Which are the best airlines for windsurfers?

By Jonathan Clarke

Trying to find the best airline to fly with when taking your windsurfing gear on holiday with you is not an easy task.

Often the rules aren't too clear and the various charges involved can vary wildly from airline to airline.

It can seem like it will inevitably cost you extra, but how much extra will depend entirely on the airline. Some impose draconian charges for windsurfers and others seem much more relaxed. One point that is worth noting is that baggage handlers are not allowed to lift bags that weigh over 32kg, so make sure you don't pack too much into your board bag.

"It can seem like it will inevitably cost you extra, but how much extra will depend entirely on the airline."

"Before I book my flight I establish what the airline's policy is for taking sporting goods," says leading windsurfer Guy Cribb. "Most airlines have fixed rates for windsurfing gear, and I won't book a flight until I know a ball park figure of what I'll be charged for my excess baggage. It is very rare for an airline to charge you per kilo for sporting goods, but scour the internet for more info and print it out so you can show the check-in staff what you've read. It may be incorrect, but it demonstrates to them you have done your homework and had a figure in mind."

We've carried out some research and provide details on what we think are the best airlines for travelling with your windsurfing equipment. This top three is by no means exhaustive, so if you know of any better deals, let us know and we'll add the details.

Which are the best airlines for windsurfers?

By Jonathan Clarke

Virgin Atlantic will allow you to bring a windsurfing bag containing one board, one mast, one boom and one sail completely free of charge in addition to your usual bag allowance. However, you should note that your windsurfing bag must not weigh more than 23kg, which may prove impractical when transporting your equipment.

Monarch is very windsurfer friendly. Their policy for bikes, windsurf boards, canoes and kayaks weighing up to 32kg is a flat £35 fee for each item. Monarch is also keen to note that you can save £5 if you pre-book your board over the phone or online four days in advance of travel.

BMI classes windsurfing boards as sporting equipment and will accept onto the flight if there's enough space. In economy class you must pay a £25 fee per item weighing less than 20kg. For items between 21-32kg, an additional £25 will be charged, and those are both on a per sector basis. For business class passengers, it's free if within your baggage allowance and a £25 fee per sector if your board exceeds your limit. Gold and Silver Diamond members can take items within their weight allowance without an additional charge.

Because airline policies on windsurf boards and extra baggage charges vary so much, we thoroughly recommend reading all the fine print on your airline's website. Assuming that one airline's policy is the same as another that you've flown with before could leave you facing large charges when you come to check your boards into the hold. Virgin Atlantic's free policy is certainly the best value we could find, but there are other good deals out there. Just make sure you're up to speed before you book your flight.

As a final point, leading windsurfer Guy Cribb advises: "When booking a flight, look for the differentiation between 'charter' and 'scheduled' airlines, as charter airlines invariably have a more reasonably priced 'sporting goods/excess baggage' policy."

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