Does Southwest allow ski bags as checked luggage?

Yes. Southwest accepts ski and snowboard bags as standard checked luggage. They count toward your checked bag allowance (first bag $35, second bag $45) and must meet weight limits (under 50 lbs) and size limits (under 62 linear inches to avoid oversize fees, under 80 linear inches maximum).

Do ski bags count as an oversized bag on Southwest?

Most ski bags (for skis up to about 170cm) measure around 72–80 linear inches (length + width + height) when packed. This typically exceeds the 62-inch standard limit, triggering a $200 oversize surcharge on top of the bag fee. Shorter ski bags under 62 inches avoid the oversize charge.

Can I bring skis and ski boots as two separate bags on Southwest?

Yes. Each bag is charged separately. A ski bag ($35 + likely $200 oversize = $235) and a separate boot bag ($35, under size limits) would cost $170 each way. Packing boots inside the ski bag saves the second bag fee but adds weight — make sure the combined bag stays under 50 lbs.

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Southwest Ski & Snowboard Bag Fee (2026)

Q: How much does Southwest charge for a ski bag?

Southwest charges standard checked bag fees for ski bags: $35 for the first checked bag, $45 for the second. There is no special ski equipment fee. However, if your ski bag exceeds 50 lbs you will pay a $100 overweight surcharge, and if it exceeds 62 linear inches you pay a $200 oversize surcharge.

Southwest charges standard checked bag fees for ski and snowboard equipment — no special sports surcharge. But the size of most ski bags means an oversize fee is likely. Here's what to expect.

Watch for oversize: Most ski bags for skis over 150cm measure 63+ linear inches — triggering a $200 oversize surcharge on top of the $35 bag fee. Total: $135 each way.

Ski Bag Fee Scenarios

Scenario	Bag Fee	Oversize Fee	Total Each Way
Ski bag under 62 in. & under 50 lbs (1st bag)	$35	None	$35
Ski bag 63–80 in., under 50 lbs (1st bag)	$35	+$200	$235
Ski bag 63–80 in., 51–70 lbs (1st bag)	$35	+$200 size + 00 weight	$335
Boot bag under 62 in. (2nd bag)	$45	None	$45
Ski bag + boot bag (no status)	$35 + $45	+$200 (ski bag)	$280

Typical Ski Bag Sizes vs Southwest Limits

Ski Length	Typical Bag Size	Linear Inches	Oversize?
Kids skis (~130cm)	55″ × 12″ × 4″	71 in.	Yes (+$200)
Adult skis (~160cm)	67″ × 12″ × 4″	83 in.	Yes (+$200)
Snowboard (~155cm)	64″ × 14″ × 6″	84 in.	Yes (+$200)
Boot bag only	24″ × 14″ × 10″	48 in.	No

Sizes are estimates. Measure your actual bag: length + width + height. Over 62 in. = $200 oversize fee. Over 80 in. = not accepted.

Tips to Reduce Ski Trip Bag Costs

Pack boots inside the ski bag

Combines ski bag + boot bag into one checked bag. You pay the oversize fee once ($200) instead of two separate bag fees. Watch the weight — ski + boots can easily hit 40–50 lbs.

Ship skis ahead via UPS/FedEx

For round trips, UPS door-to-door ski shipping can cost $60–$90 each way — comparable to Southwest's $135. For multiple bags or heavy skis, shipping often wins.

Rent at the resort

Ski rentals at most major resorts cost $40–$70/day. For a 3-day trip, flying with just a carry-on and renting skis locally can save $100–$200 in bag fees alone.

Use A-List Preferred status

A-List Preferred gets 2 free checked bags. The ski bag oversize fee still applies, but you save the $35/$45 base bag fee. Net: ski bag costs only $200 each way (oversize only).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Southwest charge for a ski bag?

$35 (first bag fee) + $200 (oversize fee for most ski bags over 62 linear inches) = $235 each way. Round trip: $470 for one ski bag.

Does Southwest allow ski bags?

Yes. Ski and snowboard bags are accepted as checked luggage. They count as your checked bag (fee: $35/$45) and may incur oversize fees if they exceed 62 linear inches.

Do ski bags count as oversized on Southwest?

Most do. Adult ski bags typically measure 70–85 linear inches — above the 62-inch standard threshold. This triggers a $200 oversize surcharge. Kids' ski bags may also exceed 62 inches.

Can I bring skis AND a boot bag on Southwest?

Yes, as two separate checked bags. Ski bag: $35 + $200 oversize = $235. Boot bag (under 62 in.): $45. Total: $180 each way for both bags.

Do military members pay ski bag fees on Southwest?

No. Active-duty military traveling with a valid military ID are exempt from all checked baggage fees on Southwest, including oversize surcharges. This means a ski bag that would normally cost $235 (bag fee + oversize) is free for active-duty military.

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