The 2017 Surfers Airline Boardbag guide will help you NOT get burned by airline boardbag fees.

We started this article a few years back after I paid over $700 on a trip to INDO for 2 surfboards—I wrote this article to F#$K those airlines that took my hard earned cash and also to help you not get bent over like me.

This is by far our best article—we update this list weekly and have more than 100 user comments and feedback which we are constantly incorporating into the content so that you have the best information possible.

Enjoy and keep traveling no matter what you do in this life.

“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 updated September 2017

Paying surfboard baggage fees sucks!

Welcome to the 2017 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. 

This is what we always look for in an airline. Great work KLM.

Surfboards Fly Free KLM

indexSurfer Friendly Bro Airline

Most of the following airlines include a surfboard as part of your regular bag allowance and let that sled fly for FREE. 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 (NEW ’17 free in place of check-in)
  • 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

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 give their club on for free.

  • American
  • Continental
  • Hawaii Air
  • Avianca (TACA) – (Taca opened my bags in 2015 and counted the boards, cost $145 one way)
  • United

Kook Airline

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.

  • Delta
  • Iberia
  • Japan Air
  • Lufthansa
  • US Air (reader Jim says they unzipped and counted his board and charged him $150 each).
  • Northwest

Daddy Warbucks Money

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-overBend 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)

airline surfboard fee guide

 

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

d-sig-trans

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

2017 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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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!

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Airline: Air Canada

Surfboard Fee: $50

Website: www.aircanada.com
Telephone:

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Air New Zealand Surfboard Bag FeeAirline: 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.[/box]

Links:

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Airline: Air Pacific (Fiji Airlines)

Surfboard Fee: $50 to $100

Website: www.airpacific.com
Telephone:

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/

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Air Tahiti Nui Board Bags Free to TahitiAirline: 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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Airline: Air Transat

Surfboard Fee: CA $100 per flight segment

Website: http://www.airtransat.com/
Telephone: 1(866)-255-4871
Email: cbagages@airtransat.com

Specifications & Fees

Dimensions: Maximum 3.65 m (12 feet) long, Weight:Maximum 32 kg (70 lb.)

Notes: none.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

[box type=”alert” size=”large” style=”rounded”]One item (two boards per case) may be included as a checked bag[/box]

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.”

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Airline: Alitalia

Surfboard Fee: $75 to $260 (depending on destination)

Website: http://www.alitalia.com/
Email: customer.relationsNYC@alitalia.it
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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Airline: Avianca (TACA)

Surfboard Fee: $100-$150

Website: http://www.avianca.com/
Telephone: 1 (800)-284-2622
Email: e_solutions@centrosolucionavianca.com

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.
Email:
backoffice@bluepanorama.com

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Airline: Cathay Pacific

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined*

Website: www.cathaypacific.com
Telephone:

  • US 1(800)-233-2742
  • Hong Kong +852 2747-1888
  • UK +44 0-20-8834-8888.

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]

Links

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.”

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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:

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

*12/21 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.”

 

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.
Email: customer.service@easyjet.com

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Airline: El Al

Surfboard Fee: $70

Website: http://www.elal.co.il/elal/english/states/general/
Telephone: U.S. 1(800)-223-6700.
Email: baggageclaims@elalusa.com

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?

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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,

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Etihad Airways Board Bags Free to TahitiAirline: 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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Airline: Finnair

Surfboard Fee: $0 to $200

Website: http://www.finnair.com
Telephone: US 1(800)-950-5000. Finland & Europe +358 600-140-140.
Email: info@finnair.com

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?

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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
Email: 24-7@firstchoice.co.uk

Specifications & Fees

For Surfboards/Windsurfers/Kitesurfers/Paragliders/Canoes.

  • Short haul – £35 return
  • Mid haul – £45 return
  • Long haul – £60 return

Notes: none.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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]

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Airline: Hainan Airlines

Surfboard Fee: Each charging standard unit is $110.

