Flying with Alaska and Kite Bags

Johnny Casino · Since 22 Jul 2006 2 Posts New Member

Anyone here know if Alaska/Horizon airlines allows kite bags or only "golf bags"?

Thanks

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6548 Posts Couve / Hood Site Lackey

flown Alaska a couple times with the NSI golf bag, no troubles.

pacifichigh · Since 11 May 2005 1004 Posts ATX Texan

The key with any airline is to NEVER say "boards" as in kiteboarding.

I always tell them beach gear if they ask and I don't feel like lying. Some folks like to actually throw a golf club in their bag, so they can honestly say they are carrying golf clubs in the bag.

wylieflyote · Sat Oct 07, 06 7:00 am

I can't see how this works when the Alaska Airlines sight is pretty specific about "Each bag can be a maximum of 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and may weigh up to 50 pounds.". And the "NSI PRO GOLF. Now you can just slide that gear right through at check in! Dimensions: Base End - 13 1/2" X 15" Top End - 11 1/2" x 14" Length - 59" Could accomodate a 20" wide board, 147cm length."
http://tinyurl.com/7tk4s
These bastards at Alaska lately have been real pricks. Got stung $50 for a duffle that was 4 lbs over last year. I would much rather pay $$150 for a new bag then feed AA. Last year they lost my bags FOR 6 WEEKS!
Going to Cozumel & Isla Mujeres and would like to know.

Onad · Sat Oct 07, 06 9:37 am

Yes, technically they should charge for the NSI bag; however, if you apply some basic deception and use the rules in your favor you can get through with no charges. T-ski and I have made it through (on many airlines) with two NSI bags at least 6 times in the last year or so with no charges.

It works because it falls under the Sporting Equipment exemption. As Pacific High pointed out, ya just can't mention anything about a board, otherwise they'll stick you in the surfboard/windsurf/kiteboard category and charge ya $80.

A couple of cheap golf clubs goes a long way in the top of the bag. Got me out of Cabo with no fees, even when the ticket agent asked the inspector if it was golf? “Si, golf” Wink

Tell them its golf, but don’t let them get a full look at the bag (i.e. keep it laying down) then they can’t see the NSI bag is taller than the normal golf bag.

OK, done with my morning dissertation, gota go sailing now…

Good luck! Cool

Sporting Equipment
Some sporting equipment (snow skis, golf clubs), may be checked in lieu of one piece of luggage, if packaged in a suitable container. Sporting equipment checked in addition to the free baggage allowance is charged an excess fee. There is a fee charged in all situations for some equipment (surfboards, scuba gear). For details about allowances and fees for specific sporting equipment view the Contract of Carriage.

Section V - Baggage
Rule 190AS - Acceptance of Baggage - General
[i]C. Free Baggage Allowance: AS will transport the fare-paying passenger's baggage between points on its lines for which a valid ticket is presented without charge, subject to the following:
AS will carry a maximum of two pieces of checked baggage. Maximum outside linear dimensions per piece for checked baggage is 62 in. Maximum weight per piece is 50 lbs. Each ticketed passenger is allowed only one carry-on bag plus one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer. The carry-on bag can measure up to 10"H x 17"W x 24"L (25 x 43 x 61 cm). One item of bowling, golfing, scuba, shooting, skateboard (including longboard style) or skiing equipment will be transported free in lieu of the first piece of free allowance baggage and when in excess, each item is charged an excess baggage charge. See "Sporting Equipment" below for definitions. One item of fishing equipment will be accepted free of charge in addition to the free baggage allowance - see "Fishing Equipment" below for definition. Military personnel on active duty are allowed two duffle bags up to 70lbs. per bag and up to 115 inches free allowance. AS will transport a maximum of one (1) infant car seat without charge per fare-paying passenger.

jahmbi · Sat Oct 07, 06 9:42 am

HAY , HERE IS A THOUGHT YOU COULD FIT TONSKI IN ONE OF THOSE BAGS Twisted Evil

AND PROB. SAVE YOURSELF SOME $$$$$$$$$$$$ Laughing

TROLL

tonski · Since 11 Jun 2005 332 Posts NW Portland Obsessed

Yeah, that'd be fun. Wink

But then, where would my golf clubs fit?!

I think the key is 1) using skycap in domestic flights (can't use them on Int'l) or 2) being extra polite and making a comment about golfing like "Honey, can you grab the golf bag for me?" right when you walk up to the ticket agent.

We always weigh our bags at home before departing b/c it seems that weight is closely checked now on all airlines. Watch out for the smaller planes, too, b/c their weight limits can be even less than 50 lbs. We had to leave our kite gear at the airport and pay for storage while in Aitutaki in '04.

trevorsmith · Since 25 Apr 2005 501 Posts PDX Addicted

go to sport store and get a soft case travel golf bag. about 80 bucks and throw in a couple clubs. has yet to fail me. can fit around 140 board no problem. I got mine at jansen beach mall. forgot the name of the sport store there. has rollers and nice handles on it.

J.P. · Since 10 Mar 2005 638 Posts Addicted

Speaking with an inside view of the industry...

All passengers are allowed 2 bags at 50lbs and a set girth.

If your bags are within the parameters and you’re queried to the contents, the correct response is: “my luggage”.

Cheers,

jp

tonyb · Mon Oct 09, 06 5:56 pm

We've travelled extensively on Alaska and have used the Best Golf Bag, an Izzo Golf Bag, and a Liquid Force kite bag and haven't had any problems. Trick is to keep the weight at 45 lbs or under. You're allowed 50 but the lighter it is the less questions. The people at the checkout counter KNOW what 50 lbs feels like. Most of them can pick up the bag and tell you if you're at 51 or more pounds.

When asked what is in the bag we say kites and beach toys. Best not to use the word board. Having a golf club in there would be better if you really get questioned. For some reason the airlines allow golf clubs/bags to be oversize (there is a width+height+length equation you're supposed to meet) without charging. I'm pretty sure the Best bags are outside of those dimensions.

I read recently that Continental is charging $95 for kiting equipment. Try to avoid those guys.

Like others have said, check in outside, be friendly, helpful, and slip the guy some cash (at least $5 per bag) and things go a lot smoother.

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

i have been travelling like this for about 5 years. I have an SKB plastic golf case that is a 'double wide'. the case itself weighs about 12 pounds. I need the double to carry my hydrofoil. I just got back from a trip. On the way down, i handed it to the sky cap with one hand, and a $20 in the other. He never even looked twice.

On the way back, the guy asked me what was in it (I usually throw a golf club in, but didn't this time). I just told him it was a golf case. he asked again what was in it, and I said it was a double wide golf case. heh heh... he never knew what hit him! Smile