As unprecedented economic times have lead British Airways to axe its free ski and board allowance, Swiss International Air Lines claims it is now the only airline that will transport the first set of snowsport equipment free of charge on flights this winter, in addition to complimentary checked luggage on flights between the UK and the Alps.

Whilst the primary carriers serving ski destinations out of the UK, bmibaby, British Airways, easyJet, Flybe, Jet 2 and Ryanair amongst others, have various fees in place penalising travellers taking their ski and boards to their resorts this winter, SWISS has confirmed that it has no plans to add any charges.

Fees for carrying ski and board equipment with other airlines range from £17 to £50 each way per person, representing a potential additional £400 on a ski holiday for a family of four.

Gregor Koncilja, SWISS's country manager for the UK and Ireland, said, "SWISS appreciates all its passengers, and during the winter our ski customers are especially important to us. We consider ourselves to be the 'skiers' airline' offering 29 daily flights to Switzerland and it's essential for us to be able to offer the very best service for our snowsport customers.”

“Our strapline this winter is that travellers should fly to their resort with the specialist, and by this we mean that we’re offering return flights to the Swiss Alps from the UK from just £77 all-inclusive. There aren’t any better values ways to reach the slopes than these sorts of fares. No hidden costs, extra taxes and fees or punitive checked luggage charges.

"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. It's part of our company ethos to offer customers the very best product we can and to ensure they can experience Switzerland and the Alps thanks to a comprehensive timetable. We feel that free carriage of ski equipment is an integral part of this offering and, 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’s six daily flights to Geneva will offer skiers access to resorts from Avoriaz through to Chamonix, Chatel, Les Gets, Megeve, Morzine, Verbier and Villars, whilst 19 daily Zurich-bound flights will offer the best value to Davos, Klosters, Lenzerheide, St Anton am Alberg, St Moritz and Wengen.

www.swiss.com/uk

[Note that BMI are currently running a promotion for free ski/snowboard carriage. Thanks to Gordon Way for that.]