Kiteforum.com

I give a free idea to some web designer out there. Make a flight ticket website for comparing airfare (like Expedia or Orbitz) that you can include your baggage specifications in the ticket price search. The cheapest ticket isn't usually the cheapest in the end if you are travelling with bags, or are a frequent flier.

Some current info on airline policies. Maybe a few carriers are finally getting the message:

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2013/05/1 ... orts-gear/

Surinam Airways

Two pieces of luggage included on direct flights from Miami to Aruba. TT kiteboard no charge as one piece, surfboard has an extra charge.

I was able to carry my kite in its backpack as my carry on, no problems.

One unusual thing - only $500 coverage for lost luggage and they do not sell excess value insurance for value beyond that. You may wish to consider buying trip insurance for $30 odd or make sure you use a credit card that offers secondary coverage for lost luggage.

Baggage fees are among the many things that an increasing number of air passengers are not satisfied with. Well, that is some extra charge. Who would like it? The greatest collector is Delta Airlines, which accumulated almost $900 million in baggage charges alone last year. The airline will hit $1 billion in baggage charges by 2014 at its existing pace.

I bought a ticket with TAP from Oslo to Fortaleza wich costed 880 EUR. But on my way back home at the airport in Fortaleza I had to pay 100 EUR for my bag with kitesurfing equipement. It is only 130 cm long and weighted 22 kilos. About the same size as a golf bag. This is what I call a rip-off! To bad there is not much competition on direct flights from europe to Fortaleza.