Beware Airline Surfboard Bag Fees

Before you decide to take that killer cheap flight to Cabo (SJD) or La Paz (LAP), be sure to confirm their baggage fee policy in advance, especially if you are bringing surfboards. Some airlines even count the boards individually even if they are in the same bag. If you bring 3 boards, it could set you back $1200 if you’re not careful!!! It’s cheaper to rent, leave a board in Baja or try to sneak on a bi-sect.

According to wavehunters.com, the following embargoes are in effect:

*SEASONAL SURFBOARD EMBARGOS
Depending on the time of year, some airlines won’t even take your surfboard — for any excess baggage charge. See the list below, and ask any airline, especially if you’re booking during peak travel times.

DELTA
Excess baggage (including surfboards) is NOT accepted from June 3 through August 31 to the following cities: Guayaquil, Ecuador (GYE), Quito, Ecuador (UIO), San Salvador, El Salvador (SAL), Guadalajara, Mexico (GDL), Leon, Mexico (BJX), Zacatecas, Mexico (ZCL). Also, no bag over 50 lbs or 62 linear inches will be accepted for travel during the period.

CONTINENTAL
Surfboards and Wakeboards will not be accepted during an excess baggage embargo when no excess baggage is allowed (0 pieces). Exception: Surfboards and Wakeboards will be accepted to Costa Rica during an embargo period. Continental does not accept excess baggage in the following YEAR ROUND embargoed markets: Caracas, Venezuela (CCS); Houston, Texas to Bogota, Colombia (BOG) Lima, Peru (LIM) San Salvador, El Salvador (SAL) Santiago, Dominican Republic (STI) Tortola, British Virgin Islands (EIS)

Continental Seasonal Embargos by City: www.continental.com/travel/policies/baggage/embargo.asp

UNITED
Travel to Costa Rica, Guatemala and El Salvador

The checked baggage policy for travel from (and via) Los Angeles to Costa Rica and Guatemala effective February 18, 2005, is as follows: During the peak summer travel period of May 28-September 6, and the peak winter travel period of December 4, 2005-January 6, 2006, customers are limited to the number and size of their checked baggage. The following guidelines apply to all customers: Maximum linear dimensions: 62 linear inches/157cm (length + width + height) each. No oversize, overweight or extra bags will be accepted. (= NO SURFBOARDS) Only one box is permitted as part of a customer’s free allowance; it must be the original manufacturer’s box containing the original item.

ALTERNATIVES WITHOUT EMBARGOS (BUT SOME RESTRICTIONS):
AMERICAN, MEXICANA, AEROMEXICO.

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