Board length and airline travel

[HaoleKook]

Aloha friends,

I want to start bringing my own boards when I travel. I haven’t flown with a surfboard yet and am wondering how much of a difference it makes traveling with an 8’0 versus a 7’6 or 7’0. As I write this it seems like probably not a huge difference, however it does make a difference when moving boards in and out of the house.

Ideally for these waves I’d have a 7’6 (which I don’t have) and the 7’0. The 8’0 isn’t ideal but it would work. So I’m trying to weigh the pros and cons of getting the 7’6, bringing the 8’0, maybe even all 3, or selling the 8’0.

Mahalos!

[BaNZ]

To me, not much difference. They all funboard size and fits inside most cars. I'd always go for which one I like the most. Which is why I have like 6+ boards and only use 2 the majority of the times.

[jaffa1949]

Airlines are the issue, cost varies greatly from free within certain limits and pay flights often have have a ridiculous volume formula which excludes most long boards meaning above 6ft.
There is a guide out there that is updated yearly! Good luck.
Used to be only one there are now several guides, where tower is a big factor!
I have no idea what spell check did to the last part of the last paragraph.
However most good surf destinations have good boards available, less cost risk for a two way trip for your magic board.

[waikikikichan]

My advice is don't take a board somewhere you plan on bringing back.

And if its your "Magic" board, definitely do not take it on the airplane with you.

Boards will get dinged up and creased. Then you have to pay and wait for your board to get repaired AND have to rent a board anyways.

I think you have to consider the ground transportation when trying to decide board length.