Hi I am flying from Ireland to Australia in a few months and getting round to booking the flights.
Checking which airlines don't make too much of a fuss over taking windsurfing kit.
I will probably take a roller quiver bag about 30kg.
Looking at Qantas flights, has anyone had any issues? Other options are Etihad (used before with board no problems), Emirates, Cathay Pacific.
Any advice is much appreciated,
Firstly... Flying via Asia means most Airlines will only give you 20 to 23 kgs luggage allowance in Economy. The maximum anyone will let you take is 32kgs per bag as that is the OH&S limit. However, a lot of airlines have started limiting the maximum per bag to 23 kgs.
Secondly if the airline doesn't have a special fare for "surf boards" or "water sports equipment" expect to pay anywhere up $80 per kg in excess.
If you can avoid it never tell the airline you have "windsurf boards" as the majority think a windsurf board is a 1980s style One Design Windsurfer with a 460cm one piece mast.
Before you book make sure you see the luggage rules in writing. Most airlines post them on their web sites. Don't go by what someone tells you on the phone. If it's not in writing it's not valid.Make sure you check the airlines rules around maximum bag length. Some airlines use baggage containers that only fit boards up to 190cm in length.
If there is an option in the booking system register your gear as "surf boards" or "water sports equipment". That way there are no surprises at the airport.
Depending on what type of ticket you get make sure you check the cost of a business class ticket. For example I have seen low season round the world / cirlce business class fares that were only $1000 cheaper then the equivalent economy ticket with the added bonus of a healthy amount of additional luggage allowance. Beware of domestic restrictions though. For example if you fly via the US your luggage allowance in business class is usually 2 bags at 32kgs each. However if you add a stop over between two domestic points that allowance drops to 1x 32 kgs. For economy it's even less.
Consider buying a used board in Australia and only take sails/ mast / boom. There is some seriously cheap quality gear in the buy and sell section of this web site. Most people turn over their gear between now and September. Quality is generally good and people are usually honest about the condition of gear.
I phoned qantas and got them to enter in the windsurf bag into my booking manually, their customer service team agreed this measurement calc on the system didn't work, they emailed me a confirmation that they'd carry it too, but was all fine at the airport. Get to the airport early
Agree just say sporting equipment/surfboard when checking in and it will go through oversize luggage. Length wont be an issue for you. A modern board is no issue with Qantas just watch your weight or it will cost. No one item can be too heavy as well.
OP
You need to talk with Quantas , dont listen to posters who's experience is with some other airline .The business class suggestion may help as the baggage allowance will be more.
I worked for United Airlines , this was when we had latitude to interpret the rules. That era is long gone. My last international trip they measured and weighted my checked baggage. So don't expect to smile nice and get one over on the customer service representatives.
Be prepared , have the rules printed, dont hesitate to ask for a supervisor.
Best suggestion I have , If your G/F is going let her bat her eyes at the CS Rep, if male.
And the first answer I gave is what I would follow . Dont do it.
The suggestion to purchase a board there has merit.
Well windsurf tom has booked his flight so let's not argue, good luck tom and let us know how it goes.
Only issuette is how will you get your gear from Ireland to London?
hey
my two cents
lived in the UK for years and travelled to windsurf from there many many times, flying with kit to Ireland, Scotland, Fuerteventura, cape verde, morocco, Greece.
When I moved home I went on a 6 week windsurfing trip to oman, that was the only time I had an issue - every other cheap euro airline was sweet as
ended up paying 500 pounds and had a week delay on kit (as it came later on freight)
so my recommendations would be:
1. don't fly emirates they're notoriously bad with kit especialy over 32kg
2. don't pack ANY bag over 32kg this is a blanket rule for all airlines
3. if possible, fly via the US so you get 2x 32kg bags included in airline fee
4. have a backup plan if all goes to **** at the airport and you are stuck with heaps of kit
5. wrap wetsuits around nose and tail to prevent damage
I have had a few times where I've said its all golf kit and then it goes on for free
good luck