How to travel with a surfboard?

[uoficowboy]

Hey - I was just wondering, does anybody have any advice on how to fly with a surfboard? My friend is going from Florida to Oregon and wants to bring his board along - but on Delta.com it says it'll charge him $80 each way for it. Any way to get it there cheaper? I was thinking he might be able to tip the curbside check-in guy? What do yall think?

[PapaW]

It's pretty diffecult to escape the charges now-a-days but make sure he packs it REALLY WELL.

i.e. atleast 4 layers of bubble wrap and if you can't detach the fins then make sure he cuts some polystyrine blocks to make enclousers for them.

[uoficowboy]

It's pretty diffecult to escape the charges now-a-days but make sure he packs it REALLY WELL.

i.e. atleast 4 layers of bubble wrap and if you can't detach the fins then make sure he cuts some polystyrine blocks to make enclousers for them.

I don't follow - are you saying that you'd just pack it like normal luggage? Don't they have length requirements? His is a short board - but still I'd think that'd be fairly long for them...

[PapaW]

Yeah, take it to the airport and check it in with the other luggage, its loaded in with the outsized items.
What i'm saying is, as surfing travel is such a growing thing, the airlines have cottoned on and it is very unlikly that he will get away without having to pay an extra charge for bringing the board. Sign of the times really.

Just make sure its packed well as i said as the luggage handlers aren't the most carefull. Stick a sign on it saying 'top load only' also.