[customfab]

Anyone had any success flying their boat via major airlines? I've seen a few really long surf boards make it. If so, any special instructions or specific airline I should look for?

 

[cstork]

There are lots of previous posts on this topic. Use the search function.

Also check out http://www.wetdawg.com/pages/whitewater/kayak_post/Shipkayak_ww.php

One thing is that the airlines set up their policies when kayaks were 13 feet long. With many modern boats only 7 feet long, it should be easier/cheaper to take kayaks. I wish the AWWA would lobby the airlines to review their kayak policies.

 

[customfab]

I actually did search but didn't find clear and definite answers. I called the airlines and found that most playboats even exceed the girth limits.

 

[Jiberish]

frontier is always good to me, (3 times no charge) but if they say you have to go inside, just pay the guy out front off.... give him like 25 bucks and see if he will get it on the plane.... sometimes it takes 40$ but better then the 80 inside!
Ben

 

[J]

I haven't flown with a boat for a few years, but had no problem getting one on American the last time around. I've heard United and Delta are not boater friendly, so maybe avoid those. do a google search on flying with kayak

 

[ZWP]

Frontier worked well for me a month ago going to West Virginia via Regan National. I had their cargo info line first and they quoted a $50 price for me that I paid in Denver. Very easy. I had to take the boat inside on the way back and they took 2 bags and the boat with no charge. I think they were just stunned to see a kayak in D.C. The only issue I had was with the cops at the loading zone but they ended up being friendly when they saw my boat. Whatever you do, I would call first and make sure they put their quoted price onto your ticket reservation so you don't have any issues checking in. Good luck.