Kayak Paddles on Planes

[benbrisbourne]

I've seen a few threads about boats on planes. However, I've had a change of plans with my upcoming flight and I'm looking to take out my paddles with Canadian Affair, through AirTransat - sporting equipment baggage policy is listed here:
http://www.airtransat.co.uk/en/gammes.a ... geur&id=25

Does anyone think its possible/realistic to have my paddles in a paddle bag and just say they are skis? They seem pretty strict about their luggage rules, but I don't know how different a paddle bag is to a light ski bag. Do they tend to open up bags to check them?

Thanks,

Ben

[tambakosi]

Hi Ben.

Just looked at their conditions - although it states that canoes or kayaks cannot be carried under normal conditions, it says nothing about paddles. You may be able to get away with it under all the sporting equipment (at bottom of list).

When I have travelled before with kayak & equipment (Jet airways & Qatar) find out who you have to contact at the airline (usually some-one at the departure airport) and ask them if they will accept the paddle for carriage (get this in writing and take it with you on departure) sorry just saw they have email address at bottom of that page. Make sure you have all the dimensions and weight when you contact them.

Also check what your return baggage allowance is as this can sometimes be less than departure.

I don't know about the paddle bag thing, only ever took mine unwrapped.

Hope this helps.

[Slime]

Hi Ben, This is a problem that is growing by the year as more and more airlines are charging for carrying full length paddles and I know several paddlers who have been caught out because they dont believe that airlines change their policies.

If you are traveling on your own one option is to buy 2 part splits and buy a long large hockey travel bag to carry these and all your other gear.

I have traveled with several paddling groups in the last couple of years with airlines like BA who restrict you to one bag. They will take skis but charge for them so the solution for a group is for one person to book one extra item of sporting gear (for the group) online. At the airport we strap two or more ski/paddle bags together and this becomes that individuals 'sporting gear bag'. I have never known or heard of airlines checking or being interested in the contents. Basically book your sporting gear ahead of time online and pay for it if needed and you should be fine.

Hope that helps.

Slime

[benbrisbourne]

Thanks for the replies.

It doesn't say paddles aren't allowed, however it does stipulate that anything not under the sporting items list must go as checked baggage. The issue is that with checked baggage, the maximum size (length,width,height) must add up to no more than 154cm. My paddles are 196cm in length alone. I've sent them an email, but they replied with an autoreply and say they'l try and get in touch within 48hrs.

Unfortunately getting splits is not an option, and not something I'd want to do anyway - if needs be I'll look at shipping, or buy a 2nd hand set out there. (I'm leaving next Thursday, but wont need them immediately)

Also it's just me flying out, so it's all luggage that I have to sort myself.

[BristolBob]

Will you post your experience on here?

I'm going to Ottawa with Canadian Affair/Transat this summer and would very much like to take my paddle. I'd appreciate finding out if they'll let me.

[benbrisbourne]

Got them over to Canada fine with no hassle. Had a lomo paddle bag (which doesnt say anything about paddles on it, just a fragile handle with care logo), taped and wrapped them in bubble wrap, wrote 'Fragile Skis - handle with care' on a couple of pieces of A4 and taped them to the paddle bag. Turned up to check in (early) and just said they were skis. Got them at the other end no problems, with no damage.

It's worth mentioning my bergen was damaged (someone had clearly been throwing it around by its straps and broke 2 buckles) which renders it useless at the moment until I get it fixed, so its a risk you take.

Ben

[Lancs_lad]

In a paddle bag, surely they wont know the difference and you could get away with saying skis?

[nickbennett]

Anyone else notice the irony of air transits website header being two people in a canoe?

Nick

P.S. I am currently struggling with similar issues.