Website: http://global.hnair.com/
Telephone:

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]

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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]

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Airline: Indian Airlines

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined.

Website: http://home.airindia.in
Telephone:

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

Email: customersupport@airindiaexpress.in

Specifications & Fees

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

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Interjet Airlines Free Board bag Fee

Airline: Interjet

Surfboard Fee: Free

Website: interjet.com.mx
Telephone:

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Airline:  Iran Air

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined.

Website: http://www.iranair.com/
Telephone: London +44 020 8741 8000. Iran +98 (21)4662-4255.
Email:  

Specifications & Fees

Notes: no surf in Iran bro.

Links

  • http://www.iranair.com/

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Airline: Japan Airlines

Surfboard Fee:  $50 to $150

Website: www.jal.com
Telephone:

  • US & Canada 1(800)-525-3663 or 1(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]

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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]

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

South African Airlines Free Board bag Fee

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]

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

South African Airlines Free Board bag Fee

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.”

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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?

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Oman Air Free Board bag 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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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?

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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]

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Oman Air Free Board bag Fee

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Qatar Airline Boardbag FeesAirline: 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

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

*2/16 Update: Wave Tribe bro Jaime said: “I flew Qatar from IAD to KUL in Nov. 2015. They said the policy changed in 2015 and wanted to charge me $133 USD after measuring my board bag which was 8 foot and had two boards in it, one 7’4″ and one 7’6″.”wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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]

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Airline: S7 Airlines

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined.

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

Specifications & Fees

Notes: Please contact airline*

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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]

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Singapore Airlines Free Board bag Fee

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.

Email: us_feedback@singaporeair.com.sg

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/

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

South African Airlines Free Board bag FeeAirline: 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]

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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.

Links

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

South African Airlines Free Board bag Fee

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
Email: sales@srilankanusa.com

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:

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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: http://www.swiss.com/web/en/services/baggage/pages/sporting_equipment.aspx

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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
+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: http://www.flytap.com/USA/enus/PlanBook/PrepareforTravel/Baggage/SportsEquipment

*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

 

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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:

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

South African Airlines Free Board bag Fee

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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:

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Airline: USAir

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

South African Airlines Free Board bag Fee

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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:

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

Airline: Xiamen Airlines

Surfboard Fee: Undetermined.

Website: http://www.chinahighlights.com
Telephone: China +86 592-2226666
Email: ethel@chinahighlights.com

Specifications & Fees

Notes: Please email airline for more information.

Links:

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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 (prepavoyage@xlairways.fr)

Links:

wav-tribe-airline-boardbag-fee-guide

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Derek Dodds

Derek Dodds is founder of the world's first ecological surf company Wave Tribe, surfboard shaper, world traveler, author and Mini Simmons enthusiast.

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  • RE: Surfboard Carrier Costs … You can add United to the ‘out of control list’- $200 One way fee! from Oz to South America Via USA ….
    Which includes … having your surfstick lost in transit … then found and returned 4 days later … Trashed! … Stay Stocked lol

    • Thanks Marcus, we had a similar experience with United too . . . we are adding them to the ‘out of control’ list for sure.

      • Hey. Emirates are free! Have been using them for the past couple of years with no charges for boards at all.

        • Hey Dean, I’m so confused cause I want to buy a flight with Emirates and will have 6 boards with me and 2 separate board bags, 7ft and 7’6. The emirates sight states: “Individual items with total dimensions exceeding 300cm (118 inches) cannot be transported as checked baggage, and must be sent as cargo or freight. There are no exceptions to this rule”.

          and yet you say that it’s no problem. Have you exceeded these dimensions?

        • I spoke with Emirates on the phone for a while this morning. First the woman told me not to worry that they carried surfboards without a problem then she got on the phone with the supervisor who said that the max dimensions of all 3 measurements was 300cm and that in Spain they were following this rule. Im carrying one board back with 4 or 5 boards. 7ft x 23″ x 15″ depth which is a little over 300cm so I´m scared to even fly with them.

