Checking boot bag on direct flight?

[Abbi]

@Ski Sine Fine I had run-ins w American Airlines agents being real sticklers that *ONLY boots & helmet* can go in the " free" boot bag, so I gave up that idea and just do the big bag (which usually just scrapes by under 50lbs packed.)

That’s interesting about American Airlines. I guess now I will ask if anyone has ever gotten pushback from Southwest for not having boots in the “boot“ bag? Before the pandemic, my boots and skis went together, Boot bag and ski tube. I did have one trip where my Sunday flight was canceled so I went out first thing Monday morning. The flight got changed at the airport or actually in the air. As it turned out I could have made the flight they said I wouldn’t make as it was leaving or close to leaving as I was in the airport. I rescheduled and had to take a two stop flight to get there. My skis and boots had arrived from the first flight and gone through as should have been scheduled! They had been sitting in the Southwest unclaimed baggage area for about three hours!

now I’m a little more concerned since I can’t imagine skiing in boots outside of the ones custom fitted for my crappy feet! On the other hand, I’m also a little concerned with a mostly rehabbed, torn rotator cuff about getting boots in the roll-on up over my head!

 

[Amie H]

@Abbi TWICE the AA agents at bag drop hassled me about boot bag contents! But this was maybe 4 years ago? Now all they seem to care about are batteries.

I had the same thing happen where my bags arrived before I did when I flew home from Denver in November. My skis were on my flight but my big bag was on another.

 

[marzNC]

On the other hand, I’m also a little concerned with a mostly rehabbed, torn rotator cuff about getting boots in the roll-on up over my head!

One of the things I like about Southwest is that the other passengers are typically friendly and helpful when it comes to dealing with my boot suitcase. Rarely have to put it up or take it down myself. The flight attendants are helpful too but not always close enough depending on when I board.

 

[lisamamot]

@DebbieSue I'd like to hear more about the boot bag w a laptop sleeve?? I think something like that would be useful for me in certain situations.

My wheeled overhead worthy carry-on that I put my boots/ski gear in has a hidden laptop compartment. I put my work laptop in there and then pull it out as needed.

 

[Amie H]

@lisamamot that sounds cool for certain types of trips I take. What brand/model is it?

 

[Ski Sine Fine]

I feel like there’s something unspoken here. I have not found a boot bag that can also fit a helmet that meets most airline’s carryon dimensions. My helmet has to be part of my personal item.

 

[lisamamot]

I feel like there’s something unspoken here. I have not found a boot bag that can also fit a helmet that meets most airline’s carryon dimensions. My helmet has to be part of my personal item.

I clip it to the outside and then put it under the seat. Frankly I would wear mine as a hat if needed, lol.

 

[TNtoTaos]

I feel like there’s something unspoken here. I have not found a boot bag that can also fit a helmet that meets most airline’s carryon dimensions. My helmet has to be part of my personal item.

My boot bag fits helmet, boots, mittens, face masks, and asst other stuff, and easily fits overhead. It's a Unigear brand - got it on Amazon. Here's some pics:

 

[santacruz skier]

One of the things I like about Southwest is that the other passengers are typically friendly and helpful when it comes to dealing with my boot suitcase. Rarely have to put it up or take it down myself. The flight attendants are helpful too but not always close enough depending on when I board.

And early boarding access really helps in that regard .

 

[bsskier]

@Ski Sine Fine I had run-ins w American Airlines agents being real sticklers that *ONLY boots & helmet* can go in the " free" boot bag, so I gave up that idea and just do the big bag (which usually just scrapes by under 50lbs packed.)

I had an agent tell me only boots allowed, no helmet in free boot bag. “Nothing but boots” per an agent at Delta. I give up. I pack the helmet in checked bag but always have a hat and goggles in my carry on.

