flying with surfboards

endoshred · Since 22 May 2006 232 Posts HR Stoked

heading it ventana in the morning. what is best way to protect my 5'3'' glass board in a dekine bag? i used bubble wrap and cardboard on tip and tail. usually i just travel with a twin tip and carry everything in the NSI golf bag. this board is just a few inches too long to fit.
what do you think US Air will charge me?

jack · Since 12 Mar 2006 214 Posts Stoked

foam pipe insulation along the rails is a perfect way to go as well, with cardboard tip and tail

Kite Vacations · Since 17 Nov 2007 13 Posts Hood River Oregon

Surfboards
Surfboards will be accepted as checked baggage for a charge of $100 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.

Kataku2k3 · Since 14 Aug 2005 3753 Posts Los Angeles, CA Videographer

I just flew US Airways a couple weeks ago to FL and didn't even try taking my kites because their fees rediculous. If they choose to be bitches and measure it, my normal SS Golf bag (which is just big enough for my Lunacy 129) would be charged oversized and would cost $100. If they didn't charge you the oversized fee, it'd only be like $15 for the first bag and $25 for the next (so long as you're under 50lbs). If you're over 51lbs, it add $50 to each of the fees above.

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

Best thing would be to get a 6 ft surfboard bag. I've got a coffin style bag and have been able to get in on Southwest with 3 boards in it for $75. Those days may be over. I also have double surfboard board bag that can easily hold a surfboard and my wake skate (or twin tip). I use that in my car when just driving around locally.

If you go that route, protect the tip and tail with copious amounts of bubble wrap or better yet a wetsuit, harness, board shorts, towels or other soft stuff that you'll need anyways. A hard cardboard shell at the tips will help distribute any impact loads. wrapping the rails with pipe insulation is a good idea too. or just fold over a long strip of cardboard. You'll want to make sure it doesn't shift since they often unpack your stuff to inspect it. So make it easy for the inspector to repack it properly. If you take a twin tip, remove the pads and fins and use that board to protect the bottom of your surfboard. You can put towels or a wetsuit between them.

Bring a ding stick or some other repair supplies just in case it gets damaged en route or while you are riding it. Gorilla Glue makes a better kind of duct tape that you can get at Hood River Supply. Pick up some extra stainless hardware in case a screw gets away from you. Never a bad Idea to take an extra set of fins too. I carry a big set and a small set so I can get more range.

You'll be fine since most baggage handlers are going to take better care of a surfboard bag in the first place. Although I did have to repair the tail of my Mike Zitech (sp?) course windsurfing board in my room on the 10th floor of the Hilton when I took it to San Francisco Bay back in the day.

Have fun on your trip.

endoshred · Since 22 May 2006 232 Posts HR Stoked

thanks guys. i am psyched to finally bring a directional board to ventana. hope to get some good el norte days.

also bringing a fly rod for some morning fishing. still not sure what flies to use but im sure someone will know.