While shortboards can be easily packed away in a boardbag when travelling, flying with a longboard to Bali requires a more strategic approach.
It's quite possibly the only downside to being a longboarder, but if it's any consolation to all you loggers out there, flying with any size surfboard is a hassle. So, in order to make your life easier, we’re sharing a few tips on flying to Bali with your beloved longboard.
For research we spoke with past guests who brought longboards to Bali plus a few semi-locals who regularly fly with their boards. This article contains a compilation of their advice and experiences, as well as general information on flying with surfboards.
Short answer? It's up to you.
Deciding on whether to bring your own longboard or hire one in Bali depends on your personal preferences and the type of waves you plan to surf.
If you are a serious longboarder and have a special connection with your board, then it's worth considering bringing it along. You'll be more comfortable surfing with something you know well, especially if you're planning to hit up some of the better breaks in Bali.
However, if you're a casual surfer or you’re just learning to surf a longboard, it's more convenient and cost-effective to simply rent one in Bali.
Most surf shops and rental companies offer a variety of longboards to choose from at reasonable prices.
There are two ways you can go about this.
You can search for the airline in question and navigate to their oversized baggage page to read about their surfboard policy.
The easier option though is to simply save this article – we've broken down the main airlines flying to Bali and their surfboard policies below.
We couldn't find any official reason as to why airlines have this limit, but it likely has to do with the size of their cargo hold and weight restrictions.
Airlines need to be able to efficiently pack and transport all types of luggage, including oversized items like surfboards. By setting a length limit, they can better manage the space and weight on their flights.
Yes!
Don't be fooled by the clips and images of reeling pointbreaks, barrelling beachbreaks and shallow reef setups.
There are so many waves in Bali suited for all types of surfing and the longboard scene is thriving. Whether you're looking for mellow, waist-high peelers or bigger, more challenging waves, Bali has something to offer.
The south coast’s diverse breaks and wave-rich Bukit peninsula provide a great variety of conditions for longboarding, making it an ideal destination for longboarders of all levels.
We've already broken down the list of airlines that are shortboard friendly in this article. But when it comes to longboards, the question as to which airlines are the most accommodating is more nuanced.
In all cases, longboards over 300cm or 9.8 foot won't be accepted. This means that you'll need to make sure your longboard is sub 9.8 foot or even 9 foot flush to be on the safe side.
Here are the top airlines for longboarders flying to Bali.
Garuda allows surfboards up to 300cm (9.8 foot) on international flights. For domestic flights, the maximum length is dependent on the type of aircraft. Any surfboard that exceeds the maximum length upon check in will need to be shipped separately via their freight service.
AirAsia flights from and to Australia allow you to carry surfboards as part of your checked baggage allowance. Keep in mind that the board must not exceed 277cm (9.08 foot), which is just over 9 foot. Your boardbag can't weigh more than 32kg.
You can fly with Qantas to Bali with your longboard so long as its length doesn't exceed 277cm (9.08 foot). The maximum weight limit for your surfboard bag when flying with Qantas is 32kg.
It's difficult to find reliable information on KLM longboard weight and size limits. It generally depends if you're flying from Europe or from the United States. As a rule of thumb, boards longer than 300cm (9.8 foot) or heavier than 23kg won't be accepted. You may also be subject to what KLM calls a "Speciality Fee" depending on where you fly from.
Surfboards flown via Qatar Airways are carried as checked baggage if they're less than 300cm (9.8 foot) in length, the fin is detachable and the board is adequately packed. Items with greater lengths will be carried as cargo.
Longboard bags smaller than 22kg and 292cm (9.5 foot) in total dimensions (length x width x height) are ok, but Delta stipulates that this may change depending on aircraft type. Surfboard bags that weigh more than 22kg will incur an additional fee. Anything over 292cm and 45kg won't be accepted.
Longboards up to 300cm (9.8 foot) will need prior approval from customer service, which is a bit of a hassle but not trip-derailing. It might also incur an extra cost if you're flying to or from the US, Canada or Mexico.
While your longboard won't be accepted as part of your checked luggage, you can fly with one so long as it doesn't exceed 277cm (9.08 foot).
You can fly your longboard with Emirates so long as the total dimensions (length x width x height) don't go past 300cm (9.8 foot). Emirates advises that you remove the fin and pad the rails, nose and tail of the board.
You must pay extra to fly a longboard with Turkish Airlines. Your longboard bag must also be shorter than 292cm (9.5 foot) and no more than 60cm (1.9 foot) wide.
Not all airlines are longboard friendly, but there are more out there than you think. After multiple trips to and from Bali with a number of different airlines, your best bet is to stick with the ones we've listed here.
If in doubt, you can always call the airline's customer service or check their website for specific policies and guidelines. And whatever you do... don't be lured into booking cheap tickets if the airline isn't longboarder friendly. Select the airline based on policy first THEN look for deals.
Your surfboard (and bank balance) will thank you.
