this so you can read the posts from then because the information was relatively fresh in my mind at the time. But what I do know is that I have traveled alot in my days and have had far to many bags lost by the airlines. 99% of the time they will find them and get them to you but it can be days or weeks sometimes before that happens. For example I went down to Cali for a wedding with my girlfriend. I ofcourse carried on all my bags she didnt listen and checked hers. well we get down there and her bag never shows up and they cant find it. All she had was the cloths on her back. She walked around cali with my big t-shirst and huge shorts for a week and had no dress or anything for the wedding, when they finally found and returned the bag it was the day before our flight home. So amagine planning a huge boarding trip, and you get there but your board boots and boarding cloths are all lost for the first 4 days of the trip. I always recommend shipping them a week in advance. You can track your shipment online and NO I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ADDITIONAL CHARGES FROM THE RESORT TO RECIEVE AND STORE MY SHIPPED BOARDS. They are very used to people doing this and many times have a locked room designated just for this where your board will be waiting for you. It also eliminates carrying that monster bag through the airport and kissing it goodbye as it goes off on the conveyor belt lol Every year when we do our out west trips all my boys are lugging around all there equiptment and I show up with a bookback ready to go hhahaha I love hearing "dammmnnnnnn man I gotta do that next time" lol
 
#56 ·
I'm flying delta in january to salt lake city...looks like the charges will be alright but nervous about damage.

from delta's site
Ski or Snowboard Equipment

If you are hitting the slopes, you can bring your ski and snowboard equipment 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), no excess size charges apply.
recommendations on leaving the bindings on or taking them off?
 
#57 ·
I'm flying delta in january to salt lake city...looks like the charges will be alright but nervous about damage.

from delta's site


recommendations on leaving the bindings on or taking them off?
I fly with a padded double board bag with 2 boards, 2 sets of bindings, boots, a helmet, lock, and tools and have never gone over 35lbs according to the scale at Southwest Airlines, so if you are worried about your binding's weight than dont worry about it.
 
#62 ·
Just want to add some info

I pack my clothing into my snowboard bag and was not charged extra leaving home via Horizon Air. On the return flight, the clerk try to charge me for oversize bag. I bring up my phone with the web page that showing snowboard bag is allowed. She accepted that but still try to charge me for extra because I have clothing in it. In the end, I was not charged. I pack very light and I could have an extra carry on bag with those clothing in it with paying extra anyway.
 
#64 ·
I don't know of any airline that will charge you for having clothing in your snowboard bag. Most are okay as long as your within the allowed measurements and weight. Weight is usually 50lbs I believe.

I made the mistake of purchasing a Burton wheelie locker thinking I would save money and hassle putting my wife's and my gear in one bag. I was wrong. The bag is a friggen tank first of all and I was still only allowed 50lbs even if it was basically a two in one. Our sis in law brought her basic snowboard bag with snowboard and all her gear in it. No extra charges.

I always hear that shipping your gear to your destination is the best route you can take. I will do that next time more than likely.
 
#71 ·
Just as an update, 7 of us flew Southwest for a trip this past week. No problems whatsoever with checking our equipment. One guy did get charged $50 for his board bag, but that's because it was a huge one with tons of gear in there, and exceeded the 50lb. limit. He was prepared for that, so no big deal.
 
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