Airline Surfboard Policies: Your Guide to Travel – Updated 2023
At AWAVE Travel, we understand the call of the ocean for surfers, seeking to explore the world’s most incredible waves. Yet, the task of transporting your cherished surfboard from your quiver to another country can often be daunting and expensive. That’s where we come in. Our dedicated team of AWAVE Travel experts has meticulously researched and compiled the latest information on airline surfboard policies and regulations imposed by various airlines. Ensuring you can plan your next surfing adventure without breaking the bank.
We are here to demystify the process, provide valuable insights, and help you identify the most surfboard-friendly airlines. So, grab your board shorts, wax up your surfboard, and allow us to guide you through the surfboard baggage policies of some of our most popular airlines with our clients.
Please note, these are just a guide and AWAVE Travel takes no responsibility for changes to these policies or incorrect information. Please always check directly with your chosen airline before booking!
Surfboards, with their unique size and shape, present a logistical challenge for surfers and airlines alike. Consequently, airlines have established specific policies to ensure the safe transportation of surfboards while maintaining efficiency and complying with safety regulations. However, these policies are not standardized across the industry and can significantly differ from one airline to another.
In this article, we delve into surfboard policies across various airlines, shedding light on the rules, restrictions, and considerations that surfers must be aware of when travelling. From understanding baggage allowances and size restrictions to mastering packing techniques and accounting for additional fees, our aim is to provide surfers with essential information to navigate the intricate landscape of surfboard transportation policies.
All sports must be booked in advance as checked baggage through the official digital channels of AEGEAN or the AEGEAN Call Center and will be subject to relevant transport charges. All sports equipment must not exceed the length of 200cm and would cost an extra:
- 50 EUR for Bodyboards and wakeboards
- 60/70 EUR for Kite Surf and Surfboards
- 100 EUR for Longboards
Sports equipment is part of the standard baggage allowance for flights operating to/from North America. For all other flights, Sports Equipment incurs a fee of 40 EUR per sports Equipment item, per flight.
The maximum weight allowable for sports equipment is 23kg. Normal excess baggage rates apply if you carry in excess of this maximum allowance. Each passenger can carry a maximum of one piece of sports equipment. Surfboards must not exceed 240cm in length.
In addition to Aeroflot’s standard baggage allowance, one piece per passenger can be checked to carry certain water sports equipment. The equipment should not exceed a weight of 23kg with no restrictions for the size. One set of surfing equipment will include a surfboard, leashes, a wetsuit, a pair of boots, and other surfing accessories overall weighing no more than 5kg.
Surfboards and paddleboards are accepted on a space-available basis only and should be registered at the time of booking by contacting Air Canada Reservation. One board and one set of paddles combined count as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type. Boards must not exceed 292cm in length and 60cm in width (203cm for particular aircraft).
Boards are subject to a fee of 100.00 CA/US (plus applicable taxes) for carriage on Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flights, as well as on Air Canada Express flights operated by Jazz.
Surfboard, bodyboard, or longboard can be checked in the hold. It is considered standard checked baggage if its dimensions do not exceed 107cm and it does not weigh more than 23kg. If your board measure between 107cm and 300cm You will need prior approval from customer service.
For flights to, from, or with connections in the United States, Canada, or Mexico, if your board measures between 107cm and 300cm, it would be at an extra cost. Depending on where your flight departs from, you must pay an additional fee:
Zone 2: 65 EUR (or 75 USD from outside Europe)
Zone 4: 125 EUR from Europe (175 CAD from Canada, 150 USD from other countries)
Zone 5: 100 EUR from Europe (120 CAD from Canada, 100 USD from other countries)
The first equipment is considered a standard checked baggage item and is included at no extra charge in the passenger baggage allowance provided as long as the maximum weight of 23kg and up to 300cm (200cm for South Africa destination) is respected.
If the baggage allowance on the ticket is exceeded or for additional equipment, a charge of 125 EUR will be applied.
