Shipping boards internationally for a trip?

[WaistDeepGroomers]

Eh mags, trying to go on a trip with my girlfriend to Sayulita pretty soon. Due to a spinal cord injury I ride a kneeboard, and the guy from the shop down there says he hasn't seen one there in 25 years, so no luck of renting a board and avoiding outrageous airline fees. Investigating cargo & shipping options. Alaska Airlines seems to be the best bet, about $57 each way from SLC to Puerto Vallarta w/48 hour window. GF is flying from SLC (I'm in Jackson), so may send her ahead with the board. Anybody have any experience shipping internationally and any advice?

Thanks!

[hop]

Alaska Air surfboard fees ($75 each way) are not much more "outrageous" than your $57 each way for shipping. Just fly with your kneeboard. If your kneeboard is smaller than 62" LxWxH it's just considered a piece of normal luggage.

The last few times I've flown Alaska w/ a surfboard they haven't charged me. If you're flying some other airline, well, YMMV.

[tgray]

I fly AK air often with a 5'9" surfboard in a day bag, kites in a duffle, all my clothes in a maximum legal carryon, I seldom get dinged for the surfboard fee. (two checked bags and one carry on). I have been dinged for surfboard fees leaving hawaii, and found that a good way to avoid that is to give a porter a $20 and let them take care of the check-in, win win, with a porter you circumvent the line and I've never been charged extra for a surfboard, longboard's a different story.

[Ottime]

AeroMexico is $40 on flight. First bag is free, too.