Cost to check a ski on United?

[Slalom.Steve]

I'm flying on United to Florida next month for ski school. Typically United charges a $200 oversize fee for a checked back over 63 linear inches (sum of L,W,H). But am I correct in reading United's "Sport Equipment" section that I won't be charged an oversize bag fee as long as my bag only contains ski gear and isn't over 50 lbs (even though it's close to 100 linear inches)?

And even if that's supposed to be true, does anyone have direct experience whether they actually honor that or if it's a hassle?

[6balls]

It wasn't united from MSP but I only had to pay standard bag fee--they asked at check in what was in there and I told them skis.  Jim had tons of biz miles and thus was a first-class guy.  One year he had so many miles he covered me in first-class--bags are free regardless.   I think you are fine as is it will be std bags.

If they hit you with $200 you may as well upgrade to first class and let the bag be free--it's a wash but you get warm towels, better food and free drinks!   

[Mastercrafter]

Another option is slap a UPS label on a Sport Tube and send it ground. I did that to FL and back and it was about the same cost (~$65) as what Spirit wanted, less hassle through the airport, etc. 

[jgills88]

I've flown United with 3-event bags as my checked luggage a couple of times over the years. I've never had to pay an oversize bag fee, and typically it's hassel free. Most recently (last August), I had a bit of resistance, but after some polite conversation it was all figured out. Just make sure to have the policy up and ready on your phone just incase you get any push back. 

[skihacker]

It's been many years but on one trip my ski went free on the way down to fl and charged 200 on the way back, same airline, just happen to be the wrong counter worker, my cfo (wife) got our money back later. Read and print the policy ahead of time became our rule. 

[ProStah_Skiah]

I've flown with my waterski & equipment in a SportTube various times on United, American, JetBlue and Frontier. Always been considered "sports equipment" & never been questioned, hassled or charged extra at check-in. It mostly leads to interesting conversations when I tell them it's a waterski as they are assuming it's snow skis.

[UWSkier]

flown on UA with my ski dozens of times.  Just tell them it's skis and they send them right through.  Just counts as one of your checked bags.  And keep it under 50 lbs.

[dave2ball]

@SlalomSteve I recently flew delta and united air. I was charged 30.00 for one bag which was my ski and did not have an issue.  

[VermontSkier]

Flew on United this April with both my water ski and alpine skis (great trip to California!) and even utilized their free boot bag policy. Maybe consider removing your bindings and throwing them in another bag as a boot bag and stuff clothes in there as well to pack light! 

[vtmecheng]

Flew united to Colorado this winter for snow skiing. So long as it’s sports equipment and not over 50 lbs, cost is the same as a normal checked bag.

[jedgell]

I’ve flown with my ski a lot. Just tell them it’s skis(alpine), just a standard bag fee for skis. Since alpine skis are regularly checked in it’s not a problem. I’ve had an issue when I told them it was a waterski, mostly because they aren’t familiar with it and wanted to charge the over size fee. 

[ETskier]

I flew a lot before retiring during Covid. Back then golf clubs went free. I just put Titleist stickers on my sport tube.  

[Zoro957]

My suggestion is to print out that section of their rules and bring it with you.  It shuts down arguments at check in.  I have done that in the past and it works.