Sporting items less than 200cm long and weighing up to 23kg count as a standard bag. Otherwise, excess baggage charges apply. The maximum allowed weight is 32kg and the maximum oversize length on jet aircraft is 250cm.
One (1) Surfboard can be checked in at an extra fee if it does not exceed 292cm in length and weight 32kg maximum. Price varies from 100 USD to 115 USD and should be prepaid and preregistered up to 72 hours before departure (No overweight or oversized fees applicable).
Passengers who are departing to and from Australia, point-to-point and Fly-Thru bookings, will be entitled to a complimentary sports equipment fee. Surfboards, Longboards, SUP and Bodyboards will be carried free of charge under the conditional complementary policy (must not exceed 277cm and 15kg per recognized Surfboard bag. Additional weight (up to a maximum of 32kg) will be charged as excess baggage). For all other destinations, a fee might apply.
Sports equipment that exceeds normal checked baggage weight (22kg) and dimensions (157cm) fly for only 30 USD for the first bag and 40 USD for the second. Overweight fees will apply if the packed sporting goods cases contain other items that make a case too heavy.
When traveling with any sports equipment, the maximum linear size (length + width + height) is 320cm, and the maximum weight is 32kg, subject to the aircraft size and available cargo space. Standard checked bag fees of your destination apply up to 23kgs and 320cm (length + width + height) or a 150 USD fee applies from 23kg to 32kg. 1 bag or case can contain multiple boards and will count as 1 checked item.
You can take short surfboards in a protective bag as part of your checked baggage as long as the packed bag is under 190cm in length. Clothes and other personal items must not be packed in with your equipment.
One (1) surfboard will be considered check-in luggage if it does not exceed 158cm in length and 23kg in weight. An oversized piece of baggage is one that is between 158cm and 203cm in total dimension and will be charged 200 USD for each piece. Your bag’s total dimension is the sum of its width, height and length. For baggage over 203cm in total dimension, you can expect to pay four times the extra baggage charge per piece.
Surfboards may be included as checked baggage for an extra fee of 95 USD per board and should not exceed 157cm in length and 25kg. Baggage in excess of 44kg or 304cm will not be accepted as checked baggage and will need to be sent by Cargo.
When traveling with surfboards, you will need to contact CI offices for giving information on the weight and dimensions of your equipment at the time of booking, so they can determine if it can be accepted for transportation. If the total dimensions of each sporting equipment exceed 292cm, 2 pieces of excess baggage charge rate should be applied and can be accepted as checked baggage subject to space availability of the cargo cabin on the flight.
Surfboards won’t be included in the traveler’s free baggage allowance. Charges for surfboards with perimeters of no more than 300cm should be calculated on the basis of excess baggage fees (charging standard for general overweight baggage).
If the dimensions (length + width + height) exceed 292 cm, the item won’t be accepted and will be subject to additional or overweight baggage fees. Delta Connection carrier surfboard acceptance and charges may vary. Surfboards over 182cm in length are not allowed on Delta Connection carrier flights.
You can only buy a maximum of 6 items of large sports equipment such as surfboards for any booking online, even if there are more than 6 customers on the booking. You can pool the total weight allowances for your sports equipment and hold luggage, as long as no single item weighs more than 32kg.
Emirates will accept surfboards as checked baggage and part of your standard baggage allowance if they are less than 300cm and appropriately packed in a hard-shell packing case. Any sails must be detachable and collapsible, and fins should always be removed, or firmly packed with polystyrene foam. Should your overall baggage weight or amount exceed the normal free allowance, excess baggage rates will apply.
You can take surfboards and water sports boards as part of your checked baggage allowance. They must be no longer than 300cm, otherwise, they must be carried as cargo. Some airports may have stricter size restrictions, so check their guidelines before bringing your equipment. Keels, kedges, and/or fins must be removed or properly protected.
Bulky items like surfboards are subject to the bulky item fee plus the rate of excess weight or piece beyond each passenger’s allowance. Any piece exceeding 277cm (109in) in total dimension [length + width + height] must be carried as Freight. The acceptance of excess baggage is subject to any applicable weight and/or aircraft payload restrictions and cannot be guaranteed.
