We will be flying from Alabama to CA for the INT USC on United. They have a size limit on baggage of 115 linear inches (l+w+h). Most wakeboards with bindings in a bag will be within this limit. However, United groups wakeboards with luge boards and surf boards and say they are not accepted on certain planes (Boeing 737 for one). Just curious how people are flying with their equipment. I know each airline is different. UPS or Fed Ex ground would be 4 or 5 days for us and unless you don't intend on practicing a week before going is not much of an option. Overnight or 2 or 3 day is just outrageous. Will the airline actually look in the bag or just take measurements to ensure its within the size restrictions? It doesn't seem fair to be within the size restriction but disallow it for being a wakeboard.

There have been several threads on this in recent months. The airlines are constantly changing baggage fees and rules. Some people have tried labeling as a golf bag. My son has been on 5 trips this summer, only had trouble returning from Miami on Delta. Ended up paying $80. Other times the agent hasn't even asked a question. <BR> <BR>Another common strategy it to tell them it is a water ski or snow board. I've never seen them look in the bag.

I'd FedEx it; you don't have to worry about it getting lost, damaged, whatever. Its also probably cheaper than whatever the airline will charge you. You also won't have to lug it through the airport, and your hotel will surely accept the shipment and have it waiting for you.

Pack the bindings in your suitcase, box up the board and check it. Did it last year when we went out to Mead with no problems, although the airlines were not in the fuel/money pinch with all the new fees and restrictions as they are now. Good luck.

I am going on a trip in a few months and was wondering the same thing. Do you guys think it could be cheaper to just Ship it to my destination?

call it snowboard free on united without the limits as long as it is under 50 lbs,

If you look on united's website now, anything over 65 linear inches is considered oversized and is $125. I would assume that would be round trip. I have thought of putting my bindings, ropes, handles, helmet in a suitcase as checked baggage ($15) and FedEx the board. Again, it is 4 to 5 days ground for around $50 one way, so that's $100 and you don't practice for a week before the comp on that board. 2 day is around $200 one way.

Allen, that is prob ea. way

take it on as a "snowboard"

Looks like almost all airlines are charging now. We got nailed for $100 out of vegas on thursday. 5 other flights in the prior 2 weeks we paid nothing. Ticket agent said they are laying off 500 of us and I am not going to be one of them so I have to charge you. <BR>Of course necessity being the mother of invention you now have this option. <BR> <BR>Sports Express takes the lug out of luggage <BR>Now you can travel without luggage. With Sports Express, there’s no need to haul your luggage or sports equipment to the airport and then on to your final destination. <BR> <BR>In these days of increased airport security and baggage restrictions, savvy travelers have their luggage or sports gear waiting for them. Sports Express will pick up your luggage at your home, office or other location and have it delivered to and from your travel destination. On Time. Insured. Guaranteed. <BR>Try Sports Express today and get $10 off <BR>US Airways customers receive a $10 discount on every order. Type the words "US Delivers" in the Promotion Code box that appears at the end of the order process and $10 will be automatically deducted from your order. If you prefer, call 800-357-4174 and a Sports Express Travel Concierge will assist you. Please mention the "US Delivers" promotion code to your Travel Concierge to enjoy the $10 savings. <BR> <BR>Visit SportsExpress.com to get your $10 off. <BR> <BR>Sports Express is an independent delivery company.

and it is a rip off just looked up fresno to OK city for worlds and it is 175 bucks one way.

I do it like this <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65919/615394.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/65919/615395.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR> <BR>(Message edited by ridininmd on August 16, 2008)

And the price of fuel for that little 172 from cali to orlando? No thanks

I never claimed it was cost effective <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/lol.gif" border=0>