Checking kite gear on the plane...

[JBailey]

I'm heading out to the Outer Banks tomorrow with the fam, and thought I would try to score some sessions down in Hatteras while I am there. Have never flown with any of my kite stuff before, though. I heard that now they are making you pay just to check one regular bag?? I can't imagine what it will cost to check my huge Da Kine roller that's a little longer than my SX151...

Any advice on paying less, or getting around fees? About how much will it cost? Also, should I do something to protect my board, or are they usually pretty safe in those bags?

Jon

[mdh01]

Maybe consider renting a board instead of bringing your own. Several of the kite shops in OBX rent equipment...I rented a board in Padre last November and was able to pack three kites, harness and bars into a standard golf bag, which weighed less and raised fewer concerns with the airlines versus my large kite roller bag...

Just a thought...

Mark

[BSMITH]

http://www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/checked.html

it's $25.00 for an extra bag that is up to 62" long and not over 50lb.

You can "carry on" kites too.

[Geo]

Dakine makes a bag that holds my 154 Spleene, my lightweight 134 board, 2 kites, a shorty, a helmet, and a lifevest...mine tipped the scale at 49.5# and 50# (a bit moist) exactly last trip. There is a 1/4" padded board sleeve inside. The first check-in guy said "GOOD JOB", unprompted. So far, (4 flights), I have been OK.
Good luck.

[RobH]

Cross your fingers, thats what we have been doing. Although with the November trip coming up in Padre we have thought about shipping out our boards as Sun Country beat us up badly last time and that was before the extra charge for the 2nd bag. Has anyone checked into shipping into Padre ? Seems there could be a oppertunity for one of the shops to make a few bucks to recieve and hold our gear until we get there. I know I would hate to go to Padre without the big door and they always want to charge you for a surf board when they see that big bag. If anyone has suggestions let me know as we are booked for the week over T-day

[JBailey]

Cool, thanks for the advice all! It will definitely be a close call this afternoon - hopefully the guy at the ticket counter is in a generous mood today...

Jon