Helpful hacks for flying with snowboards, bikes and other sports gear
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As a globe-trotting photographer and diving instructor, Clue finds himself on the road often. In 2024, he logged more than 160,000 air miles. His pre-flight packing routine has become almost second nature: carefully 'Tetris-ing' camera and scuba equipment into two checked suitcases and a carry-on.
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'I forgot that my diving wet suit was still damp, along with some other items in my kit,' Clue said. 'Those few pounds made all the difference.'
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Because his carry-on and second checked bag were filled to the brim, he wasn't able to move any items to decrease the weight.
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'I learned the hard way to blow-dry your scuba gear if it doesn't dry outside,' he said.
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Sound Intel, now that I'm a newly certified diver. In January, I earned my PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Open Water credentials. While I plan to acquire gear of my own soon, the idea of packing it all, frankly, scares me.
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I interviewed Clue and other outdoorsy travellers about how they best optimize flying with their gear, whether it's ski boots or mountain bikes.
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'Two checked bags, with the weight equally distributed, can often be cheaper than one overweight bag,' said Olson, a winter sports fanatic and a host of 'The Thrifty Traveler Podcast.'
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It pays to do the math and dig into the airline's policies before booking a flight.
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Olson recommended having the rules available on your phone at the airline counter.
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'That way, if you get an agent unfamiliar with the policy, you can show them,' he said.
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Helpful hacks for flying with snowboards, bikes and other sports gear
Jay Clue coughed up a $280 overweight-bag fee because of a single mistake that he will never make again. As a globe-trotting photographer and diving instructor, Clue finds himself on the road often. In 2024, he logged more than 160,000 air miles. His pre-flight packing routine has become almost second nature: carefully 'Tetris-ing' camera and scuba equipment into two checked suitcases and a carry-on. His one misstep? Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'I forgot that my diving wet suit was still damp, along with some other items in my kit,' Clue said. 'Those few pounds made all the difference.' Because his carry-on and second checked bag were filled to the brim, he wasn't able to move any items to decrease the weight. 'I learned the hard way to blow-dry your scuba gear if it doesn't dry outside,' he said. Sound Intel, now that I'm a newly certified diver. In January, I earned my PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Open Water credentials. While I plan to acquire gear of my own soon, the idea of packing it all, frankly, scares me. I interviewed Clue and other outdoorsy travellers about how they best optimize flying with their gear, whether it's ski boots or mountain bikes. Although it might be counterintuitive, said travel writer Gunnar Olson, you can sometimes save by having more luggage. 'Two checked bags, with the weight equally distributed, can often be cheaper than one overweight bag,' said Olson, a winter sports fanatic and a host of 'The Thrifty Traveler Podcast.' It pays to do the math and dig into the airline's policies before booking a flight. Many airlines also consider a ski bag and a boot bag to be a single checked item. Olson recommended having the rules available on your phone at the airline counter. 'That way, if you get an agent unfamiliar with the policy, you can show them,' he said. Choose the right suitcase for your gear from the get-go, said Alisha McDarris, co-founder of Terradrift, an online source for outdoor adventure tips and gear reviews. For bikes and other fragile items, you can fly with hard- or soft-sided gear bags. Hard-sided bags are more protective but are generally heavier. 'If purchasing a dedicated case, pay attention to how much it weighs, especially in combination with your bike,' said McDarris, an avid mountain biker. 'You can pack heavy assembly tools in a separate bag, like your carry-on, in case those extra pounds are what put you over the airline's limit.' Most major carriers treat bike dimensions differently than traditional luggage, usually working in travellers' favour. However, if a bike is heavier than 50 pounds, expect a fee, just as you would with a checked bag. Don't forget to snap a few reference photos before zipping everything up, Clue said. 'I have so much gear that I kind of like to know how it was all oriented when I unpack,' he said. Don't want to pay for a checked bag? Those who hold elite status, carry co-branded credit cards, travel in premium cabins or are active-duty military members are typically off the hook. However, overweight- and oversized-bag fees still apply. Several airlines, including Turkish Airlines and Air Tahiti, allow travellers to bring scuba equipment free or at a discount (with restrictions). If there's no way to avoid checked-bag fees, try to purchase your allowance in advance. Some airlines provide a small discount for prepaid bags at least 24 hours before departure. By prepping in advance, you might even realize it makes sense to procure more luggage. 'Get your gear set up days before leaving, and weigh it at home,' Clue said. 'Besides paying for your checked bag, if you notice you're going to be way over the weight limit, maybe even buy another suitcase.' Consider suitcases that don't scream, 'There's expensive gear in here!' Some softer-sided rollerboards are protective and can still shield what's inside without looking like true gear bags. 'I try to go with suitcases like the Pelican Aegis duffel, where I can be somewhat incognito in the airport, so people don't know I have thousands of dollars' [worth] of stuff,' Clue said. This can be helpful when you get to your destination, too. 'If I'm walking around a new city, I want to be as low-profile as possible,' he said. Check whether your insurance policy can cover lost or damaged belongings. Sport-specific policies, such as dive insurance or ski insurance, often include the cost of rentals if an airline loses your gear. Even general travel policies cover lost or damaged equipment as part of your baggage and personal effects. Sometimes protecting your precious gear is just as important as protecting yourself.
