Surf and boogie boards airline fees and policies

Whether you're a surfing pro or simply enjoy riding the waves on your surf or boogie board, once you reach a certain level, you're likely to want to invest in your own equipment. Many of the world's best surfing spots are overseas, so it's worth knowing how best to travel with your boards. We've gathered some packing tips and baggage restrictions from 12 of the world's most popular airlines to ensure you and your equipment can arrive in one piece.

Planning to fly

Be sure to call ahead before booking your flight to confirm with the airline and to alert them to the fact that you'll be checking in oversized sporting equipment.

Aim to arrive as early as possible to check in to your flight. As flights become fuller the airline may be more likely to turn you down to save space. Make sure your surf or boogie board is one of the first items checked in and you should avoid this problem.

Packing your surfing equipment

Remove any fins, wrap them in a towel and pack flatly with your board. If you're unable to remove these, then place a fin box or polystyrene bricks around them to keep them protected.

Protect the edges of your board with piping and wrap the nose and tail in towels to protect them from any dings.

Wrap your board in either a firm sheet or bubble wrap before packaging in a specialist carry bag.

Label the board and the board bag with your name, address, destination address, phone number and flight number, just in case the two should become separated in any way. Also ensure that your board bag is marked 'fragile', to ensure handlers treat it with necessary care.

Airline	Are surf and boogie boards accepted as part of the personal baggage allowance?	What is the size restriction on surf and boogie boards?	What is the weight limit on surf and boogie boards?	Further information
Air France	Accepted with prior authorization. Fees apply based on zones.	Up to 300 cm (118 in)	23 kg (50 lbs) maximum per board	Additional fees may apply. Contact sales department for details.
American Airlines	Accepted as part of free checked baggage allowance. No oversize fee.	320 cm (126 in)	32 kg (70 lbs)	Excess baggage fees may apply if checking more than two bags.
British Airways	Accepted as checked baggage with no additional fee if under weight limit.	190 cm (75 in)	23 kg (50 lbs)	Heavy bag charge applies if over 23 kg.
Delta Airlines	Accepted with a fee of $30 for the first checked bag and $40 for the second.	292 cm (115 in)	23 kg (50 lbs)	Additional fees apply if over weight or size limits.
Emirates	Accepted as checked baggage within the standard baggage allowance.	300 cm (118 in)	Varies by class (30-50 kg)	Fins must be removed or packed securely. Excess baggage rates apply if over allowance.
KLM	Accepted as part of checked baggage. Free up to 9'8" and 51 lbs.	300 cm (118 in)	23 kg (50 lbs)	Additional fees apply for US, Canada, and Mexico. Call 48 hours in advance to secure space.
Qantas	Accepted as part of checked baggage. Free up to 70 lbs and 9 ft.	277 cm (109 in)	32 kg (70 lbs)	Fins must be removed or taped securely. Some equipment may not travel on the same aircraft due to size restrictions.
United Airlines	Accepted with a fee of $150 for travel within the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico.	292 cm (115 in)	45 kg (100 lbs)	Fins must be removed or padded securely. Container required to avoid scratching.
Virgin Atlantic	Accepted as part of free baggage allowance if under weight limit.	277 cm (109 in)	23 kg (50 lbs)	Fee applies if over 23 kg: £30 for UK departure, $60 for US departure.