Problems (?) Traveling with SUP or Surfboard Domestically 9' or Less

[Beasho]

I have successfully travelled with 2X SUP Foilboards from San Francisco to the East Coast (Providence, RI) for several years no problems. 

Most airlines accept "surfboards".  United lets them travel 'free' over oversized bag fees to / from California.

Has anyone run into problems at the Airport with boards ~ 9 feet or less?   

AKA they get turned away because of size limits or aircraft size?

American, Delta, Jet Blue, United? 

I will be traveling with 1 X 8' board bag (SUP Foil wing board) and 1 X 9' board bag (8' 8" SUP foil board).

[SUPvol]

I had no problem flying American and Avencia with a 9' SUP in April.
Going to Nicaragua, no extra charge from AA on Richmond to Miami leg, $100 oversize charge from Avencia on Miami to Managua leg and no extra charge on either flight home. And no board damage from the flight.

[Beasho]

We are hearing grumblings that "the regulations have changed" and that "there are new size limits" . . .

But I have yet to hear of anyone being turned away at the airport.  Yet.

Even last year United and United Express had 2 different requirements.  Express could only take 7' boards.  But I checked in at an Airport with United express, 2 boards in bags 8' long, and they took them without any issues.

IF you remind them you are flying to/from California this can be enough to confuse the agent.  It also helps to have receptive people at the desk.

[dietlin]

It's been awhile since I've traveled with any kind of boards, but I thought the strategy was to check them at the curb and tip like crazy.

[Caribsurf]

On a couple of occasions on American, I checked no luggage only had a carry on bag, so they didn't charge me for my board and it went as my luggage.   maybe it was just the counter being nice/generous.

[surfafrica]

In March I traveled to/from El Salvador from Vancouver on United/Air Canada (via LA on the way down and Houston on the way home) with a 7'6 SUP and a paddle packed all padded up in an 8' bag without any issues.  They charged me $200 on the way down and $0 on the way home.