Jazmin Li
Travelling with an inflatable paddle board in tow? Good news: you can definitely check your board in at the airport. While it's a little too big to bring on as hand luggage, you can transport it as a checked bag. Most airlines allow up to 50 lbs in a checked bag, so it's worth checking the website of the airline you're flying with to avoid extra charges. You can also buy a special iSUP backpack to carry your board in, which makes it incredibly easy to take your paddle board anywhere.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you bring an inflatable paddle board on a plane? | Yes |
| Can it be a carry-on item? | No, it must be checked in |
| What bag should you use? | A large duffel bag, an iSUP backpack, or a rolling duffel bag with wheels and backpack straps |
| What else can you pack in the bag? | Air pump, paddle, leash, PFD, fins, mounting hardware, spare clothes, towels, and other gear |
| How much can you pack in the bag? | Most airlines allow up to 50 lbs in a checked bag to avoid extra charges, so weigh your bag before heading to the airport |
| How do you avoid extra charges? | Check the airline's website for baggage policies and weight/dimension limits, and plan for delays by arriving at the airport early |
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What You'll Learn
Inflatable paddle boards can be checked at the airport
When packing your inflatable paddle board, consider using a well-designed SUP bag with wheels and backpack straps, which can make it easier to transport your board through the airport and on uneven terrain. It is also recommended to keep a checklist of essential items you'll need with your SUP, such as fins and mounting hardware, to ensure you don't forget anything. If you're using an electric pump, consider packing it in your carry-on bag to protect it from potential damage.
Inflatable paddle boards are a great option for travel due to their portability and ease of transport. They can be deflated and rolled up into a compact size, fitting easily into the trunk of your car or as checked baggage on a plane. With proper planning and packing, you can bring your paddle board with you to your destination and enjoy paddling in locations that might otherwise be inaccessible.
Additionally, when travelling with your inflatable paddle board, it's a good idea to plan for potential delays and arrive at the airport earlier than usual. This will give you some buffer time in case the gate agent needs to inspect your board or if there are any unexpected hold-ups at the check-in desk. With the right preparation and knowledge of your airline's policies, you can confidently bring your inflatable paddle board on your next vacation.
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They are too large for carry-on
While you can bring an inflatable stand-up paddle board on a plane, it is too large to be a carry-on item. This means that it must be stored as checked baggage. Most airlines allow up to 50 lbs in a checked bag to avoid extra charges, but it's always best to check the website of the airline you are planning to fly with for their specific baggage policy. Your board, pump, paddle, leash, and PFD packed in a SUP travel bag should come in under this limit.
To make transporting your paddle board easier, you can purchase a well-designed SUP bag with wheels and backpack straps. Alternatively, you can buy an iSUP backpack that can fit your paddle board, air pump, and paddle. This will make it incredibly easy to take your paddle board anywhere.
It is important to plan and pack properly to ensure a smooth trip. Before your flight, measure your packed board bag and cross-check its dimensions with your airline's height and length limit to avoid an oversized bag fee. Also, be sure to weigh all your gear beforehand so that you can move any heavier SUP accessories to another suitcase and avoid an overweight bag fee.
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Check your airline's baggage policies
Yes, you can bring an inflatable stand-up paddle board on a plane. However, you must check your airline's baggage policies before travelling with your paddle board, as each airline has its own set of rules and stipulations. For example, American Airlines allows one bag or case containing multiple boards, which will count as one checked item. However, keels, kedges, and/or fins must be removed or properly protected to prevent damage to other bags. Standard checked bag fees apply up to 50 lbs/23 kgs, and the overweight fee applies for weights between 51 lbs/23 kgs and 70 lbs/32 kgs.
Hawaiian Airlines also allows paddle boards as checked baggage. They will be visually inspected at check-in for any existing damage, and if there is no space available on your flight, they will be loaded onto the next available flight. There is no fee if the paddle board is used as your one complimentary checked bag, weighs up to 70 lbs/32 kgs, and has a maximum connection time of 24 hours.
