Flying With Surfboards to Bali: The Best Airlines 2024
Flying With Surfboards to Bali: The Best Airlines 2024
Flying With Surfboards to Bali: The Best Airlines 2024
While a Bali surf holiday is arguably the most enjoyable trip you can take, travelling with surfboards is always a hassle.
Not only are surfboard bags clumsy, unwieldy things, but there's always the fear that a former high school wrestler turned airport staff member will be the one tombstoning your board onto the baggage trolley, resulting in a crease or snapped nose… and that's not even getting into the whole unexpected oversized baggage fees debacle. Yikes!
Fortunately, we've discovered the best, safest and most affordable airlines for travelling to Bali with a surfboard. So, if you're planning your dream surf trip to the Island of the Gods, read on for the ultimate guide to flying with shortboards in 2024
Do I need to travel with a surfboard?
Not necessarily. Bali has plenty of surf shops and rental options.
If you must bring surfboards, consider the type of waves you'll be surfing.
Bringing just one is ok since you can always rent or buy another. If you have the option though, a minimum of two is recommended - one for small and fun waves and one for bigger and steeper waves.
At the end of the day though this comes down to personal preference. Ask yourself, “What type of waves will I primarily be surfing”?
What are the best flight booking platforms for surfers?
Skyscanner and Google Flights are the top flight aggregators for international travellers flying into Bali. If you're Indonesia-based, Traveloka is the way to go.
What is the best airline to fly with for surfers travelling to Bali?
It depends on where you're flying from, but any airline with a FREE label next to their name below is our pick. Keep in mind that these airlines will often have higher ticket prices, but when you calculate paying extra for a surfboard, it usually ends up being more cost-effective to go with a FREE airline.
Flying to Bali from within Indonesia
Garuda (FREE)
Free additional baggage up to 23kg, which means so long as your boardbag doesn't weigh more than this or exceed 300cm, you'll be sweet
This is dependent on the type of aircraft. The CRJ has a maximum boardbag length of 230cm, while the ATR has a maximum boardbag length of 160cm
Surfboards that exceed these weight or length limits may be transported separately by GA Cargo
Citilink includes sports equipment such as surfboards as checked baggage, however, your checked baggage allowance differs depending on where you fly from in Indonesia
As a rule of thumb, Citilink offers 20kg checked baggage for most domestic flights
Additional baggage fees are applied to any surfboard bag that weighs more than your checked baggage allowance
The length allowance is based on the aircraft type. The Airbus 320 has a length limit of 227 cm, while the ATR 72-600 has a length limit of 170cm
Surfboards are included as part of checked luggage with Qantas flights (provided it does not exceed 32kg and 277cm in length)
Additional weight will be charged at excess baggage rates
If you know your boardbag weighs more than 32kg, consider purchasing additional baggage before arriving at the airport to save money. At-the-counter excess baggage rates are more expensive
You'll need to sign a limited release form when checking in your surfboards
Travelling with a surfboard can be an absolute nightmare, but you can make it easier on yourself by knowing the baggage policies of different airlines.
Remember to always double check with the airline before you book your flight, and be prepared to pay extra fees if necessary. It's also a good idea to invest in a quality surfboard bag that can protect your board during travel. Happy travels and happy surfing!
