Free ski and board carriage to Alps with Swiss

Swiss International Air Lines has declared that it is the only carrier which lets passengers carry ski and snowboard equipment to the Alps free of charge.

Its claim follows the decision by British Airways to axe free carriage of winter sports equipment, which must now be included in standard baggage allowances.

Other airlines have also dropped the winter privilege, with extra charges for carrying ski and board equipment ranging from £17 to £50 each way.

Spokesman Gregor Koncilja said SWISS – which operates 29 daily flights from the UK to Switzerland – was bucking the trend because it considered itself to be "the skiers airline".

"We have always offered free transportation for one set of ski equipment, in addition to checked luggage allowance, and SWISS has no intention of changing this," he explained.

"During these financially challenging times, we're particularly keen to be able to offer any possible support for ski enthusiasts who are reluctant to abandon their winter holiday."

SWISS' flights to Zurich are among its most popular UK connections, with 19 daily services opening up links to resorts such as Davos, Klosters, Lenzerheide and St Anton.

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