British Airways Long Haul > how to pack kite + surfboard?

[mr moon]

Hi guys,
I'm getting ready for a trip to Brazil, what's your tip in how to pack surfboard + kites?
I know that British Airways lets you carry surfboard free of charge which means I'm fine with my surfboard, but how about the kites?
Will I be better off packing surfboard + kites in the same bag (one big bag within their restrictions of 190x75x65cm, which I'd have to source) or surfboard separately and the 4 kites air sucked in one bag maybe added as an extra bag?
I'll have to call them as well, but just thought maybe someone has already gone through this..
Cheers

[Younger]

I flew London Mauritius in June with BA. Bought a North bag online (approx 90 euros, approx 160 long) which took two boards and two kites and a harness. No problem at any stage.

[mr moon]

mmm only problem is that I can't fit my surfboard unless is 190cm long....

[kitecozumel]

You got it, if surfboard goes for free, just pack it well and go, kites can fit on regular luggage.

[badgb21]

Hi
I have recently been looking at BA baggage allowances.
To answer your question It depends on which cabin you are flying I guess.
First and Club you get up to 32Kg per bag, which you'll need for a surfboard and 4 kites in one bag
Traveller Plus you get 23Kg per bag, so you'd need to split over two bags.
Economy 1 X 23Kg so you'll probably need some excess baggage.

It's all covered on the BA website.

You can take a surfboard, but it does say it is part of your luggage allowance.

I am assuming these allowance rules are the same around the world?

Kevan

Hi guys,
I'm getting ready for a trip to Brazil, what's your tip in how to pack surfboard + kites?
I know that British Airways lets you carry surfboard free of charge which means I'm fine with my surfboard, but how about the kites?
Will I be better off packing surfboard + kites in the same bag (one big bag within their restrictions of 190x75x65cm, which I'd have to source) or surfboard separately and the 4 kites air sucked in one bag maybe added as an extra bag?
I'll have to call them as well, but just thought maybe someone has already gone through this..
Cheers

[mr moon]

yeah... I guess my best bet would be surfboard in its own board bag and kites in a separate bag which I have and fits within size restrictions, just need to check weight and I should be fine!

[ChickenTikka]

BA is pretty good about not charging extra on fees. If you can come up with any sort of plausible argument/excuse and do it in a polite way they will almost always give in.

[Bill]

Am flying with BA soon. Anyone had excuses accepted for carrying surfboard? Thinking of just turning up and hoping I don't get charged. Be interested to hear if anyone got away with it?

[TheRussian]

Ideally, use a BA Silver card & book in x2 sports bags @ 32kgs EACH!! The bags are supposed to be 190x75x not sure - my hydrofoil bag exceeded this and they didn't even look or weigh either of them, just asked approximately how heavy they were!

If you don't have a v useful silver card (I don't - my wife does) book in advance to save grief at the check in

[TomW]

Board in board bag with some sort of soft stuff like towel, wetsuit clothes. In plastic bags if you have wax on your board. Keep it light because it's easier to carry.
Then have a big duffle bag. Northface Base Camp xl is excellent. put your kites in vacuum bags used for blankets. Pack kites in those, suck out the air. Pack into duffle with rest of gear. Use the compression straps on outside. Watch the weight 23kgs. I get my 9-12-17 m in the bag.
Technically the duffle is too big, but never had anyone call me out on it 10+ trips.
Pack your carry-on to maximum.

I've tried golfbag, roller bag etc. Above solution works best.