2015 Airline Surfboard & Boardbag Fees
Friday 23 January 2015One of the only downsides of every surftrip are the additional fees we nearly always end up paying just to take our beloved boards along for the ride! As each airline has its own policy regarding surf boards, we thought we would put together a list of the most popular airlines to help you plan your next trip.
Each airline listing includes the fees they charge, comments on sizes, weight, etc. and also the links to relevant pages on their websites. We hope this is useful and saves you some future stress – let us know if you have any comments or questions!
We will update the list with any comments or corrections – this is updated as per January 2015.
Aeroflot
Fee: $50-$150 per boardbag
Comments: Request has to be made to Aeroflot for special baggage. Excess baggage charges incurred for bags over 23kg (up to 45kg) and/or bags over 1.58m / 62 inches.
Links:
http://www.aeroflot.ru/cms/en/before_and_after_fly/special_baggage
http://www.aeroflot.ru/cms/en/before_and_after_fly/excess_luggage
Aero Mexico
Fee: $40-$50 per boardbag
Comments: The fee for surfing equipment is per case, up to 3 boards per case. Max length for small planes is 2.04m / 80 inches and for larger planes is 2.94m / 115 inches.
Links:
Aer Lingus
Fee: €30-€40 per boardbag
Comments: Boards can be carried for free as part of the standard free baggage allowance (23kg) for flights operating to/from North America. For all other flights, there is a €30 charge for pre-booked boards or €40 at the airport. Max weight 23kg and length 2.77m / 109 inches, for regional flights surfboards must not exceed 2.05m / c.80 inches.
Links:
https://www.aerlingus.com/travelinformation/baggageinformation/sportsequipment/
Air Asia
Fee: Varies by destination
Comments: Prices vary per destination and is 50% cheaper if booked online. Maximum weight for a boardbag is up to 20kg per flight and maximum height of 2.77m / 109 inches.
Links:
http://www.airasia.com/ask/template.do?id=42
http://www.airasia.com/my/en/our-fares/fees-and-charges.page?
Air Berlin
Fee: €50-€75 per boardbag
Comments: Boardbag can be included as part of your free baggage allowance but needs to be registered at least 48 hours before flying (this can be done at time of booking or on the Service Centre on their website). Fees vary by destination.
Links:
http://www.airberlin.com/en-GB/site/flug_gepaeck_luggage.php#sondergepaeck
http://www.airberlin.com/en/site/landingpages/fees.php
Air Canada
Fee: $50 per board
Comments: Fee is per board. Surfboards are accepted on a space available basis only and should be pre-registered at time of booking. Each surfboard counts as one piece of baggage towards the max number of checked bags allowed. Max length of boardbag is 2.03m / 80 inches (additionally, length + width + height must be less than 2.77m / 109 inches).
Links:
http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/baggage/sports_equip.html#none
Air China
Fee: Unclear from website
Comments: Max weight of 45kg, although excess baggage fees may be incurred above 32kg. Max length of 2.03m / 80 inches.
Links:
https://www.airchina.us/US/GB/info/checked-baggage/general-rules.html
Air France
Fee: $50-$100 per boardbag
Comments: Surfboards are charged as ‘specialty’ items and not as part of regular baggage allowance. Maximum height of 2.0m / 79 inches. Boardbags are charged at $50 for flights within Europe and the Caribbean, and $100 for all other flights.
Links:
http://www.airfrance.us/US/en/local/page_flottante/hp/us_dot_regulation.htm
Air India
Fee: $15-$100 per boardbag
Comments: Fees vary for each route, so best to check with Air India before booking. When flying to US/Canada, boardbags will be charged 50% of the excess baggage charge but can be included in your free baggage allowance.
Links:
http://www.airindia.com/special-baggage.htm
http://www.airindia.com/excess-baggage.htm
Air New Zealand
Fee: FREE
Comments: Boardbags less than 2.0m / 79 inches in length and weighing less than 23kg are included as standard baggage. Boardbags over 2.0m and 23kg are charged excess baggage fees, which depend on your departure point.
