Hawaiian Airlines Checks Golf Bags

joeag · Since 13 Apr 2007 7 Posts New Member

Realize this is from American Airlines site and not HA, but it seems the airlines are catching on:

"Additional items not included in the item description below must not be packed inside the sports case and are subject to overweight and/or oversize charges."

They then list all the different types of sporting equipment and charges/allowances for each item.

The interesting thing about American (and others) re surfboards is that they want to charge you $80 per BOARD, but you can check one piece of oversize luggage (up to 115 inches linear and under 50 lbs) for $100. So you could get at least 2 surfboards, or a whole lot of kiteboards in one oversize bag for $100 total.

I wrote AA to try to get something in writing that I could show to a gate agent, but no response yet.

I would like to check one large double board bag that is under 115 inches total and under 50 lbs and when they hit me for $160 (or more) have a piece of paper to show them.

PS - AA looks friendly to kiters (without surfboards Sad

) -
"Exception:
Kiteboards and wakeboards and containers that are less than 62 linear inches and under 50 lbs. are free in place of one 62 inch bag in the free allowance."

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

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

Here's Hawaiian's Policy:
http://www.hawaiianair.com/AboutUs/Pages/CarriageRuleItem.aspx?cr=195

Kodiak · Since 01 Aug 2005 1114 Posts Slidey

Yeah, they are not the only airline that specifically calls out exceptions for skim/boogie boards. I have no idea why they would do it, but why not take advantage.

Mark · Wed Feb 27, 08 3:26 pm

I wonder if part of the problem is because "surfboards" are very fragile. Airlines kick the crap out of bags. Thus damaging the surfboards and having claims filed. Skimboards are much more durable.

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

Mocean · Since 21 Sep 2005 343 Posts Newport Obsessed

I'm flying United to Oahu on business in April. They're now charging $25 for an extra standard-sized bag, and $100 for any bag greater than 50 pounds or with dimensions exceeding 62" (width + height + length). $200 for bags requiring special handling. I didn't see any mention on their website of golf equipment being exempt.

I figured I'd just take kites in a non-oversize bag and if the wind's good try to pick up a board while I'm there, maybe put it on consignment before I leave.

Anyone know of a shop over there that may have some used boards (either directional surf style, or TT's) within the $200 range? Do any of the North Shore surf shops carry kiting gear on consignment? Maybe I'll also check with the Kite Oahu forum....

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

Kiteboarders are so oppressed. Laughing

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

</rant>

stringy · Since 23 Jun 2006 1738 Posts vancouver XTreme Poster

pkh, this has become a pretty interesting post. I have been charged when flying from Maui. It was last year and I think it was because my bag might have been overweight due to wet gear. Like you I was pissed and felt like I would never fly with NWA again ever. Less then a year later I flew with them again. Other than that one time, I have never experienced any problems with them. Come to think of it, I am finally taking advantage of all those Maui miles I have saved up over the past couple of years and heading to Utah on Friday for $5.

I use the NSI bag and have it pretty close to 50 pounds. I have been charged only once on NWA and also once on Alaska Air.
I look at it differently now. When I plan on flying, I know it is a possibility that I will be charged for having a kite board bag, whether I tell them it is golf equipment or kiting equipment. If I expect that it could happen that I may be charged, I accept that as part of my travel expense. If I pass through without a charge, then I am very happy.
I know it sucks, but you can't let it get you down, especially if it is on the way to your destination, it sets a tone of how your trip starts.
phil and nicole, I am sure you had a great experience in Maui this time around, the pictures say it all. Just don't let it get you down too much.
You can send them a letter and maybe they will respond to you. You can also avoid using them in the future, but you just might use them again if they have the best airfare available.

Nak,
I am wondering about checking your board at the gate? Is this true you can do this? I just didn't understand from your earlier post.

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

the point is that IT SHOULD NOT MATTER what you send. If you can fit kitegear in a golf bag..good for you, you should be allowed to bring it.

The only reason for golf bags being allowed is that the guys that play it are the ones that makes the rules.

It is actually really time to make the airlines understand that kiteboarders are a large and affluent group with a pretty decent disposable income...or at least a willingness to spend money on their hobby. This is WAY more a principle matter than anything else. my point is...either EVERYONE pays or no-one..deciding based on some random criteria is simply not good enough. How hard is it to get hold of information?

