stevep Posted December 16, 2003 Report Share Posted December 16, 2003 at 6:30am on saturday morning on my way to vancouver - i was informed that my boardbag was longer than 157cm and would be subject to an $80 excess baggage fee! and me without coffee...needless to say, i almost went over the counter and took out a luggage handler. then i was informed that this fee only covers ONE WAY! $160 just to take my board with me!!!! http://www.continental.com/travel/policies/baggage/excess.asp? please make sure to call ahead or check your carrier's website prior to flying with your rig. must go - looking at 12" fresh snow tonight at whistler and just found out that my hotel room has wireless internet access!! NOW THIS IS A VACATION! cheers! steve Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob-CanCarve Posted December 16, 2003 Report Share Posted December 16, 2003 Hey StevieP: Did you tell the baggage handler it was a snowboard or skiis?? I have always found that they don't complain about skiis, especially when they are flying to a ski resort, but snowboards always bother them. I found the same problem when travelling with windsurfers, tell them it is a surfboard and no charges or complaints. I an #$@#$#@@$# jeleous about where you are, with me sitting behind the desk. Enjoy the snow and the carving. Have a great time. All the best for the holidays. Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Gilmour Posted December 16, 2003 Report Share Posted December 16, 2003 I will boycott Continental until they change that policy. 157 Cm is ridiculously small to set as a limit. I'll be sure to take my airline business elsewhere. ________ SUZUKI LS650 SAVAGE HISTORY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevep Posted December 17, 2003 Author Report Share Posted December 17, 2003 skis, snowboard...didn't matter - they were were billing me no matter what. 9" snow last night, 6" fresh thoughout the day...more on the way...must run - hot tub and beer calling. cheers! steve btw - new coiler 169amx...downright badass! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobby Buggs Posted December 17, 2003 Report Share Posted December 17, 2003 From now on I will ship my boards FedEx 3 days before I travel. Screw shlepping them through airports. Most of the time you have to remove the bindings anyway so why not ship them and travel LIGHT:cool: Steve, Still waiting for my First run EVIL Sports Race carve 175. Good thing I have been to busy to ride. Which reminds me..... YO Bruce??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrickfreen Posted December 19, 2003 Report Share Posted December 19, 2003 Continental will never see my face again -they hit me for $100 for my surfboard bag-each way- On Lacsa I only get charged $25 - and sometimes that's one way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Houghton Posted December 19, 2003 Report Share Posted December 19, 2003 Dave's link to Air Canada demonstrates what most if not all of the airlines are doing. If it's not normal, let's charge extra. Note that there is a 45kg maximum limit, so those Burton body bags may be totally useless for air travel, and the 157 wlh is administered at the whim of the agent - be really nice to her, at least until she tags your bags. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobby Buggs Posted December 19, 2003 Report Share Posted December 19, 2003 OK 2 things here Hassel and $$ If you ship them it will be far less $$ and you wont have to drag them all over the airports. Pulling my 185 board bag last year on the way to Vail was enough for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonerider Posted December 19, 2003 Report Share Posted December 19, 2003 Originally posted by stevep at 6:30am on saturday morning on my way to vancouver - i was informed that my boardbag was longer than 157cm and would be subject to an $80 excess baggage fee! and me without coffee...needless to say, i almost went over the counter and took out a luggage handler. then i was informed that this fee only covers ONE WAY! $160 just to take my board with me!!!! http://www.continental.com/travel/policies/baggage/excess.asp? please make sure to call ahead or check your carrier's website prior to flying with your rig. must go - looking at 12" fresh snow tonight at whistler and just found out that my hotel room has wireless internet access!! NOW THIS IS A VACATION! cheers! steve Ok... so what airlines are good about handling snowboards then? I'm heading out to Whistler in February. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UK2TX2CA Posted August 24, 2004 Report Share Posted August 24, 2004 Baggage Allowance Why is There a Free Baggage Allowance? | Dimensions, Weight and Number of Pieces | Excess, Oversize and Overweight Baggage and Fees | Embargoes | Aircraft Dimensional Limitations | Specialty Items | Transportation of the Deceased See Excess, Oversize and Overweight Baggage and Fees below if your baggage exceeds the guidelines listed under Dimensions, Weight and Number of Pieces. NOTE: The following applies only to travel within the United States unless otherwise stated. Please check with our Reservations personnel for International policies or information not covered below. Why is There a Free Baggage Allowance? The standard free baggage allowance is the maximum number, size, and weight of bags that each customer is allowed with no additional charge. We have based this allowance on extensive studies of variables that influence the maximum capacity of baggage on an aircraft. These variables include size of aircraft cargo compartments, dimensions of the doors, fuel requirements, typical number of passengers on board, and government regulations. Our evaluation resulted in the establishment of a standard free baggage allowance that is applied to all flights. Dimensions, Weight and Number of Pieces For flights wholly within the United States and between the United States and Canada The maximum amount of baggage each ticketed passenger is allowed free of charge is: 2 pieces checked and one carry-on Please note that one carry-on personal item (see "Carry-on Allowance") does not count toward the free bag allowance. The size limitation of your luggage is calculated