 Poster: A snowHead
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So I know there are a million and one threads relating to this topic broadly but having read lots of them I think I am more uncertain than beforehand! I don't fly that often have never flown with skis before.
The situation is - looking to fly (cheaply in economy) to the US from LHR with United Airlines and take full ski gear with me inc skis and boots.
Options 1:
Boots + in hand luggage
Clothes in "suitcase"
Skis in ski bag
Option 2:
Boots + in hand luggage
Skis and clothes in large ski bag.
Can anyone explain how United Airlines would charge these two options and at what stage I would need to "book" any aspect of it?
Thanks!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Ask them? or look it up in their baggage carriage conditions?
Almost certainly option 2 will be cheaper
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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When I used to fly United to the US ...I always flew
One Bag (with everthing in inc Boots)
One Ski Bag (oonly skis & poles)
This was treated as Two checked hold bags which was allowed within the weight alowance.
Only on International & Checked all the way to destination...
Traveling internal/domestic US you will pay a lot to haul ski equipment & bags.
https://www.united.com/web/en-us/content/travel/baggage/sports.aspx?POS=US
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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If possible fly with your ski boots in your carry on if you value your boots as highly as I do.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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stanton,
Most airlines (including BA & KLM for this winter) seem to have abolished the free baggage allowance.
It looks like it's £60 extra per checked in bag from now on... 
We flew from Calgary to Denver last winter with United and they charged us $30 to check in a ski bag.
We always take our boots in hand luggage anyway, plus essential ski clothes & goggles (in anticipation of our check in bag being delayed - which it has been umpteen times now, particularly when flying to the USA or Canada).
Surprise surprise- our bag was delayed for 3 days last winter between Calgary & Denver. United reimbursed us for the cost of ski rental & I also asked for (& received) the $30 baggage charge.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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@Bergmeister,
It is clearly stated by United for Coach/Economy Passengers
Your allowed "Two" hold Bags "Total weight 23kgs"
If you can include "Below" in your 1 or 2 hold Bags 23kg limitation your OK !!
Ski and Snowboard Equipment
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:
Water skis
Up to two snowboards in one bag and one snow boot 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.
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I wonder why they charged us for a ski bag? 
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| Bergmeister wrote: |
... Most airlines (including BA & KLM for this winter) seem to have abolished the free baggage allowance.
It looks like it's £60 extra per checked in bag from now on...
We flew from Calgary to Denver last winter with United and they charged us $30 to check in a ski bag.
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I think you'll find that's not true for international flights outside North America.
You definitely have to watch any internal USA flights, and it's interesting that they're treating that cross-border leg that way, but transatlantic
scheduled flights don't work that way.
Even for tourist class your 23Kgs hold baggage remains free on AC, as does an additional snowboard bag (at the right time of year), if you've got that much gear to carry.
Rather like with free beer on board, where you're flying to and from matters. I'd check what the airlines say: internet forums are almost always wrong.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@Bergmeister, Cheaper to just go to just go a buy a second hand pair of skis ..
Plenty of places in US Ski Resorts you can find a set fo $50 & either give them back or throw them in the dumpster when you leave..
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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stanton,
I've been to US ski resorts dozens of times and not yet seen skis for $50. I must have been to all the wrong places....
I think for my two week trip in February I might splash out the extra dollars and take my own skis. After all, I don't have the leather boots to fit the $50 second hand models.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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If you go on expedia or the like and look up almost any flight to/from N America you'll be offered for comparison purposes an Economy lite or similar fare without bags. Certainly the Star Alliance airlines all seem to be up to this.
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Economy Lite... 
Has a lovely marketing ring to it.
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You know it makes sense.
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If ypu can afford ridiculous lift tickets$$ food prices$$ $10 a bier in tYankeeland......just rent skis..
The US is no Budget place to ski..St Moritz is cheaper no poo-poo!!
Take me back to the 80's it was cool then no tourism
..
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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United have nearly always (got away with it once) charged me $100 each way on my flights with them. Even tried it on when I was medevaced a couple of years ago. 
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FAQ
and we are happy to pay the £60 to take a double ski bag with us.