          Their policy online is totally contradictive. Do they even know what the average length of surfboards are and what a normal surfboard coffin consisting of several surfboards can average in length? I find it so strange that theyre willing to lose so many clients because of this restriction.

          • Not sure man, let us know. Information seems to always be changing on this one.

        • Enterprise and First Class passengers are allowed to verify two items of bags weighing as much as 32kg every freed from cost. Saudi operates a frequent flyer program, Alfursan Loyalty to reward frequent travellers with the airline. Alfursan is the Frequent Flyer Program of Saudia which could current clients with rewards, advantages and privileges. Alfursan members are entitled to a world of benefits and rewards that features free tickets and upgrades, international lounge entry, additional lounge allowance, precedence wait-itemizing and loads of additional.https://utah.travel/the-finest-flight-booking-sites/

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

    • 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.

  • Hey guys I just had a surfer’s nightmare with Korean air. They wanted to charge me 330 US one way from Japan to New Zealand. They changed there regulation. Now you have to pay 200 US for oversize and 130 if you are traveling with more than 23 Kg including your language.

    So beware! I left my board and bought one in NZ instead of getting overcharged!

    • Thanks for the info bro . . . I hope some day the airlines will wake up to our lifestyles and stop stealing money from us.

      Derek, Wave Tribe

  • I am flying Singapore to Bali soon and see on many forums that it is free however on their website it states that the dimension (length + width + height) must be under 62 inches, so about 5’2″. That is a lot smaller than a traditional surfboard of 6 ft +, not including width and thickness of boards and the bag. How does it end up being free? Do they just charge a small fee for the overage in size? Has anybody checked in their board for free with them?

    • I think you are good with the regular board fee (and size). Lots of people flying to Bali on Singapore.

      There contact info is in the list, I’d give them a call to make sure.

      Derek, Wave Tribe

  • “Maximum linear surface of each piece of baggage (length+width+height): 1.58 m/62 inches ”
    Aero Mexico

    Got a 7ft long board bag lol.. what the charges going to be?

  • Hey traveling on a jetstar flight in 2 days with a long board thats exactly 277cm long. I have it bubble wrapped and in a surfboard sock because if I put a bag on it then it goes over the size limit. I realize its not ideal to travel with it in just a sock but its all I can do, will the sock be recognized as a bag? Im happy enough with how its packed but is it my.call or theirs? Cheers

  • We need to unite as a community and do a loud boycott.

    Step one is to ask for a universal price for all airlines.

    Step two … Send 5000 email a week to any airline who rips off surfers. Make it so they can’t handle the volume of complaints

    Step three get everyone’s families and companies to boycott…

    Step 4 get the press involved

    Paying more to fly your boards than it cost to fly a person is wrong !

    • Hey Jeff, totally agree bro. I can’t believe how we are treated by most airlines. I have paid my unfair dues over the years which is why I put together this article to help inform surfers. we put tons of hours into updating this resource for surfers every year. I and stoked to call out the airline kooks and to praise the ones that treat us with respect and honor.

      Derek, Wave Tribe Freak

  • Don’t forget to include KLM. I recently paid 2×100 euros (return ticket) to carry 2 boards (doesn’t mater destination). I have high priority to “use” European carriers, but not at these 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!
    http://www.klm.com/travel/nl_en/prepare_for_travel/baggage/excess/baggage_piececoncept.htm#p4

  • Air New Zealand charged me $200 on a flight from Auckland to Toronto, Canada. I was not happy as Air New Zealand never use to charge. I complained but they say this is something new. Board bag was a standard 2m or 6’6 length.

    • Hey Grant, thanks for the update bro, everyone that posts here makes us all better understand who to fly with and who not too.