Links:
http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/oversized-items
Air Tahiti Nui
Fee: FREE
Comments: Boardbag is free with a weight limit of 25kg and length of 1.8m / 70 inches. Boards measuring 1.8m to 2.0m (70 to 78 inches) must be checked in as cargo. Boards exceeding 2.0m / 78 inches cannot be accepted on Air Tahiti flights.
Links:
https://www.airtahiti.com/oversized-heavy-special-baggage
Alaska Airlines
Fee: $25-$75 per boardbag (with 2 surfboards)
Comments: $25 for boardbags up to 1.57m / 62 inches. $75 for boardbags between 1.6m / 63 inches – 2.92m / 115 inches.
Links:
http://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/baggage/baggage-sporting-equipment.aspx
http://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/baggage/baggage-checked.aspx
Alitalia
Fee: $75-$260 per boardbag
Comments: Fees apply to boards between 2.0m / 78 inches – 3.0m / 118 inches, and max weight of 32kg. Best to confirm with Alitalia beforehand as they state that boards may not be accepted on certain aircraft.
Links:
http://alitalia.com/us_en/Informazioni-Supporto/Bagagli/index.html#bagagli_speciali
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Fee: $200 per boardbag
Comments: Fee for bags with total linear dimensions (length + height + width) of between 1.58m / 62 inches and 2.92m / 115 inches.
Links:
http://www.ana.co.jp/wws/uk/e/asw_common/guide/baggage.html#goods
http://www.ana.co.jp/wws/uk/e/asw_common/guide/baggage.html#free
American Airlines
Fee: $150 per boardbag
Comments: Max weight of 31.7kg and length 3.1m / 126 inches. Travelling to, through or from Brazil: maximum length of 2.74m / 108 inches and cost is $42.50 for 1st board and additional boards are $85.
Links:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travelInformation/baggage/baggageAllowance.jsp#!sports
Asiana Airlines
Fee: FREE-$200
Comments: 1 surfboard is free as part of your checked baggage allowance, otherwise the excess baggage charge per piece is applied and vary by route. Max weight of 32kg (excess weight charged above 23kg), maximum height of 2.03m / 80 inches.
Links:
http://us.flyasiana.com/C/en/homepage.do?menuId=003006005000000&menuType=CMS#none
http://us.flyasiana.com/C/en/homepage.do?menuId=003006011000000&menuType=CMS
Avianca / TACA
Fee: $50-$125 per boardbag
Comments: 3 surfboards per boardbag allowed. Max weight of 32kg and 3.7m / 145 inches. Fees vary by destination.
Links:
http://www.avianca.com/en-uk/travel-information/plan-your-trip/baggage/sports-equipment.aspx
Azul
Fee: $150 per boardbag
Comments: Max 3 boards may be carried (regardless of the number of cases). Website does not specify max length, so best to check with airline.
Links:
http://www.voeazul.com.br/en/flights-international/your-baggage
http://www.voeazul.com.br/en/flights-international/contract-of-carriage
British Airways
Fee: FREE-$100
Comments: Free as part of your checked baggage allowance, or for extra baggage $60 per bag if bought online or $100 at the airport. Max boardbag length 1.9m / 75 inches. Bags weighing 23-32kg charged $100.
Links:
Brussels Airlines
Fee: $70-$150 per board
Comments: 1 board (up to 2.0m / 78 inches) for $70 within Europe and $150 on Intercontinental flights.
Links:
Cathay Pacific
Fee: Unclear from website – best to call up before booking
Comments: Can be counted as part of your 20kg check-in baggage allowance. If counted as extra baggage then fees vary by location and are sometimes calculated by weight. Acceptance of any bag over 32kg or over 2.03m is subject to prior approval and notification upon booking/reservation.
