Travelling with the board

[ramsey]

2 things for sure. When traveling to Europe/N.Africa. Take Air france or KLM. it is their policy NOT to charge for kitesurfing gear.

When traveling within the US use Southwest 2 bags for free. A big surfboard bag with 2 boards will cost you $50 each way.

[WindMuch]

I flew to La Ventana in January two years ago. My trip coincided with the annual Kite Expo; but the Expo event itself wasn't the reason for my trip.

When I checked in at American Airlines in SFO, the woman at the counter inquired as to the contents of my "golf" bag. It went something like this:

"What's in the bag, sir?"
"Golf Clubs" I answered.

"And if I looked inside your bag, I'd find golf clubs, correct?"
"Yes, of course."

"And the fact that there is a kiteboarding event in La Paz this week wouldn't change your answer?"
"Um...."

You get the idea. I was totally blown away that a counter agent for American Airlines in San Francisco knew about the Expo event in La Ventana. My wallet was suddenly $150 lighter.

Does the golf bag trick still work?

I think it depends...

Kirk out

[tomerp]

I do think it is a very wierd policy:

If your bag is overweight or oversized you have to pay for it extra - UNLESS it is golf equipment... i wonder if anyone can give the logical reason for it?

I myself have to be honest (cant help it just cannot lie). If I am asked specifically "is there more than just golf stuff here" - I answer: "yes there is more than golf here", and then i get charged the extra bucks.

If I am not asked then i dont get charged the extra... thats how i roll... funnily enough usually on the trips back from my destinations i dont get asked.

IMO Kirk you're a good guy - and "telling the truth" is admirable - but there's nothing honest about the airlines bag policies.

The only reason they don't charge golfers is because they know they can get away with it - golfers are old and rich and make up a huge part of their revenue.

Surfers do not make up a significant part of revenue so they screw us because they can. For that I would say they do not deserve decency or honesty. Screw em back with their own hypocrisy.

TL;DR - Get a good golf bag and when asked - if asked - yes - it's Golf equipment!

[tgautier]

I do think it is a very wierd policy:

If your bag is overweight or oversized you have to pay for it extra - UNLESS it is golf equipment... i wonder if anyone can give the logical reason for it?

I myself have to be honest (cant help it just cannot lie). If I am asked specifically "is there more than just golf stuff here" - I answer: "yes there is more than golf here", and then i get charged the extra bucks.

Simple - golfers are a huge demographic and won't tolerate the extra fees. If any airline charged them, golfers would pick another. Therefore, none can.

[ian89]

So do they charge less for a snowboard bag?

Because I will fly with Lufthansa,they have policy about one luggage and one extra sport equipment bag,which includes ski or snowboard.So I called them and told them that I have a "snowboard" and they told me it gonna be free of charge.So I am gonna buy a snowboard bag and everything is gonna be fine.

[tomtuch]

I use the Cabrinha golf bag and have flown with it across the US, to Europe, Hawaii and Mexico and never got charged once... When asked, I say it's a golf bag and that seems to satisfy them... Plus it's the truth, it is a golf bag...

TT

[kingfisher]

I got asked to open my "golf bag" coming back from hawaii a few years ago, BUSTED

[kitet]

I have never had to pay anything and travelled a fair amount. Here is what worked for me so far:

1. Get a real golf bag. I bought the biggest I could find at the store at the 3rd Ave driving range. It fits a twintip (up to 135cm), two kites, bars, impact vest, harness and pump. When traveling with my directional, I use a F-One Surf Air Force bag.
2. Keep it under 50lb
3. Don't show up at the airport dressed like a surfer, but like a golfer
4. Be polite but confident (act like a frequent traveler)
5. Check in at the curb and tip well