Being a little new to the SUP thing, and having 2 kids under 4, I'm trying to figure out the best way to get a 9'6" SUP and a 9'0" mal to Noosa from Torquay later in the year. I've travelled a lot with short boards, but nothing the size of a SUP. Tiger airlines say that they might be able to take them, but I'd prefer not to deal with that scenario for a 6am flight with kids. Any tips?
cheers

Domestically & Internationally, QANTAS have been good to me in the past with windsurf gear and surfboards. Big drop off area for manually loaded items. No excess baggage charge in the past. (back in those days I was doing 1 month indo trips with a carry-on day pack, and 1 piece of checked baggage, the board, so it wasn't like I had excess baggage anyway....)

But for budget carriers, phone ahead, even before you book, write down who you spoke to, time, date, what they said. At check-in, smile and be polite....

I suggest that some of the budget carriers, are more interested in moving passengers, not big baggage / boards... like a bus service, or peak hour train service...

Hey there,

I know Rich took his 8'10 on Virgin to Noosa and I believe that others took 9'4s I think the limit is 3m max call them and ask I guess. 9'6 = 2.9m roughly

Bubble wrap and double board bag them is my suggestion and expect some damage.

That the reason we normally drive.

The other option is hire when you get there. The weekly rate is far better than damage to your pride and joy.

I'm sure the breezers can point you in the right direction as far as hire boards go.

Phill!

That's great, y'all - thanks for that.

Rather stupidly, I've already done the booking on Tiger and had to keep paying for charge after charge after charge beyond the stated price. They say something similar to the fine print from Jetstar, though it might be even more obtuse and non-commital.

Last time we were up there in 07 the hugs and kisses hired a mal (let alone a SUP + paddle) for a daily rate of $50, so I was expecting about $300 for a SUP for the week.

I've also heard that Australian Air Express aren't bad - anyone had any experience with them?

Or does anyone know where to get a hard case?

thanks again