British Airways Surfboard Ban

So it looks like BA, formerly one of the most board friendly airlines around in our experience, are going to rule themselves out of the surf market by completely banning boards on all flights from the 6th November.

We're a little nervous from the announcement below that this is something that other airlines might copy onto. If you're flying with boards in the near future, no matter who it's with, probably worth clarifying the situation...

"Sporting equipment we do not carry (effective from 6 November 2007)
Due to the large size and handling complexities, some sporting equipment cannot be accommodated through the airport baggage system or within the aircraft hold. Therefore we no longer accept the following equipment at check-in as part of your sporting equipment allowance.

hang gliders
windsurfing boards and sails
surfboards
kayaks or canoes
pole vaults
javelins "

Source: http://www.britishairways.com/travel/bagsport/public/en_gb

Update 12th Nov 2007

We spoke with BA and they're unrepentant, it was carefully considered blah blah blah but didn't look like they were going to reconsider. There's an online petition here:

http://www.gopetition.com/online/14891.html

And more around as well. Worth giving them a call and email just to make sure they're spending a little time and money NOT providing a service to surfers...