Can you take ski boots as hand luggage easyjet

Recommendation: Pack rigid alpine footwear in checked baggage when possible; carry onboard only if the pair fits a small personal item (45 x 36 x 20 cm) or if a paid larger cabin allowance (56 x 45 x 25 cm) has been purchased.

Typical policy: one complimentary small personal item up to 45 x 36 x 20 cm. The larger cabin bag (56 x 45 x 25 cm) is allowed for certain fares or when a cabin-bag priority option is bought. Rigid shells are hard to compress into the small item – soft liners and dedicated boot sacks may still exceed the limit.

Measure the footwear while stowed in its bag. Oversized items are commonly gate-checked and may incur a fee; pre-booking a hold sports item or upgrading to priority cabin allowance avoids last-minute charges. Wearing the heavier piece during boarding and using a single compact duffel as the permitted cabin item is an effective space-saving tactic.

For hold carriage, use a padded boot sack, secure buckles, attach contact details and photograph the packed item. Many carriers treat such equipment as sports gear with separate pricing – check the carrier’s fees online and retain receipts in case of damage claims.

Alpine footwear in-cabin: recommendation

Recommendation: Store alpine footwear in checked baggage where possible; if carried into the cabin, ensure it fits inside permitted cabin items: small – 45×36×20 cm (included with all fares); large – 56×45×25 cm (requires a cabin-bag entitlement such as an allocated seat or purchased add-on).

No published cabin weight limit exists for this carrier, but gate staff may refuse oversized or overly heavy pieces. If an item exceeds dimensions or cannot be lifted into the overhead bin, it will be gate-checked and subject to fees (typical surcharge range: £30–£60 depending on airport and timing of payment).

Packing recommendations: use a soft footwear bag or compression sack; remove internal liners and tuck socks inside to reduce volume; secure buckles and hard parts to prevent snagging; wear the bulkiest pair onboard to free up cabin allowance. For transporting multiple pairs, either purchase an additional cabin entitlement or add a checked bag (common checked allowances: 15 kg or 23 kg per bag; pay-per-kg options available).

Pre-flight care and maintenance tips, including cleaning and treating outer layers prior to travel, are available at mastering the art of using a spray gun with an air compressor.

Gate handling checklist

Measure item dimensions at home; weigh bulky pieces; arrive early to resolve sizing disputes; expect staff to require gate-checking if non-compliant.

Alpine footwear carriage inside cabin

Place alpine footwear inside the permitted underseat item (maximum 45 x 36 x 20 cm) or secure a cabin-bag entitlement (maximum 56 x 45 x 25 cm) via a priority fare or paid add-on; otherwise book a sports-equipment allowance and check the items at the ticket desk to avoid refusal at the gate.

The small underseat allowance is included with standard fares; the larger overhead bag is only permitted with Up Front, Extra Legroom, FLEXI or a purchased cabin-bag add-on. There is no published weight limit for the larger bag, but every item must be lifted unaided into the locker and pass gate size checks. Booking a sports-equipment slot online before travel usually reduces the fee compared with paying at the airport. Wear bulky alpine footwear through security when feasible to save space and reduce fees.

Packing recommendations: use a waterproof boot bag or a separate protective cover for soles, place damp liners in a sealed plastic bag, pad buckles with foam or clothing to avoid perforation, and fasten a clear tag with contact details. Include a compact umbrella for last-minute weather changes: best strong automatic umbrella.

Cabin-bag allowance for alpine footwear

Use the larger cabin-bag allowance (56 x 45 x 25 cm) when alpine footwear is packed inside a soft or compressible bag and fits within those dimensions; if the items only fit in the under-seat personal item, they must occupy the smaller allowance (45 x 36 x 20 cm). The larger overhead allowance is linked to specific seat types or an add-on purchase – without that entitlement oversized items are likely to be gate-checked and incur a fee (typically around £40–£55, depending on route and currency).

Dimensions and entitlements

Small under-seat allowance: 45 x 36 x 20 cm – intended for a compact personal item. Larger overhead allowance: 56 x 45 x 25 cm – granted with certain seat selections or when a larger cabin-bag option has been purchased. No published strict weight limit for cabin-bag items, but ability to lift into the overhead bin may be assessed by gate agents.

