Any suggustions on best airline or experiences Perth to Capetown with windsurfing equipment.?
I have investigated and contact about half a dozen airlines and the piece system seems to have disappeared in the Australasia/Africa region , but remains in the Northern Hemisphere. So paying anywhere between 50 to 94 AUD per kilo after 30kg doesn't really workout a viable option.
shanks!
First up here is a good web site with general info on flying with windsurf gear and what various airlines charge:
www.airline-baggage-fees.com/sports/windsurfing-equipment/
Have you looked at flying via the US? While it's an insanely long flight(s) a lot of airlines still give you 2 bags at 32 kgs each rule.
Or if you can get your gear to Germany at a reasonable price you can fly charter airline to Cape tTown. The charter airlines like LTU take windsurf gear at a flat rate... I think this is one of the reasons why so many Europeans stopped coming to Australia and fly to South Africa instead.
Another option is to send your gear via unaccompanied luggage with the airline you fly. That tends to be a bit cheaper per kilo. A friend of mine from Germany used to this... usually he would send his sails via unaccompanied luggage and take the board on the flight and check it as a surfboard.
Last resort can be to look at a business class airfare which generally gives you around double the luggage allowance. I have done Thai Airways around the world business class for work once for less than $4,500 . It's usually on the less convenient flights though but with lie flat seats and fully stocked airport lounges who cares.
Always make sure you gear is registered with your booking. Qantas for example let's you do that in your online profile. Other airlines you will have to call them. This will save you a lot of headaches when you get to the airport and the arguments with ground staff start. Often ground staff is only contracted by the airline and doesn't know specific airline rules around excess luggage.