by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, that is, length + width + height. Two checked bags at 62 in/157 cm each One carry-on bag at 45 in/114 cm The maximum weight per checked bag is 50 lbs/23 kgs. The maximum weight per carry-on bag is 40 lbs/18 kgs. For flights to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands The maximum amount of baggage each ticketed passenger is allowed free of charge is: 2 pieces checked and one carry-on Please note that one carry-on personal item (see "Carry-on Allowance") does not count toward the free bag allowance. The size limitation of your luggage is calculated by adding the total outside dimensions of each bag, that is, length + width + height. Two checked bags at 62 in/157 cm each One carry-on bag at 45 in/114 cm The maximum weight per checked bag is 70 lbs/32 kgs. The maximum weight per carry-on bag is 40 lbs/18 kgs. For flights to international destinations The free baggage allowance varies by international destination. Please contact an American Airlines representative at 1-800-433-7300 for specifics. However, note the following: Baggage checked to London Passengers connecting between London Gatwick and London Heathrow are required to claim their checked baggage upon arrival in London, clear Customs with checked and hand baggage, and proceed directly to the connecting airport. Baggage checked to/through/from Europe and Asia Effective June 1, 2004, the maximum weight for each bag checked to/through/from any destination in Europe or Asia will be 70lbs/32kgs. American will no longer accept overweight baggage (70-100 lbs.) in these international markets. This policy is in conjunction with the British Airport Authority mandate prohibiting checked baggage into the United Kingdom that weighs over 70lbs/32kgs. This policy will be effective for any passenger who commences travel on or after June 1, 2004, and only applies to passengers traveling on American to/through/from any destination in Europe or Asia. If you have baggage weighing over this new limit, please repack or redistribute the weight into other baggage. Excess, Oversize and Overweight Baggage and Fees We realize that at times it may be necessary to travel with an item that exceeds the size or weight limitations or is in excess of the free allowance. Additional charges apply to this type of baggage. Baggage connecting to other airlines will also be subject to the connecting airline's excess charges and/or oversize, overweight charges in addition to American Airlines charges. All charges are calculated on a one-way basis and are collected at the airport ticket counter. The following information for excess baggage applies to flights within the United States and Puerto Rico. For excess baggage information for all other destinations, please contact an American Airlines representative. Excess Baggage Checked baggage in excess of the free baggage allowance will be charged as follows: $80 per piece for the first three additional pieces $105 per piece for the fourth, fifth, and sixth additional pieces $180 per piece for the seventh and any additional pieces Overweight Baggage For travel within the 50 United States and between the 50 United States and Canada, checked baggage weighing over 50 lbs/23 kgs but not more than 70 lbs/32 kgs will be charged at the rate of $25 per piece. For travel within the 50 United States and between the 50 United States and Canada, checked baggage weighing over 70lbs/32 kgs but not more than 100 lbs/45 kgs will be charged at the rate of $50 per piece. For overweight baggage information for all other destinations, please contact an American Airlines representative. These charges are in addition to any charge assessed for additional or oversized baggage. Baggage weighing more than 100 lbs/45 kgs will not be accepted as checked baggage. Oversized Baggage Checked baggage which is larger than American Airlines stated size limits will be charged at the rate of $80 per piece. These charges are in addition to any charge assessed for additional or overweight baggage. Baggage measuring more than 115 in/292 cm (total outside dimensions; length + width + height) will not be accepted as checked baggage. Oversized and Overweight Baggage The charge for oversized baggage and the charge for overweight baggage will be added together. Note: Bicycle boxes purchased from American Airlines which measure 118 in/300cm will be accepted. Embargoes Some destinations outside of the continental U.S. (as well as travel from Los Angeles to Miami and Fort Lauderdale) have additional limitations on checked baggage at specific times of the year. This is called an "embargo". Please contact an American Airlines representative at 1-800-433-7300 to see if a baggage embargo is applicable for your itinerary and travel dates. Aircraft Dimensional Limitations Certain aircraft types cannot accept some oversized articles due to the dimensions of the cargo doors. If you are traveling with an oversized article, please contact an American Airlines representative to ensure your destination is typically served by an aircraft that can accommodate your article. In the event we have to change the aircraft type the day of departure, please let an airport agent know that you have checked an oversized article. Specialty Items There are exceptions, special rules, and/or packing instructions that apply to some specialty items. Examples of these include duffel bags used by military personnel and certain musical instruments. To determine if your item has special excess charges (or is free in place of a 62 in/157 cm bag within the free baggage allowance), please contact an American Airlines representative at 1-800-433-7300. Audio/Visual Equipment Camera, film, lighting, and sound equipment (up to a maximum of 115 in/292 cm and 100 lbs/45 kgs) will be charged an excess rate of $50.00 per piece when tendered by representatives of network or local television broadcasting companies, commercial film-making companies, the federal government, Department of Defense or the American Society of Media Photographers. Musical Instruments Small musical instruments may be carried on-board the aircraft providing they meet existing carry-on size requirements and fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. Case