FYI: how to fly with a kayak as checked luggage.

[737driver]

I was just curious about this. When got to the airport today to check in for my flight to work, I asked one of my coworkers at Southwest Airlines how I can bring my boat. She pulled up the rules and I read them. It says that a kayak, other than a sea kayak, can be checked as luggage for a fee of $75. Anything like skegs must be secured and they recommend wrapping the cockpit with plastic wrap or something to keep the outfitting from getting damaged. I'm sure some of you have done this before, but I get asked all the time about how to do it. Well there it is. Now y'all go and book a trip out west or down south! If I see a boat being loaded on my plane, don't be surprised if I come and chat with you.

[sig]

What's their definition of sea kayak? 10ft? 14? 17? 20+?

Does this count for canoes too? What about short plastic canoes?

The crappy part is if the boat could fit in one of those golf club cases (I believe) it would fly free and not count against your checked baggage.

[737driver]

Your right about fitting in the bag part. I didn't see anything about canoes. Surf boards fall in the same category. I do know that we carry pole vaults quite often. As well as bodies. I'm not sure golf clubs fly free though. I'll have to check. I'm thinking the next Reno overnight I have, I'm gonna strap the playboat to my carry on.

[Jim E]

I've heard that there are probs with paddles though. Some have put it a ski bag with no questions asked seeings how they allow skis...

Any thoughts/inside info Clay?

[sig]

If you are a jet set paddler then maybe you need a breakdown WW paddle that'll fit inside your boat.

Speaking of inside your boat, if there isn't a weight limit then I assume you could pack your helmet, skirt, paddle, etc inside your boat and then wrap the boat in that plastic pallet wrap.

[sig]

Regarding Southwest, here's their policy page:

http://www.southwest.com/html/customer- ... ist_tab_12

[737driver]

That's it Bryan! Jim, it just says paddles need to be secured. I think the break down is probably the best solution or a paddle bag. I think Bryan's idea of stuffing gear inside the boat would be the best thing too.

[Canoe_Codger]

Here is United's rules (Bro is a senior Captain so that is what I fly):

Kayaks/canoes
United will accept a kayak or canoe as checked luggage for a service charge of $100 (each way) for travel between the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands and $200 (each way) for international travel. The maximum weight allowance is 99.9 pounds (45.4 kg). Maximum length allowance is 156 inches (396 cm).

United is not liable for damage to kayaks/canoes.

Excess Valuation may not be purchased for kayaks/canoes.

Note: On United flights, kayaks and canoes more than 156 inches (396 cm) in length will not be accepted as checked baggage. Kayaks and canoes are not accepted as checked baggage on United Express flights.

Kayaks/canoes that are more than 72 inches (183 cm) in length cannot be accommodated on 737 series aircrafts. Kayaks/canoes that are 108 inches (274.4 cm) in length or more cannot be accommodated on Airbus A320 or Airbus A319 aircraft.

Michael

[knu2xs]

I've done this quite a few times domestically with a slalom boat and you also need to be careful about making sure you know the aircraft you are flying on. Only a 300 series Airbus or 700 series Boeing aircraft have luggage compartments large enough for the ~11' slalom boats. Bags really help the process and also know American explicitly prohibits boats... although I know of quite a few people who have flown by bagging it and being very insistent about the name of the craft as a, "riversurfer," never calling it a kayak, even if the staff at the counter uses the K word. The best advice is to be early, patient, polite and insistent.

[MissEllie]

I have never shipped by air or bus but have been told the bus companies are very welcoming of kayaks. That might give an option as well.