Australia Post caps overseas parcels at 105 cm, so a ski bag will not go by post. Check it in with Qantas or Jetstar, then send it on with Yamato in Japan.
You cannot send a ski bag to Japan with Australia Post: its overseas parcel limit is 105 cm long and 20 kg (Australia Post). For most people the cheapest and simplest option is to check the ski bag in on your flight, then use Yamato's ski delivery service at the Japanese airport to send it on to your hotel.
Not with Australia Post. International parcels must be no longer than 105 cm, no heavier than 20 kg, and no more than 140 cm in girth. A ski bag is usually 160 to 200 cm long. Private luggage-forwarding companies do ship ski bags internationally, but they quote per bag and route, and the bag has to leave days before you do. Compare the quote with your airline's sports fee, which is usually far lower.
| Airline | Allowance | Ski bag rules |
|---|---|---|
| Qantas, economy to Asia | 30 kg total, no single piece over 32 kg | One ski or snowboard set per passenger counts towards the allowance; excess baggage rates apply above it |
| Jetstar, Starter | None | Buy a baggage bundle first |
| Jetstar, Starter Plus | 20 kg | AUD 25 oversized handling per item each way if any side is over 1 m |
| Jetstar, Starter Max or Business | 30 kg | Same AUD 25 oversized handling fee |
Sources: Qantas rules as summarised by MyBaggage and the Qantas sporting equipment page; Jetstar from Send My Bag (information dated July 2026). A set means one pair of skis, poles and boots, or one board and boots, packed in a ski bag. Always confirm on your own booking, because allowances change by fare.
If a single ski bag stays under your weight limit, checking it in costs little or nothing on a full-service fare and about AUD 50 return in handling fees on Jetstar, plus whatever bundle you need. Pack clothes around the skis to use the weight well.
Yamato Transport (the black cat logo) runs a ski delivery service, Ski Takkyubin, from counters at Narita, Haneda, New Chitose and other airports. The rules (Yamato):
Our airport Yamato counter guide shows where the counters are. If you land in Tokyo and ski the next day in Hokkaido, two days is too tight; either keep the bag with you or allow a buffer night, as covered in skis on trains.
If you only need standard skis, renting is often cheaper than the airline fees plus Yamato both ways, and you can pick powder skis on the day. Bring boots; they are the piece that fits worst from a rental shop. Compare in bringing gear vs renting and where to rent gear in Japan. For the flights themselves, see the Australian flight guide to Japan.
Couriers and luggage-forwarding services take long bags, but quote per shipment. Get a quote and compare it with the airline fee before deciding.
Yes. Arrange it at your hotel front desk or a Yamato counter at least two days before your flight, and book both directions at once for the discount.