Skis and airplane travel?

We are planning a trip in Austria later this year and wondering about the best way to transport our 2 pairs of skis, etc. We are traveling by train and bus once there.
Ski bag or ski tube? Double or 2 singles? Any recommendations or requirements to watch out for?
Thanks,
Judith

Check with FedEx and compare their rates with what the airlines will actually end up charging you...

Depends on the airline -- be sure to check what their policy is before booking -- it would advise calling the airlines customer service and asking about the specific flights you are considering to ensure that there isn't some special international rules.

As an example here is US Airways policy

Ski equipment

Ski equipment may be accepted in the normal baggage allowance in lieu of a piece of baggage. US Airways will accept 2 ski bags, however, 1 item of ski equipment consists of 1 pair of skis or snowboard, 1 pair of ski boots, 1 pair of ski poles and 1 pair of ski bindings.

The passenger must provide acceptable encasement/packaging for the ski equipment, such as fiberglass or cloth bag to protect the ski equipment and to prevent damage to other bags. (US Airways may provide plastic ski bags if available). If the ski equipment is not properly packaged/protected, the customer assumes all risk of damage.

Went to Europe last year, 4 of us. We each had ski bags with two pair of skis, some packed boots in ski bags, some carried boots.
Didn't get dinged for 2 pair of skis in bag.
However, the 50 lb limit is enforced and caused some of us to rearrange bags to hit limit.
Accurately weigh bags before you get to airport.

Never had much problem with ski bags anywhere I have flown from airlines....problem usually surfaces with ground transportation at other end.

Small Euro cars don't take 4 ski bags and 4 people and luggage..... something to think about. I'd concentrate on ground transfer logistics...... Having once tired to carry ski bags and full ski mountaineering kit through Tokyo subway system.....ground transportation a much bigger issue than air transportation IMHO.

Lots of great tips so far. I would add carrying your boots on.  Worse case scenario your ski bag is lost/misdirected/delayed you likely can rent skis at your destination.

I really like the double ski bags with rollers.  The Da Kine model offers quite a bit of protection. The single bags I have seen don't usually have much padding.