Links:
China Eastern Airlines or Shanghai Airlines
Fee: $160-$440 per boardbag
Comments: Fees vary according to route, but charges incurred for bags weighing more than 23kg (max. of 45kg) and height of 1.58m / 62 inches or more.
Links:
http://uk.ceair.com/muovc/newsite/main/en_GB/Static_pages/Baggage.html
China Southern
Fee: $160-$650 per boardbag
Comments: Boardbags between 1.59m / 62 inches and 3.0m / 118 inches charged c. $160 (1000 CNY). Additional fee of c. $160 (1000 CNY) if bag is between 23-32kg and c. $490 (3000 CNY) if bag is between 32-45kg.
Links:
http://www.csair.com/en/tourguide/luggage_service/special_baggage/sports_equipments.shtml
http://www.csair.com/en/tourguide/luggage_service/checked_luggage/
Condor
Fee: $65-$111 per boardbag
Comments: Early bird discount when you book your sports equipment up to 30 days prior to departure. Max weight of up to 30 kg and max dimensions of 4.0m length x 0.7m width x 0.55m height.
Links:
http://www.condor.com/us/flight-info/baggage/sports-equipment.jsp
Continental (United)
Fee: $150-$200 per boardbag
Comments: $150 (each way) for travel between the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and $200 (each way) for all other travel. Max weight of 45.3kg and length of 2.92m / 115 inches on United flights and 2.03m / 80 inches on United Express flights.
Links:
http://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/sports.aspx
Delta Airlines
Fee: $100-$150 for a boardbag (up to two surfboards)
Comments: Two boards allowed per boardbag. $100 to fly to/from Brazil, $150 for all other regions, except for Honolulu-Maui which is $20. Max weight 32kg (excess weight fee for more) and length of 2.92m / 115 inches.
Links:
http://www.delta.com/content/www/en_US/traveling-with-us/baggage/before-your-trip/special-items.html
EasyJet
Fee: £30-£40 per boardbag
Comments: £30 ($45) if booked booked online or £40 ($55) at the airport. Surfboards are classified Small Sports Equipment (items up to 20kg). You need to select the ‘Sports equipment’ option when you book your flights online.
Links:
http://www.easyjet.com/en/sports-equipment
http://www.easyjet.com/en/fees-and-charges
Emirates
Fee: FREE
Comments: Boards up to 3.0m / 118 inches are accepted as part of your standard baggage allowance. For journeys to/from US and Canada max bag weight is 23kg (per bag) and for South America is 32kg.
Links:
http://www.emirates.com/english/help/FAQDetails.aspx?faqId=214958
Etihad
Fee: FREE
Comments: Surfboards are included in your check-in baggage allowance. Maximum length of 3.0m / 118 inches. Max weight 32kg if flying to/from Brazil, 23kg to/from US and Canada, and 30kg to/from all other destinations.
Links:
http://www.etihad.com/en/before-you-fly/baggage-information/baggage-guide/
Fiji Airways
Fee: $40-$100 per boardbag
Comments: Fees vary by destination. Boardbags max weight of 23kg and height of 2.77m / 109 inches.
Links:
http://www.fijiairways.com/flight-information/excess-oversized-baggage/
Finnair
Fee: FREE-$200
Comments: Surfboards with a max length of 1.9m / 75 inches and max weight of 23kg are considered standard baggage and if the baggage allowance is not exceeded then no extra charge applies. For surfboards over the max measurements (1.9m x 0.75m x 0.65m), a charge of €150 or $/CAD200 is collected at the airport.
Links:
Flybe
Fee: £30 per board
Comments: Max length varies by plane (E195 – 3.0m / 118 inches, Q400 – 1.67m / 66 inches, ATR72/ATR42 – 2.06m / 81 inches).
Links:
https://www.flybe.com/baggage/exceptional-baggage.htm
https://www.flybe.com/terms/tariff.htm#ExceptionalBaggage
Garuda Indonesia
Fee: FREE
Comments: Surfboards with a max length of 3.0m / 118 inches and weight of 23 kg will be counted in your free baggage allowance – some aircraft have smaller length limits so worth checking with the airline first. Beyond this excess fees apply.
