Experience with surfboards on Southwest Air?

check out Swell Spy. They got a link to airline fees. tho it was in 2016, roughly good idea of the costs

 

It's usually right on the airline's website. Most will charge more for multiple boards. They usually make you open it up so they can count them. But if you get lucky you might get someone who doesn't care, but not likely.

 

I'm flown with boards in SW more times than i can remember, but never longboards. They have waived the fees altogether sometimes (it seems like unlike other airlines they actually want satisfied customers) and charged $50 per BAG on others (they have never asked me to open the bag because they don't charge per board.. I've never paid more than $50.

Here is what their website says:

Southwest will accept the first two checked bags for free provided that the bags do not exceed 50 lbs and 62 inches (L+W+H). Overweight items from 51 to 100 pounds and oversized items in excess of 62 inches but not more than 80 inches will be accepted for a charge of $75.00 per item one-way. Only one $75.00 charge applies if the piece is both oversized and overweight.

So it looks like its gone up to $75. My experience is they will treat the entire boardbag as an "item".

 

Mitchell beat me too it. Flying to CR on SW next month:

Sports Equipment - Special Items

The items listed below will be accepted as Checked Baggage for a $75 each way charge.

Bicycles (defined as nonmotorized and having a single seat) properly packed in a bicycle box or hardsided case larger than 62 inches in total dimensions will be accepted as Checked Baggage. Pedals and handlebars must be removed and packaged in protective materials so as not to be damaged by or cause damage to other Baggage. Bicycles packaged in cardboard or softsided cases will be transported as subject to limited release items.
Javelins in a single bag, regardless of the number of javelins encased together, will be accepted.
Kayak (other than a sea kayak). Paddle(s) must be secured.
Life Raft Cartridges associated with a self-inflating life raft must be removed and are not allowed on Southwest.
Surfboard/kiteboard, keels and fins must be removed and placed in carryon or checked baggage.
Vaulting poles will be accepted in a single bag, regardless of the number of poles in the bag.
Wind surfing board, keel removed and placed in checked baggage to prevent damage to the sail, boom, and other baggage.

 

BHSurfer,

You take the longboard on SW? I'm booking a flight to Cabo and want to understand if I can bring the longboard for wifey? Its a 9'er and agree, their info is definitely vague.

Thanks,

 

I've traveled several times on SW with longboard. everything went fine. only one fact to face - you will be charged the $75!

 

Flew SW to puerto rico this past February. Took three boards all in a coffin bag, that came in just under 50 lbs. they hit me up for 75 bones going and coming, but everything went smoothly. I seem to recall reading ontheir website if it's over 50 lbs then the price goes up from 75...

 

Literally watched surfboard bags being thrown off the planes cargo holder 20+ feet to the cement below in Costa. One reason im glad i drag the cawk.

 

just a fyi really cuz i don't think ppl on this site are really close to this location. but i just read that there's an Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, AL. Almost like a Goodwill but prolly with weirder sht. Well apparently they get a lot of surfboards. so if any of ya fools are driving by during the holiday, could be worth a stop. Doubt there are a lot of Bama ppl grabbing them