Wind and Kite Surfing Airline Fees and Policies

There are plenty of wind and kite surfing hot spots overseas, where the prospect of taking a tumble into warm waters is more appealing than the cold waters the UK has to offer! Select a destination with reliable wind conditions and plenty of space. You may want to take your own equipment; we've collated the baggage allowances from major airlines as a guide to flying with your windsurf and kitesurf gear.

Packing Your Surfing Equipment

Windsurf equipment may consist of a board, mast, sail, and boom and ideally should be packed in one package, preferably in a 'quiver bag'.
Kitesurf equipment may consist of a board and a kite bag ideally packed in one package, preferably in a kite bag.

Airline	Are windsurfs and kitesurfs accepted as part of the personal baggage allowance?	What are the size restrictions on windsurfs and kitesurfs?	What is the weight limit on windsurfs and kitesurfs?	Further information
Air France	Accepted with prior authorization by phone from the sales department.	Under 107 cm/42 inches free. Over 107 cm, additional baggage allowance required.	23 kg/50 lb per board.
American Airlines	Transportation for both charged at $150.	126 in/320 cm	32 kg/70 lb	Oversize/overweight fees do not apply to windsurfing equipment. Excess baggage fees apply if checking in two bags or more.
British Airways	Accepted as checked baggage if within weight restrictions and packed in a recognized bag or case.	90 cm x 75 cm x 65 cm (35 in x 30 in x 26 in)	23 kg	Additional fees for baggage over 23 kg
EasyJet	Charged an additional non-refundable fee for each item carried. Select 'Sports equipment' option when booking online.	No specific size restrictions.	20 kg (small sports equipment), 32 kg (large sports equipment)
Emirates	Accepted as checked baggage and part of standard baggage allowance.	300 cm (118 in)	30 kg in Economy, 40 kg in Business Class, 50 kg in First Class	Must be appropriately packed in a hard-shell case.
KLM	Accepted at a special fee with reservation.	107 cm (42 in)	23 kg in Economy, 32 kg in Business Class	Must be packed in one package.
Qantas	May need to be sent as freight. Charges apply.	277 cm (109 in)	32 kg	One sailboard kit per package.
Ryanair	Carried in the hold upon payment of a fee.	81 cm x 119 cm	20 kg
United Airlines	Accepted with a $150 service charge (each way) within the U.S., $200 internationally.	No specific size restrictions	23 kg	Must be padded and enclosed in a suitable package.
Virgin Atlantic	Accepted in addition to free baggage allowance, at no extra charge if under 23 kg.	277 cm (109 in)	23 kg	One board, one mast, one boom, and one sail must be wrapped as a single item.

*Content correct at time of writing and subject to change.Policies may vary, so it is always best to check with the airline directly before making any travel arrangements.