A ski backpack without airbag compatibility is perfectly fine for many riders. If you're sticking to in-bounds resort skiing where ski patrol manages avalanche control, you simply don't need an airbag system. These packs are lighter, less expensive, and give you more usable storage space since there's no airbag module eating into your volume.
Some backcountry riders also choose non-compatible packs because they prefer wearing a separate airbag vest instead—this lets you swap packs freely without moving an airbag system between them.
Just keep in mind that if you do venture into the backcountry, skipping the airbag means giving up a proven survival tool. You still need to carry a beacon, shovel, and probe regardless, and no airbag replaces proper training and smart decision-making in avalanche terrain.