HI All,
I am putting together some information on people who fly with SUPs and any issues they may have had or not had and with which airlines they transported them with...
It is clear on the websites of all the airlines that they do not specifically talk about SUPs but only surfboards or windsurf boards. That doesn't really matter as we can just be bundled under the surfboard category for the surf sups , but the racers 12'6 and up obviously generate a BIG problem (Pun intended).
It also also clear the dimensions that is allowed per airline, for example AIR EMIRATES says 300cm TOTAL dimensions (Length + Breadth + height) and anything bigger than this cannot fly which means your max size sup allowed technically would be a 7'2" x 28" x 4" for example
Anything bigger than the maximum dimensions say the "surfboard" can only fly by cargo which is usually a separate company and needs to be prebooked and is an expensive , long , delayed , nightmare...
SO another question is how lenient are the airlines...so for example has anyone flown air emirates and let them fly with a 8' x 29" sup ? Please post your airlines you have flown and the boards they have let you take and the costs (if any) you had to pay.
I have flown twice with Singapore airlines with surf sups from here to Singapore and then on to Male. On both trips I had a large Flying Objects 9'2" double-board bag with a ton of extra padding. The airline did not have any issues with it, but they did weigh it carefully. Because of my "Star Alliance Gold" status, I had extra baggage allowance, but they are pretty generous with the weight limit anyway IMO. One guy on my trip, with surfboards not SUPs, went over the weight limit by just a small amount. On the bright side they let him take some of my excess allowance (I had not used my full weight limit) but they still charged him over $200!
So, I would recommend Singapore Airlines, but I would make sure you accurately weigh all your bags because we were all surprised at how much their weight measurements came to.
My boards were not damaged, but one guy on our trip sustained some damage but he had pretty flimsy padding IMO.
I have flown with Garuda many times (>8) with up to 9'6 boards, never had any issues or even questions asked and have never had any damage, Flown with Air Asia at least 10 times with boards up to 9'2, again no issues or damage. Flown with Virgin twice with 9'2, both times damaged, otherwise no issues! Haven't tried with boards on Jetstar as from Perth they say they will only take up to 1.9m. Emailed Batik Air to ask as nothing on their website but got no response (after a couple of weeks). Singapore Airlines have told me they have no problem with a 9' to Phuket from Perth. I always just call it a surf board if they ask. On Air Asia you have to specifically book sporting equipment or pay a lot more at checkin (can't be taken as part of your normal luggage). Garuda allow an additional 23kg on top of your normal luggage for free.
In a past life, I was a Ramp Duty Manager for Dnata Air Services at Sydney International Airport. That means that for 10 years, on a daily basis, I loaded and unloaded flights for Emirates, Singapore, Air New Zealand, Virgin, United, Malaysian, China Eastern, China Southern and some others that I can't remember right now 
Anyways, they all have different baggage allowances, but they are all flexible to one degree or another. Most of the time it comes down to the aircraft type.
This is why Jetstar have rubbish board allowances. Domestically they use Airbus A320s. They are a small container loaded aircraft with a small bulk hold. The bulk hold is the only place on a A320 that a board will fit safely.
Virgin use 737 700's and 800's. Not only are the bulk holds bigger, but the main holds are loose loaded and can fit much larger objects. The ramp guys will stack your bags like bricks in the hold and leave enough room between the bags and hold ceiling so that they can slide boards on top. (I always fly Virgin domestically for this reason) 90% of the time your boards will arrive safe. However S#@T happens some times and they aren't perfect. Truth be known though, that board damage more often than not happens on the ramp when the boards are transported to and from the aircraft. Not in the hold.
Singapore, NZ and Emirates will accomodate longer pieces if they are pre notified. Many times I loaded kayaks and skis which are much longer than 14'. We'd take them up on the loading machine, through the rear hold door, drop the curtain between the rear hold and bulk hold and feed them in to the bulk that way. This can be done on 777s, 747s and A380. Its at the discretion of the airline and usually happens in large groups that have obviously spent a large sum on group bookings. The weight restrictions will apply though and you will be expected to pay excess baggage fees.
As for bags that are overweight, the airline must radio the bag room supervisor and ask if he is willing to accept a bag weighing over 32kg. This is an OH&S requirement. The decision is the bag room supervisors alone. He is responsible for the guys in the basement and their well being and can deny that request. Then the checkin staff will notify the passenger that the bag won't be accepted and they will need to split their belongings in to a second bag.
So, I personally have travelled with boards that are 9'10" & 10'6" with no issue. I've never tried a race board though, but I know it can be done. Just email and phone the airline rep in your port way in advance and be very very very polite 
Just came back from Oahu last month and flew with 2 SUP on Hawaiian Airlines...free from NZ which is awesome. They do mention specs on their website ..must be under 115" and 23kgs..you can have more that 1 in a bag as long as it meets criteria. We took two board bags. Make sure that they are packaged securely..and labeled clearly too..I took a small electronic scale with me to make sure my weight limit was all good before i got to check in . I suggest you get to the airport as early as possible. We were first in line for our flight and had no problems checking in as there was no line of people, stress or pressure to get through. Even chucked in shoes and gifts into the board bags on the way back home. Boards didnt get looked at by customs going into Hawaii but did on the way back into NZ. Try and get a good quality bag with handles..i made a sup shoulder strap too with tie downs that i wanted to take over with me..saves buying them . Cable tie your zips together too for security reasons. Take rools off tape and chuck them into your bag. Saves getting them at the other end.
Chur hope that helps
9'5x32 Widepoint on Qantas from Melbourne to Alice later to Darwin then Air Asia to Bali with return to Alice. Pre-booked oversized/ sports on both. No problems or damage,
did a Supmaori ,
wrapped board n paddle n straps in clothes n still under weight. With day pack carry on...
I've had know problems with Emirates from Sydney to NZ return with an 8'6" SUP and a 6'0" shortboard packed in the same travel bag. Just be mindful you dont exceed there max weight limit per bag.
Have had know problems with Garuda and Hawaiian airlines as well.
