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I am flying to Costa Rica in ten days and am picking up a boat hours before I depart. So if anyone has an ID I have a couple quick questions.
1. What are the dimensions? Length, Height, Width
2. Will size 12 feet fit in there?
Thanks so much, and if anyone has any tricks on how to get kayaks on airplanes please let me know.
Much appreciated!
I don't know much about the ID but I have done a TON of flying with boats internationally.
Tips:
Don't refer to it as a kayak. People think sea kayak when they hear that word and that is blacklisted by many airlines. Instead, refer to it as a surf ski, similar to a surf board but you sit down on it. When going through customs, feel free to refer to your boat as a kayak, just avoid the term when checkin in.
Feel free to pack some gear inside the boat but not too much, the check-in people don't tend to be as flinchy about boats if they are on the lighter side.
Don't argue with them when they tell you how much extra they are going to charge you for oversize and overweight fees. Sometimes you might get a nice person who won't charge you but that doesn't happen often.
Boat bags are ideal but if you don't have one available, get piece of plastic or cardboard and put it over the cockput, preferably with lots of duct tape. Then get a old bed sheet and wrap your kayak inside.
If you are bringing a paddle, try to pad it out a lot but just know that this part is tricky. Everyone tends to find their own favorite way to pack their paddle.
Have fun in Costa Rica!
Thanks a bunch, tons of good info there. I will give it a shot. Thanks again.