Kite/Surf BAGGAGE travel tips??

shoke · Since 28 May 2011 34 Posts

Was wondering if anyone had any tips on flying from Portland to Maui with kites and surfboards... flying United. Question: Do airlines still charge less for "golf bags"?

thanks.

wylieflyote · Fri Nov 11, 11 1:54 pm

Yes, the airlines charge less for golf bags. But as recently as last week a friend told me that Kahalui airport people are hip to our "Golf" bag scam and are charging as kite/surf gear for your flight home. As far as charges at PDX? Not sure, I travel from SEA.

OG · Since 07 Jun 2011 597 Posts Addicted

ya, the HI airports definitely are more aware, but I've gotten in and out of there with golf clubs and kite gear without paying before. that said, i've gotten dinged before also. If you are asking about this to decide whether or not to get a golf bag, Id advise getting one. The actual golf travel bags are pretty similar to the ones, if not exact, that companies make for kiting and i see them on CL for less than $50 bucks. Obviously there is no guarantee that you will slip through, but being able to get one for cheap makes it worth a try. The bag fees that airlines charge seem to be changing often. Someone said on here recently to learn the airlines rules and maybe even keep a copy of them with you.

My advice if you want your best chance at not paying a fee is to curb check if you can, get there with plenty of time so that you aren't dealing with people that are stressed, be nice, dont dress like a kiter if you want golfer treatment.

better advice is to figure out how much stuff you can bring for whatever their fee is, load up, and pay the $50 or $100. What sux more than getting charged is leaving your directional and maybe some other cool gear so that you "hopefully" dont get charged, then get charged, and then not have YoMuthaPhukinShit

Golf clubs travel bags on CL
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/spo/2681792779.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/spo/2696358742.html
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/for/2695400958.html

PinkyBoarder · Since 04 May 2011 45 Posts Seattle, WA

In and out of Hawaii, I used my "golf" bag, wore a polo shirt(seriously), and used curbside skycap. never paid extra. Smile

Jonpnw · Fri Nov 11, 11 7:43 pm

Fly Alaska

$50.00 if it is 50lbs or less!

wylieflyote · Fri Nov 11, 11 9:30 pm

Scriffler · Since 03 Jul 2005 581 Posts LYLE Addicted

Just wing it. I have flown all over the world with windsurfing, surfing, and kiting gear. You might get charged the full fee, or it might get on for free. Try to scope out the nicest looking ticket agent, and go for it. I got all my stuff here to Kauai for 75 dollars, when they should have charged me 200. The lady said, "I just think it is ridiculous that our airline charges at all" and let me off with the single surfboard charge, for 5 boards!!

Got to have your toys!!

w84wind · Since 23 Jan 2007 45 Posts La Ventana, BCS Mexico

I often fly with my kites in a gear bag, and surfboards in a padded bag - which would be considered two oversized/weight bags. But there is an exception for most carriers for 'windsurfing' equipment. The two bags are considered as one for the charge - so you pay only one oversized fee instead of two.

But, I suggest you read and print out the oversized baggage rules and take them with you, as the agents seem to know nothing about windsurfing equipment - for obvious reasons...

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

You can't use skycaps for international flights.

ericvs · Since 05 Jul 2008 133 Posts Stoked

Scriffler · Since 03 Jul 2005 581 Posts LYLE Addicted

The problem is what you have to leave. I usually take 100 pounds and the 100 dollar overweight charge. Paid the cost of my ticket in excess before, but it is worth it sometimes.

wylieflyote · Thu Nov 24, 11 2:32 am