  • Wanted to share as I know its a popular destination and this goes for the company as a whole. Jet Blue has seriously deteriorated as going from somewhat reasonable to full on scum bags. 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 did it per board and luckily only saw 2, I had 3. On top of that during a more recent trip they did not even have a plane for a booked flight! They had an entire full plane waiting at JFK for nearly 10 hours before they finally found a plane and a crew that had to volunteer to go! Further investigation through friends who have family or work at airports or the airlines told me Jet Blues fleet is all outdated planes that are constantly breaking down and causing the company problems. They are in a process of attaining some new planes but the planes are being put into service way too early, not fully outfitted. The assholes couldn’t even give us a damn free meal!

    • Jake.

      Awesome comment bro, I know how you feel and I am stoked that you are telling us about JB.
      I stay away from all low cost carriers when I travel with my boards and hopefully our rad list here will help all of us choose the right airlines that treat us with respect and honor.

      Derek, Wave Tribe

  • I was surprised to see LAN on the list as charging for bags as I’ve used them before and they didn’t charge me. So I double checked:

    “Oversized sporting or musical equipment 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). If it exceeds it, an excess baggage fee will be charged in accordance with the current policy regarding regular baggage.

    The volume of the item packed can not exceed 203 linear cm except for surfboards, which can have a maximum volume of 300 linear cm.”

    This was taken from their website. 300 cm is about 9′-10″

    I’ve had a friend take my 6′-6″ board to Peru from Miami on LAN Peru and they didn’t charge for it because it was part of the free checked baggage.

    • Hi Ryan,
      Thanks for your comment, for noticing & clarifying that!
      We originally had written ‘Free to $90 (if free baggage allowance is exceeded, and depending on destination)’
      We’ll definitely fix the phrasing so it’s less confusing 🙂
      Stoked, Lan’s not so bad after all, eh!
      Alé, Wave Tribe

  • They forgot Emirates, which like Singapore is for free too.
    I already travelled a few times with them and also on Singapore, and they are fully free and recomendable.
    About the Board sizes, never had any problem with Singapore or Emirates…

  • 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

    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.

  • Hi,you forgot to mention the size.What abt us longboarders.The worst is BA,they wont allow longboards,piss.
    cheers

  • Information about Tuifly. One Kitepack, also above 140 cm 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 for free.

    • Thanks for that, Stift, we’ll add this info you’ve shared. We had a hard time finding details and sources on Tuifly. You rock 🙂
      Alé, Wave Tribe Team

  • Hi thank you for all the details you have mentioned about the Surfboard fee. I have to admit that this one of the most useful blog that I have read on the topic. It actually helped me a lot because I was planning to book srilankan airlines.

    • Hi Zoya Ali,
      Yup, we’ve put a lot of effort into it. You guys out there (The ‘Tribe’) are our motivation!
      It makes our day to know that we helped you out.

      Thanks for being awesome 🙂
      Alé, Wave Tribe Team.

  • We will cheer with beer to remove the tiredness and rest
    overnight. If you too will be flying through Suvarnabhumi Airport and don’t
    want to have to carry heavy bags around Bangkok or elsewhere in Thailand,
    the easiest way to deal with them is to check them
    in at the Left Luggage counter and let them store them for you.
    Many reviewers claim to have owned Kipling products for years.

  • Great information, I love all the posts, I really enjoyed, I would like more information about this, Because it is very nice, Thanks for sharing. I like the site best.

  • Great information, im traveling from Arlanda (Sweden) to Denpasar (Bali) during this summer and have been checking surfboard fees for some days and for specific companies. I found out that when you fly with Thai Airways to denpasar you can bring one surfboard for free as long as you call ahead and inform them about the mesuresments of your surfboard and which flight you are taking.
    I also called Singapore airlines and they said that you can bring a surfboard with you instead of your checked in luggage aslong as it is below 2 meters and doesn’t exceed 30 kilos, if over 30 kilos you pay 60 usd per extra kilo.
    After checking with Lufthansa they told me that I can bring a surfboard instead of checked in luggage if it is below 2 meters and under a weight of 23 kilos, if the weight is exceeded you will be charged the regular surfboard fee.

    • John that’s great feedback.

