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Hawaiian Airlines embraces surfboards as checked baggage

Hawaiian Airlines: surfboards will now be accepted as standard checked baggage | Photo: Hawaiian Airlines

In a move likely to surprise anyone who has ever nervously handed over their surfboard at an airport counter, Hawaiian Airlines has announced it will now treat surfboards, bicycles, and other sports equipment as standard checked baggage.

The airline, clearly aware of Hawaii's reputation as a global surfing destination, appears ready to extend an olive branch to surfers worldwide - and perhaps a foam-padded one at that.

The new policy allows sports enthusiasts to check their gear - including golf clubs, surfboards, and bikes - on all Hawaiian Airlines flights without incurring extra fees beyond the usual checked baggage charge.

"Hawaii is synonymous with surfing and many ocean and land-based activities that draw visitors from around the world," says Sandra Wang, product manager at the airline.

"We are excited to extend this new benefit to our visitors and kama'āina so they can enjoy their favorite sports and hobbies while exploring Hawaii and anywhere they travel in our network, including Asia, Oceania, and the US continent."

If you're traveling between California and the islands (or the other way around), you'll pay $40 for one board bag, as long as it weighs under 50 pounds - a 47 percent discount from the previous $75 fee.

For travel between neighboring islands, the cost is $30 for one board bag.

While the policy is ostensibly great news for surfers, one can't help but recall the less-than-glamorous history of surfboards emerging from baggage claim looking like abstract art projects.

Hawaiian Airlines' decision may inspire some cautious optimism - and perhaps a collective crossing of fingers - among those who know the heartbreak of a freshly dinged board.

So, knowing how to protect your surfboards for airline travel is never a waste of time.

A Long-Term Trend?

For those booking flights with the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard, the perks are even sweeter: two free checked bags, which now include sports equipment, on eligible flights.

And thanks to Hawaiian Airlines' recent merger with Alaska Air Group, this benefit extends to the combined carrier's network.

The airline also launched "Huaka'i by Hawaiian," a free program for Hawaii residents offering perks like a free checked bag on Neighbor Island flights and quarterly discounts.

Residents can sign up online to access the benefits.

For now, surfers can pack their boards - and perhaps a little hope that they'll arrive intact - without worrying about extra fees.

Whether this marks the start of a new golden era for traveling wave hunters or just a clever PR move remains to be seen.

Either way, it's a step up from the usual aerial gauntlet faced by sports equipment.



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