Taking windsurfing gear on Jetstar, to and from Vietnam?

[PlaneSailin]

Has anyone had any experience with this?

According to the baggage rules, large items "including surfboards" can be checked in, if they are under 190 cm in length.

This is slightly shorter than a 430cm 2-piece mast, so I'm curious as to how flexible and understanding the Jetstar people tend to be in these matters... 

 

[38 mph]

Write to the country manager with dimensions and weight of exactly what you are taking.
Can it go as checked baggage ?
Can you use your 20kgs check in allowance against your "sports eqpt" You then carry your speedos and t-shirt in a rucksack.
Tell him you are representing Singapore, England or whoever you think appropriate and will be uisng Jetstar to tavel to events all over Asia.
You are even willing to write articles for their inflight magazine, put their stickers on your sails etc etc.
Grovel generally and that (in the old days anyway) would get you 10 - 20 kgs of extra free baggage.
Get it all in writing.
Air Asia actually have the best kit deal. Windsurfers go free or at least you can check them in against your allowance. Surf boards carry a "sports eqpt" surcharge.
Dont ask how that works !
Make the most of it before somebody realises the error/

[NT]

PlaneSailin,

Don't forget to buy travel insurance if you are bringing your gears.

Recently, SQ managed to turn my brand new 2-piece rdm mast into a 3-piece mast.
The mast bag was also badly torn.

The airlines and airport staff deny all responsibilities.
This came from one of the best airlines and airport in the world. 

[yappie]

PlaneSailin,

Don't forget to buy travel insurance if you are bringing your gears.

Recently, SQ managed to turn my brand new 2-piece rdm mast into a 3-piece mast.
The mast bag was also badly torn.

The airlines and airport staff deny all responsibilities.
This came from one of the best airlines and airport in the world. 

Hi, suggest you look at this ! SQ breaks MAST , you might get a new mast if you do this.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YGc4zOqozo

[PlaneSailin]

Thanks all, I will try Air Asia this time.

In late '07, for my long-awaited 3 month trip to Mui Ne, I took Vietnam Airlines from SG to VN, with a board, 2 masts, 2 sails, 1 boom,  and about 3 pairs of underwear...they told me that my equipment (not the underwear) was too large for their cargo containers, but I begged and pleaded until a kind (Singaporean) manager said they would be able to take it after all.

When I arrived in VN, the bags were all dirty and greasy, so I presume they put them in a different part of the aircraft to the rest of the baggage.  Luckily nothing was broken and I had 3 months of insane windsurfing!!! 

Still, I don't want to push my luck, so this time I'm trying to be more careful...thanks again for the advice.

 

[NT]

Hi Andrew,

Just want to add that there is a "happy" ending to my unfortunate incident because SQ has agreed to some compensation out of goodwill. 

So SQ is still a cut above other airlines in terms of customer service afterall. And it is still advisable to buy travel insurance if you're flying with your windsurfing gear.

Enjoy your Vietnam trip!

Nick