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Flying British Airways with skis 2026/27: free ski bags, boots and helmets
All your British Airways ski travel questions are answered in 1 place
Dreaming of snowy slopes and carving fresh tracks? If you're planning a ski getaway with British Airways, we've got you covered on the nitty-gritty details of getting your ski equipment on board.
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British Airways ski rules 2026/27 at a glance
- Skis are free if they’re your checked bag: a ski bag counts as one bag in your allowance (23kg in Economy, on fares that include a bag).
- Size: up to 190 x 75 x 65cm.
- Heavy bags: 23kg to 32kg costs £65 per bag, per one-way journey. Nothing over 32kg.
- Tell BA when you book, and drop your skis off at least 2 hours before a short-haul flight.
- Boots: in your ski bag, or as your cabin bag. You can’t board wearing them!
Last checked: 8 November 2026, on BA’s sports equipment page.
1. British Airways ski baggage allowance
First up: cabin bags. With British Airways you can take a small handbag or laptop bag (40 x 30 x 15cm) plus a larger cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25cm) for the overhead locker. BA doesn’t set a weight limit, but you need to be able to lift your bag into the locker yourself.
Here’s where BA is great for skiers: if your fare includes a checked bag (23kg on Economy and Premium Economy fares with a bag), your ski bag can be that bag, free of charge. Just watch out for Economy Basic (hand baggage only) fares, which don’t include any checked bags.
If you’re taking skis as well as a suitcase, or you’re on a hand-baggage-only fare, you’ll pay the normal extra-bag price, which varies by route and is cheaper if you add it online before you fly.
2. British Airways ski bag size and weight
Your ski bag needs to be within 190 x 75 x 65cm to count as a normal checked bag. Use a proper ski or snowboard bag, and pack your poles in with your skis.
If your ski bag weighs more than 23kg, you’ll pay a heavy bag fee of £65 (€75) per bag, per one-way journey, and no bag can weigh more than 32kg. A 23kg ski bag usually has plenty of room for a couple of pairs of skis, especially if some are kids’ skis.
3. Ski boots and helmets on British Airways
Ski boots: BA says you can pack your boots (and ski clothes) in your ski bag. Or you can carry them on board in a boot bag, as your larger cabin bag, as long as it fits the 56 x 45 x 25cm size. If they don’t fit, they’ll be checked in as an extra bag and charged. And no, you can’t board wearing your ski boots!
Helmets: yes, you can take your ski helmet in your hand luggage. Airlines don’t really advertise it, but I’ve travelled with my helmet in my hand luggage for years. The catch: it’s not a free extra item, like a coat. It has to fit inside your hand baggage allowance (one handbag plus one cabin bag) and count towards it. Clip it to the outside of your bag or carry it separately and you can get caught out at the gate and charged. Or pack it in your ski bag with your boots.
4. Tell BA and get there early
BA asks you to let them know you’re travelling with sports equipment when you book (and at least 72 hours before you fly). At the airport, drop your skis at the oversized baggage belt at least 2 hours before a short-haul flight (3 hours for long-haul).
5. What is the British Airways sustainability commitment?
Like most airlines, BA has committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, with a big focus on sustainable aviation fuel. It doesn’t automatically offset your flight’s emissions, but it does point you to options if you want to. You can read more about the BA sustainability policy here.
That’s La Plagne and flying British Airways with ski gear
So there you have it, the ins and outs of flying with your ski gear on British Airways. Now, all that's left to do is hit the slopes and relish in the thrill of a ski adventure like no other.
Safe travels, and see you on the slopes!
British Airways ski flight FAQs
Does British Airways charge for skis?
Not if your skis are your checked bag. A ski bag up to 23kg and 190 x 75 x 65cm counts as one bag in your allowance. If it’s an extra bag, or you’re on a hand-baggage-only fare, you pay the normal extra-bag price.
What if my BA ski bag is over 23kg?
You’ll pay a heavy bag fee of £65 per bag, per one-way journey, and no bag can weigh over 32kg.
Can I take ski boots on British Airways as hand luggage?
Yes, in a boot bag as your larger cabin bag, as long as it fits 56 x 45 x 25cm. Or pack them in your ski bag.
Do I need to tell BA I’m taking skis?
Yes. BA asks you to tell them when you book, and to drop your skis off at least 2 hours before a short-haul flight.
Read these articles for more ski flight help
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