United baggage fee $200 each way.

jeffreyc · Since 23 Aug 2006 43 Posts

I know this topic has been discussed too many times, but.....

United is charging $200 per checkin for kiteboards going to Asia. PDX-HKG-SGN-PDX = 3 checkins totaling $600.
Ouch!

kitemare · Since 23 Mar 2010 265 Posts Seattle, wa Obsessed

Bummer

jackZ · Since 13 Apr 2008 355 Posts Devon Alberta ca. Obsessed

luggage is luggage , no ? 50lbs of feathers is the same as 50lbs of bricks.
Why is it that these companies are allowed to discriminate against what luggage you travel with?
And why is it they dont put a stop to oversize carry on ? Many travellers are eliminating luggage fees by bringing all their shit in carry on and it really pisses me when I can't fit my jacket in the bin because it's full of suitcases disguised as carry on .
Air travel sucks these days .

The minnow · Since 26 Jan 2009 395 Posts argentina Obsessed

Being able to travel, is not healthy, and all thier rules are a game.
My advice is stay at home and fix up your house and be thankful,
If you must travel, my advice is simple.
A normal carry can wiegh to 40 pounds put all your heavy small gear in carry on, the game is to check the carry on right before boarding,not at check in, because the airlines dont charge at this point,
Never admit to having kite gear, you are a golfer,,, and if thier are no clubs, you forgot to put them in the bag- no problem. they never look in your bags at check in. you should always plan on not flying and ask if they need a volentire to be bumbed off the flight and go for the hotel and future flight voucher, normaly a 400dollar minimum and a really nice hotel and food.
Wiegh your bagage well a 49pound bag is very heavy but totaly acceptable.
Let all of us be the carry on abusers, check in is simple ,be smart two bags free to 49pounds international. third bag must be the carry on and 38 pounds, they do wiegh them normaly, do not check a third bag at check in!!! or plan on paying a extra 200 dollars, secret agent!!!

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

write them letter. Cite their competitors. tell them kiteboarders are a group of people with a high level of disposable income.
cite the recent articlf the PKH posted about CEO's kiting. They'll listen to money.

kitezilla · Since 22 Jun 2006 453 Posts gorge Obsessed

It is the board that is the problem. Find a way to put in your suitcase...

Who will be the first to make a Mako 150 that breaks down into 2 or 3 pieces? (John B?)

The Mako is the perfect shape to do this with, since, it is not meant to have any flex, so the bulkhead connections will not affect the performance (which is pretty good as an overall compromise)...also, the deck could be thickened to support the connection rods and bolts (like in the neck of a guitar)...and when you get to your destination, just slap a piece of Tuck tape over the joint cracks on the bottom of the board and go ride.

ericvs · Since 05 Jul 2008 133 Posts Stoked

4Stringer/KipWinger · Since 27 Apr 2005 541 Posts Hood River Addicted

Anyone have a ballpark on how much to ship a 6'1" surfboard Fed Ex or UPS Portland to Maui. Just curious.

forrest · Mon Nov 22, 10 10:19 am

It's about the price of a round trip ticket: $350. It's definitely cheaper to bring stuff on the plane.

After a bunch of research I just decided to go with Alaska Airlines. They don't care what is in the bag, you just pay for it's dimensions and weight. For an oversized bag that is 18"x18"x62" and weighs less than 100lbs, it was $50. I checked six bags on Alaska and it was $150. Not super horrible.

4Stringer/KipWinger · Since 27 Apr 2005 541 Posts Hood River Addicted

ericvs · Since 05 Jul 2008 133 Posts Stoked

undertow · Since 15 Feb 2008 371 Posts BeaversBurg Obsessed

SouthWest is a good airline, never had a problem with the golf bag, but you have to keep it under 50 lbs.

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

$150 each way for a surfboard on American (you can pack two if you keep it under 50lbs)

have Derreck build you a travel board - 4'8" noseless quad - fits in a golf bag - lots of fun in head high surf

http://www.dcboardz.com/

aksurfer · Since 30 Aug 2010 92 Posts Anchorage, AK

Alaska Air just charged me $50 each way from Ak-Sea-Maui and back. Two surfboards, kiteboard, three kites and other gear in a 7'6" DaKine coffin-not a bad deal. For international fly Singapore. Bags are free. Last time I took five, no charge.

Surfdawg · Since 29 Oct 2010 10 Posts

This was just in the Honolulu paper this past Sunday and might be of interest. Also, Hawaiian Airlines will charge $35 interisland up to 11 foot boards.

tautologies · Since 24 Aug 2006 602 Posts Oahu Addicted

yeah Hawaiian has charged $35 for the past few years. Funny that you can have 11ft SUP for the same price as for a 5 ft directional.

Hawaiian Airlines called me AFTER I checked in my golf bag to ask me if I had a surfboard my golf bag. I said no, but they kept on insisting that i had one. I guess that they had opened the bag.....but I was at the gate already and definitely not willing to pay after I already checked the bag in so I never realkly opened anything up for discussion and just refused that I had a surfboard int he bag. I can fit the 5ft Naish global in the golfbag which is very convenient....but I cannot for the life of me understand how they can complain abotu that board.

Also if you travel with a big board be early. Hawaiian made me lose my flight because I was 28 mins before the flight went and not the required 30 mins.
Theoretically you can end up paying the same for 2 SUPs as you do for a TT...funny.
Asshats.