Surfboard Airline Fees 2019 | Get The Facts About Surfboard Fees

by Derek Dodds
12 August, 2019
46 min read
154 Comments

Airline Boardbag Fee Guide 2019

"I'm preparing to get bent over by luggage fees but no way I'm surfing on strange boards." ~ Steven W from Soda Springs on his way to Mexico.

*Last update June 2019

Paying surfboard baggage fees sucks!

Welcome to the 2018 Airline Surfboard Boardbag Fee Guide For Surfers. Every year we contact all the airlines and find out how much they are going to charge us for taking along our sleds to far-away destinations.

I got sick of getting burned by the airlines and wanted to do something about it so we created this list of baggage fees and we ask for your help to keep it up-to-date (together we are stringer).

We do this as a service to you, the traveling surfer.

Things Get Real With Slater Onboard

Slater and Hurley Executive took on Hawaiian Airlines in the fight and we moved them down to Kook status. Kelly Slater so bluntly stated, is "a ridiculous and default profit racket" to describe Hawaiian Airlines fee structure.

A few other pro surfers joined the bashing . . .

Freddy Patacchia Jr: Over the past 15 years I've tried my best to NOT fly Hawaiian Air due to their board fees. A good alternative for me has been American Air, $150per board bag (multiple boards) as long as it's under the weight limit.

Sebastian Zietz: @hawaiianairlines bring the aloha back! No other airline has this regulation #kooks

Zeke Lau: @hawaiianairlines is blown!!!! No other Airline makes you limit the number of boards in a board bag. I do everything I can to avoid traveling on @hawaiianairlines for this very reason. Something needs to change!

Granger Larsen: It is so true. I don't even take @hawaiianairlines anywhere because of their surfboard policy. What we have to deal with spending all this money all year just for tickets then to spend almost just the same amount for our surfboards to get on is ridiculous.

Peter King: Truth Power! Make this right ... They only will allow you two boards total on the plane! Ridiculous!!! @hawaiianairlines ... #SurfersBoardsMatter

"Hawaiian Air Is Blownnnnnnnn" from STAB on Vimeo.

Surfer Friendly Bro Airline

Most of the following airlines include a surfboard as part of your regular bag allowance and let that sled fly forFREE.

These are our preferred 'surfer friendly bro airline'airlines and we recommend that you travel with them.

You might have to pay a little more to book your ticket but it's better than paying an extra $400-$600 to take your quiver both ways.

Alaska (I love this airline)
KLM
Virgin (Europe)
Interjet (Mexico)
Qantas (Australia)
South Africa (duh)
Air New Zealand
Singapore

There are a few airlines that charge a nominal fee for your boardbag, I don't mind paying that . . . free is better but nominal is almost as good.

I have been flying Alaska to Cabo (see our surf travel guide to Cabo) for the last few years and they charge between $50-$75 for a stuffed to the rim boardbag. Thank you Alaska Airlines for keeping it real.

You Kinda Suck Airline - Over $100

The following is the list of 'you kinda suck' airlines and charge over $100 each way, which in this day of age doesn't seem that bad but still kinda sucks cause all those golf dudes usually get their clubs on for free.

* In January I flew American to Kauai and they charged me $125 each way for one surfboard.

American
Continental

Kook Airline - Over $150

The following is the list of ' kook' airlines and charge over $150 each way—nobody likes a kook in the water and especially one that is taking money from your pocket.

Avianca (TACA)
Delta
Hawaii Airlines
Iberia
Japan Air
Lufthansa
US Air(reader Jim says they unzipped and counted his board and charged him $150 each)
Northwest

Daddy Warbucks Money - Over $200

The following is the list for surfers that have 'Daddy Warbucks Money'.Unfortunately, I've been caught by both Swiss Air and Thai Air personally. On Thai Air I had three boards in my bag coming back from Bali ($150 x 3) and they charged me some ridiculous tax on top of the $450.

Can you imagine?

I will NEVER fly Thai Air again and I hope that this list will prevent you from getting caught with your pants down.

Alitalia $260
Emirates $300
Swiss Air $250
Thai Air $150 Per Board (yes, they open the bag and count)
United $200
All Nippon $300

Bend You Over Airline

We have a new category called the bend you over airline. If you are a surfer traveling with your boards on this plane, you had better have lots of cash, a rich mama or a jar of KY with you.

Qatar Airways ($1750)

We'd be stoked if you added a Wave Tribe travel gear to your trip—we make awesome travel boardbags with the most padding in the industry made from hemp (no you can't smoke the bags). Go out there and see the world and surf some epic waves.

~Derek, Wave Tribe Founder & Your Boardbag Bitch

P.S. Sign this rad petition for Surfers Against Discriminatory Airline Surfboard Fees.

2018 Airline Surfboard Boardbag Fee Guide For Surfers

Airline: Aer Lingus

Surfboard Fee: €30 or €40 Website: www.aerlingus.com Telephone:

US 1(516)-622-4222
Ireland + 353 0818-365000
UK +44 0871-718-5000
France +33 08-2123-0267

Specifications: For flights between Ireland and North America surfboard is part of the free allowance, normal excess baggage rates apply if the passenger carries excess to the free allowance. There is no charge for Surf Boards for passengers traveling in Business class.

Specifications & Fees

€30 ($40) payable online prior to departure
€40 ($55) payable at the airport on the day of departure.
This fee is charged each-way on outbound and return journeys.

*Please contact Reservations Department in order to book your bags in advance. [box type="info" size="large" style="rounded"]Please note that Surf Boards must not exceed 9'0 ft (277 cm) in length and must be packed in cushioning material such as bubble wrapping so as to protect them against damage. On regional flights, surfboards must not exceed 6'7 ft (205 cm).[/box]

Links

Airline: Aeroflot

Surfboard Fee: Free - $150. Website: http://www.aeroflot.ru/cms/en Telephone:

US 1(868)-879-7647 (free for US)
Russia+7 (495) 223-55-55
UK +44 080-0026-0033 (free for UK).

Specifications & Fees

$100 (€50) for 50lbs - 70lbs (23 kg - 32 kg)
$150 (€100) for 70lbs - 99lbs (32 kg - 45 kg)
$100 (€100) for 5'5ft - 6'6ft (158 cm to 203 cm)
$150 or €150 more than 6'6ft (203 cm)
$50 or €50 Extra Piece (Second piece)
$150 or €150 Third and any additional piece

[box type="info" size="large" style="rounded"]Exception: Surfboards up to 5'5 ft (168cm) will be considered as one regular baggage piece for any service class, provided that the total weight of the items does not exceed 50 lbs (23kg).[/box] Notes:

Links

Airline: Aerolineas Argentinas

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined. Website: http://www.aerolineas.com.ar Telephone: U.S. 1(800)-333-0276 / 1(800)-688-0008. Email reserve@us.aerolineas.aero Europe (Germany tel.) +49 69-2999-2678. Email aerolineas@arcor.de

Specifications & Fees

Surfing gear is not part of the free allowance.
One checked surfboard will be charged.

Notes: Please contact airline for more info.

Airline: Aero Mexico

Surfboard Fee: $40 or $50 Website: www.aeromexico.com Telephone:

US & Canada 1(800)-237-6639
Mexico +52 51-33-40-00
UK +44 0-800-977-5533.
France +33 0800-916-754.

Specifications & Fees

$40 if purchased by phone reservation. $50 if purchased at airport. *Fee is applied per board bag, up to three surfboards per bag. [box type="info" size="large" style="rounded"]Maximum length 9'0 ft[/box] Notes: We recommend that you call Aero Mexico to confirm surfboard fees, and make sure to get the name of the person you're speaking to. Why? Some of our bros have been charged $65 by airline staff at airport check-in, and after they mention phone conversation and employee's name, they change it to $50 (original fee). They'll often try to trick you!

Notes

*5/2018 Update: Wave Tribe bro Christopher W. said- "Just a heads up that the Aeromexico Board Bag fee is actually $150 in both directions for international flights."

*8/2016 Update: Wave Tribe FB friend Valerie A. said- "We flew on AreoMexico to La Saladita. We really liked them! 50.00 per surfboard bag. And they take awesome care of you during the flight. Free Beer!"

Links

Airline: AirAsia

Surfboard Fee: Vary from the airport you fly. Website: http://www.airasia.com Telephone: Malaysia +60 085-9999.

Specifications & Fees

"Must be packed in a recognized surfboard bag weighing not more than 44lbs (on its own). Anything in excess of 44lbs will attract Excess Baggage Fee at the prevailing rate of the airport. [box type="info" size="large" style="rounded"]Must not exceed 9ft.[/box] Notes:none at this time.

Links

Airline: Air Berlin

Surfboard Fee: €50 to €120 (depending on short/medium/long-haul) Website: http://www.airberlin.com Telephone:

US 1(800)-266-5588
Germany +49 030-3434-3434
France +33 0826-96-73 78
UK +44 0-871-5000-737

Specifications & Fees

Surfboard must be packed in soft case or similar. Notes: Since the space available in the cargo hold is limited, we recommend that you register your baggage well in advance. Surfboards and other sports equipment must be registered 48 hours before departure.

Links

Airline: Air Canada

Surfboard Fee: $50 Website: www.aircanada.com Telephone:

US & Canada 1(888)-247-2262
UK +44 0871-220-1111
France +33 0825-880-881

Specifications & Fees

The handling charge is $50 (plus tax), it applies per surfboard to one-way flights and for each way of travel on round-trip and multi-segment flight. Max length 6'6 ft (203 cm). Notes: *Two handling fees apply for two (2) surfboards packed in the same container. Air Canada is not liable if and to the extent that any damage results from the inherent defect, quality or vice of the baggage.

Links

Airline: Air China

Surfboard Fee: 1.5% of your fare. Typical fight to China is around $1000, so you'd be paying over $150. Website: http://www.airchina.com Telephone: US & Canada 1(800)-882-8122.

Specifications & Fees

Maximum weight allowed is 50 pounds beyond which the normal flight charge for extra baggage is applicable—if you ride a board smaller than 5' then it goes free. Everything else is calculated based on your ticket price of 1.5% surcharge. Notes:

08/15- Wave Tribe FB friend Mary reports: "China Air LAX to Bali $150 per board and they open the bag and feel the rails. 4'10 grom board- same price"

Links

Airline: Air Europa

Surfboard Fee: €150 Website: http://www.aireuropa.com Telephone:

US 1(800)-238-7672
Spain +34 902-401-501

Specifications & Fees

SURFING EQUIPMENT (windsurf, surf board and kit surf )Surf equipment may consist of a surf board, mast, sail or a surf board or kite or parachute, a bar and a board. Surfing equipment is not included in the baggage allowance. For each equipment checked-in a charge of €150 will be applied per one way. Notes: none at this time.

Airline: Air France

Surfboard Fee: $55 to $150 Website: www.airfrance.com Telephone:

US 1(800)-992-3932
France +33 (0)9 69-39-0215
UK +44 0871-66-33-777

Specifications & Fees

[box type="alert" size="large" style="rounded"]Cannot exceed 50 lbs.[/box] If the length of your surfboard is between 107 and 300 cm (42" and 9'8 ft), 23 kg (50 lb) maximum per board, you must purchase an additional baggage allowance at the airport, determined according to your trip:

€55 ($75)on flights departing from a country outside the Europe,zone 1.
€55 ($55)on flights departing from a country outside the Europe, zone 2.
€100 ($150)on flights departing from a country within the Europe, zone 3.
€100 ($100)on flights departing from a country within the Europe, zone 4.
Check out zones.