      Would love to know what they actually happens (if they do what they tell you on the phone) once you take those flights.

      Derek, WT

    • I’m travelling with Thai airways from Paris to Denpasar in August, and they told me the same : you can bring your surf luggage instead of normal luggage, if you respect the same weight conditions (20kg max for economy class). But no precision about what is a “surf luggage”: only one board ? my complet travel surfbag ?
      Now I have to check out if they are enough stupid to open the bag and count how many boards I bring, since it doesn’t change anything as long as the total weight is < 20 kg !!!
      I tell you soon if any good / bad surprise …

  • Hi
    Travelling with Garuda airlines from UK to Lombok, your site needs updating, see the bit below from a press report,very surfer friendly Baggage to 30kg plus surfboard to 23kg 300cm

    AsiaOne
    Thursday, Nov 14, 2013
    SINGAPORE – Garuda Indonesia will be joining two other Asian airlines in offering passengers additional baggage weight allowances when they travel on international flights.

    From November onwards, Indonesia’s national airline will allow all adult and child passengers an extra 10kg increase in baggage allowance throughout the different travel classes.

    Economy weight allowance has increased from 20kg to 30kg, while Executive and First Class passengers received an increase from 30k and 40kg to 40kg and 50kg respectively.

    With the new baggage guidelines, passengers travelling across Garuda Indonesia’s global network will be able to take along any equipment such as bicycles, surfboards, golf clubs or diving gear at no extra charge.

    This year, Malaysian Airlines and Singapore Airlines have also announced additional baggage allowance.

    Mr Nicodemus Lampe, Vice President, Area Asia, Garuda Indonesia said the company is tailoring their offerings to meet the changing needs of their passengers.

    “We’re seeing more passengers travelling further with us and for a longer period of time and we’ve enhanced our baggage allowance to provide them with ample space for any journey whether business or pleasure,” said Mr Lampe.

  • Flew with Philippine Airlines from Bali to Shanghai via Manila.

    They charged me 33USD/Kilo. I had 13kgs…………..

    Theire surfboard policy only stands for some destination, make sure you don’t get screwed like i did…

    • Hey Tim.

      Man! Sorry to hear that…
      Thanks for letting us know, buddy, we’ll make sure we update our info.
      Live and learn, I guess?
      You rock : )

  • No listing for Flydubai or Oman-air. I think Oman will allow 3meter surfboards.

    I have been using Emirates for my 3meter longboard with two shortboards in the same bag, and free on Emirates. 🙂

    • Just got this email from Oman Air. Free Surfboards 🙂

      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.

      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.

      Items up to 400 cm (13 feet) in length may be accepted in exceptional cases, provided detailed information is forwarded to us.

      • 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

        • 1st of all thank you for the super-useful information in this page.

          Not sure what’s going on with Oman air.
          I traveled with them last October London-Colombo 1stop in Muscat with my 6ft travel surf-bag and a backpack. Total weight way under the ticket allowance ( was 40kg, check image attached https://i.imgsafe.org/9743b81.png ) and I haven’t payed a penny. The didn’t ask any questions, I could have stored 5surfboard in there as long as it was under 40kg.

          In order to double-check if the rule changes I sent yesterday an email to OmanAir and I got the below answer ( identical of the one above )

          “Dear Customer,

          The below for your kind information.

          Sporting equipment 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 will apply.

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

          Following need to be taken into account.

          If 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.

          Items up to 400 cm (13 feet) in length may be accepted in exceptional cases, provided detailed information is forwarded to us.

          Sporting equipment as prescribed which would be exceeding the above limit must be processed only as cargo.

          Thank you for choosing to fly with Oman Air.

          Regards,

          Webbooking Team-3KJ
          “”

          @Scott can you give more details about your experience about paying Oman air “a lot” ?

  • I just checked and Singapore now charges for boards. They list sufboards under special baggage but still charge substantial fees if the bags dimensions exceed 62″ and weight exceeds 50 lbs. Under 62″ is impossible.

