What is the best way to get a surfboard from Atlanta to New Jersey?

Question

I'm flying out Friday and wonder should I send it ups? How does that work and how much does it cost?

Answer 1

Go on their website and put in the dimensions of your package. It will give you an estimate.

Make sure you pad it really well because they are fragile and aren't handled with the best care, not matter how many FRAGILE stickers you want to put on it.

Wrap it in bubble wrap, buy those pool noodles and cut it open to fit along the rails, pad it with towels, put it in a travel bag, etc. I've had problems with damaged boards when shipping them.

Fit it in a box so it's snug. Take the dimensions of the box, and weigh it. You will need a slightly bigger box and it will weigh more because of all the padding, but you want your board to get there in perfect shape.

If you don't want to ship it ahead, check with the airlines with how much it will cost. Some charge per board in a board bag, some only charge per board bag. I went to Hawaii with some boards and it was $60 each way. American Airlines wanted $80 per board, each way, so the total would have been $320. With ATA it was $120.

But I would look into UPS and weigh out the costs of them versus your airline. Either way, take time to make sure the board is padded and packaged well.

Answer 2

You can check it on the flight as baggage. There is typically an extra charge since it is an oversized item. For example, American charges an additional $80. You should get a surf coffin to transport the board in. Your regular day bag won't be enough to protect the board. Also remove the fins if they are not glassed on to protect the board.

Answer 3

Good advice from the last two answerers. I shipped a board via UPS once, with plenty of padding and it was coverered with dings when it arrived, so be careful.

Answer 4

Depending on the size/weight, either that or you might have to ship it freight.. not sure what ups' limits are...