[box type="info" size="large" style="rounded"]Notes: Surfboards and long-boards can be transported in the hold with prior authorization by phone from our sales department.[/box]

Links

Airline: Air India

Surfboard Fee: $200 Website: http://www.airindia.com/index.htm Telephone: US & Canada 1(800)-223-7776. Email: eCommerce@airindia.in

Specifications & Fees

The will be charged 50% of the excess baggage charge. Such kit can be pooled in the Free Baggage Allowance but only 1 per passenger. Excess weight due to additional kit shall be charged as an extra piece. [box type="alert" size="large" style="rounded"]More than 23 kgs up to 32 kgs (51-70 lbs) - USD 100.00 per piece. 3rd and each additional piece upto 50 lbs - USD 200.00 between India and US.[/box] Notes: Golfing Kit/Surf Boarding equipment – The will be charged 50% of the excess baggage charge. Such kit can be pooled in the Free Baggage Allowance but only 1 per passenger. Excess weight due to additional kit shall be charged as an extra piece.

Links

Airline: Air New Zealand

Surfboard Fee: Free (but only if you meet their requirements) Website: www.airnewzealand.com Telephone:

US 1(800)-262-1234
Baggage Services 1(866)-767-2247
New Zealand +64 0800-737-000.
UK +44 0800-028-4149
France +33 0800-90-77-12.

Specifications & Fees

Free as part of your baggage limit but if its exceeds that the charge is $150 (first bag) or $200 (second bag) for flights originating from USA. Two surfboards can be taken in a single bag. Notes: Please note there is a maximum weight restriction of 32kg (70lbs) per item and 2 meters (6'5 ft) long. Please contact airline prior to trip for more information. [box type="alert" size="large" style="rounded"]Wave Tribe bro Grant comments: "Air New Zealand charged me $200 on a flight from Auckland to Toronto, Canada. I was not happy as Air New Zealand never used to charge. I complained but they say this is something new. Board bag was a standard 2m or 6’6 length. Wave Tribe FB bro comments: "Just did this to and from NZ. What a nightmare, despite flying with surfboard-friendly NZ air...Board length. I had an 8'5" that would have had to go through cargo for $700 as it was over their 285cm(?) max by a few cm, but I whined my way through. Since it was international and still "oversized", it was $250, then I overpacked it with wetsuits and it pushed the weight limit. They're an awesome airlines and I was just appreciative to get the kiwi custom made board home." [/box] Links:

Airline: Air Pacific (Fiji Airlines)

Surfboard Fee: $50 to $100 Website: www.airpacific.com Telephone:

US 1(800)-227-4446
Fiji +679 672-0888
Australia +61 1-800-230-150.
New Zealand +64 0800-800-178.
Customer Care: https://www.fijiairways.com/en-fj/contact-us/

Specifications & Fees

$50, flights to all destinations (except US/Canada, to and from Australia).
$100, flights to US/Canada, to and from Australia

Notes: These charges apply to surfboards exceeding 158cm (5'1 ft) but not exceeding 277cm (9'0 ft) in total dimension, at a maximum weight of 23kg (50lbs). Links: http://www.fijiairways.com/flight-information/excess-oversized-baggage/

Airline: Air Tahiti Nui

Surfboard Fee: Free Website: www.airtahitinui.com Telephone:

US 1 (877)-824-4846
UK 44 (0) 870-0660-2050
France +33 08-2502-4202.

Specifications & Fees

[box type="alert" size="large" style="rounded"]Must be under 50 lbs and 98 inches.[/box] One board bag allowed free of charge. If it does not exceed 50 lbs (23kg) maximum weight and 8'2 ft (250cm) maximum length. Notes: In all cases the second piece and/or adding another item of sporting equipment, are subject to published Excess Baggage Charges (Extra Piece/Oversize and/or over weight as applicable)

Links

Airline: AirTran Airways

Surfboard Fee: $50 Website: http://www.airtran.com Telephone: US 1(800)-247-8726 or 1(866)-247-2428.

Specifications & Fees

Surfboards will be accepted for a fee of $50 per item each way when packed in a case designed to prevent damage to surfboards and only upon completion of a Limited Release Tag. Notes: none.

Airline: Air Transat

Surfboard Fee: CA $100 per flight segment Website: http://www.airtransat.com/ Telephone: 1(866)-255-4871 Customer Service: https://www.airtransat.com/en-CA/Travel-information/Customer-service/Contact-us

Specifications & Fees

Dimensions: Maximum 3.65 m (12 feet) long, Weight:Maximum 32 kg (70 lb.) Notes: none.

Airline: Alaska Airlines

Surfboard Fee: $40-$75 Website: www.alaskaair.com Telephone:

US/Canada 1(800)-252-7522
UK +44 800-2527-5200
France +33 800-2527-5200.

Specifications & Fees

Airline Boardbag Fees One item (two boards per case) may be included as a checked bag

I have always had a great experience flying with Alaska, several times stuffing 3-4 boards in one bag and they never hassled me. One of the most friendly surfer airlines I have flown. We are allowed to fly with two surfboards inside one board bag, 118″ in length (9’8 ft) and pay oversize baggage fee of $75. The 115″ linear measurement, as stated at website, applies for other sporting equipment, not for surfboards. Please mention this to Alaska Air staff at the airport. [box type="info" size="large" style="rounded"]Notes: Alaska Airlines will accept surfboards as checked baggage provided each piece is properly packed in a soft or hard sided case designed specifically for it.[/box]

*Update 8/17: WT FB bro Vinnie P. says "Prices recently dropped on Alaska, check website. Big savings."

*Update 3/16- Wave Tribe FB bro Diego says "It sucks so bad. Alaska only charges $25 US if your board is 7'6 or less."

Links

Airline: Alitalia

Surfboard Fee: $75 to $260 (depending on destination) Website: http://www.alitalia.com/ Customer Center: https://www.alitalia.com/en_us/support/contact-assistance/customer-center.html

Telephone:

US 1(800)-223-5730
Italy +39 06-65640
France +33 (0) 1-44-94-44 05.

Specifications & Fees

Surfboard must be 6'5 to 9'8 ft (200-300 cm) and less than 50 lbs (32 kg). Notes: Depending on the size of the aircraft, surf and windsurf boards may not be accepted on board. Because of the variety of sizes of this type of surfboards, please contact Alitalia before booking/checking in. Please note that for the check-in and shipping of a surfboard you must:

Declare this item when you book your flight and, should you take a connecting flight on another carrier, get approval from this carrier; otherwise it will only be accepted on the Alitalia flight.
Check in for your flight at least an hour before departure.
Make sure the surfboard is properly packaged in containers or wrapped to protect it during loading and unloading.

Airline: All Nippon Airways

Surfboard Fee: $150 or $300 Website: http://www.ana.co.jp/asw/wws/us/e/ Telephone: US & Canada 1(800)-235-9262.

Specifications & Fees

Within 50 pounds the price is $150 or $300 depending on the size:

between 50-70 pounds-additional $30;
between 70-110 pounds-additional $150;
over 110 pounds, $300.

Notes: Limit length permitted: 9.5 ft

Airline: American Airlines

Surfboard Fee: $150 Website: www.aa.com Telephone:

US 1(800)-433-7300
UK +44 (0)844-499-7300
France +33 0826-460-950.

Specifications & Fees

[box type="alert" size="large" style="rounded"] No bags greater than 126 inches allowed. For travel to, through or from Brazil the boards must be under 108 inches and your first board is $42.50—additional surfboards are $85.[/box] Surfboard fee, $150 regardless of the number of checked bags. Lightweight surfboards packaged in a single bag that weighs less than 70 lbs. will be accepted as a single surfboard for charging purposes. Maximum weight and size: 70 lbs and 10'5 ft. Acceptance conditional on aircraft size and load factors. Notes: For travel through, to and from Brazil, surfboard charge for first board checked is $37.50; any additional surfboards are charged $75.. *Update 9/2015- Wave Tribe's FB friend Cindy said "American Airlines charged my husband $200 one way for his surfboard and it was a Harbour Pope bisect (a board that comes in two pieces). It was within the size limits of a regular bag and just because it was a "surfboard" they charged him. We won't make that mistake again. Not surfer friendly!" *Update 11/2015- Wave Tribe FB bro Eddie said "American Airlines actually charges you $150 each way for a board bag under 70 lbs. Pretty lame."

Links

Airline: American Eagle

Surfboard Fee: $150 Website: http://www.aa.com/ Telephone: 1-800-535-5225

Specifications & Fees

$150 regardless of the number of checked bags.Lightweight surfboards packaged in a single bag that weighs less than 70 lbs. will be accepted as a single surfboard for charging purposes. Through and from Brazil: Surfboard charge for first board checked is $37.50; any additional surfboards are charged $75.00. Notes: Maximum weight and size: 70lbs and 10.5 ft long.

Airline: Asiana Airlines

Surfboard Fee: Complicated Website: http://us.flyasiana.com/ Telephone: US 1(800)-227-4262.

Specifications & Fees

Depends on the route you are traveling and the departure city. No cost if this is within the limits of the free baggage policy. Bag should not exceed 6'6 ft and 70 lbs. Notes: Talk about complicated policy.

Americas Routes
- 1. Tickets issued from July 1, 2012
  - When the total weight of baggage including the equipment does not exceed the free baggage allowance, no extra charges are applied.
  - When the free baggage allowance is exceeded, the excess baggage charge per piece is applied.
  - No fee will be charged for baggage that exceeds the size limit.
  - But baggage that exceeds the weight limit of 23 kg will be charged an excess weight fee.
- 2. Tickets issued before July 1, 2012
  - Transportation is free of charge when the baggage including golf equipment does not exceed the free baggage allowance.
  - When the free baggage allowance is exceeded, 33% of the applicable excess baggage charge is applied.
Non-Americas Routes
1. 1. If you plan to board before March 1, 2015
  - When the total weight of baggage including the equipment does not exceed the free baggage allowance, no extra charges are applied.
  - When the free baggage allowance is exceeded, the lower amount between the excess baggage charge for 3kg and the regular excess baggage charge for the weight exceeding the free baggage allowance is applied.
2. 2. If you plan to board after March 1, 2015
  - you will have no extra baggage transportation fee to pay when the total weight of your baggage, including ski equipment, does not exceed the free baggage allowance.
  - When the free baggage allowance is exceeded, you will be charged either the excess baggage charge calculated according to the following Extra Charge System, or the regular excess baggage charge applied to the weight exceeding the free baggage allowance, whichever is lower.
  - Extra Charge System
    
    For ski equipment weighing 12kg or less, the regular excess baggage charge for 3kg over is applied.
    
    For ski equipment over 12kg, the weight up to 12kg is calculated as 3kg over, and the weight over 12kg is added to the 3kg to calculate the total excess baggage charge.

Links

Airline: Atlantic Southeast - ExpressJet

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined. Website: http://www.flyasa.com/ Telephone:

US 1(404)-856-1000
Please try Customer Relations (404)-856-1433

Specifications & Fees

Information not available on the website and no one taking the call. Notes: You can follow their partners’ baggage policies. Delta, United, and American Airlines.

Airline: Austrian Airlines

Surfboard Fee: $70 to $150 Website: http://www.austrian.com Telephone: US 1(800)-843-0002. Austria +43 (0)5 1766 1000.

Specifications & Fees

Up t0 2 meters in length (6.5 ft).
Flights within Europe and 3rd countries: €50 or $70 (USD/CAD)
Intercontinental flights: €100 or $150 (USD/CAD)

Notes: try the beer.

