Thinking of heading to Perth for 3 - 4 weeks Feb/Mar 2011 to travel around the coast and hit the water as often as possible.
Looking for kite gear friendly airlines from Europe...
It doesn't have to bee free, don't mind paying but nothing too crazy! (Like Malaysian Airlines slapping $2,400 NZ for the flight back from Auckland to Dublin, no fees for sports equipment, just excess luggage charges)
I know Virgin Atlantic is brilliant but they fly only to Sydney.
Will probably use them to fly in or out, as I would like to spend few days around Sydney, but really wouldn't like to fly to Sydney to fly to Perth and back for the return flight from Sydney, unless absolutely necessary.
Any advice?

Hello!
Try to fly with Emirates on their site www.emirates.com.
They fly to Perth and now have good offers.
Also Emirates allow up to 30 kg baggage in economy class.
I flew with Emirates from Moscow to Manila without any problem but
it was 2 years ago.
Kiteregards, Vlad.

You could always try our local Aussie airline http://www.qantas.com.au/

Not sure if baggage rules are still the same and how they compare price wise but last time I flew with them you were allowed 23kg check in and 2 x 7 kgs bags carry on (not many people take advantage of the carry on rules), I managed to squeeze two lightweight 3 strut kites (6 and 9mtr) into one small kitebag and carried it on along with another bag with clothes, camera etc.

The bags weighed approx 7 kg each and were just under the allowed dimensions, I was questioned about the size and weight but when I assured them they were under the requirements they let me though without checking.
Board, 12 mtr kite, harness, bar and lines, wetsuit, towel all fitted in the check on board bag so no excess at all.

Thanks for tips guys!
Emirates look the second best to Virgin, pity they don't fly out of Dublin...

oh and any other advice and tips on where to go / what to do and how to do it best way when having only 3-4 weeks in WA much appreciated!