Surfers are avid travelers; we are constantly looking for new spots around the world to enjoy the ocean and the waves. And there's nothing better for a surf trip than traveling with your surf gear.
However, we all know countless stories of surfboards getting destroyed along the way, and the fear we feel every time we see our boards packed on the airport conveyor belt.
In most cases, the airline will not be liable for damages, so it's important to make sure you protect your boards as best as possible. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions and give you some tips for traveling with your surf gear anywhere in the world:
Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling with Your Surf Gear
Is it safe to take my board on a plane?
With the increase in surf enthusiasts and surf tourism, it's becoming more common to see board bags at airports. Both airlines and baggage handlers are accustomed to dealing with surfboards. However, accidents can always happen, and there's nothing worse than opening your board bag at your destination airport to find your boards broken. Therefore, it's important to protect your gear well to avoid misfortunes (see our tips below).
Can I take it on any plane?
It's important to check the baggage policies of the airline you're flying with. Some charge per board, others limit the number of boards, and some simply don't allow surfboards to be transported. It's essential to check this before booking your tickets.
How much does it cost to travel with my surf gear?
Besides whether they allow surfboards to be transported or not, each airline has different policies regarding the fees they may charge for transportation. These can range from free shipping to around €150 per bag. Make sure to double-check the weight fees for your travel dates before purchasing.
If you want a summary of prices from each airline, check out our blog post with the price summary of the main airlines.
What type of surf bag should I use?
There are countless board bags on the market, depending on the use we want to give them. There are even special bags with wheels, but these are only really necessary if you are traveling with many boards, and remember that the heavier the package, the higher the fee usually is. In reality, using a quality bag and internal protection will be sufficient. Take a look at our Flysurf bags, very resistant for daily use and perfect for transporting one or two boards on your plane trips.
Tips for Packing Your Surf Gear
Choose the right board bag:
Choose a quality board bag, with space for the boards you plan to take and a little extra room for protection (and maybe some clothes/wetsuits). Check out our board bags, perfect for all types of transport.
Consider the fins:
NEVER leave your fins attached when packing your boards for a surf trip by plane. And make sure you don't forget them at home!
Leash:
It's important to store your leash in a different compartment of your bag, or wrapped in clothing, to prevent it from pressing against your boards and leaving an unsightly mark.
Protective material:
There are numerous tricks to protect your surfboards inside your board bag, but we are going to give you what we believe is the best strategy to prevent any damage. Divide the protective elements into three parts:
- Nose and Tail: These are the most delicate parts of the board and where luggage rests when placed upright, so special attention should be paid to them. Our recommendation is to add extra protection in this area, by placing towels or cushions/pillows at the ends of the board to cushion this area.
- Rails: Rails can be damaged when bags are moved. Purchase some "moldable" material, such as pipe insulation or foam profiles, and fit them along the entire rail of the board (including the nose and tail).
- Rest of the board (deck and bottom): Use bubble wrap to cover the rest of the board and prevent scratches or impacts.
Separators:
If you're carrying more than one board (and even if you've put bubble wrap on each one), it's a good idea to put some kind of separator between them. You can use towels or even your wetsuit (be careful with zippers).
Pack clothes:
Traveling itself is expensive, and usually even more so with your boards. So, take advantage of the available space to put some of your clothes in the board bag (t-shirts, swimsuits, etc.). This can save you from checking another suitcase and will give you extra protection to cover your boards.
Accessories:
In addition to fins and leashes, remember that in many destinations it is not easy to get other surf accessories, so make sure you bring everything you need and even an extra of each: fin key, extra screws, sunscreen, wetsuit, etc.
Weigh your bag before traveling:
Check how much your bag weighs and if it's within what your fare allows. Depending on the type of bag and how many boards you're carrying, you might end up with a heavy bag. So, check this point to avoid surprises at the airport.
We hope these tips are useful for your surf gear to arrive safe and sound, ready to enjoy a new adventure.