Links:
https://www.garuda-indonesia.com/id/en/garuda-indonesia-experience/on-ground/baggage/index.page?
Hawaiian Air
Fee: $35-$150 per boardbag
Comments: Limit of two boards per boardbag. $35 for flights within Hawaii, $100 between the US and Hawaii, $150 for international destinations. Between Australia and US, boards are included in free baggage allowance when travel is non-stop, direct and/or connecting service. Max weight of 23kg and length of 3.32m / 131 inches within Hawaii and 2.92m / 115 inches for other domestic and international flights.
Links:
http://help.hawaiianairlines.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/90
Iberia
Fee: €/$150 per board
Comments: Max weight of 32kg and max length of 2.5m / 98 inches. For flights with origin Brazil (outbound and inbound) the fee is $60 and additional equipment is $120 per item.
Links:
http://www.iberia.com/gb/luggage/special/
Japan Airlines
Fee: $50-$150 per bag
Comments: Limit of two surfboards per boardbag. If your surfboard is longer than 1.2m / 47 inches (or 1.0m / 39 inches if flying on a 737), JAL recommend contacting them beforehand.
Links:
https://www.jal.co.jp/en/inter/service/bag/
Jet Airways
Fee: FREE-$150
Comments: Surfboards may be exempted from oversize charge as long as the free baggage allowance has not been exceeded, otherwise you may be charged a fee of $150. Best to check with airline as policy is somewhat contradictory on their website.
Links:
http://www.jetairways.com/EN/GB/Baggage/SpecialBaggage.aspx
Jet Blue
Fee: $50 per board
Comments: $50 per board, one board per bag and it counts towards your checked luggage. Surfboards are accepted to all destinations EXCEPT to/from Bermuda, Haiti, Peru, Port of Spain, Santo Domingo and Santiago.
Links:
https://www.jetblue.com/travel/baggage/
Jetstar
Fee: $18-$160
Comments: Boards can be included as part of any checked baggage allowance, which must be bought at varying prices. Surfboards, including the boardbag, must not exceed 1.9m / 75 inches for Jetstar flights operated by an A320, A321 or B737 aircraft, and 2.77m / 109 inches for Jetstar flights operated by an A330 or 787 aircraft.
Links:
http://www.jetstar.com/au/en/planning-and-booking/baggage/bulky-items
http://www.jetstar.com/au/en/planning-and-booking/baggage/checked-baggage
KLM
Fee: €55-€100 per boardbag
Comments: Boardbags charged at €55-€100 depending on destination. Max length of 3.0m / 78 inches and weight of 23kg. You need to reserve space for a boardbag at least 48 hours before flying.
Links:
https://www.klm.com/travel/us_en/prepare_for_travel/baggage/exceptional_baggage/index.htm#p7
https://www.klm.com/travel/us_en/prepare_for_travel/baggage/Baggage_Calculator/index.htm
Korean Air
Fee: FREE-$200
Comments: Can be included in regular baggage allowance, otherwise extra baggage fee required – fees vary by destination. Max weight of 32kg (anything over 23kg will be charged an overweight fee) and total size (length + width + height) of 2.77m / 109 inches.
Links:
LAN
Fee: FREE
Comments: Surfboards can be included as part of your free checked baggage allowance. Max weight of 23kg and length of 3.0m / 118 inches.
Links:
http://www.lan.com/en_us/sitio_personas/plan-and-book/baggage-info/special-baggage/
Lufthansa
Fee: $70-$150 per board
Comments: Surfboards need to be pre-registered at least 24 hours before flying. $70 for flights within Europe, $150 for intercontinental flights. Max weight of 32kg and length of 2.0m / 78 inches.