Links

Airline: Avianca (TACA)

Surfboard Fee: $100-$150 Website: http://www.avianca.com/ Telephone: 1 (800)-284-2622 Contact: https://www.avianca.com/us/en/can-we-help-you/

Specifications & Fees

They can allow only three boards and it will cost $100 (Cost may vary depending on the destinations)
The maximum height they can allow is 12 feet and should be under 70 pounds"

[box type="alert" size="large" style="rounded"]Notes: From Wave Tribe bro, "Dinged and damaged surfboards. No acknowledgement whatsoever from airline. Please make sure to pack and protect surfboards thoroughly."[/box] Links

http://www.avianca.com/en-us/travel-information/plan-your-trip/baggage/sports-equipment.aspx

Airline: Bahamas Air

Surfboard Fee: $65 Website: www.bahamasair.com Telephone: US 1 (800)-222-4262. Bahamas 1(242)-702-4140.

Specifications & Fees

Treated as a checked bag, the first bag is free. One board per bag. For international flights:

if it's over 50 lbs and under 70, or if it's over 6.2
it's $75.If it's over 70 lbs but under 100
it's $125. If it's over 62" and 70 lbs, it's $150.
For domestic flights & Turks and Caicos, if it's over 62" but under 44 lbs, it's $65.

[box type="info" size="large" style="rounded"] Can't exceed 100 lbs.[/box] Notes: enjoy the warm water.

Airline: Blue Panorama Airlines

Surfboard Fee: € 100 Website: http://www.blue-panorama.it/en/index.html Telephone: Calling outside of Italy +39 06-98-95-66-77. Italy 06-98-95-66-66. Customer Support: https://www.blue-panorama.com/booking-and-assistance

Specifications & Fees

100 Euros per flight for each surf equipment and snowboard on international flights of the Carrier’s towards Africa, the East, the Caribbean and the Americas, plus, in general, for all intercontinental flights. Notes: enjoy the pizza.

Airline: British Airways

Surfboard Fee: Free to $60* Website: www.britishairways.com Telephone:

US 1(800)-247-9297
UK +44 0844-493-0787
France +33 (0) 825-825-400.

Specifications & Fees

B.A. will accept surfboards as checked baggage providing they do not exceed the maximum weight restrictions for checked baggage and are packed in a recognized bag or case to safeguard against damage.

The bag containing the board can be up to a maximum size of 6'2 ft (190cm).
Bags weighing more than 51 lb (23 kg) may incur a heavy bag charge ($60).

[box type="info" size="large" style="rounded"]Notes: Our Wave Tribe bro Maurice comments: The worst is, BA won't allow longboards.[/box]

Links

Airline: Cathay Pacific

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined* Website: www.cathaypacific.com Telephone:

US 1(800)-233-2742
Hong Kong +852 2747-1888
UK +440-20-8834-8888.

Specifications & Fees

Free of charge unless it exceeds weight and length, then fees are applied per kilogram. Notes: Surfboards are subject to the applicable standard excess baggage charges if in excess of your standard free baggage allowance. Acceptance of any bag over 70 lbs (32kg) or over 6'0 ft (203cm) is subject to prior approval and notification upon booking/reservation. [box type="info" size="large" style="rounded"]Please contact airline prior to purchasing ticket, for more information.[/box]

Notes

*9/2015- Wave Tribe Bro Heb said "Hi, Just got back from Australia flying with Cathay Pacific. Looked into getting a 9ft board back to the UK as extra baggage. They wanted 60 US Dollars per kilo! Say conservatively the total weight would be 10kg that's 600 US dollars on top of the price of the board. Needless to say it didn’t happen. Great site."

*2/2016- Wave Tribe bro Brian said "After a few back and forth emails where i asked in detail on prices of surfboard bag based on length and the qty of boards in the bag, the last email i received explained how board bags were free as part of the two check in bag allotment and that i would only be charged if the bags were over 50 pounds. I then called the 800 number of Cathay Pacific and spoke to an agent. After telling her i needed info on surfboard bag policy she asked me length, width, thickness, weight of the bag. She determined my bag would be $600 each way. I told her about the email from the baggage service. She said if i presented that at the check in counter it would be up to the person at the counter whether or not it would be honored. She also said if any layover was over 24 hours you would have to recheck the bag and pay a board fee again for the next leg of your trip. Long story short they will charge you $600 each way for any regular board bag over 5'5" per the policy but it could be free if you present proof if they are in a good mood. too risky"

Airline: China Eastern Airlines or Shanghai Airlines

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined. Website: http://us.ceair.com/ Telephone:

U.S. Los Angeles 1(310)-744-8999, 1-626-583-1500. New York 1(212)-685-8685.
Paris +33 144860300
London +44 207 935 2676
China, Shanghai 95530 021-95530

Specifications & Fees

Notes: Please contact airline for more info.

Airline: China Southern

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined. Website: http://www.csair.com Telephone: U.S. 1(888)-338-8988, direct call 1(323)-653-8088

Specifications & Fees

NA. Please contact airline.

Airline: Condor

Surfboard Fee: $65 to $98 Website: http://www.condor.com Telephone:

US 1(866)-960-7915
Rest of the world & Germany +49 (0) 6171-6988920.
Email: condorkb@condor.com

Specifications & Fees

$65 one-way-short/medium haul flights.
$98 one-way/long haul flights.

Notes: Up to 66 lbs (30 kg). Max. dimensions: 13 ft (400cm) length x 27" (70 cm) width x 21" (55 cm) height*.

Comprising 1 surfboard (+ 1 mast + 1 sail or 1 board + 1 kite.)
Dimension details must be indicated to establish whether and how the item can be carried.
Charge does not apply to bodyboards/boogie boards.

Link

http://www.condor.com/us/flight-info/baggage/sports-equipment.jsp

Airline: COPA

Surfboard Fee: $50 to $75 Website: www.copaair.com Telephone: US 1(800)-359-2672. Panama +507 304-2672.

Specifications & Fees

Surfboards or surfboard bags measuring more than 9'5 ft (292 cm) in length will not be accepted as checked baggage on Copa Airlines flights.
Bags containing surfboards weighing more than 70 lb (32 kg) will not be accepted as checked bags.
$75 per trip, per bag (two boards per board bag allowed).
($50 to and from Costa Rica and Brazil)

Notes: Copa Airlines will transport a maximum of two surfboards, packed in the same bag, per passenger. Any additional boards must be checked as cargo. Please contact airline for more information, prior to purchasing ticket to reserve space for luggage.

*8/2016 Update: Wave Tribe FB bro Mike F. said- "It's worth noting that I just flew Copa from Costa Rica to Panama, then Panama to LAX. They told me it would be $75 for the bag, but then I didn't get charged at all because it was under the weight limit. Possible bro status?"

Airline: Corsairfly

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined. Website: http://www.corsairfly.com Telephone:

U.S. 1(800)-677-0720
France +33 1 7039-2210.

Specifications & Fees

NA. Please contact airline. Notes:

Airline: Delta Airlines

Surfboard Fee: $100 to $150. Website: http://www.delta.com/ Telephone:

US 1(404)-209-3434
UK +44 871-221-1222
Brazil +55 0800-761-7070
Spain +34 902-810-872.

Specifications & Fees

$150 (€105) traveling to all regions (excluding Brazil). $100 traveling to/from Brazil. Delta Connection carrier surfboard acceptance and charges may vary. Please contact airline for more information.

Surfboards are allowed up to two boards per bag.
Bags over 70 lbs. will be charged the excess weight fee ($125 - $200).
Between Honolulu and Maui, there is a $20 fee.
Surfboards over 9'5 ft are not allowed.

Notes: Please be advised, between Honolulu and Maui, there is a $20 fee.

*12/2015 Update: Wave Tribe bro Robert says "It looks like Delta Airlines changed their size restriction from a max length of 9’5″ to linear dimensions: Linear dimension (length + width + height) cannot exceed 115 inches (292 cm). We recently has a customer that was refused when she tried to check in a 9’2 board on Delta from Honolulu to France. This was possible before for $150. Now you can only take shortboards, even a small longboard or SUP will be too big for this linear dimension measurement."

*2/2016 Update: Wave Tribe Facebook bro Jacob said ... "Florida to Puerto Rico on Delta boards were $200. Ticket was free, but I could have taken JetBlue for that price."

Airline: Easyjet

Surfboard Fee: $20-$50 Website: http://www.easyjet.com/ Telephone: UK +44 0843-104-5000.France +33 0820-420-315. Rest of the world +44 843 104 5454. Customer Care: https://www.easyjet.com/en/help/contact

Specifications & Fees

Easyjet people say "Buying weight allowance for sporting goods gives you a 12kg extra weight allowance. You must be traveling with sports equipment (as listed in the booking process), although the exact weight distribution between items doesn’t matter. For example: One passenger traveling buys a bag and an additional sporting allowance. This gives an allowance of 2 items (which must include 1 sporting item), at a total weight of 5o lbs (32kg). However, if the sporting item is 40 lbs (18kg) and the bag is 30 lbs (14kg) then that’s fine with us! Two passengers are traveling with one hold bag and two pieces of sports equipment. This gives an allowance of 3 items (which must include 2 sporting items), at a total weight of 97 lbs (44kg). The exact distribution of weight between baggage items doesn’t matter, subject to the maximum weights detailed above for health and safety reasons." Notes: You can usually add a surfboard to your ticket fir a reasonable price.

Links

Airline: El Al

Surfboard Fee: $70 Website: http://www.elal.co.il/elal/english/states/general/ Telephone: U.S. 1(800)-223-6700. Contact: https://app.elal.co.il/ElalServiceContactUs?lang=en

Specifications & Fees

Surfboards can be flown as part of your baggage allowance.

Up t0 33 lbs, 4.6ft: $70.
Between 35-70 lbs, 4.6 to 6.6ft: ($70 Europe. $210 rest of the world.)
Between 71-110 lbs, 6.6 to 9ft: $210.

Notes: where you going?

Airline: Egyptair

Surfboard Fee: Surfboards not allowed. They need to go as cargo. Website: http://www.egyptair.com Telephone: US 1(212)-581-5600. UK +44 0844-822-1110. France +33 1-4494-8500.

Specifications & Fees

If you are carrying special sporting items EGYPTAIR applies special excess baggage rates to these items. The following special baggage will be checked as cargo and should not be packed in sporting travel cases: Bike-Tandem, Bulk baggage, Hang Gliders ,Kayaks, Surfboard :( Notes: check out the temples,

Airline: Emirates

Surfboard Fee: Emirates the policy in 2015. It is now a maximum of 300cm on the L + W + H If you are more than that , your board bag will have to go directly on fret. Website: www.emirates.com Telephone: US 1(800)-777-3999. UK +44 844-800-2777. France +33 (0)1-5732-4999.