Surfboards with a maximum length of 190cm (75in) and a maximum weight of 23kg (50lb) are considered one piece of special baggage. For that, the price is the same as for extra checked baggage.
If a surfboard exceeds the maximum measurements (190cm x 75cm x 65cm or 75in x 29.5in x 25.5in), the following fee is collected at the airport. Please note that the fee is for flights in one direction:
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- €150 on flights within Finland and Europe.
- €300 on flights to/from Asia, North America and the Middle East.
Sport equipment needs to be pre-booked.
Surfboard equipment counts towards free baggage allowance if it doesn’t exceed 32kg in weight. You’ll be required to repack your baggage if it exceeds the limit or send it as cargo. Note that the maximum dimensions for sports equipment are not clearly defined.
You can check in up to 3 pieces of baggage, as long as their combined weight doesn’t exceed the baggage allowance in your booking confirmation. Each piece of baggage has to weigh less than 32kg and shouldn’t exceed the maximum dimensions of 165cm. For surfing equipment up to 235cm x 90cm x 45cm, a fee of approx. 75 USD per item will be charged and may be subject to an additional service fee if paid at the airport.
A baggage allowance of 30kg for Economy Class and 40kg for Business Class on international flights, plus an additional 23kg for other sporting equipment would be free of charge as long as the length of any item does not exceed 300cm.
Surfboards and paddleboards would be chargeable at an extra fee of 100 USD if a North American flight and 150 USD if an international flight, each way per surfboard. There is no limit to the number of surfboards you can put in a board bag. However, your board bag must not exceed 23kg and 292cm in length or the equipment won’t be accepted in the flight. You can check more than one board bag, but a separate fee will apply.
Sporting equipment that is accepted free of charge on long-haul flights is treated as an item of checked baggage. This means that if you exceed the number of items included in your checked baggage allowance, it will be treated as additional baggage. Only one set of equipment is permitted per passenger and carriage is subject to the availability of space on the flight. Board must not exceed 350cm in length and a bodyboard should have a maximum dimension of 100cm x 50cm x 20cm. The permitted weight is 23kg in total.
Surfboards with a maximum length of 190cm and a maximum weight of 23kg are considered standard baggage. If the baggage allowance does not exceed, no extra charge applies. If a surfboard exceeds the maximum measurements (190cm x 75cm x 65cm), a charge of 150 EUR (The fee is for flights in one direction) would be collected at the airport and must be notified when making your flight reservation.
Surfboard equipment will be accepted on domestic and international flights and count as a checked bag. They’re subject to a per-item fee of 100 USD/80 GBP/90 EUR each way and any checked bag fee associated with the fare purchased. Overweight fees will not be assessed, however, any item weighing more than 44kg will not be accepted.
You can bring your surfboard as checked baggage, as long as the item is packed correctly and meets the safety requirements. An oversized item handling fee applies to any item with a single side longer than one metre (including wheels, handles and packaging). Oversized items will count toward your total checked baggage weight, so make sure to purchase enough checked baggage.
You can bring your surfing equipment instead of an item of checked luggage. Surfboard equipment must be packed in an appropriate bag and you would need to make a reservation for the transport. Note that on flights to or from Canada, Mexico and the United States, an extra fee may apply.
Charges on surfboards are imposed per bag. A surfboard can be transported only when the total dimensions do not exceed 292cm (width + length + height) and 32kg. No oversize fee would be applied within a total linear size of 292cm for International flights only.
Surfboard (maximum of 3 surfboards in one surf bag), Stand Up Paddle, Windsurfing and Kite surfing equipment will be carried as checked baggage if they are less than 320cm in length. Items with greater lengths will be carried as Cargo.
