I was wondering what the best airlines are for bringing surfboards on. I won't have one going to the destination (Central America), but on my return home, chances are high that I will have one. I've read accounts of people having problems with Continental (which ironically happens to be my #1 choice of airlines). So I wanted to see if anyone has had experience with them or any airlines. Also, what is the best way to bring them on board without getting them damaged?

Thanks!

hi Marisa

i have travelled all over the world to surf but not much in south america of all places. Qantas is great for taking on surfboards and snowboards and i found LAN good as well. they fly from SA to the US which is where you are coming from presume?

it also pays to call them up a few days before and tell them you have a surfboard. its advice i took from a friend many years ago and it gives you a better chance of claiming any damage to it if that happens during the flight.

flew United once and they also didnt make a fuss about the board but that was a domestic flight in the US so not sure how they are international

hope this helps

British Airways have recently changed their policy for surfboards in that they will not accept them on their flights.

I'm not sure if any other airlines around the world operate this policy.

here's a petition to change it!

They've also decided to ban javelines, pole vaults, wakeboards and hand-gliders.

The reason for all this: these objects are all to cumbersome and awkward to transport!!

Bastards! I wanted to do a cable park tour of Europe in the future, so I guess I won't be flying BA!

The best way to fly with a surfboard is to take the charter flights, usually you'll have to pay something for the surfboard but it is usually around 15 Euro so it not too bad.
Surfboard in a plane

You can see here that it can be done and it is done