United Airlines allows paddle boards as checked baggage, but they must be under 118" and 50 lbs. If you exceed the checked baggage allowance (50 to 70 lbs; 63 to 115 inches), you will be charged an excess baggage fee of $100 per board, each way.
To avoid unexpected charges, it is recommended to purchase the "More Baggage Combo" at the time of booking, which includes a piece of sports equipment. Alternatively, you can call the airline beforehand to confirm the fees.
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Pack your board in a SUP bag
Yes, you can check an inflatable paddle board at the airport. However, it is too large to be a carry-on item, so it must be checked in. This means your SUP board will be stored in the hold during the flight. To pack your board in a SUP bag and prepare it for checking in, follow these steps:
Firstly, deflate your board. Remove the cap from the valve and press down on the valve pin to release the air. Keep your face away from the valve as the air pressure will be strong. Make sure all the air is removed as the valve cannot be accessed once the roll is started.
Next, fold the board. You can start at the nose or tail, but it is generally recommended to roll from the tail, so the fin boxes and fins will be inside the board. When folding, be careful not to bend or put pressure on the fin boxes, as this can damage the board.
Once the board is folded, place it in the travel bag with the fin boxes facing up. Unzip the bag and place it flat on the ground. Undo any buckles and gently push the board into the bag with the tail end first. Secure the board with the retention straps or buckles, ensuring they are tight enough to hold the board in place without leaving marks.
Now, you can add your accessories. Place the pump hose, repair kit, and leash in the pouch on the side of the bag. Put the fins in their pouch and slide it into the front pocket of the bag. Place the pump in the bag, with the base at the bottom. The paddle can be placed between the layers of your folded board, ensuring the blade and handle are facing upward.
Finally, close the bag with the zippers and you're ready to check in your paddle board!
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Weigh your bag before arriving at the airport
Yes, you can bring an inflatable stand-up paddle board on a plane. However, it must be checked in as it is too large to be a carry-on item. This means your paddle board will be stored under the plane during transport. You may need to pay for this extra bag, but it's worth it if you plan on paddleboarding at your destination.
To avoid unexpected fees at the airport, it's a good idea to weigh your bag before you arrive. Weighing your luggage before you leave home will save you the stress of wondering whether your bags are too heavy, and there are simple ways to do it. You can purchase a handheld luggage scale to easily find out how much your bags weigh. If you don't want to invest in a luggage scale, you can use a regular bathroom scale by weighing yourself and then yourself holding the luggage. Subtract your weight from the overall weight to find out how much your bag weighs. Place the bathroom scale in an open area, away from walls or furniture, so that your luggage won't be resting on anything.
If you're using a huge bag or your luggage weighs too much for you to hold in your arms, place a stool or something similar on the scale. Either zero out your scale so the weight of the stool doesn't show up, or subtract the weight of the stool from the overall weight after you place your luggage on top. If you're using a digital scale, the scale will lock in a measurement once it feels it has an accurate weight, meaning the numbers will stop changing. On other scales, the two hands will move to the number that reads the weight of your luggage.
You can also weigh your luggage for free at your local post office or at the airport, although you may have to pay a small fee for this service. If your luggage is overweight, you can either shed some inessentials or book extra baggage allowance before arriving at the airport. This will be much cheaper than doing it at the airline counter.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can check an inflatable paddle board at the airport. However, it is too large to be a carry-on item, so it must be checked as a large duffel bag or an iSUP backpack.
Most airlines allow up to 50 lbs in a checked bag to avoid extra charges, but it is recommended to check the airline's baggage policy before travelling.
You can pack your inflatable paddle board in a large duffel bag or an iSUP backpack, which is specifically designed to fit the board, paddle, pump, and other gear.
To avoid extra charges, it is important to know your airline's baggage policies and weight limits. You should also weigh your bag before heading to the airport and distribute heavier items across multiple suitcases if needed.
It is recommended to be polite to airline staff and not push the weight limits of your bag. You should also consider buying travel insurance that covers sports equipment in case of any damage or loss during transit. Additionally, plan to arrive at the airport earlier than usual in case the gate agent needs to inspect your board. You should also be aware of the challenges of smaller planes and give the captain a heads-up on your baggage.