 

[bsskier]

My boot bag fits helmet, boots, mittens, face masks, and asst other stuff, and easily fits overhead. It's a Unigear brand - got it on Amazon. Here's some pics:
View attachment 20587View attachment 20588View attachment 20589

We have a Dakine and a Marker bag like this. I try to use it as much as possible but sometimes I use one of the smaller Patagonia black holes to carry my boots. All depends on whether I’m bringing my laptop and other bulky devices. Great looking bag by the way.

 

[bsskier]

I feel like there’s something unspoken here. I have not found a boot bag that can also fit a helmet that meets most airline’s carryon dimensions. My helmet has to be part of my personal item.

They’re definitely out there! Marker had an “Access” model and Dakine has the 50L boot locker. Both have backpack straps and are under the 22” max for carry on. I’ve tested them, taunted gate agents with them, and approved them for use.

 

[MissySki]

I feel like there’s something unspoken here. I have not found a boot bag that can also fit a helmet that meets most airline’s carryon dimensions. My helmet has to be part of my personal item.

I clip my helmet to either my carryon bag or purse, then stick it under the seat in front of me during the flight. And I also would 100% stick it on my head as a hat if ever hassled lol. No one has ever made a peep about it though and I have flown with it this way many times and on several different airlines.

 

[scandium]

I feel like there’s something unspoken here. I have not found a boot bag that can also fit a helmet that meets most airline’s carryon dimensions. My helmet has to be part of my personal item.

I use the Dakine 50L boot backpack which I have managed to put in those funny carry-on slots they have at the airports to check bag size - but also have size 23.5 boots so that may affect being able to squeeze in dimensions-wise. I also don't put much in the front pocket for flying -it's all in the top in my helmet or in the main pocket tucked on top of my boots

 

[Ermit]

I hope @Ermit is able to share, after her trip, if her luggage was delivered in a timely fashion.

Yes! They arrived by 8 pm and we took the ski bus to BCC the next morning. All was well.

As noted in a few of these posts, I realized that boot and helmet size can influence packing strategy. This is the first trip that my sons have flown with their ski gear (packed by me) and I had to account for the larger boots and helmet, which I hadn't thought about. They both clipped their helmet to their carryon backpacks.

I'm too fussy/crabby/uncomfortable to schlep crap through the airport anymore.

Same.

 

[Iwannaski]

Packing the Dakine 50L requires a level of compulsion that no one else in my family has yet. My daughter is getting there, but the dudes will never have it and their boots wouldn’t fit in such a small bag anyway. But I do love my bag.

 

[DebbieSue]

@DebbieSue I'd like to hear more about the boot bag w a laptop sleeve?? I think something like that would be useful for me in certain situations.

there’s no sleeve, but the dimensions allow for my laptop, Acer w a 13” screen I think. Boot bag is Athalon from play it again sports. If it’s stuffed it may not fit in overhead. Have to place the helmet in strategically.

 

[Michelle55]

I am looking for a ski boot bag, and I thought about the Dakine 50L and then I saw the Unigear on Amazon. I am wondering if anyone had any further info regarding these bags as a carry-on item?

 

[Jilly]

Just before Covid hit, I was supposed to be going to France for World Championship race, paddling, not skiing. I bought an Eddie Bauer roller bag to use as a take on. I got to also use for my boots. I do have an older Salomon "go to ski" boot bag that meets TSA. With the EB, I can get my tablet or laptop in too.

 

[elemmac]

I am looking for a ski boot bag, and I thought about the Dakine 50L and then I saw the Unigear on Amazon. I am wondering if anyone had any further info regarding these bags as a carry-on item?

If you're nervous about the dimensions of boot bags not meeting airline requirements for a carry-on, I highly recommend the Kulkea Kayda bag for travel. It's an amazing bag, rugged and very well thought out...it is made for airline travel, so meets all requirements.

Any boot bag that has boots sitting on their soles will not technically meet the requirements (even my 22.5 boots are longer than the 9" allowable dimension). As you can see in this thread though...most airlines aren't going to stop you for having something an inch or two larger.