In many cases a kiteboard is quite a lot smaller than skim and boogie boards. There is NO reason for having the rules as they have.

I actually think we should start a petition, and have people sign up and send to the airlines. We could start by getting hold of some managements email addresses and write them directly.

Kites and board are not super fragile..and should not at all be categorized in the same group as polyester boards. Simple as that. IMO if you can fit your stuff in a golf bag it is golf gear..and the bag is a golf bag if it say so on it.... The bag defines the gear Wink

Remember that paying $25 from Island to Island or $80 to the main land is the same charge as you would pay to bring a SUP board...pretty big difference if you ask me.

A.

tekko · Since 20 Feb 2006 376 Posts White Salmon Liquid Force

The hard thing is that as the sport grows... we all want more boards. Once you add a surfboard to your quiver... you are going to pay.

I have found though... that once you have enough gear to step it up an know your are going to pay... such as traveling with a surfboard.. it is amazing how much easier it gets.

Walk to the counter with your 50ish lb golf bag and a surfboard bag with your surfboard, wrapped in the biggest kite that will fit in that bag.. and another twintip wrapped in, if you have that many to bring... walk up to the counter with a big smile and a $100 bill.. yes.. I have 2 bags, both under 50lb, and my surfboard, which I know I have to pay for... gesture with your Benji... Most times, because you are so up front about paying for your surfboard, they don't even weigh of check you other bags... and just charge you for the surfboard.

Most of you are complaining that you are getting charged $80-$100, which is standard surfboard charge... so Bring your damn surfboard.. which will make your trip more fun, allow you to surf when it's light and gives you another bag, which you ARE paying for, that you can stuff with an extra kite, you may not have brought trying to stay at 50lb, and it is protection for the surfboard.

I found that once I stopped trying to get on for free all the time.. things were much easier... they are only busting your balls because you believe it should be free.

Once you start going to the counter with cash in your hand, expecting to pay.. then you start relaxing about the whole checking mess. And... then... when you don't have to pay... you just made $100 for your trip.. rather than getting robbed $100.. because you planned for and expected it.

When TOnia and I flew to LV for the kite expo, we checked 4- 95LB bags, plus our clothes roller bags and paid $225 each way... pretty damn cheap when you guys are getting hit $80/bag @ 50lbs just because it's kite gear.

Once you are paying more than $100 and up front about it, the ticket agent ususally feels bad for you and doesn't want to keep adding charges.. so they look for ways to make the others cheaper... Rather than seeing someone rock up with thousands of $ of gear,, who took a vacation to Maui and wants to get on for free.. in which case they feel obligated to make you pay something...

Honestly.. for those who travel with all their kite gear plus laptop, video camera, still camera, etc... paying the $100 at the counter is cake compared to all the bullshit going through security, unpacking your bags, taking off your shoes, putting $1000's of dollars of electronic gear in plastic trays... that is the frusterating part for me...

This.. much more than the fees is why I drive anywhere I can now. When we went to SPI last fall and did the math.. if 2 of us were in the car.. our fuel expense was about the same as if we bought 2 tickets and flew.. except.. NO baggage fees, NO security hassle, NO crying babies, sick kids, fat middle seaters...

Just you, your gear, your favorite woman, your tunes, your freedom and your sanity... and instead of all that airline evil... you get to see the country we live in, meet new people, eat at little out of the way diners.. and enjoy the trip, rather than stress about it.

Just my $.02..

Getting ready to head back to SPI for spring... traded the truck for a van... can fit the entire 2008 Liquid Force Line for demo,(28 boards,6 of them surboards 15-20 kites) plus still have enough room to sleep.. not to mention room for the dog and our 2 11' SUP boards and 2 regular surfboards on the roof... and maybe bikes...

No check in.. no extra fees and not leaving ANY gear at home, when it should really be going to the beach...

Bettyboarder · Thu Feb 28, 08 8:21 am

Mike Hawk · Thu Feb 28, 08 8:21 am

Its easy, next time just bring golf clubs and go golfing in Maui...

Rolling Eyes

http://www.visitmaui.com/mauigolf.html

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

Good stuff Tekko... got a group of 6 going to SPI in April. Hmmm 6x$400 tickets plus maybe extra charges. Might be a good case for a road trip! Very Happy

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

It's about 2600 miles to SPI so make sure you got some extra vacation time saved up for the drive if you go that way. Certainly better than flying if you have the time though.

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