Specifications & Fees

Emirates will accept surfboards, as checked baggage and part of your standard baggage allowance, provided they are less than 10'0 ft (300cm) in length. For surfboards, the following precautions must be taken: - Fins should always be removed, or, if they cannot be removed, should be firmly packed with polystyrene foam. - Both nose and tail should have bubble-wrap or neoprene foam attached for protection. - The rails (sides of the board) should have cardboard down the sides to absorb shock. -

The board should be packed in a properly padded surf-bag. Notes: *Wave Tribe bro Joao comments: I already traveled a few times with Emirates and also on Singapore, and they are fully free and recommendable. About the Board sizes, never had any problem with Singapore or Emirates. *08/15 Wave Tribe bro Yen reports that on his trip from Europe to Indo "emirates up to 30Kg surfboards free." Links: http://www.emirates.com/au/english/plan_book/essential_information/baggages/extra_checked_baggage_allowances.aspx

*1/19 Update: WT bro Andy said: "Emirates is free too upto 30kg and 3 metres from UK"

Airline: Etihad Airways

Surfboard Fee: Free Website: http://www.etihadairways.com Telephone: US 1(877)- 690-0767. UK +44 845-6081225

Specifications & Fees

Eithad Airways state that a surfboard would be free of charge as long as:

The surfboard is no longer than 3 meters (9'8 ft)
Weight of total baggage does not exceed 30 kg (66 pounds)

Notes: Please contact airline before flight.

Airline: EVA Air

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined. Website: http://www.evaair.com Telephone: US & Canada 1(800)-695-1188. UK +44 20-7380-8300. France +33 1-4143-9111. Taiwan +886 3-3510022.

Specifications & Fees

The baggage allowance depends on airport and destination. Two allowance systems are in use. Different regulations and charges apply to special baggage, e.g. golf clubs, surfboards, windsurfing equipment etc. Please contact EVA AIR reservations 24 hours prior to your departure. [box type="info" style="rounded" border="full"]Notes: Please be very cautious when traveling with your surfboard with Eva Air. They might give you confusing information and charge you more than the established fees. On the phone they will give you an amount to pay, and on airport another one on top of that.[/box]

Links

Airline: ExpressJet

Surfboard Fee: $150 (Approx.) Website: http://www.expressjet.com/ Telephone: US 1(404)-856-1000. Customer Relations 1(404)-856-1433.

Specifications & Fees

Express jet operates on behalf of continental airlines and United Airlines, so the baggage rules applies by Continental and United. Surfboards are allowed but for certain costs. Notes: none.

Airline: Finnair

Surfboard Fee: $0 to $200 Website: http://www.finnair.com Telephone: US 1(800)-950-5000. Finland & Europe+358 600-140-140. Customer Care: https://www.finnair.com/pt-en/customer-care-and-contact-information

Specifications & Fees

Surfboards with a maximum length of 190 cm (6'2 ft) and maximum weight of 23 kg (50 lbs) are considered standard baggage.

If the baggage allowance does not exceed, no extra charge applies.
If a surfboard exceeds the maximum measurements 190 cm x 75 cm x 65 cm (6'2ft x 29" x 25"), a charge of €150 or $200 USD/CAD is collected at the airport.
For carrying windsurfing boards, canoes and kayaks, an extra charge of €150 or $200 USD/CAD is always collected at the airport.

Notes: surfing in Finland?

Airline: First Choice Airways

Surfboard Fee: £35 to £60 Website: http://www.firstchoice.co.uk/ Telephone: UK +44 0871-200-7799 or +44 0871-231-4691 Support: https://www.firstchoice.co.uk/holiday/info/customer-welfare/

Specifications & Fees

For Surfboards/Windsurfers/Kitesurfers/Paragliders/Canoes.

Short haul - £35 return
Mid haul - £45 return
Long haul - £60 return

Notes: none.

Airline: Frontier Airlines

Surfboard Fee: $20-$75 Website: http://www.frontierairlines.com/ Telephone: US & Canada 1(800)-432-1359.

Specifications & Fees

$20 up to 11 feet and 50 lbs overweight charges $75. Cannot exceed 99lbs. Some checked items, such as surfboards will be charged a fixed handling fee because of size, fragility, or other handling requirements while others may be checked in lieu of one of your checked bags. If you plan to travel with a surfboard, please contact Frontier Airlines directly to confirm packing regulations and fees. The following limits for length apply based on aircraft type:

Airbus 319/320: 15 ft
Airbus 318: 11 ft
Embraer 190: 8 ft
Limited liability, unless packaged in a hard-sided case.

Links

Airline: Garuda Indonesia

Free within the limits of free baggage policy. Website: http://www.garuda-indonesia.com/ Telephone: US 1(800)-342-7832. Call Center at +62 80-4180-7807 (Within Indonesia region only) or +62 21-2351-9999. Email: lax@garudana.com

Specifications & Fees

All Sporting Equipments, including but not limited to Golfing, Surfboard, Bicycle and Skiing equipments maybe included into applicable passengers Free Baggage Allowance/FBA according to their actual fare paid. Important to notify the airline 24 hours before your take off. [box type="info" style="rounded" border="full"]Notes: Maximum weight permitted 33lbs (15 kilo).[/box]

Airline: GOL

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined. Website: http://www.voegol.com Telephone: US & Canada 1(855)-862-9190. Other countries +598 2403-8007 (24 hrs, Uruguay tel.)

Specifications & Fees

Surfboards, bodyboards, skateboards, skis, bowling balls and other equipment must be transported inside cases designed for their transportation or in their original packaging. Balls must be deflated. If equipment is not appropriately packaged according to the stipulations listed above, airline employees are authorized to refuse to transport the items. [box type="info" size="large" style="rounded"]Note: Baggage whose linear measurements exceed 158 cm (5.2 ft) or weigh more than 32 kg (70 lbs.) per item will not be accepted, not even as excess baggage. [/box]

Links

Airline: Gulf Air

Surfboard Fee: NA Website: http://www.gulfair.com Telephone:

US & Canada 1(888)-359-4853
Bahrain +973 1737-3737
UK+44 08-44-493-1717
France +33 4952-4141

Specifications & Fees

Gulf Air is delighted to accept surfboards as long as each piece does not exceed 32 kg and are within the dimensions set for extraordinary baggage 190 cm (6'2 ft) x 75 cm (20”) x 65 cm (25”). We would not be able to accept larger dimensions as checked baggage. Gulf Air would be happy to carry them as cargo in these circumstances. Notes: Please contact airline for more info.

Airline: Hainan Airlines

Surfboard Fee: Each charging standard unit is $110. Website: https://www.hainanairlines.com/CN/GB/Welcome Telephone:

US & Canada 1(888)-688-8813
Europe 00-800-8768-9999.
Customer Care: https://www.hainanairlines.com/US/US/CTUS

Specifications & Fees

Surf boards Hainan Airlines allows surfing gear to be transported as checked baggage. The total size (length+ width +height) of each piece of surfing set should be less than 277 cm (9 ft). Hainan Airlines does not allow surfing gear to be included in the free baggage allowance. Only one set of surfing equipment for each passenger can be applied to special charging policies, namely being charged a fee of 50% of a standard charging unit. [Annotation: Each charging standard unit is 110 UD dollars. If RMB is used for payment, the exchange rate on the date the overweight check is completed shall be applied.] Other surfing gear shall be charged according to ordinary charging standards of over limit baggage. [box type="info" size="large" style="rounded"]Notes: Some checked items, such as surfboards and bicycles will be charged a fixed handling fee because of size, fragility, or other handling requirements while others may be checked in lieu of one of your checked bags.[/box]

Airline: Hawaiian Air

Surfboard Fee: $35 to $150. Website: www.hawaiianair.com Telephone

US 1(800)-367-5320
UK +44 0-4208-133-0718
Australia +61 1800-188-371

Specifications & Fees

Surfboards will not be included in determining the free baggage allowance and will be subject to the following charges each:

Domestic flights, to neighbor island $35;
Between North America and Hawaii $100;
Between Continental USA $100.

International flights:

$150, between Hawaii/North America and Japan, Korea, Taiwan or China;
$150, between Hawaii/North America and Australia;
$150, for any other international travel.

Exception: For travel between USA and Australia or New Zealand, boards will be included in the free baggage allowance when travel is non-stop, direct and/or connecting Service. Boards in excess of the free baggage allowance and/or when en route stopover exceeding 24 hours occurs, will always be subject to the applicable baggage charges. Maximum weight for Surfboards is 23 kgs. or 50 lbs. Maximum length 9'5 ft. Notes: Fin must be removed or well padded. Entire board must be protected by a suitable container. Limit of two boards per container. Charge will be assessed per container. [box type="info" size="large" style="rounded"]Wave Tribe bro David comments: Just FYI… Hawaiian allows one free board bag on flights between the USA and Australia/New Zealand. Though if you are flying on one of these flights it’s helpful to screenshot this page from their website as many agents do not know this: http://help.hawaiianairlines.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/90[/box]

Airline: Iberia

Surfboard Fee: €150 Website: www.iberia.com Telephone:

US 1(800)-772-4642
Spain +34 902-400-500
UK +44 0-870-609-0500
France +33 0-825-800-965

Specifications & Fees

Surfboards will always be treated as excess baggage with a fixed charge of €150 per leg, payable exclusively at the airport. When the trip originates in America, Nigeria or Israel, the charge will be $150.

For flights coming in and out of Brazil, Surf equipment is not included under the baggage allowance and involves a charge of $60
Additional equipment will be charged $120/per unit.
Surfboard should not exceed 2.5m in length.

Notes: Its carriage will be subject to availability of space on the flight. Surfboards should be properly positioned and packed, fastened to prevent breakage or cause problems or injury during boarding and carriage.

Airline: Indian Airlines

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined. Website: http://www.airindia.in Telephone:

US & Canada 1(800)-180-1407
USA toll free 1(800)-223-7776
UK +44 207-760-3290.

Customer Care: http://www.airindia.in/contact-details.htm

Specifications & Fees

Notes: go to Sri Lanka bro, good waves there. Links

http://home.airindia.in

Airline: Interjet

Surfboard Fee: Free Website: interjet.com.mx Telephone:

US 1(866)-285-9525 or 1(866)-285-8307
Mexico +52 11-02-55-55.
Customer Support: https://www.interjet.com/en-us/interjet-experience/customer-support/contact-us

Specifications & Fees

Max weight is 52 lbs for domestic flights and 110 lbs per passenger for international flights. Max size permitted, 8'9 ft. Any excess baggage will have a fee of $50.00 pesos (approx $5) plus tax for each additional pound. Notes: add a corona.

Airline: Iran Air

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined. Website: http://www.iranair.com/ Telephone: London +44 020 8741 8000. Iran +98 (21)4662-4255. Customer Care: http://iranair.com/Portal/home/?15996/Contact-Us

Specifications & Fees

Notes: no surf in Iran bro.

Airline: Japan Airlines

Surfboard Fee: $50 to $150 Website: www.jal.com Telephone:

US & Canada 1(800)-525-3663 or1(310)-643-1596.
Japan +81 0570-025-121
UK +44 0844-8-569-700
France +33 0810-747-700.

Specifications & Fees

Charges for each carry bag will be assessed according to the route. Japan, Asia, India, Oceania Hawaii, North/Central/South America, Europe, Middle East, Africa:

Per carry bag:- 15,000yen ($150)

Between Japan and Asia, Guam, Oceania:

Per carry bag 10,000yen ($100)

Japan Domestic flights:

Per carry bag 5,000yen ($50)

[box type="info" size="large" style="rounded"]Notes: Surfboards:Maximum of 2 surfboards per each carry bag. If your surfboard exceeds 47" or 120cm (30" or 100cm if the aircraft is 737) in length (Crazy!). Please consult with our airline or your travel agency in advance.[/box]

Airline: Jet Airways

Surfboard Fee: $50 if its exceeds the weight of the free check-in baggage. Website: http://www.jetairways.com/ Telephone: 1(877)-835-9538

Specifications & Fees

The maximum size of a surfboard allowed is 5'2 ft, 50 lbs. Notes: none.

