Airline Surfboard Fees

Airlines have been charging more each year for surfboard bag travel. The surfboard bag charges with the airlines range from free with some airlines to as much as $500 for a return trip (that is not a typo, some airlines are charging as much as $250 each way for your boards bro). So if you are looking for a cheap flight to your surf destination, check with the airline on their surfboard fees before booking the trip.

The year 2010 brought many increased baggage charges to the airline industry and that trend has continued into 2011. Some airlines are even charging for carry on baggage. I have noticed how full the overhead bins get and how much longer it takes to board a plane because of all the carry-on baggage. Perhaps these changes will speed up the process, but I sure hope the fees aren't outrageous. With these new charges, we are probably going to see increased fees from some airlines when it comes to surfboard bags.

Free Surfboard Bag Travel

Each airline has their own policy on surfboard travel bags. Some airlines' surfboard fees are reasonable while others seem downright offensive. I want to give kudo's to the airlines that give the thumbs up to surf travel and still offer free surfboard bag travel. Two in particular deserve mention here. They offer great service and your surfboard bags are free; Quantas Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.

Most airlines surfboard fees range between $75 and $150 each way. So round-trip you will pay on average between $150 and $300 for your surfboard bag. Here is a resource that breaks down the major Airline Surfboard Fees.

For surfers traveling for a short time such as one week, it may make more sense financialy to simply rent a surfboard for the week when you get to your destination. Most surf shops will give you a good rate if you rent a surfboard for the week. You will likely save money and the hassle of packing your surfboard around with you through the airports and getting it to the beach.

Another option to the surf traveler, and this is my favorite, is to purchase a surfboard when you get to your destination. If you are going to be surfing for a couple of weeks or more in an area, purchasing a surfboard when you get to your destination may be the best way to go. In most places if you surf on a shortboard, you can pick up a used shortboard for around $100 to $150. At the end of your trip, give the surfboard to a worthy local kid who will appreciate the gesture. You will end up shelling out less money for the surfboard than if you paid to travel with your surfboard on most airlines. Why not essentially give the money to a local kid than a big corporation. You'll feel good doing it, and you'll smooth the way for other traveling surfers coming to this kids local surf spot because of your kindness. It's all good.