Checking Bags

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Really love this story

http://www.kiteboardingmag.com/article/News/Getting-Bagged-by-the-Airlines?cmpid=enews081309

Moral - don't freak on the counter people - they will hose you

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

Sexton does Love Dick though... Wink

stevegriffith22 · Since 14 May 2006 434 Posts Obsessed

so.....I guess the bottom line is that I have never had that problem. I have gone to texas and North Carolina on a regular basis. So heres the deal.......Wait for a curb side checker to be alone at the counter and then make sure you give him/her or it, the tip BEFORE you give him the bags. I have found that a 20 spot works well at SEA TAC!

Besides there just doing there jobs. As well as a 20 spot will most surely make sure that your bags end up where you do!

sg

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Word, a 10 spot worked great for me at PDX.

On the plus side Sexton and his buddy got $400 each of travel vouchers and made it to the Gorge because of that. Soooo...depends how badly you want those vouchers.

windpig · Since 28 Aug 2008 283 Posts Obsessed

I've had luck with curbside (definitely have the $20 in your hand and visible) . Unless you go international then you have to go inside. On a trip to La ventana we were about to get charged $300 for overweight baggage. We took out a couple of kites and got under the weight limit. Using your kites as carry ons (minus the bar and lines) could save your ass.
Keeping your cool and not turning into a raging lovedick helps.

jack · Since 12 Mar 2006 214 Posts Stoked

windpig, why minus the bar and lines? when i travel i carry on the kite i think i am going to use the most, bar and harness. i figure worst case rent a board. any issues carrying bar and lines carry on?

Cozumel Tom · Since 14 Aug 2007 18 Posts Toronto / Cozumel

Don't carry bar / lines as carry-on luggage.

Officially, Airlines don't even allow line on a fishing reels. DHLS issue is that you can restrain someone with line. I told them I cannot restrain fish with the line and asked if they expect all the passengers were going to sit still while I tied them up and took over the plane? The bad attitude didn't help my cause.

The bar, like a tennis racket, baseball bat or similar items can be used as a weapon. Sometimes you get a pass from the Agent at the Check In Counter and the guys at Security say no and send you back. Now you have to go back and check it in, You have to buy another bag to put it in, your luggage is already gone, will it make the plane? Not worth the hassel.

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

A very good idea is to wear a Kangol.

I wear one because I'm a cool, but every time i fly with my NSI golf bag, some old fart just looks at me and laughs because he assumes I'm off to vacation with my golf clubs.

I'm sure a golf shirt would work just as well.

I have never had a problem and I always manage to sneak in something referencing my "Golf Bag."

Andy

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

Nike golf polo, golf shorts, and my Nike golf hat, no one ever questions what is in the bag.

Slingshot hoody and t-shirt, board shorts and flip flops, your are f'd.

You have to blend in or pay the cash.

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

great story! love the photo of the photogenic couple as well Very Happy

curbside is the way to go... but like has been said, international, you gotta go in.

Also good luck getting out of Maui without getting charged.... especially if your "Golf" bag has "Naish" on it.... Evil or Very Mad

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

I'd wear one of these but I think the baggage handler would punch me in the face - fetch the bags out my MG ace so I don't have put out my pipe

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.kangolstore.com/images/products/2_217274_FS_BEG.JPG&imgrefurl=http://www.kangolstore.com/product.aspx%3Fid%3D217274&usg=__7rxUFJ2LI06EVBorPEu37yeT8Qg=&h=480&w=480&sz=67&hl=en&start=12&um=1&tbnid=e7m2QHlVWR_ssM:&tbnh=129&tbnw=129&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dkangol%2Bgolf%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1C1GGLS_enUS336US336%26um%3D1

Blue · Since 03 Jul 2007 469 Posts I used to be Obsessed

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

No GPS or Balanzza for me (they do look shiny)

so when checking your NSI bag remember to mutter: Chinch bugs, nitrogen and manganese

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf8zsdpk6jo&feature=related

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

Dude that's a pretty sweet hat :O)

ericvs · Since 05 Jul 2008 133 Posts Stoked

Weird, the story says that american airlines charges for kite gear but they are the only airline that I know of that specifically calls out an exception for kiteboards.

Surfboards/kiteboards/wakeboards:

"$100 in addition to the applicable checked baggage charge, based on the number of checked bags"

BUT with the exception:

"Kiteboards and wakeboards and containers that are less than 62 dimensional inches and under 50 lbs. are free in place of 62 inch bag in the free allowance."

It is still more beneficial, however, to fly as a golfer:

"Maximum free weight on golf clubs is 70 lbs. Size is limited to the size of a hard-sided golf case"
"Charged the applicable checked bag charge for the 1st or 2nd checked bag. When in excess, each item will be subject to the baggage charge for a single piece."

http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/travelInformation/baggage/baggageAllowance.jsp

I think the most important thing is keep your bags under 50lbs. They have a scale at the desk, but probably not a tape measure. If you roll up to the counter with a kite bag that weighs like 85 lbs you are more than likely going to get charged. Keep the bag under 50lbs and they are going to be much more lenient. Also as stated above don't mention the word board and be as pleasant as if you are crossing the border.

I use the dakine BTS bag, it splits in two so you only have to pay the normal baggage fees ($15 for first and $25 for second). You end up getting a 100 lbs limit on your gear rather than 50lbs.

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

Thanks. That made my morning. I'm putting Caddyshack on my netflix right now. It's been too long.

Andy