Airline: Jet Blue

Surfboard Fee: $50 Website: www.jetblue.com Telephone:

US 1(800)-538-2583
All other countries 1(801)-449-2525.

Specifications & Fees

Surfboards are accepted on domestic flights for a fee of $50 per board each way and will count as one of your checked bags. International flights, customers will be charged a fee of $50 per board each way and will count as part of the checked baggage allowance.

Surfboards are accepted to all destinations EXCEPT to/from Bermuda, Santo Domingo and Santiago.
Surfboards ARE accepted on flights to/from Puerto Plata, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Notes: One surfboard per case. Items weighing more than one hundred pounds (100 lbs) will not be accepted as checked baggage. We recommend that surfboards travel in a hard-sided (rather than soft-sided) case to prevent damage. [box type="alert" size="large" style="rounded"]Wave Tribe bro Jake comments: They literally charged me TO THE PENNY when returning to NY from Puerto Rico. Said they wouldn’t put my bag on the plane. They charged per board and luckily only saw 2, I had 3.[/box]

*2/16 Update: Wave Tribe FB friend Jon said: "JetBlue isn't $50 as they hide an extra $25 charged additionally as "first bag fee",' so plan on $75 per board each way"

Airline: JetStar

Surfboard Fee: Free* Website: http://www.jetstar.com/ Telephone:

US 1(866)-397-8170
Australia & other countries +61 (613)-9645-5999.

Specifications & Fees

Weight and size must not exceed 50 lbs (32 kg) and 6'2 ft (domestic flights & short-haul international) and 9'0 ft (international long-haul); or else excess baggage will be applied. Notes: Please contact airline for more details. Checked baggage fees are usually applied anyways and might vary.

Links

Airline: KLM

Surfboard Fee: $55 to $150 (depending on destination) Website: www.klm.com Telephone:

US & Canada 1(866)-434-0320 or 1(800)-618-0104
UK +44 (0) 871-231-0000. France +33 (0)9-6936-8605
Germany +49 01806-254-750.

Specifications & Fees

You can bring a surfboard of max. 42" (107cm) instead of a suitcase or instead of an extra suitcase bought in advance. Larger surf equipment can only be taken at a special fee. Fees for surfboards between 42" to 9'8 ft ( 107 and 300 cm) in length, max. 50 lbs (23 kg):

Within the Netherlands, $55.
Within Europe. Within Europe and North Africa, Israel, and other parts of Middle East, $55.
Within Europe and United States/Canada, rest of Middle East, India, $100. (When departing from United States, $150)
The rest of the world, $100.

Notes: Please contact KLM telephone reservations prior to trip. You always need to reserve for any type of surf equipment. [box type="alert" size="large" style="rounded"]Wave Tribe bro comments: "KLM high prices and for not taking any responsibility in case the boards get damaged. The damage may occur, once the equipment is inspected and not left the way it was packed.[/box] *9/2015~ Wave Tribe bro SurfKaravaan reports~ "Surfboards free of charge." Check their dedicated website: https://surf.klm.com/#!/destinations *11/2015~ Wave Tribe bro Roy reports~ "KLM does not charge anymore , you can bring your surfboard instead of a suitcase, or as an extra bag..."

Links

Airline: Korean Air

Surfboard Fee: Free* Website: http://www.koreanair.com/ Telephone: US 1(800)-438-5000. UK +44 0-800-413-00.

Specifications & Fees

Maximum weight & length allowed, 70lb (32kg) and 9'0 ft (277cm). Take precautions when packing surfboards. Fins should be detached and thereafter boards safely enclosed in suitable bags. Surfboard will be charged per bag (or container). Korean Air assumes no liability for damage to sports equipment that is not contained in a hard-sided case designed for shipping with protective internal material. [box type="info" size="large" style="rounded"]Notes: Up to $200 if free baggage allowance is exceeded, and depending on destination.[/box]

Airline: LAN Chile

Surfboard Fee: Free* Website: http://www.lan.com Telephone:

US 1(866)-435-9526
Chile +56 600-526-2000
France +33 082-123-1554.
UK +44 845-098-0140.

Specifications & Fees

Surfboards may be considered part of the free checked baggage allowance provided that it does not exceed the permitted allowance (according to the route and flight cabin). Maximum length & weight permitted for surfboards 9'8 ft (300 cm) and 50 lbs (23 kg). If exceeded, you must pay the excess baggage fee. *($30 to $90, depending on destination flights) Notes: beautiful flight attendants.

Links

Airline: Lufthansa

Surfboard Fee: $70 to $150 Website: www.lufthansa-usa.com Telephone:

US 1(800)-645-3880.
Germany +49 69-86-799-799
UK +44 871-945-9747
France +33 892-231-690

Specifications & Fees

Must be less than 70 lbs (32 kg) and/or 6'5" (2 meters).

Within Europe: $70 (€50).
Europe to intercontinental: $150 (€100).
If it's over 6'7" (2 m), the fees are doubled. You need to register sports baggage 24 hours before the flight.

Notes: safest airline with good service.

Airline: Malaysian

Surfboard Fee: Varies Website: www.malaysiaairlines.com Telephone:

US 1(800)-552-9264
UK +44 (0) 20-7341-2022
France +33 0892-35-0810.

Specifications & Fees

One surfboard to a maximum length of 8'1 ft (2.5 meters) . Items over 8'1 ft in length shall not be accepted as checked baggage. Weight system:

Maximum weight of 33 lbs (15kg) will be carried free of charge.
If over the FBA + 33 lbs, normal excess baggage applies.
Piece system: 100% or single charge of the applicable excess baggage rate regardless of the dimension and size. Additional surfboards at the applicable excess baggage charge.

Additional surfboard restrictions and exceptions:

If not presented in a protective case, the item will only be accepted upon completion of a Limited Release tag.

Notes: hot chicks. *10/15 Update: Wave Tribe friend Izzy said: "You could add Malaysian to the bro list I flew a couple of times with them to Bali and it was free to bring boards. They damaged one of my boards once though but they paid for the damage without complaining."

Airline: Mesa Airlines

Surfboard Fee: $35 Website: http://www.mesa-air.com/ Telephone: 1(602)-685-4000 Email: customercare@iflygo.com

Specifications & Fees

Surfboards and paddle boards with lengths 6 feet and less on a limited basis. Every effort will be made to accommodate these items. A fee of $35 ($30 for tickets purchased on or prior to Oct. 31, 2013) will be charged for transportation of these items. Notes: que honda?

Airline: Mexicana

Surfboard Fee: $75 Website: www.mexicana.com Telephone: US 1(888)-882-9994, 1(877)-801-2010.

Specifications & Fees

One-way per bag, Max 8'3 ft. Notes: Please call Mexicana Airlines, for more information. Links

https://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Mexicana_Airlines/baggage.php

Airline: Monarch Airlines

Surfboard Fee: £35 / €44 per item, per sector. Website: http://www.monarch.co.uk/ Telephone: Calling from inside & outside the UK +44 8719-40-50-40. Contact form: http://www.monarch.co.uk/contact-us/flights

Specifications & Fees

These fees can only be booked at the airport. Notes: butterfly.

Airline: MyTravel Airways or Thomas Cook

Surfboard Fee: £40 to £60 Website: http://www.thomascook.com/ Telephone: Denmark +45 3247-7200. US 1(800)-432-1359 Email: mytravelairways@mytravel.dk

Specifications & Fees

Surfboards are charged at £40 short haul/short haul plus and £60 long haul for the return trip. Notes: high roller.

Airline: Northwest (Delta)

Surfboard Fee: $100 to $150. Website: www.nwa.com Telephone: US 1(404)-209-3434. UK +44 871-221-1222. Brazil +55 0800-761-7070. Spain +34 902-810-872.

Specifications & Fees

$150 (€105) traveling to all regions (excluding Brazil). $100 traveling to/from Brazil.

Delta Connection carrier surfboard acceptance and charges may vary. Please contact airline for more information.
If the surfboard is not in a protective case, you must fill out a liability form before the surfboard will be accepted. (Click on link below)
Surfboards are allowed up to two boards per bag.
Bags over 70 lbs. will be charged the excess weight fee ($125 - $200).
Between Honolulu and Maui, there is a $20 fee.
Surfboards over 9'5 ft are not allowed.

Notes: Please be advised, between Honolulu and Maui, there is a $20 fee.

Airline: Oman Air

Surfboard Fee: Free Website: http://www.omanair.com/en Telephone: US 1(201)-205-2115.

Specifications & Fees

Sporting Equipments as listed below may be accepted for carriage as checked in baggage and as part of passenger’s standard baggage allowance. If the free baggage allowance (FBA) is exceeded, normal excess baggage charges apply.Specifications & Fees

Wind Surf Boards
Surf Boards
Kite Surfing Equipment
Body Boards
Pole Vault
Kayaks

Following need to be taken into account. Items are less than 300 cm (10 feet) in length, any sails are detachable and collapsible and the equipment is appropriately packed in a hard shell packing case, if not limited release tag will be required. Notes: Items up to 400 cm (13 feet) in length may be accepted in exceptional cases, provided detailed information is forwarded to us. *Update 10/15: Wave Tribe Bro Scott said "Oman changed their policy on surfboards. No Longer Free Must Pay a lot."

Links

http://www.omanair.com/en/travel-info/baggage-services

Airline: Pakistan Int. Airlines

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined. Website: http://www.piac.com.pk Telephone: 24 hr contact number +92 111-786-786. Email: info@piac.aero

Specifications & Fees

Notes: why?

Airline: Philippine Airlines

Surfboard Fee: $150.00 Website: www.philippineairlines.com/ Telephone:

USA and Canada 1(800)-435-9725
Australia 1-300-888-725.

Specifications & Fees

$150 within a size of 9ft, if it exceeds that, the cost would be $300. Surfboards are not included in the free baggage allowance, and thus shall be considered as automatic excess baggage. Notes: Exception: For travel between Australia and Philippines, surfboards shall only be accepted if enclosed in a surfboard bag that must not exceed 70lbs in weight and 9ft in length. Board can be included in the free baggage allowance. The number of surfboards can be more than one, but must not exceed 70lbs. When the combined weight of the board exceeds the free baggage allowance, normal excess baggage rates shall apply. [box type="alert" size="large" style="rounded"]Our Wave Tribe bro Tim, comments: Flew with Philippine Airlines from Bali to Shanghai via Manila. They charged me 33USD/Kilo. He had 13kgs! Their surfboard policy only stands for some destination, make sure you don’t get screwed like he did.[/box]

Airline: Qantas

Surfboard Fee: Free* Website: http://www.qantas.com.au Telephone

US 1(800)-227-4500
Australia +61 13 13 13
UK +44 208-600-4300.
France +33 01-5732-9283

Specifications & Fees

To carry a surfboard as baggage, fins must be removed where possible and placed in an enclosed compartment or taped to the board. Qantas Check-in will attach a Fragile tag to the bag and you must complete and sign the limited release portion of the baggage tag. Australian and International routes:

Surfboard accepted enclosed in a board bag, should not exceed 70 lb (32kg) in weight and 9'0 ft (277cm) in length.
Any additional bags will each be assessed at the Airport Excess Baggage rates.
You can pre-purchase Additional Baggage Allowance at lower rates than Airport Excess Baggage rates.

[box type="info" size="large" style="rounded"]Notes: $150, if free baggage allowance is exceeded, and depending on destination.[/box]

Links

Airline: Qatar Airways - Up to $1750 WTF

Website: http://www.qatarairways.com Telephone:

US 1(877)-777-2827 or 1(954)-745-0380
UK +44 (0)33-3320-2454
France +33 1-70-95-05-80.

