5 Best Ski Bags for Air Travel

Skiing is a fun activity. Traveling with your gear, not so much. Packing up your skis can be a pain, especially when going on a long journey that involves different airports on different days. Luckily, many ski bags work perfectly for air travel.

I’ve been skiing for decades, and I’ve been able to go on many ski trips all over the world during that time. I know the ins and outs of traveling with your ski gear, and I’ve gained experience with the ski bags for air travel.

The Dakine Fall Line Roller is my pick for the best ski bag for air travel this season. This bag will let you easily carry two pairs of skis and your boots without worry. It has a rugged design to keep everything safe and wheels to make taking everything around easy. 

There are a few other great ski bags for air travel out there, and I’ll provide you with all the top options in this post. Flying to reach an amazing ski destination is the dream of many skiers, but packing their equipment is not. All of these bags will help. 

Let’s pack up and get rolling. 

Who Should Get This

Not all skiers have to go a long way to hit the slopes, but the ones that do need good bags. Anyone who plans to get into an airplane with their equipment wants a bag they can trust day in and day out. 

It does not matter if you’re going across the country or taking an hour-long flight; these models are for you. Skiers who want a convenient way to store their equipment can also take advantage of a good bag. 

Though the following items are perfect for air travel, they have plenty of exciting accessories that make them excellent options for more casual trips too. They easily fit in the car, so don’t be afraid to take them on the road.

Best Ski Bags for Air Travel: Top Picks

Here are all of my top picks for the best ski bags for air travel. If you have a big ski trip coming up this year, you need to have a high-quality bag. 

1. Dakine Fall Line Roller

  • Best for: Overall 
  • Key features: Durable construction, plenty of storage, removable boot bag, roller wheels
  • Capacity: 2 pairs ski/1 pair boots
  • Style: Roller
  • Cost: $$$ 

Ski bags for air travel don’t get much better than the Dakine Fall Line Roller. 

This is a top option because it allows you to pack two pairs of skis and a set of boots very easily. You also benefit from having roller wheels to port everything around without much effort. 

The bag also comes with a removable boot bag and is fully padded to keep your equipment out of harm’s way. 

I don’t have many negative remarks here, and it’s one of the best ski bags around. 

==> You can also get it on Evo or DICK’S or Backcountry.

2. Thule RoundTrip

  • Best for: Durability 
  • Key features: Strong construction, roller wheels, lockable zippers, fully padded 
  • Capacity: 2 pairs skis 
  • Style: Roller 
  • Cost: $$$$

The Thule RoundTrip is one of the most durable ski bags you’ll find and is sure to keep your gear safe at all times. 

It also has roller wheels to make transporting everything a breeze and lockable zippers to ensure nobody goes snooping through your equipment. 

Another feature I really like is the removable pad that doubles as a standing pad. This helps you change into and out of your boots in the parking lot. 

The downside is that this one is really expensive.  

==> You can also get it on Moosejaw or Saks Fifth Avenue or Fun-sport-vision.

3. Athalon Padded 

  • Best for: Budget Option 
  • Key features: Affordable, padded, waterproof construction, nylon coil zippers
  • Capacity: 1 pair skis
  • Style: Carry 
  • Cost: $$

If you are looking for an affordable ski bag for air travel, the Athalon Padded is my recommended pick. 

This bag will easily hold a single pair of skis and some other gear you want to bring along for the trip. 

It has a durable construction of high-density polyester with waterproof backing for reliable performance. 

With this option, you don’t get the benefit of wheels, and space is limited, but the savings make it worth it. 

==> You can also get it on Luggage OnLine or Buckman’s or Walmart.

4. Sportube Series 1

  • Best for: Hard Case 
  • Key features: Hardshell case, roller wheels, strong, easy pull handle
  • Capacity: 1 pair skis 
  • Style: Hardshell roller 
  • Cost: $$$ 

The Sportube Series 1 is a great option for skiers who want added protection and peace of mind. 

This is a hardshell case that does a tremendous job of keeping your skis safe from damage during air travel. 

It also comes with roller wheels and an easy pull handle to make transporting everything really easy. 

This one won’t hold much extra equipment because of its rigid design. 

==> You can also get it on Sun & Ski Sports or Cozy Winters or Buckman’s.

5. Element Equipment Wheeled Padded Double Roller

  • Best for: Large Capacity
  • Key features: Large capacity, roller wheels, strong construction, waterproof liner
  • Capacity: 2 pairs skis
  • Style: Roller 
  • Cost: $$$ 

If you need a little extra space for your ski gear, the Element Equipment Wheeled Padded Double Roller bag is the way to go. 

This option can easily hold two pairs of alpine skis while still giving you extra room for warm clothes or other items. 

It has a roller wheel design that also makes it easy to transport at the resort or airport, and a durable waterproof construction helps keep your gear protected at all times. 

This one is bulky and is definitely not a space-saving option. 

How to Choose Best Ski Bags for Air Travel

Here are some essential things to consider when choosing the best ski bag for air travel. 

Extra Space

All ski bags hold skis, but not all go beyond that. When picking out a bag, don’t settle for items that only have one function. Branch out and look for gear that can hold a range of different things, such as helmets, goggles, and clothing. 

It does add a bit of extra weight, but being able to keep everything in one place is a blessing as you busily move throughout an airport or hotel. If you can store some extra gear in your ski bag, travel will be easier overall. 

Padding

When getting a ski bag for air travel or otherwise, always pay attention to the padding. Padded bags protect your gear from getting scratched or dinged as the bag moves around. 

That feature is critical on airplanes, as it ensures your skis remain in tip-top shape during both takeoffs and landings. The extra cushion is also crucial for bags with wheels, as they can often cause your skis to shake or jostle when they move.

Accessories

In the same vein as extra space, you want your bag to come with additional features. Many ski bags are just places to store your gear. While that’s fine, don’t be afraid to look for premium models with added features. 

Wheels, special handles, and pockets are all different add-ons that you should keep an eye out for.

Useful Tips & Resources

Even when you find the right bag, packing it up is not always easy. Check out the video below to get some tips on how to get all of your gear into one (or two) places.

If you want a more comprehensive breakdown of both the packing and flying process, this guide gives you a little bit of everything.

Final Verdict

The Dakine Fall Line Roller is my pick for the best ski bag for air travel of the season. This model has everything you’ll want and need out of a ski bag, including wheels and sturdy construction. 

If you are flying with your skis, you need a good ski bag. Every option that you see here is built to handle the rigors of air travel while keeping your gear safe and secure along the way.

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