this is the stupidest thing I have ever heard. Ski boots do not cost anything to get on a plane. If you show up to the counter and check your skis/boots/poles in three separate bags they still count it as one. About ever airline has a regulated luggage section on their website. They ALL count skis as "one set of skis, poles and boots" as a "set of skis". If you wear your boots onto the plane you are a fucking retard. Your friends are all idiots.
I sell lodging to people from all over the world to a very large ski resort and I have NEVER even had someone ask this question. I have answered the question "where do you put the moguls in the summer" but I have never heard of " should I wear my boots on the plane".
Good luck with life.