Surfboard weight is not included in the Free Baggage Allowance and Prepaid Baggage. A fee will be charged per piece and segment according to each Point of Sale and price in the system and you will need to fill out the “Form Special Baggage”. The maximum weight of 1 surfboard should not exceed 23kg per piece and up to 200 or 230cm depending on the aircraft.
If your sports equipment exceeds the free baggage allowance and the weight limit of the respective travel class but does not exceed the maximum weight of 32 kg, you will be charged flat rates for sports equipment. Surfboard (1 board maximum) must be within 200cm (for a shortboard) and 315cm (for a longboard) in length and 32kg.
If your sports equipment exceeds the free baggage allowance and the weight limit of the respective travel class but does not exceed the maximum weight of 32 kg, you will be charged flat rates for sports equipment. Surfboard (1 board maximum) must be within 200cm (for a shortboard) and 315cm (for a longboard) in length and 32kg. They can be added to your booking and need to be pre-registered.
Surf equipment will be included as part of the Free Baggage allowance if it does not exceed 158 cm in length and the weight limit of the respective travel class). Any bag whose linear dimensions (length + width + height) is between 158cm and 204cm and within 32kg, is considered oversized and an excess baggage fee shall be charged. Baggage whose linear dimensions exceed 204cm will not be accepted as checked-in or carry-on luggage.
Surf equipment is considered Special Baggage, and may be carried as part of your check-in baggage allowance and should not exceed 210cm in length and 23kg. Items with greater standard weight or size dimensions will be carried as Cargo.
Sports Equipment can be carried along with the normal baggage of a passenger. Surfboard will be assessed as excess baggage (every single board). If the dimension of one (1) surfboard does not exceed 277cm in length, 100% of the Excess Baggage Charge shall apply. If the dimension of one (1) surfboard exceeds 277cm in length, 200% of the Excess Baggage Charge shall apply.
Surf equipment will be only accepted if fins are removed where possible and placed in an enclosed compartment or taped to the board, enclosed in a surfboard bag and do not exceed 32kg in weight and 277cm in length. Any additional bags will each be assessed at the airport’s excess baggage rates. You can pre-purchase additional baggage allowance at lower rates than airport excess baggage rates.
If travelling on a QantasLink Dash 8 (Q200/300) aircraft, maximum surfboard bag dimensions must not exceed 240cm allowance.
Surfboard equipment will be carried as checked baggage and as part of the luggage allowance if they are less than 3 metres in length and the mast/sail is detachable, collapsible, and adequately packed.
Surfboard equipment will be carried free of charge as part of checked baggage as long as it is not exceeding 220cm x 40cm x 40cm and up to 23kg.
Surfboard equipment is carried as part of the checked baggage allowance in accordance with the class of travel (from 20kg for guests travelling in Economy Class to 40kg in Business Class). A single piece of baggage may not weigh more than 32kg. If you’re travelling with family or friends on the same flight and booking, you can pool your total weight allowance.
Any surfboard equipment can be included as your checked baggage if the maximum dimension of a 20kg Check-in Bag is respected (80cm x 120cm x 120cm). If your sports equipment weighs over the 20kg allowance, you can opt to pay an extra seat fare for it or you will be charged at the applicable excess baggage rate per kilo.
Sporting equipment is accepted as checked baggage if it is properly packed or inserted in special bags and its weight shall be counted as a part of the free checked baggage allowance (23kg in weight and 158cm in length), in case the weight and/or the dimensions are more than the standard free baggage allowance, excess baggage charge shall be collected as Saudia policy (from 100 USD).
Sports equipment counts towards your checked baggage allowance if it is less than 200cm (length) x 75cm (width) x 80cm (height) and from 23kg of weight (depending on your class of travel). If you exceed this allowance, the usual additional baggage charges will apply.
1 set of Surfboard equipment can be included in the Free Baggage allowance (dimension should be 158cm for a maximum weight of 30kg). If more than one set is carried, or an overweight/dimensions exceeding the Free Baggage allowance shall be charged as per the applicable excess baggage rate (250 USD per set).