Packing and boarding tips

Place alpine footwear inside a dedicated soft bag or inside the checked larger cabin container to reduce bulk; remove protruding buckles and secure straps to avoid exceeding permitted dimensions. Wearing bulky footwear during boarding is an acceptable way to avoid size breaches, though it may still count as the single permitted item at the gate agent’s discretion. Pre-booking a hold allowance is usually cheaper than paying a gate check fee if the items exceed permitted sizes.

How to pack alpine footwear to meet airline size checks

Recommendation: use a soft-sided footwear carrier no larger than 45 x 36 x 20 cm and pack shells with liners removed or folded so the final packed shape fits the sizer box used at the gate.

Measure outer shell length (toe to heel) and maximum width before packing; adult shell lengths typically range 280–340 mm. If the shell length exceeds the carrier’s longest internal dimension, orient the shell diagonally inside the bag – diagonal placement often reduces required linear length by 5–10 cm.

Volume reduction steps: remove inner liners and insoles and compress them into a vacuum or compression pouch; tuck soft liners inside the shell cavity, close the shell, then flatten buckles inward and secure with a soft strap or Velcro wrap to lower profile. Avoid hard-case carriers for size checks; soft fabric yields millimetres of give when squeezed into a sizer.

Use clothing as packing material: roll thermal layers or socks into toe and cuff voids to stabilise shape and protect fastenings. External pockets for liners and gloves keep the main compartment compact. If a zip doesn’t close, reposition or downsize contents rather than forcing closure – staff will judge by external dimensions, not internal fill.

Pre-check method: build a mock sizer at home from cardboard sized 45 x 36 x 20 cm and confirm the packed carrier fits both standing and lying flat orientations. At the airport gate, present the carrier to the sizer early; if refused for size, be prepared to transfer footwear into checked baggage or accept a gate-check fee.

Security screening for snow footwear in carry-on

Expect separate X‑ray screening and possible manual inspection of alpine footwear at the security lane.

X‑ray, manual inspection and swabs

Items inside cabin bags pass through the conveyor belt X‑ray. Bulky shapes, dense metal buckles or thick liners that obscure internal structure commonly trigger a secondary check: removal from the bag, opening of removable liners, and manual inspection of interior cavities. Explosive trace detection (swab) may be used if an alarm occurs or if officers require confirmation.

Batteries, liquids and practical packing steps

Battery-powered heated insoles or external battery packs must be removed and presented separately. Lithium-ion rules: up to 100 Wh allowed in-cabin without approval; 100–160 Wh require airline approval; over 160 Wh prohibited. Spare batteries need terminals protected (tape or original covers) and individual protection against short circuits. Wax, polish or aerosol sprays above 100 ml fall under the liquids/aerosols rule and should be transported in checked bags or in compliant containers inside a clear 1‑litre bag.

Recommended actions: clean and dry footwear to avoid soil alerts; remove and tray detachable liners and batteries; place battery packs in an easily reachable pocket; secure metal buckles to cut glare on X‑ray images (small cloth wrap); allow an extra 10–15 minutes at security for potential checks; declare batteries at the screening point if requested.

How to avoid extra charges or gate-checking for alpine footwear

Pre-book a sports-equipment or oversized-item allowance on the carrier’s website rather than at the airport; online fees are generally lower and secure transport in advance.

Purchase priority boarding or a fare option that includes a second carry-on to gain a clear entitlement to an extra cabin item and reduce the chance of gate collection.

Stow alpine footwear inside a soft, padded travel sack, then place that sack inside the main carry-on so the pair is presented as part of a single permitted bag; use compression straps and rolled clothing to eliminate empty space and flatten contours.

Wear the bulkiest pair through the terminal and on the flight to free cabin volume; carry liners, socks and lightweight accessories inside the cabin bag to keep total bulk down.

Measure and weigh the complete cabin bag setup at home with a tape and portable scale; if dimensions or weight exceed the carrier’s cabin rules, pre-pay a hold allowance online – advance checked-bag charges are usually cheaper than same-day gate fees.