The board needs to be less than 9'8 ft (3 meters) and 50 lbs (23kg). If this is exceeded, a fee will be applied and boy it is a doozy.

Specifications & Fees

[box type="alert" size="large" style="rounded"]Surfboard Fee: On Qatar Airlines right now it is not free , and it will cost 1250$ for a board bag up to 300cm if you travel to Denpasar from Europe so please change what it write on your site and check on the Qatar site[/box]

Links

http://support.qatarairways.com/entries/381230-is-there-a-special-allowance-for-sporting-equipment

*7/17 Update: WT FB bro Rob said: "I flew Qatar the last two years and they did not charge for boards."

*1/19 Update: WT bro Andy said: "I've been flying with Qatar from the uk to bali for the past 8-9 years in a row and they don’t charge a penny, are very lenient if you’re over the weight limit and up till 4-5 years ago they even gave a free 10kg just for sports equipment on top of the regular allowance."

Airline: Royal Air Maroc

Surfboard Fee: 80 euros Website: http://www.royalairmaroc.com Telephone: US 1(800)-344-67 26

Specifications & Fees

Surfboard allowed, 80 euros each way for a minimum weight of 66lbs (30 kgs), 6'6 ft (2 meters). Notes: royal with chese.

Airline: Ryanair

Surfboard Fee: €50 to €60 (depending on advanced purchase or at airport) Website: http://www.ryanair.com/en Telephone: UK +44 0-871-246-0000. France +33 0892-562-150. Rest of the world+44 871-246-0002.

Specifications & Fees

Surfboards, among other sporting equipment, are inherently unsuitable for carriage by airlines operating fast turnarounds such as Ryanair. However, these items may be carried in the hold of the aircraft in addition to your personal checked baggage allowance up to a limit of 44 lbs (20 kg) per item upon payment of a discounted online fee of £50/€50 per item, per one way flight. If the item is purchased at the airport or through a Ryanair call centre a higher fee of £60/€60 per item/per one way flight will apply). Any sporting and musical item weighing over the 44 lbs (20 kg) allowance will be charged for the excess at the applicable excess baggage rate per kilo. [box type="info" size="large" style="rounded"]Notes: *Useful surfers' tips who have flown with Ryanair: http://community.magicseaweed.com/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=35970[/box]

Airline: S7 Airlines

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined. Website: http://www.s7.ru/en/ Telephone: Russia +7 (495) 777-9999.

Specifications & Fees

Notes: Please contact airline*

Airline: Saudi Arabian Airlines

Surfboard Fee: $150-$300* Website: http://www.saudiairlines.com Telephone: US & Canada 1(800)-472-8342, 1(571)-722-1800.

Specifications & Fees

Saudi Arabian Airlines accept Sporting equipment and musical instruments as checked baggage if it is properly packed or inserted in special bags and its weight shall be counted as a part of free checked baggage allowance, in case the weight is more than the free baggage allowance excess baggage charge shall be collected as Saudi policy. Most likely surfboards will fly as excess baggage. Please read dimensions and weight allowed. Notes: The standard dimensions for all bags from/to USA and Canada should not exceed 5'10 ft or 70 lbs. The standard dimensions for all bags to other destinations, except USA and Canada, should not exceed 6'7 ft or 70 lbs

Airline: SAS International

Surfboard Fee: Domestic:€120/$175 ($160), Europe & Scandinavia: €180/$260 ($240), Between Europe and Asia/USA: €250/$325 (***$345) Website: http://www.flysas.com Telephone:

U.S. Customer contact 1(800)-221-2350
International 1-201-896-3600

Specifications & Fees

Surfboards are only be accepted on certain aircraft types and specific dimensions apply per aircraft type. Please contact your travel agent for details. The board must be checked in no later than 2 hours before departure and you must notify SAS in advance. If the board exceeds the limits for the specific aircraft type, it must be sent as cargo. [box type="info" size="large" style="rounded"]Notes: Surfboards/kiteboards The maximum length allowed is 6.5 ft[/box]

Airline: Shenzhen Airlines

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined. Website: http://global.shenzhenair.com/ Telephone: 400-88-95080 Email: wm@shenzhenair.com

Specifications & Fees

Notes: Please email airline for more info.

Airline: Singapore

Surfboard Fee: Free* Website: www.singaporeair.com Telephone:

US 1(800)-742-3333
UK +44 020-8961-6993
France +33 0-821-230-380.
Singapore +65 6223-8888.

Customer Service: https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/contact-us/

Specifications & Fees

As part of your two bag limit. After two boards it's $109 each way going from US to Singapore (other destinations may vary). Excess baggage charges will apply if your sporting equipment and your other check-in baggage exceed the free baggage allowance. Notes: For travel to/from US/Brazil, most sporting equipment is treated as one piece of baggage. Canoes (per unit) are treated as two pieces of baggage. [box type="alert" size="large" style="rounded"]Our Wave Tribe bro Joao comments: I already traveled a few times with Singapore, and they are fully free and recommendable. About board sizes, never had any problem with Singapore.[/box] Links: http://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/travel-information/baggage-outsize/

Airline: SkyWest Airlines

Surfboard Fee: $20 Website: http://www.skywest.com/ Telephone:

US or Canada 1(800)-335-2247
Other Locations +1 (281)-821-3256.

Specifications & Fees

Transportation of surf boards, bicycles, golf clubs, skis, snow boards, archery equipment, and fishing equipment is charged at a flat rate of $20 per item. No more than two surfboards may be included in any one pack. Each pack must not weigh more than 70lbs (32kg). Please note: Carriage of surfboards is subject to space availability. - Confirmed on calling. Notes: none.

Airline: South African Airlines

Surfboard Fee: Free Website: www.flysaa.com Telephone:

US 1(800)-722-9675
South Africa +27 86-135-9722
Rest of the world +27 11-978-5313.
UK +44 0844-375-9680
France +33 0825-800969.

Specifications & Fees

South African Airlines will allow a surfboard as an additional piece, not exceeding 50 lbs (23 kg) and 6'5 ft (200 cm), free of charge per passenger. [box type="info" size="large" style="rounded"]Notes: A surfboard bigger than 6'5 ft (200 cm), to be accepted strictly as cargo.[/box]

Airline: Southwest

Surfboard Fee: $75 Website: www.southwest.com Telephone: US & rest of the world 1(800)-435-9792.

Specifications & Fees

Surfboards will be accepted as Checked Baggage for a $75 each way charge. Notes: Overweight items from 51 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 5'1 ft but not more than 6'6 ft (e.g.; surfboards) will be accepted for an overweight and oversize baggage fee of $75 per item.

Airline: Spanair

Surfboard Fee: $50 Website: http://www.spanair.com Telephone: U.S. 1(888)-545-5757. Spain +34 97-191-6036 and +34 90-213-1435.

Specifications & Fees

Surfboard allowed (if ticket purchased in the airport or the call center) Notes: Please contact airline for more info.

Airline: Spirit Airlines

Surfboard Fee: $100 Website: www.spirit.com Telephone: US/Canada 1(801)-401-2200.

Specifications & Fees

Maximum two surfboards in one bag, $100 each way. Notes: You can bring your surfboard as checked baggage on your next trip for an extra charge ($100 each way). Please make sure to remove or protect your surfboard keels and/or kedges to prevent damage to it and other checked baggage. To save you more, you can put up to 2 similar items in a case together for the same price. Don’t worry - overweight and oversize fees do not apply to surf equipment. To add surf equipment to your reservation, please contact one of our reservation centers or visit a Customer Service Agent at the airport. *A limited liability release will need to be signed when traveling with surf equipment. Links: http://www.spirit.com/OptionalFees.aspx#baggage-fees

Airline: SriLankan Airlines

Surfboard Fee: Free* Website: www.srilankan.lk Telephone: US 1(732)- 205-0017. UK +44 0330-808-0800. France +33 9751-81999 Customer Support: https://www.srilankan.com/en_uk/flying-with-us/contact-us

Specifications & Fees

You can bring one surfboard for free, allowed as checked baggage. Any excess weight (exceeding 50 lbs) will be assessed at the normal excess baggage rate. Please contact airline. Notes: Links:

Airline: Swiss

Surfboard Fee: $70 to $150 (€50 to €100) Website: http://www.swiss.com Telephone: US 1(877)-359-7947. UK +44 845-601-0956. France +33 (0)892-232-501.

Specifications & Fees

One surfboard (up to 6'5 ft) goes under category 'normal baggage: For flights within EU: $70 (€50) For intercontinental flights: $150 (€100) *Swiss does not accept sports equipment of more than 70lbs (32kgs). Notes: For smooth execution please check-in your sports equipment no later than 1 hour before counter closing. In Switzerland and Germany you can also take advantage checking in the night before your flight. *Swiss Air might charge more at airport. Please print page with fees to show airline staff, and make sure they don't charge more than necessary. Links: https://www.swiss.com/ch/EN/prepare/baggage

Airline: TAM Linhas Aereas

Surfboard Fee: Free to $75 Website: http://www.tam.com.br Telephone: US 1(888)- 235-9826. UK +44 (0)20-8741-2005. France +33 (0)1535-3800. Rest of the world 786-972-3060

Specifications & Fees

Surfboard with a maximum length of 8'9 ft (274 cm) and 50 lbs (32 kg); can be included in Passenger’s Luggage allowance. The number of boards shall not exceed 3 (notwithstanding the number of cases). When applied, an excess-luggage fee of US$75.00 will be charged, and the correct packing of these items will be the total responsibility of the passenger. Notes: Links: http://www.tam.com.br/b2c/vgn/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=8940e6c6c19da110VgnVCM1000005f05a8c0RCRD

Airline: TAP Portugal

Surfboard Fee: €35 to €90 Website: www.flytap.com Telephone: US 1(800)-221-7370. UK +44 (0) 845-601-0932. Portugal +351 707-205-700. France +33 0820-319-320.

0820 319 320

+44 (0) 845 601 0932

Specifications & Fees

Fee per one way trip: Domestic flights, €35. - Europe, Morocco & Algeria flights, €50. - Intercontinental flights (to Sal, Praia, Sao Vicente, Dakar, Bamako, Accra, Bissau and Sao Tome) €75 - Other intercontinental flights, €90. Notes: Maximum weight advised per set 70 lbs (32kg).Surfboards must always be carried in a suitable bag and packed appropriately. Passengers must always fill in the respective Transport Declaration form. In the absence of this document, inadequately packed equipment will not be accepted at check-in and may consequently be refused transportation. TAP Portugal does not accept liability for possible damage to inadequately packed boards during travel and recommends that an insurance policy be taken out. Links: https://www.flytap.com/en-pt/baggage *Update 1/2016~ Wave Tribe bro Matt said: The info for TAP Portugal needs an update: Boards (up to 200 cm): Domestics, Europe, Morocco and Algeria: EUR 50; Intercontinental Flights: EUR 100

Airline: Thai

Surfboard Fee: $60 to $119 Website: www.thaiairways.com Telephone: US 1(800)-426-5204. UK 0844-561-0911. France +33 1-5568-8070.

