Research from travelsupermarket.com reveals significant differences in the costs charged by airlines for transporting winter sports equipment. Some airlines, such as British Airways and Air Berlin, allow passengers to carry one pair of skis, poles and boots, or one snowboard and boots, per person without any charge. But others, particularly the no-frills airlines, make charges of up to £20 each way for a pair of skis, considerably increasing the cost of flying with the airline.
Some airlines, including Virgin Atlantic, VLM and Wizz Air, offer free carriage if the total weight of your luggage does not exceed the stated baggage allowance. But budget airline easyJet charges £15 per pair of skis or snowboard if pre-paid, or £20 if paid at the airport. Ryanair charges £15.50 if booked online or £20.50 if via its call centre or at the airport.
Bob Atkinson, travel expert from travelsupermarket.com, said: 'Holidaymakers planning to take ski equipment with them need to be aware that the airline they fly with will have a bearing on how much they can take and how much it will cost. Some airlines let you take skis and snowboards for free, some have a nominal charge and some charge each way plus excess baggage supplements. So passengers need to check how 'low-cost' their flights really are when it comes to taking their ski luggage abroad.' |