dimensions may not exceed 45 linear inches (width+length+height). The instrument is considered the passenger's one allowed carry-on bag. A personal item is allowed in addition to the instrument. See Carry-On Allowance for more information. If an instrument is too large to fit in the carry-on baggage space, an additional seat may be purchased. In this case, an instrument must travel in a window, bulkhead seat, with the customer in the adjoining seat. Due to their size Bass Fiddles are not accepted in the coach cabin and are only accepted on certain aircraft types, please contact an American Airlines representative at 1-800-433-7300. Instruments may also be transported as checked baggage, however, due to their fragile nature AA does not accept liability for damages and has limited liability for loss. Military Baggage Military personnel may substitute a duffel bag, "sea bag" or "B-4 bag", or military footlocker for one of the 62 in/157 cm bags allowed in the free baggage allowance. This type of military baggage is not subject to the $25 charge for baggage weighing over 50 lbs. but no more than 70 lbs. Mobility Devices Wheelchairs/scooters, braces or other assistive devices are accepted free of charge as checked baggage and are in addition to the normal checked baggage allowance. There are special handling procedures for motorized equipment. Please contact an American Airlines representative at 1-800-433-7300 for detailed information. Sports Items Excess charges always apply to the following sports items: Antlers Archery Equipment ($80 USD) Bicycle (if exceeding 50 lbs/23 kgs or 62 in/157cm) Scuba Tank (empty) Surfboard Wind surfing equipment Hang gliding equipment The following items are free in place of one of the 62in/157cm bags within the free baggage allowance: Backpack Bicycle (if within 50 lbs/23 kgs and 62 in/157 cm) Boogie/Knee board Bowling equipment (bowling case with up to three bowling balls and shoes), if less than 50 lbs/32kgs, otherwise, overweight charges apply. Fishing equipment (2 rods, reel, net, tackle box and 1 pair of boots) Golf equipment (1 bag, 14 clubs, 12 balls and 1 pair of shoes contained in a self-provided travel bag or box) is not subject to the $25 charge for baggage weighing over 50lbs. but no more than 70lbs Hockey/Lacrosse stick Shooting equipment Skateboard Ski equipment (1 pair of skis, poles, boots, and bindings. These items will count as 1 item.) Snowboard Transportation of the Deceased The Jim Wilson Desk at AA Cargo (1-800-228-7878) handles the transportation of your deceased loved ones, in coordination with a funeral home/director. Our Passenger Reservations personnel (1-800-433-7300) will make travel arrangements for any escort accompanying uncremated remains. Cremated Remains Cremated remains traveling with a passenger are handled in the same manner as carry-on baggage. No special documents are required for travel within the United States. For international travel, refer customer to that country's consulate and/or burial advisor. Crematory Containers Certain crematory containers such as urns are unable to be screened at security checkpoints by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). An American Airlines airport agent may consult TSA personnel to determine if your container may be transported as carry-on or checked baggage. Please seek guidance from a funeral home to help determine if a particular crematory container will pose any difficulty at a TSA screening point. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonerider Posted August 24, 2004 Report Share Posted August 24, 2004 To follow up, I flew United/Air Canada to Whister with a "short" snowboard bag barely fitting a 155 and a 162 board. I have since purchaseda Dakine double bag that can hold several boards up to 205 in length. My friends brought big Salomon/Burton bodybags and they went through the oddsized checkin without any issues. United technically requested that you bring a small boot bag to check in that doesn't count towards your 3 bag limit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest AlpentalRider Posted August 25, 2004 Report Share Posted August 25, 2004 Alaska Air has a special policy regarding sports equipment that doesn't get assessed their normal overdimension/overweight standards. The policy is at http://www.alaskaair.com/www2/company/tariff/domestic/tariff_domestic_section5.asp the details are in section 8h It basically allows you to transport one snowboard or pair of skis, and will count towards your free baggage allowance total. I always fly alaska air so I have never had problems with them. I use a burton snowboard carrier and put 2 snowboards in with both sets of boots between them. It's heavy as hell, but they never fuss about it :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philw Posted August 25, 2004 Report Share Posted August 25, 2004 Well YMMV, but I've never had a problem with Air Canada or anyone else, including many flights last season. Obviously what they write on their web sites is the law as far as this is concerned. Flying within Europe it's generally not an issue so long as you're within your 20kg limit. There are some exceptions, such as some budget airlines, so it's wise to check before you book. Flying to Canada/ the US it's usually not an issue. The check-in people use a "two checked bags" rule, so one snowboard bag isn't an issue. The last time I flew AC they even weighed my bag (about 26kgs) and stuck a "heavy" label on it. There was no charge. 32Kgs is the limit for any single piece through LHR and probably anywhere else. I've had my Air Canada bags transfered from the atlantic to internal flights without any hassle, even though some of those turbo-prop 'planes are small. Note that English check-in people are more prissy than just about any other nation, so you need to be careful if you don't want hassle. [i'm English so I'm allowed to say that.] Flying out of Canada is even less hassle. There are usually lots of people with boards and skis; I think there'd be a riot at YVR if they started charging. It's never been an issue so far. Unlike the "airport improvement" tax. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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