  • This is such a well researched and informative article! Bookmarked! Thanks! I am sharing this with all the surfers I know.

      • Just booked a trip through Hawaiian Airlines, they say 2 boards per bag max! Does anyone have any experience with them? What are the chances of them opening up my bag and counting? I really want to bring 3!

        • Hey Brandon.

          You never know if they will open the bag or not, it all depends on the agent you get.

          I’d say it’s likely they won’t open . . . try to turn on the charm at checkin 🙂

          Derek

  • Your info on Alaska Airlines is not correct, at least according to Alaska Airlines own website on Oversize Baggae / Sporting Equipment pages. I copied and pasted here: Each checked piece of sporting equipment listed below is subject to our standard checked baggage service charge, overweight (51-100 pounds) fee or oversize (62″ – 115″ linear inches: length + height + width) fee. Refer to our Checked Baggage page for checked piece, overweight and oversize charges.

    So when I called Alaska and specifically got a guy in Seattle, a supervisor who then called LAX to get clarification, he said no ifs ands or buts or pleading with the check in clerks, they have a measuring tape there and if the board bag/case exceeds 115″ IN TOTAL! (length plus width plus height/depth), they will NOT accept the board. This is so odd, as I have seen longboards get on the plane! Can you help clarify?

    • Hi Bert,
      Thanks for your comment. Your concerns definitely have helped us find more (much needed) answers. We called Alaska Air, & had a nice talk with the supervisor, he took his time to personally check on baggage fees & charges.
      He assured us 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. (he corrected to 118″ instead of 115″)
      He also mentioned the 115″ linear measurements apply for other sporting equipment, not for surfboards; and that we should mention this to Alaska Air staff at the airport.
      We hope this info helps you.
      Please let us know how it goes.

      🙂
      Alé
      Wave Tribe Crew.

  • Spoke to Etihad Airways on the phone before booking a flight with them. They said a surfboard would be free of charge as long as:

    1. The surfboard is no longer than 3 meters
    2. Weight of total baggage does not exceed 30 kg

    • Thanks, Lanze! That’s awesome. Good to know : )
      We’ll add this new info to our article.
      You rock.

      Alé
      Wave Tribe Team

  • Hi,

    I am flying from SA to Sydney on Monday, with Qantas. I have 2 boards, a longboard 9.0ft, in its own bag packed for travel, and a short board 6.2 in its own bag. Should I leave them as seperate bags, 2 board bags and check in each one. Or should I strap both bags together and check the in as 1 item? Should still be under 23kg.

    • Tape them together bro or buy a new boardbag that fir all your boards. They will likely charge you for the extra bag if it isn’t all one unit.

      Derek, WT

  • Thanks for the recommendations Derek…off to Mex from NZ soon so will report on the various rorts we encounter.
    Had a very bad experience coming back from UK on Cathay Pacific. 610 UK pounds…that’s about $1000usd for two boards in one case. Would recommend NEVER flying with those fascists. Golf clubs seemingly no worries. Sportism at its most odious.

  • I recently booked Emirates for my flight from Europe to Bali. Because of the incidents with Malaysia Airlines they have a new codeshare partner which operates all flights from Singapore to Denpasar. unfortunately the new partner is JetStar and they have a really bad length restriction (6.2 ft.) on that connection.

    So the customer friendly conditions from Emirates are no longer a penny worth, because you have to accept the restrictions from Jetstar. I talked over 30min with the customer service and they tried really to find a solucion to take a longer board (7.2 ft.), but no chance. They recomended me to send it by Emirates Cargo!!!

    So check twice whren travelling with Emirates if you have a flight operated by a codeshare partner. Maybe at the end you pay a lot more more for a called “surfers friendly airline” which isn´t so friendly at the end.

  • Air China charges 150$ for oversize -common luggage should be less 158cm. On international flights you are allowed to have two bags so one can be a backpack and second a board, however if you take more they will charge you extra 70$ for one more space.

    China southern charges 1000uah(about 170$) for oversize they allow to spaces for baggage for int flights.

