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Traveling with skis / Alaskan Airlines

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Dub_Digital
Posts: 2794 - Karma: 636
I've searched a lot but wondering if anyone has experience flying Alaskan the last year.

On their site it says they don't charge more for ski bags ($30 a bag) However, it says skis and poles only and any clothes it will be charged as luggage ($100) ....after searching reddit a lot of people say they dont care as long as its under 50 pounds

Also it's unclear, but on their site it makes it sound like you can also check a boot bag for free with your skis?

Was planning on flying the "saver" option not sure if thatsa bust or not

Anyone have clarification on this?
Oct 25 2021 2:23PM
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animator
Posts: 4557 - Karma: 26,303
Dub_DigitalI've searched a lot but wondering if anyone has experience flying Alaskan the last year.

On their site it says they don't charge more for ski bags ($30 a bag) However, it says skis and poles only and any clothes it will be charged as luggage ($100) ....after searching reddit a lot of people say they dont care as long as its under 50 pounds

Also it's unclear, but on their site it makes it sound like you can also check a boot bag for free with your skis?

Was planning on flying the "saver" option not sure if thatsa bust or not

Anyone have clarification on this?


If I ever have any doubts ab flying a new airline I always call and ask for clarification. Their rules are constantly ebbing and flowing depending on traffic, number of bags, stuff like that. Definitely worth calling and double checking because one person may have a certain experience but yours could be totally different. That way also, if you get to the airport and they tell you something else, you can say that you spoke directly to customer service rather than a friend or someone else. Good luck!
Oct 25 2021 2:33PM
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jompcock
Posts: 1560 - Karma: 11,629
I always would wrap my clothes around my skis as padding but have never had to argue with an airline over it. Never flown Alaskan though.
Oct 25 2021 2:40PM
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eheath
Posts: 61710 - Karma: 124,283
I'm assuming if its not overweight they won't care. I always put extra shit in my ski bag on Delta.
Oct 25 2021 2:49PM
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Funnel
Posts: 7817 - Karma: 1,537
I’ve flown Alaska more times than I can count with 2 pairs of skis in a single bag and plenty of other crap jammed in there. As long as you’re under 50lbs you’re good.

Most airlines do seem to count boot bag and ski bag as a single piece of luggage but they likely weigh them together. I’ve never checked my boot bag so can’t confirm.
Oct 25 2021 9:13PM
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JLej
Posts: 114 - Karma: 476
I flew to Anchorage with Air Alaska in March with a pair of skis. it was super easy , i just showed up to the airport with the bag and got it checked in. I forget if it was free or just super cheap. I put my boots in my suitcase. In anchorage on the way back the security guy was really pressing me if I had a gun in my ski bag though. Must be an Alaska thing.
Oct 25 2021 11:34PM
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CabbyArrant
Posts: 780 - Karma: 4,128
Love flying southwest with skis. They make that shit easy
Oct 25 2021 11:34PM
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Jerry.at.tricks
Posts: 342 - Karma: -780
I live in Juneau. Alaska doesn’t care about anything except for weight. Put as much shit in the bag as you want as long as it’s under 50lbs. Oh and don’t come to eaglecrest this winter the skiing sucks and the girls are ugly.
Oct 26 2021 1:57PM
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Dub_Digital
Posts: 2794 - Karma: 636
Thanks for the answers, kind of what I figured. I did call but you just get a list of their policies.

Anyone ever fly the "saver" option via alaskan? seems legit , seems like the only downside might be carry on/overhead space, but I was planning on packing the carry on pretty light small enough to fit under a seat
Oct 27 2021 11:56PM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,681
If you’re bringing luggage don’t ever fly the cheapest rate. Also don’t fly southwest. Avoid deal hunting on third part sites as well unless you can verify the fare class on your ticket.

in general don’t fly southwest.
Oct 28 2021 12:53AM
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Dub_Digital
Posts: 2794 - Karma: 636
cobra_commanderIf you’re bringing luggage don’t ever fly the cheapest rate. Also don’t fly southwest. Avoid deal hunting on third part sites as well unless you can verify the fare class on your ticket.

in general don’t fly southwest.


Why not go for the cheapest?
Oct 29 2021 10:49AM
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TheDriftingDad
Posts: 151 - Karma: 922
I would bring my boots on the plane with your helmet, I have a boot bag specifically for this. You should be able to bring a backpack and then the boots as a "personal item" that way even if your skis are lost then you can rent or buy skis so you don't ruin your trip. I would rather rent/buy skis instead of boots
Oct 29 2021 11:41AM
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,681
Dub_DigitalWhy not go for the cheapest?

1) don’t be a poor
2) generally, nothing is included, you often don’t earn miles, and aren’t eligible for an upgrade. You’ll get charged for things you need on a ski trip - each carry on, every checked bag, etc. you’ll end up spending about as much if you just bought a normal economy ticket but get to be shoved in the back of the plane with no overhead space.
3) don’t be a poor.

basic economy is ok if you need to make a short jump where you don’t need to bring anything which can’t fit in a small backpack/laptop bag. Basically flying under 2 hrs for a quick event and returning same day or next day.
Oct 29 2021 2:50PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24730 - Karma: 29,998
I have flown on AK airlines at least 3 times with skis and loaded the bag with clothes and boots and shit and they didnt care.
Oct 29 2021 3:13PM
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DesertStix
Posts: 2540 - Karma: 14,985
Lol wtf just flew SWA last weekend with skis. Sat at the front of the plane and redeemed miles so it cost me nothing even with my skis. Not poor but probably heading in that direction after my child is born…
cobra_commander1) don’t be a poor
2) generally, nothing is included, you often don’t earn miles, and aren’t eligible for an upgrade. You’ll get charged for things you need on a ski trip - each carry on, every checked bag, etc. you’ll end up spending about as much if you just bought a normal economy ticket but get to be shoved in the back of the plane with no overhead space.
3) don’t be a poor.

basic economy is ok if you need to make a short jump where you don’t need to bring anything which can’t fit in a small backpack/laptop bag. Basically flying under 2 hrs for a quick event and returning same day or next day.
Oct 29 2021 3:17PM
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Dub_Digital
Posts: 2794 - Karma: 636
cobra_commander1) don’t be a poor
2) generally, nothing is included, you often don’t earn miles, and aren’t eligible for an upgrade. You’ll get charged for things you need on a ski trip - each carry on, every checked bag, etc. you’ll end up spending about as much if you just bought a normal economy ticket but get to be shoved in the back of the plane with no overhead space.
3) don’t be a poor.

basic economy is ok if you need to make a short jump where you don’t need to bring anything which can’t fit in a small backpack/laptop bag. Basically flying under 2 hrs for a quick event and returning same day or next day.


I think the only thing that would really matter to me would maybe be overhead space. But I’m hoping to just have a small backpack with some vitals that can fit under the seat ahead of me.

What exactly do they charge more for if you don’t have economy? I’m just checking 1 ski bag which should be the same price either way right?
Oct 29 2021 3:49PM
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Flacker
Posts: 595 - Karma: 1,461
As long as it’s under 50 pounds your solid g Alaska is the shit your skis usually get boarded first and out last
Oct 30 2021 6:32PM
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