All surfers have been there. We approach the ticketing counter, giddy for a flight somewhere warm and tropical, with our boardbags in hand. A surge of trepidation washes over us – will the airlines accept the boards as standard oversized baggage, or will there be some byzantine rule, an unforeseen and obscene fee, to get the boards to their destination? Not to mention getting there in one piece.
Despite most major airlines displaying their rules and regulations when it comes to checking surfboards online, it can occasionally be a roll of the dice. Will they or won’t they?
Recently, one surfer experienced a nightmare scenario when attempting to haul boards on a plane, and they documented the situation, the obscure rule change, and all. Check it out below:
“BE AWARE that If you are Flying with Boards of any kind, DO not Fly with American Airlines!” wrote hydrofoiler Alex Aguera after the recent mishap. “American Airlines have switched to a 115-inch measurement which includes the length, width, and height of your board bag. So a 7’ board bag at 25” wide x 6” tall is at 115” limit already, and who has a board bag only 6” tall? At Kahului Airport, the Check In Lady broke out the tape measure. I was wondering what the hell is going on as I have flown AA for the last 30 years or so with no problems bringing along my Windsurfer, kitesurf, DW paddle foil boards, or longboard surfboards. Well, it appears those days are gone with American.”
Related: Hawaiian Airlines Drops Surfboard Fees by 47 Percent*
According to American Airlines’ website, there’s no mention of length or width, when it comes to transporting “watersport boards,” as the call it. Here’s what they say:
“1 bag or case can contain multiple boards and will count as 1 checked item. Keels, kedges, and / or fins must be removed or properly protected to prevent damage to other bags. Standard checked bag fees of your destination apply up to 50 lbs / 23 kgs. For travel on / after April 17, 2024, standard overweight fee applies over 50lbs/23kgs to 70lbs/32kgs.”
Something to keep in mind; check those boardbag fees, maybe even give the airlines a call, before hitting the airport. Best not to get slapped with a huge charge before taking off.
Related: Major Airline Revamps Surfboard Policy After Pro Surfer’s Outrage on Social Media