Flying to the US with a surf kayak, which carrier?

[Just_Surf]

Hi guys,

Anybody got a recommendation for the best carrier if you want to take a surf boat to the US? I notice that BA don't take kayaks.

Thanks.

[StoneWeasel]

I have always used Virgin and they have always been excellent with the boats. I have a feeling they might not be taking boats any more.

Denzil

[DelMonte]

ive used sas to fly from the uk to norway..no extra charge and i know Norwegian take them for a surchage..about 30 quid if i remeber rightly..i know both airlines fly to the states

[surfkayaks.com]

Virgin and BA will take them but only as "Cargo"

[Just_Surf]

Thanks everyone, I got them onto a Virgin flight.

Cheers :)

[Just_Surf]

Just a thought, do you just put your boat in a travel bag (padded), or do you add extra padding around the boat?

[StoneWeasel]

Just a thought, do you just put your boat in a travel bag (padded), or do you add extra padding around the boat?

Yes and yes. I use a padded boat bag made by RB Sails (also used a padded surfboard coffin bag before too) and I put a bit of extra foam around the rails and vulnerable points to give it a bit more protection.

Denzil

[johnysmoke]

Was it cargo or will they check it for the flight?

[Just_Surf]

Cheers Denzil. As for cargo or checked, pass, Help for Heroes took care of it so I have no idea I'm afraid.

[conoroneill]

Virgin and BA will take them but only as "Cargo"

If you want to take a boat as 'Cargo', what does this actually entail? As you and others have noted, both BA and Virgin currently state that they won't take kayaks as 'luggage'. We have a group heading to USA this summer, and we're having difficulty working out how to get our boats there.

[Just_Surf]

I'm afraid I don't know, maybe someone else can help out..?