The cats out of the bag!!!

[Steve-O]

Thought this was interesting from Continental Airlines....

Kiteboard

Continental Airlines will accept one kiteboard or one bag containing equipment used in kiteboarding as checked baggage.

If the kiteboard/kiteboard container is over 50 lbs (23kg) and/or 62 (157 cm) total linear inches (L + W + H), a $100 service charge applies each way. The service charge is in addition to any excess baggage charges that may apply.

If the kiteboard/kiteboard container is under 50 lbs (23kg) and/or 62 (157 cm) total linear inches (L + W + H), if applicable the first ($20) or second bag fee ($30) applies.

The board must be well padded or the entire board must be encased in a suitable container to avoid scratching. Continental Airlines shall not be liable for damage to a kiteboard or kiteboard equipment.

Excess Valuation may not be purchased for a kiteboard or kiteboard equipment.

Note: On Continental Airlines flights, kiteboards over 115 inches (292 cm) in length will not be accepted as checked baggage. On Continental Express* or Continental Connection flights, kiteboards over 80 inches (203 cm) in length will not be accepted as checked baggage.

Kiteboards will be transported subject to load capacities of the aircraft on any itinerary involving a Continental Express* or Continental Connection flight.

Kiteboards are not allowed during excess baggage embargo periods when no excess baggage is allowed. Kiteboards will be accepted to Costa Rica during an embargo period.

[BigR]

Those are the rule restrictions for almost every single airline, word for word.


goto the restrictions at AA and you'll find the same

http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?...horEvent=false


However I will say that these official rules are not hardened in stone and enforcement can vary widely.

I.E. , on 3 trips this year with 5' 9" kitesurf boards to places like portland or PR sometimes I would be charged extra and sometimes not. Seems to depend on who you get at the baggage check in and how well they are familiar with the rules ( usually they really aren't ).