Links:
http://www.lufthansa.com/de/en/Excess-baggage
Malaysian Airlines
Fee: Variable
Comments: One surfboard can be included as part of regular baggage allowance and subject to excess baggage charges if overweight – other surfboards charged for excess baggage. Max length of 2.5m / 98 inches, larger boards will not be accepted as part of regular baggage allowance, max weight (for overall free baggage allowance) of 30kg.
Links:
http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/uk/en/plan/baggage/special-equipments.html
http://www.malaysiaairlines.com/uk/en/plan/baggage/checked-baggage-allowance.html
Norwegian
Fee: $59-$99 per board
Comments: Over-sized luggage must be ordered and paid for before flying. Max weight of 25kg and max dimensions of: length 2.5m / 98 inches, height 0.79m / 31 inches, width 1.12m / 44 inches.
Links:
http://www.norwegian.com/us/customer-services/travel-information/optional-services-and-charges/
Pegasus Airlines
Fee: Unclear from website – best to call up before booking
Comments: Max weight of 20kg.
Links:
http://www.flypgs.com/en/information/general-rules.aspx
Qantas
Fee: FREE
Comments: Boards can be included in regular check-in baggage. Max weight of 32kg and length of 2.77m / 109 inches. Boardbags weighing more than 23kg, up to 32kg, will be charged excess baggage fees – fees vary by destination. Bags that are heavier or longer have to be sent by freight.
Links:
http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/sporting-equipment/global/en#jump5
Qatar Airways
Fee: FREE
Comments: Max weight of 23kg and height of 3.0m / 118 inches
Links:
http://www.qatarairways.com/global/en/special-baggage-items.page
http://support.qatarairways.com/entries/381230-What-if-I-want-to-check-in-sports-equipment-
Ryanair
Fee: €50-€60 per boardbag
Comments: Max weight of 20kg – board bags weighing over 20kg will be charged for the excess at the applicable excess baggage rate per kg. Can be booked when buying flights (€50/£50) or at the airport or through the Ryanair call centre (€60/£60).
Links:
http://www.ryanair.com/en/fees/
http://www.ryanair.com/en/terms-and-conditions/#regulations-checkedbaggage
SAS International
Fee: Free-$105
Comments: If your boardbag is your only checked in luggage and weighs less than 23kg, there is no charge. For each additional bag (over 1 bag check-in limit) it costs $65 for internal flights in Norway, Sweden Denmark and Finland, $65 for European flights and $105 for all other destinations. Best to register special luggage before flying.
Links:
https://www.flysas.com/en/uk/travel-info/baggage/special-baggage/
https://www.flysas.com/en/uk/travel-info/baggage/baggage-calculator/
Saudi Arabian Airlines
Fee: $130-$480 per boardbag
Comments: Boardbag can count as checked baggage with max height of 1.57m / 62 inches for flights to/from USA and Canada and 2.05m / 81 inches to/from all other destinations. Otherwise excess baggage charges are applied and vary by destination.
Links:
Singapore Airlines
Fee: FREE
Comments: Boardbags can be counted as part of check-in baggage. Max weight of 23kg for flights to/from US, 32kg if flying to/from Brazil and 30kg for all other destinations. Excess weight fees vary from $10/kg to $70/kg depending on destination.
Links:
https://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/travel-information/baggage-outsize/
http://www.singaporeair.com/en_UK/travel-information/baggage-allowances/
South African Airways
Fee: FREE
Comments: Boardbags can be included in your check-in baggage allowance, but must be requested at booking. Max weight of 23kg and length of 2.0m / 78 inches – anything longer and it has to be flown as cargo.
Links:
http://www.flysaa.com/za/en/flyingSAA/baggage/sportingEquipment.html
Southwest
Fee: $75 per boardbag
Comments: Max weight of 23kg and length of 2.03m / 80 inches.
