Airlines don’t make flying with a large SUP easy… but it is possible so don’t despair! Choose the right airline and you shouldn’t have to leave your board at home!
Some airlines include SUPs/surfboards as part of your ‘Checked In’ baggage allowance and other airlines will charge you extra as ‘Special or Sports Baggage.’ Just make sure you check out the baggage allowances before you book your ticket to ensure you don’t get a large unexpected bill at check in (never the best start to a holiday!)
Please note – all details were correct at the time of writing (Jan 2020) but we highly recommend you check with the individual airline, as this is just a guide.
Airlines with SUPs included in baggage allowance:
•Part of checked baggage allowance
•3m / 9’8”
•23kg
•Allowed excess weight up to 32kg. Extra kgs over 23kg charged at an expensive rate
https://www.emirates.com/english/before-you-fly/baggage/unusual-baggage-and-special-allowances
•Part of checked baggage allowance
•3m / 9’8”
•23kg
•Allowed excess weight up to 32kg. Extra kgs over 23kg charged at an expensive rate
https://www.etihad.com/en-gb/fly-etihad/baggage/golf-and-sports
•Part of checked baggage allowance
•3m / 9’8”
•23kg
•Fees apply to flights to USA
•*Need to pre-book sports equipment on flights before departure*
https://www.klm.com/travel/gb_en/prepare_for_travel/baggage/exceptional_baggage/index.htm
•Part of checked baggage allowance
•2.77m / 9’0”
•23kg
https://www.qantas.com/gb/en/travel-info/baggage/sporting-equipment.html#surfboard-or-surf-ski
•Part of checked baggage allowance
•3m / 9’8”
•23kg
•Excess weight up to 32kg charged at an expensive rate. Size depends on aircraft type
https://www.virginaustralia.com/uk/en/plan/baggage/oversized-fragile-items/
•Part of checked baggage allowance
•2.77m / 9’0”
•23kg
•Get in contact with Singapore when taking surfboards. Restrictions for flights from Changi Airport
https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/us/travel-info/baggage/non-standard-baggage/
•Part of checked baggage allowance (see below for exceptions)
•3m / 9’8”
•23kg
•Size depends on aircraft type. Please check with Garuda
https://www.garuda-indonesia.com/id/en/garuda-indonesia-experience/on-ground/baggage/index.page?
•Part of checked baggage allowance (see below for exceptions)
•3m / 9’8”
•23kg
•Travelling to USA, Mexico or Canada incurs fees between US$75 – $150 / way
•Part of checked baggage allowance for long-haul flights (see below for exceptions)
•3.5m / 11’5”
•23kg
•Short-medium haul flights = US$55 / way
https://www.iberia.com/gb/luggage/special/
•15kg free when flying to/from Australia
•2.77m / 9’0”
•Otherwise, you can prepay sports equipment and extra kgs online
https://support.airasia.com/s/article/How-do-I-pack-sports-equipment-en?language=en_GB
•Part of checked baggage allowance
•3m / 9’8”
•23kg
•Extra checked bags will incur fees of US$30 – $40 / way. Size depends on aircraft type
Airlines that charge extra for SUPs:
•US$200 / way / boardbag
•2.92m / 9’6”
•United Express flights = 6’6” maximum
https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/baggage/sports-equipment.html
•International flights US$150 / way (Excluding Australia & New Zealand = free)
•North American destinations US$100 / way
•Inter-island flights: US$35 / way
•2.92m / 9’6”
•23kg
https://hawaiianair.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/90/related/1
•Flight within Europe: US$140 / way. Intercontinental flights US$185 / way
•2m+ (website only mentions 200cm+ and no maximum size. Estimate 2.77m / 9’0)
•32kg
•US$100 / way = special baggage charge
•3m / 9’8”
•23kg
https://www.latam.com/en_uk/travel-information/baggage/special-items/
•From €40.52 / way online when booking. From €49.53 / way at the airport
•2.77m / 9’0
•32kg
https://www.vueling.com/en/vueling-services/prepare-your-trip/luggage/special-luggage
https://www.vueling.com/en/vueling-services/supplementary-service-rates
•European routes = US$149 / way. Prices vary and rise as high as US$460 for long haul flights
•3.15m / 10’3”
•32kg
•Charges US$250 per board bag
•3m / 9”8”
•32kg
•Very good airline to travel with, however bags incur a high rate
https://www.srilankan.com/en_uk/plan-and-book/luggage
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