  • Hi,

    a friend of mine asked me if I could bring a board along on my next flight from Australia to Germany with Qantas.
    I asked Qantas and they told me that a board weighing 8kgs would cost $560 Australian Dollars. WTF?

    Is that true? I only made it to their regular hotline and I don’t know if they just wanted to give me a fast answer or not.
    I’m entitled to 30kgs of luggage and I won’t go over those 30kgs.

    Any recent experiences?

    Thanks.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!!

  • Here is a little tip that has saved me some $ and hassles:
    I have had good luck checking boards in at the curbside check in. The porters work for you (tips), not the airlines, and have more flexibility. I have checked in overstuffed, oversized and overweight board bags at the minimum charge with a $20 tip and no questions asked. If they can’t help you, you can still wait in line and take your chances with a grumpy clerk at the counter.

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

    K

  • 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

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

  • 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

  • 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 😀

  • 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!!!

    • 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

    • Hi Ashley, i,m trying to get flights into mentawai s with an 8 8″ SUP and its not looking so good. Seems alot of those shorter flights are on smaller planes and they only take 230 CM. When you look at bookings its important to check what type of plane it is and then research there baggage limitations. Some planes have issues with the size of there baggage compartments. Good luck

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Booked with Air Berlin and changed my free bag for a free surfbag , entered 240 x 70 x 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/

  • 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.

  • I’ve been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or weblog posts on this
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  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

    • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

    • I flew Qatar from IAD to KUL in Nov. 2015. They said the policy changed in 2015 and wanted to charge me $133USD after measuring my boardbag which was 8 foot and had two boards in it, one 7’4″ and one 7’6″. Note: this bag was the only thing I checked in. They did let me talk them out of it even though I purchased my ticket after the policy change. They said we understand that you probably did your research before the policy change and booked it after it changed. I did have to sign a waiver which was fine. Coming back from KUL, I didn’t get charged which happens a lot regardless of the policy or airline. Anyway, the take away is that the policy changed and it isn’t free anymore. However, the measuring part and applying the policy may not equal out to some of the horrific prices that their website now shows. I am trying emirates this year but even their policy is not completely clear plus Qatar is now coming in with a lower ticket price by almost the board fee amount. Oh well, it continues to be hard to know what to do and we still have to hope to get lucky when we fly.

  • Hi

    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

  • I had big style problems on Korean Air they wanted to charge me $200 one way! Coming from Japan going to New Zealand.

      • Not 100% sure could have been the case. But they didn’t do any KG weight check on the board just checked the measurements ultra precisely. I asked them why such high extra cost & they told me that they changed their regulations just a few months earlier, but that was in 2014 – as far as I remember.

  • Not nice for Qatar airways, Derek. They don’t deserve to have a harsh category created for them, as it’s free to travel with a surfboard with them (most of the time). Maybe they deserve a category “The airline whose online instructions are the worst” 😉
    Check it out : “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.”(http://support.qatarairways.com/hc/en-us/articles/206465758-What-if-I-want-to-check-in-sports-equipment-)
    And the “free allowance” is 30kg / 300cm. (http://www.qatarairways.com/global/en/baggage.page)

    So basically if your huge longboard weighs 15kg you can still pack another 15kg luggage and check both bags in. For free.

  • Emirates – Do not travel with boards with them unless you are happy to pay for any damage yourself. They completely trashed a brand new 9’6 bing and have just said tough luck, your problem – they accept no responsibility for loss or damage to fragile items

  • wouldnt it be good to update the first text now instead of just the topic? If Emirates is free it should be under friendly and Qatar’s bens over would be up in the daddys now because it looks like its “only” $350 now.

  • Just got charged 450 on Philippine airlines from honolulu to manila. No extra charge on the manila to outer island. Their new policy in Honolulu was to measure the length then the width aND add them together, if it’s over 109 inches, then it’s another 150, if you ask to see the manager it’s suddenly oversized and another 150, 450 for 1 board!!!

