Longboard Length for flying

[SE4W0LF]

Im a newer surfer. I am located on the great lakes USA (fresh water) but have only surfed the ocean on vacations. I am buying a board for surfing locally and would like to be able to bring it with me when I go to the ocean instead of renting. Im looking at a 10ft board as that feels like a good spot for me with my skill level atm. Im heavy at 250lbs and was planning on a 86L 10ft board but noticed most airlines have a cut off at 9"6". Will i be greatly impacted by getting a 79L at 9' 4"? This would allow me to travel but has a 9% decrease in volume for an already heavy surfer in fresh water. Any thoughts? Same board style just 8" shorter.
Thank you,
Cal

[waikikikichan]

1) If you treasure your board, DON'T take it on the plane. It will get damaged, and then you are stuck with a repair away from home and/or have to rent a board anyways.

2) Even if you get it on the plane, most taxi or rental cars won't fit a 9'0" foot plus board. ( let alone a 6'6" )

3) 9'4" is without packing. What size will it be with insulation foam around the rails , and packed in a box ?

[Oldie]

I flew with a 9.0 longboard in an FCS 9.2 double roller bag a few times without problems. But of course we added padding etc. I have the FCS soft racks which worked fine on rental cars on medium distances up to 3h. But also consider storage at your destination - you don‘t want to leave it on the car overnight.

[jaffa1949]

A lot depends on the airline, www.wavetribe.com has a comprehension airlift and their requirements!
My 9’3”. boards have a tough travel bag, for some journeys I use the stiff corrugated sign plastic cut to the board shape top and bottom doesn’t weigh much and to protect the rails the swim noodles type foam!