Detach removable buckles or hard components to reduce length, use a specialized soft footwear bag with shoulder strap that nests inside a trolley case, and arrive at the gate early so staff can advise on stowage before overhead space becomes scarce.

Practical alternatives if winter-sports footwear exceeds cabin rules

Book a checked sports-item slot when booking: advance rates commonly range £20–£60 (one-way); airport purchases often cost 30–100% more.

• Courier/door-to-door shipment – Use specialist sports shippers or mainstream couriers. Typical domestic costs: £20–£70; cross-border: £50–£200 depending on size, weight and speed. Allow 1–7 days; insure high-value pairs.
• Luggage-forwarding services – Home pickup and hotel delivery. Price bands usually £40–£120; book at least 5–10 days before travel for peak season.
• Rent at destination – Daily rental rates often £10–£40. Reserve online to secure correct flex/size and avoid last-minute shortages at resorts.
• Buy an extra seat – Purchasing a second boarding seat can be cheaper than oversized fees on short-haul routes and guarantees space; check carrier policy on stowage and safety restraints before booking.
• Use checked baggage allowance smartly – Distribute heavy items across existing checked suitcases to stay within weight limits (typical checked allowance 20–23 kg on many carriers). Pay overweight charges only if redistribution is impossible.
• Airport or town left-luggage – Short-term storage near terminals or in resort towns usually costs £5–£15 per day; practical for overnight transfers or late arrivals.
• Mail ahead via postal services – Economy postal options are cheapest (allow 5–14 days); tracked services add cost but provide delivery assurance.
• Specialist sports-box hire – Pre-built rigid transport boxes can be hired and returned at destination; reduces risk of damage and simplifies courier handling.

Checklist before choosing an alternative: confirm dimensions and weight limits with the carrier or service, get written booking confirmation, photograph items for insurance, check delivery lead times relative to travel dates, and compare total door-to-door costs (fees + transit) against paying airport excess charges.

FAQ:

Can I bring ski boots into the cabin on EasyJet flights?

Yes — ski boots can travel in the cabin if they fit within your allowed hand luggage item. EasyJet includes a small personal bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm) with every fare; a larger cabin bag (up to 56 x 45 x 25 cm) is allowed only if you have a specific seat type or have paid for it. Measure your boots or try packing them in your hand bag before the flight. If they won’t fit, you will need to place them in hold baggage or book them as sports equipment.

Which bag size should I use for ski boots so I won’t be turned away at the gate?

Most ski boots are too long or bulky for the free small personal bag (45 x 36 x 20 cm). If you want to keep them in the cabin, use the larger cabin bag size that EasyJet offers (56 x 45 x 25 cm) — or choose a soft boot bag that compresses and can be squeezed into the overhead. Measure the length of the boots and compare to the bag dimensions before travel. If you cannot fit the boots into an approved cabin bag, plan to check them.

Will there be extra charges if I carry ski boots in cabin or check them in?

If the boots fit within the hand luggage included with your ticket, there is no extra fee. If you need the larger cabin bag but do not already have it included, you must pay for that allowance or add it to your booking. Checking boots as part of hold luggage follows standard hold baggage fees. Booking sports equipment (skis, poles, boots) ahead of time usually costs less than paying at the airport, so pre-booking is often cheaper than paying last minute.

Any tips for packing ski boots so they travel safely and without problems?

Use a proper boot bag or a soft travel bag to protect other passengers and your gear. Clean off snow and mud and let boots dry before you pack them. Cushion the toes and liners with clothing to keep shape and reduce movement. If you want to avoid taking them in a bag, wearing the boots through the airport is an option — that saves space but can be uncomfortable on long walks. At security, be prepared to take heavy footwear off if required by the checkpoint rules. For checked transport, wrap buckles and sharp edges to prevent damage to other items.

I’m flying with skis and boots. Should I put boots in the cabin while skis go in hold?

That is a common approach: skis are bulky and normally booked as sports equipment in the hold, while boots can come on board if they meet cabin rules. Carrying boots in the cabin reduces the chance of damage and keeps liners and custom fits with you. Make sure the boots still comply with your ticket’s carry-on allowance; if they don’t, place them with the skis in the hold and book the appropriate sports baggage option before arriving at the airport.