  • hey all im enquiring about airlines going from austraila (qantas-latam-lanchile) to chile Santiago, im scared because my big waves gun boards are 10ft which is 320cm and they say the limit is 300cm do u think if im 20 to 50 cm over they will still let me on they will just charge me extra??

    thanks in advanced
    chris
    🙂

  • qatar dont charge 1750 $
    thats not true
    i was flying with 4 times in the past two years
    always baggae is free.. one time i even fly with 10 boards just mw and my buddy and 3 suit case
    and the boards was in a3-4 different cases
    just for u to know
    the last flight was an year ago

  • Hello, i want to share with you my unlucky experience with Lufthansa/Condor for a surf trip last summer.
    I bought my tickets on-line, after having checked by phone the surfboard rates. The route had a stopover in Frankfurt.
    A few days after the purchase, I contacted them again by phone in order to add the surfboard bag details and here the worst surprise: they told me that on the first plane (the short route from Italy to Frankfurt) the surfbag was not allowed because on that type of airplane (Cityline, some kind of Lufthansa affiliate) they were not allowed to load sports baggages! The problem was only on that short-route from home to Frankfurt, not on the intercontinental ones.
    You can imagine my reaction.. I checked with them first on pre-sale, then bought airline tickets and bought surfboard tickets too on the long-route (in co-sharing with Condor). And after all this process Lufthansa told me that on the first route they ‘’learned” that I was not allowed to bring sport equipment. Obviously i spent days trying to convince them or, at least, find a solution with them but everything was useless.
    So I found my own solution: one week before my departure, i packed my shortboard bag and sent it (on my expenses) via DHL to Frankfurt Airport baggage storage. Once there, I picked up the bag and finally checked-in the boards.
    I thought to cancel my flight, but with economy fare I would have received a partial refund.
    Very bad surfer/customer experience, never had some kind of situation before with other airlines.
    I’ve also spoken with other surfers later and discovered that could happen with Lufthansa.
    Lesson learned: I’ll avoid Lufthansa if not strictly necessary. If someone else have to fly with them, double (or triple) check in advance asking the customer service the specific airplane allowances.

  • Why does the United post above say four boards per bag? Do you pay one price (200 international) or 200 per board? The united website seem pretty clear that the charge is per board. Can you clarify?

  • strange. official thai airways rule:
    60usd board under 2m. 120usd up to 270cm.Traveling
    to Bali allows 1 free board within lugguage policy on weight.
    I just flew 2 days ago and checked my board free.
    however this is asia and somebody might want to mske some extra money.
    report the case and see what happened.
    if a board is new, thai import duties are like 40% or so. be careful.

  • Qatar will allow a board bag free as long as the total weight of it and your case/bag doesnt exceed 30k and the board bag dimensions (H+W+D) are under 300cm. So 6’2″ board bag was fine on my flight from Heathrow to Colombo via Doha.

  • Just took Emirates recently from US to Maldives and they include the board bag as part of your “allowance” AKA as long as it is within the weight (70lbs) and length requirements. I had a board bag with 2 shortboards and my wife had an 8 footer as her bag and there was no charges! We also packed the board bags with clothes and they didn’t ask any questions.

    Heading to Costa Rica from USA in May via Copa airlines, and looking at their baggage fees page, I believe you can check a board bag for free. “Passengers traveling to international destinations who exceed their baggage allowance will be charged US $100.00 per bag, plus any taxes that may apply according to the country” The keywords here are “exceed their baggage allowance”. Copa allows 1 free checked bag as an allowance, so as long as you are not checking in any other bags, it sounds like you can get 2 boards there for free! (https://www.copaair.com/en/web/gs/music-instruments-equipment)

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Meet Surfer Derek Dodds

Derek Dodds | Surfer, Shaper, Traveler
I'm Derek Dodds, the guy behind Srfer.com.com. I love surfing, shaping, adventure travel, IPAs, useful gear, and all things related to the sea.