Help Needed: do I REALLY need a SportTube or rigid ski container on Air Canada?

[COchick]

If you have ever hung out by the oversize baggage check place, you'll never question whether or not to get a rigid case. I've seen SO many skis and snowboards just tossed on the belt with no care whatsoever. It literally made me cringe watching the handlers throw it all around. The Sport Tube is awesome. I also have the double and pack two pair of skis & poles, and usually a thermos or some other weird stuff and never had problems with weight restrictions.

 

[Jilly]

When we went to Europe in the late 80's I would pack my skis in slim bag or the plastic bags they had at the time for travelling. That would go in the middle of the ski bag. Then I would pack the bulky stuff around them to protect them.

Now I've learn, just what I need for a week and can pack easily with the Sport tube, Atomic bag and carry on - Salomon Go-To-Ski. I have yet to a Transpack for sale in Canada.

 

[vtgal7thgen]

I don't know anyone who has travelled with ski gear yet under this new rule. I'm going to Whistler with AC in early December, I'll see what others are travelling with then...

Thanks S, you'll be first! Appreciate the info.

 

[Jilly]

Well SkiBam made it from Montreal out so......And the rule has been in effect since I went to Denver in 2009. It not something recent, been around for 7 years already.

 

[diymom]

Don't know how far it is from you vtgal, but I noticed one listed on CL as "sportstube"

 

[vtgal7thgen]

Happy to report that I was gifted a ski tube by my loving parents-so much better than some random gift I likely wouldn't use. Ready for Air Canada now, my skis and the kiddo's will be well protected. Now to decorate the tube and leave instructions for TSA on it so they can put it back together properly. ;)

 

[Jilly]

Instructions were printed on mine. Doesn't mean they read it!

 

[alison wong]

Now to decorate the tube and leave instructions for TSA on it so they can put it back together properly. ;)

That's an excellent idea, never thought about decorations. I got a sports tube (series 2) on CL for $100. I know where I can put my Alta and Snowbird stickers now.
BTW, I believe Sports tube has an instructions sticker for TSA.

 

[marzNC]

Definitely a good idea to have at least a sticker or two. At some airports, such as SLC, there can be quite a few Sportubes arriving at the same time.

Note the string I have to keep the locking clip from getting lost.


My boots are in the rolling black Transpack boot carry-on along with ski pants, socks, mid-layer, base layer, I carry the helmet in the Transpack Sidekick for the flight (both pack and helmet fit under the seat when I take out the helmet, little red suitcase and Sportube get checked (for free on Southwest). Usually only one pair of skis in the double Sportube, also snowboots, extra gloves. More goes in the Sportube on the way home.