Surfing the Skies

Finally I see an article regarding the infamous cost of the surfboard to Hawaii! (“Surfers, Cyclists Pay Penalty,” Sept. 29)

We travel to Kauai, Hawaii, at least once a year. The airline people at United always charge $50 for a surfboard under 10 feet in length.

The sister airlines, like Aloha, vary depending on the mood of the check-in people. They have different rates!

If a board is traveling inter-island and also traveling to California, it can cost at least $50 to Honolulu and another $50 between islands.

Interestingly enough, when we and our kids traveled around the world to Bali and back, it cost us nothing to bring two surfboards there and back!

LORNA and DAVE WHITE

Westlake Village

The article on excess baggage notes that many foreign carriers do not levy such fees. However, these are few and far between, especially for surfboards. There are those that charge as much as $125 per board--a nasty surprise when learned at check-in time.

If you are lucky enough to be headed for Indonesia, its airline, Garuda Indonesia, will carry one piece of sporting equipment--be it a bicycle, golf bag, dive tanks or surfboard bag (which can contain up to two boards)--free and in addition to the regular baggage allotment.

BEVERLY AUERBACH

Account Manager

Garuda Indonesia

As a manufacturer of airline carriers for bicycles, I always appreciate articles on bicycle travel.

I would like to add a hint for saving money on bicycle travel. The League of American Bicyclists has a members’ bikes-fly-free program with several airlines. The cost to join the league is $30. They can be reached at (800) 288-BIKE.

ALAN JOHNSON

Huntington Beach