Flying With Skis: Finnair Snow Team Member Shares Practical Tips for Winter Travellers
Finnair has shared advice for people flying with skis and snowboards, based on the experience of Nina Seppälä. She works as a Maintenance Planner and is an active member of the airline’s Snow Team, so she has dealt with this kind of travel often. Nina talks about the issues that usually come up during winter trips and explains how skiers can make the journey less stressful.
Book in advance
Nina says it is best to book space for skis early, as the hold has limited room on some aircraft, including ATRs and Embraers. Doing this ahead of time also helps people avoid higher charges at the airport. She also points out that the ski bag counts as special baggage and should stay within the allowed weight so that there are no extra fees later.
Pack your ski gear first
Packing for a ski trip takes space, so Nina starts with the ski gear and winter clothes and adds the rest afterwards. She says that choosing clothes that work for several days reduces how much needs to be packed. Ski boots go into the checked bag, while jackets and trousers can go into the ski bag, which also gives the skis extra padding. Keeping skis serviced before the trip means there is no need to carry tools. Anyone taking wax or similar items should look at hand-luggage limits, as some products are restricted.
Arrive at the airport early
When travelling with skis, Nina suggests arriving at the airport earlier than usual, as checking in special baggage often takes more time. At Helsinki Airport, ski bags must be taken to the special belt, and dropping bags the night before can make the morning easier. Once in the air, skiers have plenty of destinations to choose from. Lapland is a favourite for groups thanks to its wide range of winter activities, while many travellers heading to resorts in Northern Italy or France fly through Milan. Munich also offers good links to ski areas in southern Germany and Austria. Thinking ahead about transfers, whether by hire car or a booked shuttle, helps keep the journey straightforward.
These points give skiers a clearer picture of what the trip involves. When people pack with the weight limits in mind and know what the airline accepts, they are less likely to run into extra costs or long queues. Nina’s experience shows that simple actions - weighing the bag, packing with care, and reserving space for the equipment, can make a ski trip much easier to handle, especially in winter when airports are at their busiest.