Airline baggage?

Anthony · Since 07 Oct 2008 362 Posts Salem Obsessed **CGKA Member**

Looking to go back to La Ventana. The best air flight times and prices are with US-Airways right now. My problem is there baggage policy. If I get caught with a golf bag with anything other than golf clubs, it is a big ouch. There kiteboard (surfboard rules) is $200 each way.

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/traveltools/baggage/specialitems.html

I am looking to go with Alaska to be safe. Any suggestions or new experience? It is too bad that a business in La Ventana does not have a reasonably priced kiteboard rental business like other parts of the world.

Joshiebaby · Since 14 Oct 2007 569 Posts Vancouver, WA Addicted

Curbside Check. 20 Tip and a smile and they shouldn't check your bags. Been said before on this forum and it's right every time. Pay a little up front so you don't pay a lot later.

caps · Since 23 Dec 2010 347 Posts Obsessed

Simple- keep it under 50# and don't sweat it. I fly all the time with 4 boards and rarely get more than an extra baggage fee. Have fun!

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

wylieflyote · Mon Oct 07, 13 10:07 am

Anthony · Since 07 Oct 2008 362 Posts Salem Obsessed **CGKA Member**

Alaska air here I come. Tickets bought. Place reserved!

nickdward · Since 11 Aug 2008 130 Posts Seattle Stoked

With Alaska pay for your bag ahead of time when you check in online (20$).

They've never asked me to pay more for my surfboard at Sea-Tac. At LAX they once told me it was 50, but I talked them out of it because I was coming from an international flight.

Still, even 50$ isnt so bad

nickdward · Since 11 Aug 2008 130 Posts Seattle Stoked

Kip, anytime you have domestic/international flights try to book both legs with partner airlines. When talking to an agent, tell them you already paid the other airline (or that the other airline allows the surfboard at no charge)

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

when you check your bag at the curb they ask "what's your final destination".
if it's mexico they say "sorry - you gotta check inside".
that said - Alaska Air does not charge high prices for kite gear. It will be $20 if it's under 50lbs and under 62 inches long.
If it's oversize (over 50lbs or longer than 62 inches) you'll pay $50.

it's easy to find out the airline policy by going to their website and clicking on Baggage Fees.

why ask a bunch of kite bums? you'll get a dozen different answers and invariably one guy will blame liberal dems for high baggage fees and another guy will brag how he's been flying for 25 years and always checks in his strapless surfboard for free.

Bettyboarder · Thu Oct 10, 13 10:37 am

Alaska is great to Mexico from PDX. There is a stop but it's still considered international. I think last year it was $150 each way which was $100 for surfboard and $25 for golf bag and $25 for checked bag. Since they started charging for bags usually as long as the golf bag is under 50lbs it's only $25 checked bag fee

shred_da_gorge · Thu Oct 10, 13 12:08 pm

I think you'll find older threads on this if you search here, and I'd also recommend searching bayareakiteboarding.com, as it's a recurring end-of-season topic. Good answers here tho!