Water skiing equipment, airline fees and policies

Water skiing has been a popular sport for decades, particularly for holiday makers as both a recreational hobby and a fun thrill ride to enjoy when overseas.

For those enthusiasts that carry their own equipment overseas, we've collated the baggage allowances from 12 major airlines as a guide to flying with your water skis.

Airline	Is water skiing equipment accepted as part of the personal baggage allowance?	What is the size restriction on water skiing equipment?	What is the weight limit on water skiing equipment?	Further information
Air France	Water ski equipment (skis only) is considered a standard checked baggage item and is included at no extra charge in your baggage allowance.	300 cm / 118 in	23 kg / 50 lb	If you need to transport additional baggage items in the hold and their number exceeds your authorized allowance, you must purchase an additional baggage allowance.
American Airlines	A $150 transportation charge applies to water skiing equipment over 62in / 157cm (length + height + width).	126 in / 320 cm	32 kg / 70 lbs
BMI	Economy Flexible if within baggage allowance free. If in excess £30.	No size or dimension restrictions	32 kg
British Airways	BA will accept water ski equipment as checked baggage as long as it does not exceed the weight limit of 23kg.	Up to 190 cm (75 in)	23 kg
EasyJet	You will be charged an additional non-refundable fee for each item carried. Simply select the 'Sports equipment' option when you book your flights online.	No size or dimension restrictions	Payment of the non-refundable sports equipment fee entitles you to an additional weight allowance of 20kg (small sports equipment) or 32kg (large sports equipment) and increases your checked-in hold baggage allowance to a maximum of 40 or 52kg. A single item cannot weigh more than 32kg in total.
Emirates	Accepted as checked baggage and part of the standard baggage allowance.	300 cm (118 in)	30 kg, Business Class travelers 40kg, and First Class travelers 50kg.	A set of water ski equipment may consist of one pair of standard water skis or one slalom water ski.
Flybe	Carriage of water ski equipment is on a stand-by basis. An exceptional charge applies to water ski equipment.	300 cm x 167 cm x 206 cm	20 kg	Flybe is able to accept boards and sails.
KLM	You can bring water skiing equipment as part of your luggage. For larger and/or heavier items, you will need to pay a fee and you always need to reserve for transportation via KLM Telephone Reservations as early as possible, but no later than 48 hours before departure.	Max. 158 cm / 62 in (l + w + h)	Max. 23 kg / 50.5 lbs in Economy Class, Max. 32 kg / 70.5 lbs in Business Class
Qantas Group	Water ski equipment may not be carried as checked baggage and will need to be sent as freight. Freight charges will apply.	277 cm (109 in)	32 kg	Water skis or slalom water ski must be suitably packed in a lightweight container.
Ryanair	Sporting equipment is inherently unsuitable for carriage by airlines operating fast turnarounds. However, these items may be carried in the hold of the aircraft in addition to your personal checked baggage allowance upon payment of a discounted online fee of £50 per item, per one-way flight when paid online or £60 when paid at the airport. Any sporting item weighing over the 20 kilos allowance will be charged for the excess at the applicable excess baggage rate per kilo.	81 cm x 119 cm	20 kg
United Airlines	A wave ski or a bag containing equipment used in wave skiing is subject to a $150 service charge (each way) for travel between the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands and $200 (each way) for international travel.	115 inches (292 cm)	N/A	United Airlines will accept one wave ski or one bag containing equipment used in wave skiing, checked as a special item. The board must be well padded or the entire board must be encased in a suitable container to avoid scratching.
Virgin Atlantic	Virgin will transport your ski or snowboard gear at no extra charge, in addition to your free baggage allowance - as long as it doesn't exceed 23kg. Fees when exceeding 23kg: £30 for UK Departure, $60 for US Departure	No size or dimension restrictions	23kg	Here is what you can bring: One pair of skis Ski boots Poles A mask or helmet