Specifications & Fees

Surfboards will not be included in the free baggage allowance. One board not exceeding 9'0 ft (277 cm) at 50% of excess baggage charge: $60 Any surfboards exceeding 9'0 ft (277 cm) will be charged the full excess baggage fee: $119 A second surfboard shall be charged at the full excess baggage rate: $119 Notes: Please Contact Thai directly for more specific information. *Thai might charge more at airport. Please print page with fees to show airline staff, and make sure they don't charge more than necessary. Links: http://www.thaiairways.com/plan-your-trip/before-you-fly/en/baggage_and_optional_fees.htm

Airline: Thomas Cook (UK)

Surfboard Fee: £40 short haul/short haul plus, £60 long haul Website: http://www.thomascook.com/ Telephone: US 1(800)-432-1359. Denmark +45 3247 7200. UK +44 0871-895-0038.

Specifications & Fees

Surfboards are charged at £40 short haul/short haul plus and £60 long haul for the return trip. Notes: Links:

Airline: Thomsonfly

Surfboard Fee: "For Surfboards Short haul - £35 return. Mid haul - £45 return. Long haul - £60 return " Website: http://flights.thomson.co.uk/ Telephone: UK +44 0844-871-1603

Specifications & Fees

You can take sports equipment on your flight with us, providing you contact us two months before on 0871 231 4787 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras) and pre-book the carriage of these items. Space in our aircraft is limited, so if you do not pre-book carriage Notes: Links: http://www.thomson.co.uk/editorial/legal/baggage-allowance.html#sportsequipment http://www.thomson.co.uk/editorial/faqs/flights/luggage.html

Airline: THY Turkish Airlines

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined. Website: http://www.turkishairlines.com Telephone: US 1(800)-875-8875. France +33 825-800-902

Specifications & Fees

For sports equipment that are in excess of the 70lbs (32 kg) weight limit, a fee will be charged. Please contact airline. Notes: Please contact airline for more info. Links: http://www.turkishairlines.com/en-int/travel-information/baggage/sports-equipment-baggage-charges-and-conditions

Airline: Transaero

Surfboard Fee: Free* Website: http://www.transaero.ru/en Telephone: US 1(877)-747-1191. Russia +7 (495) 788 8080

Specifications & Fees

*70 pounds of weight allowed but if exceeded $50 is charged. Surfing equipment weighing up to 44 lbs, with dimensions of 6.2 ft x 2.4 ft x 2.1, for one passenger in addition to the free baggage allowance:

Surfboard
Fixations
Wet suit
Pair of boots
Other accessories.

Notes: Links: http://transaero.ru/en/info-and-services/baggage/Sportsoutfit

Airline: Transavia Airlines

Surfboard Fee: 40 euros per flight. Website: http://www.transavia.com Telephone: UK +44 0906-6800065. France +33 0892-058888. Rest of the world +35 2-270-027-28.

Specifications & Fees

Confirm before 72 hours. Notes: *Our buddy Bill shared this info with us: It's €40 per board per single journey. The most annoying part I recon is the sentence: "if the surfboard/waveboard, etc. is packed in a bag, you are now allowed to add clothes and/or any other items to this." The word "now" was confusing for me because at the hang glider it says: " if your hang-glider is packed in a bag, you may not add clothes and/or any other items to this." So I called them and they told me that its a mistake on the website, it must be "not" instead of "now". Imagine standing there with your boardbag stuffed... Meaning that you need to pay €80 just to bring your board, but what if you are a windsurfer (add boom+mast is a seperate €40 each way) or kitesurfer? You need to bring it separate and the prices for check in luggage is excluded from the ticket price: KG price 15 kg € 15 20 kg € 20 25 kg € 25 30 kg € 35 40 kg € 45 50 kg € 75 Links:

Airline: TUIfly

Surfboard Fee: $40* Website: http://www.tuifly.com/en/ Telephone: Germany +49 0180-6000-120.

Specifications & Fees

Surfboards up to a maximum weight of 66 lbs (30 kilo), can be carried for an administration fee (per item, per flight segment) of USD $40 / €25 / £20, on international flights. Notes: *Our Wave Tribe bro Stift comments: One Kitepack, also above 140 cm (55") will be charged with 65 Euro. I can´t post a source, because you need to have a flightnumber to get the price. From 01/05/2014 you get only one piece of luggage with 15 kg (33 lbs) for free. Links: http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/TUIfly/baggage.php

Airline: United

Surfboard Fee: $100 to $200. Website: www.united.com Telephone: US & Canada 1(800)-864-8331. UK +44 0845-607-6760. France +33 01-71-23-03-3.

Specifications & Fees

United Airlines will accept one surfboard or one surfboard bag containing up to four boards per customer as checked baggage, weighing 50 pounds or less for a service charge fee of $100 (each way) for travel between the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and $200 (each way) for all other travel. This service charge is in addition to any excess and overweight baggage charges that may apply. Notes: Boards and board bags combined weighing more than 99.9 pounds (45.3 kg) will not be accepted as checked baggage. The fin must be removed or well-padded. The entire board must be encased in a suitable container to avoid scratching. United is not liable for damages. Excess valuation cannot be purchased for a surfboard. Links: http://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/sports.aspx

Airline: US Air (American)

Surfboard Fee: $200 Website: www.usairways.com Telephone: US & rest of the world 1(800)-428-4322. Travel agent help desk 1(800)-231-3131.

Specifications & Fees

"Surfboards will be accepted as checked baggage for a charge of $200 per direction. One item of surfing equipment consists of 1 surfboard. When packaging a surfboard, keels and/or kedges must be removed or crated in such a manner so as to prevent damage to other baggage. Surfboards will be accepted on US Airways Express flights. However, their acceptance may be restricted by length on some aircraft. A US Airways Reservation agent can provide additional information." Notes: Links: http://reservations.usairways.com/en-US/traveltools/baggage/specialitems.html http://www.luggageforward.com/index.jsp?cft=usa007017009&mkt=usa007017009&mki=usa007017009&src=spx0002&cbd=spx

Airline: Varig Airlines or 'Old' Varig ('New Varig': GOL airlines)

Surfboard Fee: $42.50/$85 Website: www.varigbrasil.com Telephone: 1(800)-468 2744

Specifications & Fees

Under 109", $42.50 per board each way, Over 109", $85 per board each way. Notes: Links: http://www.surfline.com/travel/story_assets/2005_11_03_boardbag/bamp.cfm

Airline: Virgin Atlantic

Surfboard Fee: Free Website: www.virgin-atlantic.com Telephone: US & Canada 1(800)-862-8621. UK headquarters +44 0844-209-7777.

Specifications & Fees

Free, limit one per customer. Must not exceed 9'0 ft (277 cm) and must not exceed 50 lbs (23 kg) in weight. Notes: Links: http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/us/en/travel-information/baggage/sports-equipment.html

Airline: Virgin Blue

Surfboard Fee: $40 - $60. *Free as part of checked baggage. Check dimensions and weight allowance below. Website: http://www.virginaustralia.com/ Telephone: US 1(855)- 253-8021. UK +44 0800-051-1281. Rest of the world +61 7-3295-2296.

Specifications & Fees

Sporting equipment can be accepted as checked baggage. The maximum dimensions for sporting equipment are as follows. Weight: 70 lbs Height: 38 inches Length: 9 ft Width: 32 inches Each piece of sporting equipment will count towards your piece allowance, with each item classified as one piece. Notes: *Our Wave Tribe bro Tom comments: I know Virgin America charges $75 and so does SouthWest. *Update 11/2015- Wave Tribe FB bro John says: "Virgin Australia is free" Links:

Airline: WestJet

Surfboard Fee: $20 to $50 Website: http://www.westjet.com/ Telephone: 1(888)-937-8538.

Specifications & Fees

Lightweight surfboards packaged in a single bag that weighs less than 70 lbs will be accepted as a single surfboard for charging purposes. Surfboards and windsurfers will be accepted in checked baggage when under 9.8 feet (3 metres) long. All boards must have the fin removed, be padded, and packed properly to prevent damage to the board, sail and other baggage. Notes: $20 dollars is it counts as second item. $50 dollars, as third item. Links: http://www.westjet.com/guest/en/travel/basics/baggage/sport-equipment.shtml

Airline: Xiamen Airlines

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined. Website: http://www.chinahighlights.com Telephone: China +86 592-2226666 Customer Care: https://www.xiamenair.com/en-cn/Abouts/Contact_Us.html

Specifications & Fees

Notes: Please email airline for more information. Links:

Airline: XL Airways UK

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined. Website: http://www.xl.com Telephone: U.S. 1(877)-496-9889. France +33 (0)9 69 32 09 12. Rest of the world +33 3 22 19 25 04. Email: info@xl.com

Specifications & Fees

Notes: surfboards, need pre-approval from Prepa Voyage department mandatory (

BOARD BAG GUIDE

If there is one thing that sucks more than anything it’s arriving on your surf trip, opening your board bag and finding your sticks snapped in two.

Most airlines have improved their treatment of extra gear, and board bags are better than ever, but there are still a few tips that will help you protect your quiver.

One thing at the airport if the board doesn’t go down the oversized belt but goes into one of those trolleys make sure you see it being wheeled away.

They can occasionally disappear.

1. Put your biggest board on the bottom, or the board with the least rocker. Try and align the rockers, kinda like building a big surfboard sandwich.

2. Most board bags have internally padded separators—but I like to put my boards in day bags and then in the travel bag. This way you got a day bag with you while schlepping your surfboards around the jungle.

3. You can use foam pipe to add extra protection along the rails from the nose and tail or grab some Bast rail guards.

For the nose and use any other boardies, T-shirts, clothes you have. If you a worried about them getting damp, put them in a plastic bag first. However, the Wave Tribe bags come with nose and tail inserts for these areas.

4. Wax, wax combs and the like I put in a string bag and place in the internal bag pockets or tuck in the bottom corners of the bag. Don't forget to take an extra leash or two and leash rope.

5. If you have fixed fins get some polystyrene blocks. Cut to the same size as your tail and put slits where the fins are. Furniture foam makes great fin blocks.

6. Be careful with leashes and other miscellaneous gear in the bag. Don’t let them run free. You’d be amazed the pressure ding you can get if a leash or wax comb gets lodged between your surfboards.

Have a great trip!

54 Responses

will Melbourne

February 15, 2016

Weestjet charged me 100 today . 25 for second bag and then on top 75 for oversize and my board is only six foot. They said official oversize is five foot two so most people could get stung. I have other times with west jet when they have charged me just the second bag so it seems random whether they bring in the over size rule!!

Amber

February 15, 2016

I just flew China Airlines one way Denpasar to Honolulu on 31/12/14. I had one suitcase weighing 20 kilos and one 7 foot board bag (2 boards) weighing 12 kilos. The airline rep opened my board bag to check and then charged me for the 2 boards. It was $256 for one way because I had 2 boards. Absolute rip off and they wanted me to sign a full damage liability waiver as well. I ripped up the waiver in the rep’s face and refused to sign after they took payment and checked in my boards.

We need to boycott airlines that charge excessive fees for boards! I have limited choices for Hawaii-Asia airlines but have blacklisted China Air and Japan Air now. If I only had one board the charge would have been $128 but the board bag would have still had the same dimensions and only about 3 kilos less weight. If it had been a 12 kilo suitcase, they would have charged approximately $50 for overweight fees. They are unfairly targeting sports equipment.

I’m sure in places like Indo the staff get a small bonus for charging as much as possible for extra weight and “special baggage” items. Be sure to pay the baggage fees with a credit card so at least they can’t put any cash in their pockets straight away. And reps might find it harder to get their bonuses if charges are on credit cards. I don’t care that reps make crap money, that’s the airline’s fault, not mine.

