Just curious if the lower gas prices has translated into any of the airlines getting rid of their outlandish board fees? Probably not, even though that was their rationalization for implementing the fees in the first place. Although I don't know if anything has changed since last winter so if anyone has some recent info please divulge...
Nah they are still screwing us. http://www.wickedquiver.com/airline-surfboard-fees/ http://www.flyingfees.com/
I just found out I gotta pay $250 to get my boards to and from Barbados Last time i was there it was free
WickedQuiver appears to be out of date, e.g., British Airways no longer allows surfboards. FlyingFees.com is slick, useful, relevant...
Do you mean as checked baggage or via a cargo shipper? I have flown internationally on many occasions without any problems, not to mention all the people that travel to Indo and Costa Rica.
That can be a bit more complicated... more gray area. Especially for kneeboards and paipos. But the paipo folks can usually slide by ala boogie board. For a non-professional, non-comprehensive view that tries to address some of the gray areas, visit: http://www.rodndtube.com/surf/info/AirlineBoardCharges.shtml
it also depends on the person asking what youre luggage is. ive brought pole vaulting poles down to florida before and instead of $75 each bag, the lady said only $25. so maybe you'll get lucky like me.
I just got done packing up my boards. I'm flying to Hawaii this weekend for a week. I checked United and it seems like prices went from 125 to 175 each way, for tickets purchased after October 8, 2008 that is. I got mine in August so hopefully it's only 125. We'll see.
Just wanted to add, airlines like JetBlue have added an extra fee for a second checked bag, and you cannot argue with a counter person as your checking in, but I did get a refund from JetBlue after they charged me for my kneeboard as a second bag. The rules state that if your paying for a bag which is not considered free, $50. surfboards, golfclub, then you will not get charged $25. as a second bag in addition.I got a refund for both ways.
I mean via cargo shipper. Hey.....If you wanna take the chance of getting your board held in customs....by all means. I don't...I heard some pretty bad stories about shipping your boards internationally. I will always fly with my boards....regardless of the price.
I flew two shortboards to Hawaii in a 7 foot travel bag. The cost was $170 each way on United Airlines. Although one could buy a board there for that cost, I was able to have two boards to choose from. I also dinged a rail on my thurster, so I was glad I had a spare board waiting for me. There is also something fun about having your go-to boards in a far away place and not having to waste a day looking around for a rental.
There has been a very good service on Oahu that will deliver to you a rental board and also pick it up, is competitively priced and supplies good boards. Hard to beat since those boards are made for Island conditions unlike the boards you'd typically be using on the East Coast.
Thanks for the tip. I'll have to remember that for next time. Although, most of the waves I surfed were similar to waves on the E.C., just on an epic day. Mainly surfed Chuns and Haliewa. Haliewa was my favorite.
