Trying to figure out how to interpret this from the WestJet website regarding surfboards (in case I feel the need to treat myself to a new directional while I'm down south). Every other category on the website either says "additional fees will be waived" or "additional fees will apply". For some reason this category only clarifies the item and packing directions - not anything about fees.


From website:
Surfboards and windsurfers

Surfboards and windsurfers will be accepted in checked baggage when under 9.8 feet (3 metres) long.

All boards must have the skeg/fin removed, be padded, and packed properly to prevent damage to the board, sail and other baggage.

Okay for WestJet you get your first checked bag free and then 20.00 for a second checked bag, 50.00 for a third bag as long as it still fits within the individual bag weight limit.
So one idea, for us going to NABX (sorry not getting to your question yet), was for Ziggy and I to split a 3rd bag for 50.00 which is cheaper than excess baggage fees on the first two bags.

Okay, sporting good is allowed as long as it is counts as one of your two checked bags - and their notes on a board treat it as it's the second bag where you need to pay the 20.00 second bag fee. Then as a sub note they are saying now just because it's sporting goods there are some restrictions - which is where the individual notes on each type of sporting goods comes into effect. For surfboards they have to be below the max length. NOTE: double check if you do plan to bring something longer back, sometimes they want notification in advance of a longer item but that is probably longer than a directional.
Never had problems with WestJet as long as it fit the regulations so I've taken the golf style board bags and said it was sporting goods and as long as it was within the weight good to go.

For NABX both our checked bags contain sporting goods - doesn't really matter to them because the bags were not any odd size and they were each around 50lbs (give or take a couple of lbs), then a 3rd bag at 50lbs and then two carry ons each that each had 20 or so lbs.

Boards get a bit quirky with some airlines because they do allow snowboards and wakeboards as a no extra fee sporting item but as soon as it a surf board or kiteboard there might be additional board fees which is why many people try the deceiver style golf bags.
There is an Air Canada employee/kiteboarder that worked hard to get kiteboards recognized in the luggage and they do take them but all must be within the length requirements etc. Typically a directional puts you over the length that many airlines allow and put you into the surcharge area. I've taken a a directional to Cuba years ago and paid extra (at that time 50.00) but then have also taken lots of gear divided between myself and girlfriend to Cuba (2 boards/4 kites + harness etc) and was fine with Air Canada.

Just remember you are allowed the weight allowance for each member of your family so think about how you want to pack the gear to distribute between the various bags and keep the board bag to the lightest with least questions asked but pack well around it.

Im driving down, should have space for it dude

I'll be right beside ya if it's SOBB you're thinking. I was toying with the prospects of bring home a sailfish or a board or something large and sporty from Florida. Think the Tuna are biting this time of year?

(Is there even Tuna in Florida waters?)

I thought you were taking the family on a trip dude?

Yup! We leave on Wednesday morning and thank God! I've been having a hard time sleeping for the excitement for over a month!

Quote:

Originally posted by macboy I'll be right beside ya if it's SOBB you're thinking. I was toying with the prospects of bring home a sailfish or a board or something large and sporty from Florida. Think the Tuna are biting this time of year? (Is there even Tuna in Florida waters?)

wed off to Florida...coooll....:singing: have fun
You were off so quick the other night I felt bad as I was going to offer you something to drink you know (i'm guessing you had the entire crew waiting in the car).
PS (don't get excited) I'm going to look up SOBB dates.

whoops

hehehe.....naw dude. Truth be told our whole house had been trying to ditch a cold here before we left and I didn't want to stick around and risk dropping off more than the kites ; )

HOWEVER. I forgot to mention that there's some Canada Day stuff in the works out at the Garrison and if you're game I can see if they'll open up the runways for us to do some windsport demoing (kites/landsailers) during the Canada Day festivities. I told them I'd get in touch with you 'cuz you may already have plans for the Canada Day celebrations.

We'll talk more when I get back. Kiteboyza - you too (and tell Derek Paul.)......we'll all chat it up when I get back.

Quote:

Originally posted by macboy hehehe.....naw dude. Truth be told our whole house had been trying to ditch a cold here before we left and I didn't want to stick around and risk dropping off more than the kites ; ) HOWEVER. I forgot to mention that there's some Canada Day stuff in the works out at the Garrison and if you're game I can see if they'll open up the runways for us to do some windsport demoing (kites/landsailers) during the Canada Day festivities. I told them I'd get in touch with you 'cuz you may already have plans for the Canada Day celebrations. We'll talk more when I get back. Kiteboyza - you too (and tell Derek Paul.)......we'll all chat it up when I get back.

Have fun in sunny Florida...i'd bet it's going to be 30C easy in the sun...
.."HOWEVER. I forgot to mention that there's some Canada Day stuff in the works out at the Garrison and if you're game I can see if they'll open up the runways for us to do some windsport demoing (kites/landsailers) during the Canada Day festivities. I told them I'd get in touch with you 'cuz you may already have plans for the Canada Day celebrations."...
SHAZAAAMMMM!!! unless I am on call count me in 100%. (edit-I'll check with the official plan maker to find out if there are any unbreakable plans but i can't think of any off the top of my head)
i'll bring everything I got and I'm sure DereS-P-A-M-L-I-N-K-ll go too if he's not on call.
BTW- the edmonton garrison is way north on 97 st(HWY 28)?