Dave

February 15, 2016

Update on Virgin now that they code share with Delta.
If you book through Virgin, but are on a Delta operated flight then you will be charged the Delta fees for carrying your surfboard. (That was from Virgin customer services)
Virgin is still very surfer friendly, bag up to 9’2 and 23kg’s. Never had any problems or damage to boards.

Derek Dodds

February 15, 2016

Thanks for the input bro.

JurjenSurf

February 15, 2016

We updated the list for European surfers. Check the infographic at the Dutch site http://surf-vakanties.nl/surfboard-meenemen-in-het-vliegtuig-wat-kost-dat/
What I’ve learned: always check with the airline. And if you bring more than one board, buy a big bag and put your boards in that bag. Don’t pay twice.

How to: Reisen mit dem Surfboard | wavehuntress

February 15, 2016

[…] solltest Du erst mal nachschauen, ob Du es überhaupt mitnehmen kannst und wie viel es kostet. Diese Seite bietet eine gute und umfassende Übersicht, welche Airline was erlaubt und wie viel Geld sie für […]

Derek Dodds

February 15, 2016

Nice tip Robert, thanks for the advice.

Derek Dodds

February 15, 2016

Awesome information JC, we just updated the listing and knocked those two off our BRO list.

Jean Christophe from Turquoise Surf Travel

February 15, 2016

Dear Web Tribe company ,

I’m JC and I’m taking care of a Surf travel agency

I have to partners who changed their policy regarding the surfboard transportation

Please , change the policy for surfboard of these 2 airlines

I’m working actually with Qatar Airways to change their policy regarding the surfboard transport

On Qatar Airlines right now it is not free , and it will cost 1250$ for a board bag up to 300cm if you travel to Denpasar from Europe so please change what it write on your site and check on the Qatar site
http://www.qatarairways.com/iwov-resources/temp-docs/baggage/excess-baggage-sports-equipment.pdf

On Emirates the policy has changed too
It is now a maximum of 300cm on the L + W + H
If you are more than that , your board bag will have to go directly on fret

Well that’s all for today
Cheers
JC

Derek Dodds

February 15, 2016

Hey Kari, nice update—we moved them up to Bro Status. We appreciate the feedback.

Karl

February 15, 2016

Guys you have it wrong about Singapore Airlines. Boards go totally free. IMO they are best airline on the planet!

Derek Dodds

February 15, 2016

Thanks Stefan.

linder

February 15, 2016

Hey! I saw on several places that 6’6 and 203cm is writen as the same?
And more disturbing at Cathay Pacific 6’ / 203cm, thats almost 20cm off …

Any info on why it is like this?

On Cathay Pacifics website I found “Any bag exceeding the total dimensions of 203cm (80in) (width + height + length) will not be carried as accompanied baggage unless prior notification is made with us upon booking/ reservation and approval is granted by us.”

203cm is almost 6’8 so with that in mind I would be able to get my 6’6 firewire board with me in a slim case for free :D

Anna

February 15, 2016

anyone ever had experiences with Fly Dubai?
Can´t find any information on their website and nobody is replying to my e-mails…. .
thanks!

Stefan

February 15, 2016

Hi,

Your comment about Qatar airways is not completely true, as it is only charged when above the baggage allowance, which is huge with 32KG for most of the countries. Here is there comment before leading to the rate and you are showing:
“Sporting equipment
Qatar Airways accepts any sporting equipment as checked baggage as part of the passenger’s free checked baggage allowance mentioned on the ticket.
Any sporting equipment which exceeds the free allowance will be subject to the specific excess baggage rates for sporting equipment.
Click here to view the excess baggage rates for sporting equipment …”

I have traveled with them a lot to Bali from Europe never had any issues with my boards.

Best

Stefan

Alan

February 15, 2016

I was just looking into flying with United, and it appears that their fees have gone up
$150 (each way) for travel in the Americas
$200 (each way) for all other travel

http://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/sports.aspx

What a bummer

Derek Dodds

February 15, 2016

Hey Ashley—that is a great question and it really depends on where you are traveling and with whom. As SUPs get shorter and shorter I think we’ll see more of them at airports and at far away travel destinations.

Have a great trip wherever you go.

Derek

Thomas Berggren

February 15, 2016

Hi
Just checked with SAS (scandinavian Airline Systems)
They take boards as part of regular luggage – thus you may check in a board bag instead of a regular bag. Preebooking might be necessary though.
Max lengths depending on air craft luggage hold.
BR
Thomas

Ashley

February 15, 2016

WOW awesome page to stumble upon through google. Looking to invest some serious dough on a SUP and was curious if it is worth investing and to travel with. I don’t want to own a sick board but then pay rental fees everywhere I travel to. Seems to be a fine line and a lot of serious planning.
Thanks for all this information!!!

Derek Dodds

February 15, 2016

Yea Alan—United is the unfriendly skies for surfers :(

Mikael

February 15, 2016

I want to stand up for Emirates, as I believe they should be a bro airline.

The reason for that is I just flew all the way from Bali to Norway with a surfboard and a pair of really heavy skis (combined weight of 18kg) and didn’t pay a thing. They let each passenger have 30kg of luggage. I had 22 + 18, and my girlfriend had 20. They merged our limits and allowed us to share, and that was NO hassle whatsoever. I don’t know about you guys, but I think that’s pretty awesome.

Don’t ask why I traveled with skis from Bali… That’s a long story.

Antoine

February 15, 2016

Hey Chief,

Like your post but I care to disagree with you on your summary of Emirates.

I flew 3 times with them board in for free. So I don’t understand why you say it 250 usd?

Cheers

Derek Dodds

February 15, 2016

Awesome information!

Jaanos

February 15, 2016

Just called cathay pacific regarding flying from Vancouver canada to indonesia – cost for a 2m board bag is 600 USD each way which is 1200 USD return! Definitely need to be added to kook list especially when their website is misleading as their sporting goods page below: https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_CA/travel-information/baggage/check-in-baggage/sporting-equipment.html

Only refers to flights within Hong Kong! All other flights consider surfboards as not sporting equipment and full excess baggage policies apply. I was on the phone for 30 minutes to get this info.

yan

February 15, 2016

europe-indonesia

emirates up to 30Kg surfboards free

Laura

February 15, 2016

Awesome! Thanks for the info Kristoffer!! :)

Kristoffer Linder

February 15, 2016

you should check Air Berlin out if you want a European Carrier :)

Check my comment below or http://magicseaweed.com/news/airline-baggage-charges-the-comprehensive-list/7316/

Kristoffer Linder

February 15, 2016

Booked with Air Berlin and changed my free bag for a free surfbag , entered 240 × 70 × 20cm & 23kg . That was no problem and free and I guess its the same rules with air berlin as eithad 3m is okay as they are partners!

“Sports and special baggage

In place of your suitcase, airberlin allows you to hand in sports baggage as part of your free baggage allowance. If the sports equipment you hand in exceeds your fare’s free baggage allowance"

http://www.etihad.com/en-us/before-you-fly/baggage-information/baggage-allowances/

Laura

February 15, 2016

Hey Heb! Thanks for the info! That’s messed up. I’ll update the page. Stay Stoked! :)

Heb

February 15, 2016

Hi, Just got back from Australia flying with Cathay Pacific. Looked into getting a 9ft board back to the UK as extra baggage. They wanted 60 US Dollars per kilo! Say conservatively the total weight would be 10kg thats 600 US dollars on top of the price of the board. Needless to say it didn’t happen.
Great site.

Will

February 15, 2016

Did I miss it, was Fiji Air on the list? On the same flight, a buddy had no fees but I paid $100 going there out of LAX. Both were free on the way back.

Derek Dodds

February 15, 2016

Thanks Yan for the info, we’ll update the listing—hope you had a great trip.

tutusfromrussia.com

February 15, 2016

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James thomas

February 15, 2016

Awesom thanks for info

Laura

February 15, 2016

Thanks SurfKaravaan! I’ll update the page :)

SurfKaravaan Holland

February 15, 2016

Check the new KLM policy:

surfboards free of charge. Check their dedicated website: https://surf.klm.com/#!/destinations

Laura

February 15, 2016

Thank you Scott for the info! I’ll update the blog right now. Stay Stoked :)

Scott

February 15, 2016

Oman changed there policy on surfboards. No Longer Free Must Pay a lot.

Thank you for your below e-mail, please be advise that Surf board will not be included in the free baggage allowance , it will be charge as excess baggage

We thank you for your patronage and hope to welcoming you on board Oman Air again

Regards

Zahra

Laura

February 15, 2016

Thanks Izzy! I’ll update the blog with your info :)

Izzy

February 15, 2016

Hey there,

I flew with Quatar from Bangkok to Frankfurt in march this year and didn’t have any issues at all. They didn’t try to bend me over with a ridiculous amount 1200$. It was free when I flew with 2 boards. Maybe they changed it since then…

Also you could add Malaysian to the bro list I flew a couple of times with them to Bali and it was free to bring boards. They damaged one of my boards once though but they paid for the damage without complaining.

Laura

February 15, 2016

Wow thank you @tutusfromrussia.com!! I’m glad you stumbled upon our site as well :) Have an awesome day!!

Willy

February 15, 2016

I flew with qatar in may and it was free. Maybe it changed ?
I would definitely put Jetblue on top of my blacklist ! Haha ! Look at John John’s surfboard with jetblue.

Reisen mit dem Surfboard: So verpackst Du Dein Surfboard sicher - Wavehuntress - surf ♥ love ♥ live

February 15, 2016

Derek Dodds

February 15, 2016

Hey Cole—sorry to hear that bro, we’ll update the listing with your input. Hope you have better luck next time.

Derek, Wave Tribe

Cole

February 15, 2016

US air counted all my boards and charged me for every one and put a whole in two boards so bad I ended up not even using them on the trip because I didnt have enough time to fix them.

Laura

February 15, 2016

Thank you Willy for the info I’ll update the blog right now :) Have an awesome day!

Laura

February 15, 2016

Thanks for the info Robert! I’ll update the blog right now. Hope your holidays are awesome! :)

Robert Stehlik

February 15, 2016

It looks like Delta Airlines changed their size restriction from a max length of 9’5" to linear dimensions:

Linear dimension (length + width + height) cannot exceed 115 inches (292 cm).

We recently has a customer that was refused when she tried to check in a 9’2 board on Delta from Honolulu to France. This was possible before for $150. Now you can only take shortboards, even a small longboard or SUP will be too big for this linear dimension measurement.

Laura

February 15, 2016

Thanks Matt for the info! I’ll update it right now :) Stay Stoked.

Matt

February 15, 2016

The info for TAP Portugal needs an update:
Boards (up to 200 cm):
Domestics, Europe, Morocco and Algeria: EUR 50; Intercontinental Flights: EUR 100
See: http://www.flytap.com/USA/enus/PlanBook/PrepareforTravel/baggage/SportsEquipment

Laura

February 15, 2016

Awesome Tim! Thanks for the info :) Happy New Year!

Tim Schalke

February 15, 2016

Willy told it before but its true that you dont pay anything for Qatar. I dont know the fuss about Qatar Airways but I always fly Qatar and I pay ZERO (nothing) for my 2 boards. I fly from Amsterdam To bali with Qatar and as long I don’t exceed the 30 KG rule I can bring as many boards as I want.

Laura

February 15, 2016

Awesome! Thank you Besnault! :)

Besnault-Cimier Mickael

February 15, 2016

I traveled with malaysia airlines from jakarta to Paris : i got 1 board , it was free if it doesnt exceed the weight limit for 1 person.

This website rocks