Canoe and kayak airline fees and policy
Cruising down waterways and exploring oceans around the world in your very own canoe or kayak is a great way to experience the landscape of a country as well as being a heart-racing and exciting adventure as well. Whilst canoes and kayaks are regularly available to hire overseas, enthusiasts may prefer to transport their own when taking a trip abroad.
Planning to fly
Not all airlines accept the transportation of these items, so it's worth checking before you fly. We've gathered information on 12 of the major airlines below to give you an idea of which companies you may be able to fly with.
Be sure to call ahead before booking your flight to confirm with the airline and to alert them to your situation.
Aim to arrive as early as possible to check in to your flight. As flights become more full the airline may be more likely to turn you down to save space. Make sure your canoe or kayak is one of the first items checked in and you should avoid this problem.
Packing your kayak or canoe
- Make sure to label each piece of gear with your name, phone number, home address and destination address in case any pieces become detached.
- Tape and wrap the paddle into your vessel to prevent it from breaking.
- Wrap your canoe or kayak in either a specialist bag or disposable tarp or a tough blanket to protect it during transportation. If using a tarp, the make some handles for the baggage handlers when moving the package. You can cut holes for handles or use rope to make a shoulder strap.
- Label your vessel package again on the outside with all of your necessary details, including flight number.
| Airline | Are canoes and kayaks accepted as part of the personal baggage allowance? | What are the size restrictions on kayaks and canoes? | What is the weight limit on kayaks and canoes? | Further information |
| Air France | The transport of sports equipment and other special baggage is subject to specific conditions depending on your destination. | There are no size or dimension restrictions | Can’t exceed 23kg | For transportation authorisation, phone the sales department |
| American Airlines | Canoes and kayaks are not accepted | |||
| BMI | Economy Flexible if within baggage allowance free. If in excess £30 Economy fixed £30 fee |
There are no size or dimension restrictions | 32kg | |
| British Airways | BA will accept Kayaks as checked baggage providing they do not exceed the maximum weight restrictions for checked baggage and are packed in a recognised bag or case to safeguard against damage. Baggage weighing over 23kg will cost £65/$100/€75 |
90cm x 75cm x 65cm (75in x 29.5in x 25.5in) | 23kg | |
| Easyjet | You will be charged an additional non-refundable fee for each item carried. Simply select the 'Sports equipment' option when you book your flights online. If your item is not listed it must be carried as part of your standard hold baggage allowance. | There are no size or dimension restrictions. | 32kg | |
| Emirates | Accepted as checked baggage and part of standard baggage allowance | Max. 300cm (118”) | 30kg, Business Class travellers 40kg and if you are flying First Class you can travel with 50kg of checked baggage. | Must be appropriately packed in hard-shell packing case. |
| Flybe | Canoes and kayaks are not accepted | |||
| KLM | Customers need to reserve for the transportation of special baggage as early as possible, sports equipment can be carried instead of a suitcase or an extra suitcase. | Max. 158cm (62") (l+w+h) | Max. 23kg in Economy Max. 32kg in Business Class |
For larger/heavier items, customers will need to pay a fee and reserve via KLM Telephone Reservations, no later than 48 hours before departure |
| Qantas Group | Sporting equipment can be included as part of your checked baggage allowance, subject to the sporting equipment requirements and codeshare exceptions. Charges will apply for any baggage carried in addition to checked baggage allowance | 277cm (109in) | Max. 32kg | All items must be properly and securely packed |
| Ryanair | Sporting equipment is inherently unsuitable for carriage by airlines operating fast turnarounds however these items may be carried in the hold of the aircraft in addition to your personal checked baggage allowance upon payment of a discounted online fee of £50 per item, per one way flight when paid online or £60 when paid at the airport. Any sporting item weighing over the 20 kilos allowance will be charged for the excess at the applicable excess baggage rate per kilo. | 81cm x 119cms | 20kg | |
| United | United will accept a kayak or canoe checked as a special item for a service charge of $150 (each way) for travel between the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and $200 (each way) for international travel | 183cm - 737 Aircraft 274.4cm – A320 Aircraft |
Max 45.4kg | |
| Virgin Atlantic | Accepted in addition to free baggage allowance, at no extra charge | Must not exceed 4.5m (162") in length | Must not exceed 23kg in weight | If your canoe/kayak exceeds these limits, contact the shipping department on 0844 8738000 |
All prices in the table are based on information provided by the airlines on the 10th October 2014.
If there are any airlines or information not included here that you would like to know more about, email us at feedback@purpleparking.com and we'll include the most popular.