Links:
https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/baggage/special-luggage-pol.html
https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/baggage/checked-bags-pol.html
SriLankan Airlines
Fee: FREE
Comments: Boardbags are included in your check-in baggage allowance. Max weight of 32kg
Links:
http://www.srilankan.com/en_uk/plan-and-book/luggage
Swiss
Fee: $70-$150 per board
Comments: For 1 surfboard, $70 for flights in Europe and $150 for Intercontinental flights. Max height of 2.0m / 78 inches and max weight of 23kg (excess baggage fee if over 23kg but less than 32kg). Other surfboards will be charged at excess baggage rates (€150 for European flights or $300 for Intercontinental flights where surf board is longer than 1.5m / 59 inches and weighs less than 23kg).
Links:
http://www.swiss.com/gb/EN/prepare/baggage/special-baggage
http://www.swiss.com/gb/EN/prepare/baggage/excess-baggage
TAM
Fee: FREE
Comments: Included in baggage allowance with max length of 2.74m / 108 inches and max of 3 boards allowed.
Links:
http://www.tam.com.br/b2c/vgn/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=45a326d02e2da210VgnVCM1000009508020aRCRD
http://www.tam.com.br/b2c/vgn/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=61fcaef2eba73210VgnVCM1000000b61990aRCRD
TAP
Fee: €50-€150 per boardbag
Comments: Boards under 2.0m are charged €50 for flights within Portugal, Europe and to/from Morocco and Algeria; Intercontinental flights are €100. Boards over 2.0m are charged €100 for flights within Portugal, Europe and to/from Morocco and Algeria; Intercontinental flights are €150. Max weight of 32kg. Passengers must fill out a Transport Declaration form.
Links:
http://www.flytap.com/USA/enus/PlanBook/PrepareforTravel/luggage/SportsEquipment
Thai
Fee: $60-$119 per board
Comments: Can only be included in baggage allowance if flying to/from Australia or New Zealand. Otherwise one board not exceeding 2.77m / 109 inches at 50% of excess baggage charge of $60. Any surfboards exceeding 2.77m / 109 inches will be charged the full excess baggage fee of $119. A second board will be charged at the full excess baggage rate of $119.
Links:
http://www.thaiairways.com/en_TH/plan_my_trip/travel_information/Baggage.page?
Tigerair
Fee: FREE
Comments: Boardbag can be part of check-in baggage allowance. Max weight of 30kg and height of 1.9m / 75 inches
Links:
http://www.tigerair.com/sg/en/sports_equipment_check_in.php
Turkish Airlines
Fee: €30-€60 per boardbag
Comments: Fees dependent on airport. Max weight of 32kg. Best to check with airline.
Links:
http://www.turkishairlines.com/en-int/travel-information/baggage/sports-equipment
United Airlines
Fee: $150-$200 per board
Comments: Fees are charged per board. $150 for travel between the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and $200 for all other travel. Max length 2.92m / 115 inches on United flights, 2.03m / 80 inches on United Express flights. Max weight of 45.3kg.
Links:
http://www.united.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/sports.aspx
US Airways
Fee: $150 per board
Comments: Fee is charged per surfboard.
Links:
https://www.usairways.com/en-US/traveltools/baggage/specialitems.html
Virgin Atlantic
Fee: FREE
Comments: No charge and it won’t affect your free baggage allowance. Max weight of 23kg and length of 2.77m / 109 inches.
Links:
http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/gb/en/travel-information/baggage/sports-equipment.html
Virgin America
Fee: $50 per board
Comments: Acceptance of a surf board will require a limited relaease tag. Max weight of 23kg and length of 2.03m / 80 inches.
Links:
https://www.virginamerica.com/cms/vx-fees#/baggage
http://virginamerica.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/72
Virgin Australia
Fee: FREE-$30 AUD
Comments: Boardbags are included in checked baggage allowance, or if needed as extra baggage the fee is $30 AUD. Max weight of 32kg. Max length varies with aircraft (for all long haul, it is 2.77m / 109 inches) – best to check when booking.
Links:
www.virginaustralia.com/us/en/plan/baggage/oversized-fragile-items/
