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The door and the length matter more than volume
A hold can have enough space in cubic metres and still not take a ski bag, because the door is too small or the compartment too short. Skis are often 1.6 to 1.9 metres long in a bag, and some light jets cannot fit them flat. A golf bag is about 1.2 to 1.3 metres in a travel cover, which suits most holds from light jets upwards.
Some aircraft have an extra compartment in the nose or a hold reached from the cabin. Some operators allow certain items in the cabin if they are secured and do not block an exit or the aisle; that is the crew's decision. The team gives the operator lengths and counts so the aircraft is checked against your actual gear.
Common items and what to expect
- Golf bags: one per person usually fits on light jets and up, but four golf bags plus luggage fills a small hold quickly. Use soft travel covers, and pull the clubs' heads into the bag to save length.
- Skis and snowboards: midsize jets and larger are the safer choice for a group. Pack in soft bags with boots in a separate bag, and tell us how many pairs of skis and boards there are in total.
- Bicycles: in a bike bag or box, usually with wheels and pedals removed. Larger holds are best; check the box size against the door.
- Surfboards: length is the problem. Long boards often need a heavy jet or may not fit at all.
- Fishing rods and gun cases: rods travel in tubes; firearms need the operator's approval and the permits for each country.
- Musical instruments: valuable instruments can often travel in the cabin on a seat, with the operator's agreement.
Planning a trip?
See every aircraft for your route with a price in seconds. Mention this in your request and the team checks it with the operator.
Weight, fuel and mountain airports
Sports gear is heavy. Golf bags, ski bags and bike boxes add up, and the aircraft's payload is shared between people, bags and fuel. On a long flight in a smaller jet the fuel required can leave little margin, and the operator may suggest fewer bags, a fuel stop or a larger aircraft.
Ski trips add another factor. Airports in the mountains are often high, and high altitude, warm weather and short runways all reduce the weight an aircraft can take off with. Some mountain airports also need special crew training or only accept certain aircraft. The team checks the arrival airport against the aircraft when gathering offers. In some cases a nearby lower airport with a longer runway and a short transfer by road is the better plan.
Dangerous goods and restricted items
Private flights follow dangerous goods rules too. Some sports kit is affected:
- Scuba cylinders must be empty with the valve open, or they will be refused. Dive torch batteries go in the cabin.
- Avalanche airbag packs use a gas cylinder or batteries and need the operator's agreement.
- E-bike batteries are often too large to carry. Check the watt-hour rating with the operator.
- Camping gas, fuel and flares are not allowed.
- Firearms and ammunition need the operator's approval, secure carriage and import and export permits for each country.
How to request it
Put the gear in your trip request: the type of item, how many, the length of the longest one and its packed weight if you know it. With that, the team can suggest an aircraft that fits from the start and avoid a problem at the aircraft steps. If the group grows or adds equipment after the offer, tell us before the flight.
If you travel for sport often, the same gear tends to come every time. Keeping a short list of item sizes and weights makes each request faster. For one-way trips, an empty leg can be good value, but its aircraft is fixed, so check the hold size against your gear before booking one.
Questions
Do golf clubs fit on a light jet?
Usually yes, one bag per person, but a full light jet with golf bags and suitcases may run out of space. Tell us the count so the aircraft is checked.
Can I take skis on a private jet?
Yes. Skis need a hold long enough for the ski bag, so midsize jets and larger are the safer choice for a group with skis.
Are there oversize baggage fees on a private jet?
No. You book the whole aircraft. If your gear needs a larger aircraft, the price reflects that aircraft and appears in the offer.
Can I bring a scuba tank?
Only if it is empty with the valve open. Full or partly filled cylinders are dangerous goods and are refused.
How long can skis be on a private jet?
It depends on the hold length and the door. Ski bags of about 1.6 to 1.9 metres usually fit midsize jets and larger; give the bag length so the team can check the aircraft.
Can I bring a hunting rifle on a private jet?
Sometimes, with the operator's approval and the permits each country requires. It must be unloaded and carried as the operator directs.
