Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines announced a new surfboard policy that is making waves amongst travelers seeking swell. Some could say that the policy is shredding the status quo, carving out more coveted space for surfboards than any premium U.S. airline.
The policy allows anyone flying on Alaska and Hawaiian to check multiple surfboards in a single bag. The boards can measure up to 10 feet and five inches (from nose to tail), and the bag can weigh up to 50 pounds. (It’s worth noting, however, that travelers flying on regional E175 aircraft can only take surfboard bags up to nine feet and seven inches.)
Moreover, surfboard bags are considered standard checked baggage, sans special-item fees. So surfers can continue to stuff their cushioning clothing and whatever else they can squeeze into their surfboard bag—all without worrying about having to check (and, therefore, lug) another bag.
For comparison, both Delta and United allow up to 115 total inches (about nine feet and five inches). While United allows up to 100 pounds, Delta caps board bags at 50 pounds, and both airlines limit board bags to two surfboards.
“’Tis the season for holiday swells and tropical escapes,” Hawaiian Airlines wrote on Instagram. “We’re stoked to share our new surfboard policy, the most generous among premium U.S. airlines… Chase every wave this winter and beyond with ease.”
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Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines fly to popular surf destinations, including Hawaii and California in the U.S. They also fly to international surf meccas around the Americas and across the Pacific.
“We developed our new policy to accommodate all surfers: thrill-seekers tracking large seasonal surf and bringing big surfboards on strike missions to places like Tahiti and Mexico, families looking for year-round warm water and gentle waves to longboard (Costa Rica, anyone?), or guests venturing into the far reaches of our network to explore coastlines in Australia, American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Japan, and New Zealand,” the press release reads.
Guests booking with Alaska or Hawaiian’s branded credit cards are offered bag allowances and can earn points with the new Atmos Rewards loyalty program, as well. Atmos Rewards combines Alaska’s Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles under a single loyalty brand, giving guests the opportunity to explore more than 1,000 destinations worldwide with over 30 airline partners.
Plus, all residents of Hawaii traveling interisland as part of the Huaka’i by Hawaiian program get one free checked bag—surfboards included.
So, pack up; surf’s up.
