I think Air Canada has a kiteboard baggage policy, at least it did last time I flew with them in 2010 to turks. I just had to call in advance to say I that I had a kitebag (check it out on their website). When I checked in, air canada already had a record of it so no questions asked, they tagged the bag and I dropped it off at the oversize luggage. The didn't even weigh it, but I'm pretty sure your should keep it below 50 lbs ( and try and give yourself a buffer in case your stuff is a little wet on the way back)

I'm headed down to St. lucia in two weeks via Air Canada so I'll have to revisit the baggage policy again shortly.

Guys im in a similar situation and curious on your thoughts.

I am flying out of LA and headed to Cabo via American/Alaska. Economy their/First class on return. I friend offered for me to use his NSI golf bag and I also have a Dakine travel bag. But I think the NSI might be the best option.
I am a young college guy but I definitely know how to handle myself maturely and can easily look the part of a high class person going to golf.

This is what AA says. Check out the exception below. No way is a kiteboard/wakeboard gonna be under 62 dimensional inches tho correct?


Heres what they say about golf clubs:


So what are your guys thoughts? 300$ wouldn't be worth it to me. Im not too worried about getting kites there. Just the board.

I've done this in about 20 countries so far. Not one of them has actually been able to open my bag and look inside. So you can be insistent that it is a golf bag and they can't do anything about it. They might feel it but they can't open it just to inspect it for

I was in Thailand yesterday flying on Indigo Airlines (Indian Budget Airline). I told them "golf bag" unwittingly not realizing there is a 900 baht fee for "sports equipment" on their airline. I actually had no checked luggage so was expecting it to go free as part of my regular luggage allowance.

So, I went ahead and said, no "sport equipment" just "golf bag" and opened it up. From there they could see two kite bags, a pump, and a harness. Having no idea what it was they said, "Diving Equipment?" I told them the pump was medical. They said, "Ok, no charge," and I was off.

The one place where I wouldn't lie is probably the US. I don't want to get thrown in guantanamo and I can't play the old accidental miscommunication card that I can get away with when talking to anyone who doesn't speak English natively.

I had actually slipped a t shirt over both ends of the board before wrapping the kites around it - worked like the tape idea. Bubble wrap would probably be good too.

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions.

I'll definitely wrap the board up in t-shirts/golf shirts so they can't see it, I'll place the harness behind the board so they won't see much of it either. I'll also carry a few clubs.

Just say "golf bag" and if they ask what's inside I'll say clubs and sports equipment...that way it's not a "real lie" LOL

Cheers

Yes, Air Canada does accept kiteboards as normal checked baggage.

Like many airlines, Air Canada charges for every bag of checked luggage in Economy Class.

First bag is $25, second is $35. Third is a whopping $100. Prices are for each way!

The kitebag can weigh up to fifty (50) lbs.

If you are travelling Executive Class or are an Elite Aeroplan member, then the "free" baggage allowances open up a lot.

However, it is critically important that you call Air Canada Reservations at least 24 hours in advance to "register" your sports equipment with them. Otherwise you will get an expensive surprise at the Check In counter!

On Air Canada there is no advantage to saying it is golf clubs, so don't.

On some other airlines, golf clubs can be carried for free as an additional piece of baggage in excess of your normal allowance. I think this is because the airlines view golfers as a big part of their more affluent leisure travel clientele and want to encourage loyalty.

Cheapskate kiters? Not so much!

http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/airport/baggage/sports_equip.html#-kite

"One board or one bag containing boarding equipment counts as one piece of baggage towards the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type.

Maximum length: 203 cm (80 in)

Maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height): 292 cm (115 in)

Kiteboards are not accepted:
-on Air Canada Express flights operated by Air Georgian, Sky Regional and Exploits Valley Air Services LTD, nor on flights operated by Air Creebec,
-during additional checked baggage embargo periods