Sussex, UK (8th January, 2013) – According to Neilson Holidays, 2012 saw an increase in bookings for ski holidays and they expect the same in 2013. In order to help keen skiers and snowboarders keep their travelling costs in check, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) has compiled a comprehensive guide to airline allowances and charges for transporting skis, boots and snow boards. The research is available in the Know Before You Go section of the website at www.aph.com/skibaggage
The table compares the allowances of 24 airlines and highlights the checked-in free baggage allowance on short and long haul flights, the cost of checking in equipment, the weight limit for each bag and any restrictions that are imposed.
In terms of complimentary baggage allowance, Emirates was found to be the most generous airline, allowing 30kg per economy ticket on long haul and short haul routes. Several airlines also allow two items weighing up to 23kg on routes to and from the US; however, seven of the airlines—including Ryanair and easyJet—do not offer free baggage allowance for items put in the hold.
With regards to the transportation of skis and snowboards, 18 of the 24 airlines surveyed allow one set of skis/snowboard and one pair of boots as part of a customer’s free baggage allowance, including Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways and Virgin. However, customers will be charged for exceeding the standard free allowance, with some airlines charging a fixed fee.
Of the other airlines surveyed, most charge a fixed fee for transportation of ski equipment. These range from £19.99 by Monarch if customers pre-pay online, to £60.00 by Ryanair if customers pay at the airport.
Some airlines also impose restrictions on the packing of skis, with Air Canada and Delta requesting that items must be suitably locked in a rigid or hard shell container. Travellers should also check which items of ski equipment may be included in the allowance. The standard allowance is one set of skis and poles or snowboard, and then one set of boots; however, some airlines—for example, Swiss Air—also include helmets.
Nick Caunter, Managing Director of APH, said: “As this year’s ski season has begun with very good snow conditions in most resorts, we were keen to provide a go-to-guide for consumers travelling abroad with ski equipment to help them understand, and perhaps avoid, extra charges.”
For more information on APH, visit www.aph.com
About APH:
Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) is the UK’s award winning long stay airport parking operator and booking agency, after winning the Best Airport Parking Company for a third consecutive year at British Travel Awards 2012. This year APH also approaches its 33rd year as a retailer and operator of pre-booked airport parking and travel extras. APH offers parking at all major UK airports as well as airport hotels packaged with parking and airport lounges. APH is also a carbon balanced company and has, through support of the World Land Trust, helped purchase more than 1,000 acres of endangered rainforest.
Contact:
Media Enquiries
Sarah Salord / Jessica Meins
McCluskey International
Airport Parking Hotels Ltd
Snowhill, Copthorne,
West Sussex, UK
Zip: RH10 3EQ
Tel: 020 8237 7979
Email: aph@mccluskey.co.uk
