Golf bags

Yogi · Since 15 Feb 2010 2 Posts New Member

I'm planning an air travel trip. Does the golf bag option for kites and boards actualy work or are the airlines on to us? I would hate to have problems at bag check. Or is there a better option to get gear to Maui?

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

Yogi - You get a freebie because you are new, but try the search button at the top next time.

http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-16172.html&highlight=golf+bags

Nak · Mon Feb 15, 10 4:30 pm

Great way to carry your gear regardless. Big point: Keep it under 50 pounds.

Some airline people are catching on. So be prepared. When they ask what's in it, It's "kites and kite gear" NOT "Kiteboarding gear" or "Kitesurfing gear". AVOID the use of the term "Board" or "Surf" DO NOT lie to customs about what's in the bag. That can have REALLY BAD consequances.

Yes, a Glide will fit in a NSI deceiver.

jsj · Since 11 Sep 2006 83 Posts Hood River

Kudos to United for recognizing that a kiteboard isn't a big deal - as long as it's under 50lbs they consider it a checked bag now. I will now book on them preferentially....

http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6867,52906,00.html#kiteboards

Kite boards

Allowance/requirements
1 case holding kite boards

Allowed in place of one checked bag

Maximum weight/size
50 pounds/62 linear inches
(23 kilograms/158 linear centimeters)

Other information
None

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

It works every time for me. Wear a Kangol and mention your "golf bag". Of course make sure your wife doesn't blow your cover when the lady at the ticket counter makes a comment about what your wife is going to do while you play golf. My wife almost said, "Oh he doesn't play golf."

Andy

bajakiter · Since 16 May 2007 58 Posts

I have taken mine on at least 5 trips and it has worked every time, even a month ago to Oahu. I always put the side that says "NSI Golf" towards the counter, don't know if that makes a difference or not...

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

For best results check bags at the curb when possible and have a $10 or $20 bill out and visible. They're much more likely to let little things slide if they're gonna make some cash in the process.

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

K4L · Since 19 Jan 2009 483 Posts Obsessed

shred_da_gorge · Mon Feb 15, 10 10:24 pm

I've used a snowboard bag with a North Jaime 132, X-Ride 135, and at another time a Slingshot SX 136. I also have a 'door' (North Phantom 159) that doesn't fit in my or most snowboard bags but my buddy found a snowboard bag that fits it. On my last Padre trip I packed the two Norths and clothes in the snowboard bag and 7m, 10m, and 14m Rebels in the 14m Rebel bag. Never paid to check and have flown Continental, American, Alaska, and Southwest.

A tip: make sure there's laundry facilities where you're going. Kite gear is more important than clothes...

pdxmonkeyboy · Tue Feb 16, 10 1:05 am

I'm with Gene. I just check that shit at the curb and forget about dragging it through the lines. I usually give me $20 spot before he strts checking the bags.

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

Maui -> PDX used not to offer curbside checkin, but according to the Rollo crew that just went there they do now.

Paid $200 to those f*ckers in Maui trying to use Golf bags. Definitely don't have "Naish" golf bags when checking in Maui -> PDX, unless you score curbside checkin

Maui is the only place I have ever had issues with the golf bag

marina · Since 16 Jan 2006 150 Posts California coast Stoked

As far as I know, Maui is the only place so far that has caught onto the golf bag thing.

if you get one, just go to thrift store and pick up a club for a buck so you don't have to lie.

When traveling to Ventana for the recent Expo and Classic, I had a 52 lb bag and 52 lb board bag with Brunotti Boards written huge on it. I got charged normal luggage fees on way there and on $15 for one bag on way back for some reason! It all depends on the ticket agent you get...

Typically if you keep your bag under 50 lbs and it isn't STUFFED, they let it pass.

splaterwin · Since 17 Nov 2005 165 Posts Vancouver Stoked

Back from Maui on Sunday, flew Hawaiian. Used NSI golf plus another huge bag for kite gear, both under 50 pounds. Checked curb side in PDX and counter in Maui, no problems or extra bag fees. Maui is a little slice of heaven on earth, wish I was still there.

-pat

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Pete · Since 29 Oct 2007 843 Posts Opinionated

Flying with gear is such a PITA, I've decided I'm not going anywhere except Baja Norte for my kiting trips ever again.

blancoh2o · Since 15 Mar 2005 1154 Posts Oregon Phishy

For my next trip, I am just going to box up my gear and ship it with Fed-Ex.