Surfboard equipment will be transported for no extra charge, if below 158cm in dimension and 23kg in weight. If your sports equipment exceeds your baggage allowance in the number of items or weight per item, you will be charged an extra fee. SWISS does not accept any items of baggage weighing more than 32kg and exceeding 350cm in length.
Sports equipment can be carried free of charge as hold baggage, provided that it does not exceed the maximum weight (23kg in Economy Class and 32kg in Executive Class) and the maximum size (158cm in dimension). Extra charges will apply only if taking more baggage than permitted in your travel class, or if it exceeds the maximum volume or weight allowance.
Surfboard equipment is not included in baggage allowance and is subject to Special Unit price (flat rates), except when flying from/to particular countries.
If the ticket is purchased from TG Japan (Points of sales in Japan/TG document only), one surfboard is free of charge only when it is transported to/from Denpasar Bali (DPS).
In both cases, if a passenger makes a stopover in BKK, the passenger is still entitled to this privilege.
Surfboard equipment would be at extra charges (from 30 to 60 EUR per surfboard) and would vary depending on the destination. Surfboard’s maximum length shall be 292cm and its width shall be 60cm. The surfboard shall be packaged with its nose and tail covered with bubble wrap or foam plus the sides supported to soften blows in a way to prevent damage and carried in its special bag. It is mandatory to make a reservation entry.
Surfboards and paddleboards will be accepted as special items as long as they’re packed in appropriate board bags and don’t weigh more than 45.3kg and measure less than 292cm on United and 203cm on United Express. These items are subject to standard service charges and additional fees would apply for oversized, overweight and extra items.
Surfboard or bodyboard are included as part of your baggage allowance. Board can’t be larger than the standard dimensions of 190cm x 75cm x 65cm and 23kg in weight. There’ll be an overweight baggage charge if your surfing equipment weighs more than 23kg (but less than 32kg).
Surfboards may only be accepted onboard if packaged in a protective covering, with padded protection around the fin area. Virgin Australia recommends surfboard fins be removed where possible and placed in an enclosed compartment.
Each item of sports equipment represents one piece of checked baggage. Surfboard equipment must not exceed 32kg or maximum dimensions, which varies between aircraft types. An overweight baggage fee will apply if your sporting equipment item exceeds 23kg. Items heavier than 32kg must be shipped as Freight.
Surfboard equipment is not included in any fare. You can add it during or after the booking process. Your special luggage can weigh up to 32kg and measure up to 270cm. It must be correctly packed, labelled and well-protected.
Surfboards and bodyboards are accepted as part of the checked baggage allowance when the dimension (length x width x height) does not exceed 157cm and 23kg in weight. An oversized baggage fee will apply for each board exceeding a dimension of 157cm and within 300cm.
Sporting equipment is subject to all applicable baggage fees. Fees are combinable where applicable – if an item is overweight, oversized and a second item, all three fees apply. A handling fee of 50 CAD will be charged at the airport for each surfboard.
Sporting equipment will be transported at an additional fee based on the season, weight and dimension of your baggage and point of sale. The Airline company cannot provide packaging material, so make sure you pack your sporting equipment in accordance with their requirements. If it is not properly packaged, Wizz Air won’t be able to transport it.
It is essential to note that while some airlines may include surfboards as part of the standard baggage allowance, others may charge additional fees or require pre-booking. Understanding the size and weight restrictions imposed by each airline is crucial to avoid unexpected expenses or complications during check-in.
Also, make sure to pack your sticks well! Baggage handlers may not care as much as you about your prized boards! we would always recommend packing the boards in a well-made travel board bag with at least 10mm of protection. Make sure all fins are removed and you can use towels or clothes to give the nose and tails extra protection.
While many airlines have clear and transparent policies regarding surfboards, some may lack specific information or have varying regulations depending on the route or destination. In such cases, it is advisable to contact the airline directly or consult their official website for the most up-to-date and accurate information. Our aim is to provide essential information that enables surfers to plan their trips with confidence, knowing the requirements and considerations of each airline. Happy surfing!
