Best Surfboard Bags For Air Travel (2024 Updated)

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If you're a surfer who loves to travel, then you know the importance of having a reliable surfboard bag for air travel. Your surfboard is a valuable investment, and you want to make sure it arrives at your destination in one piece. But with so many different surfboard bags on the market, how do you know which one to choose? Here are five key points to consider when looking for the best surfboard bag for air travel.

1. Size: The size of your surfboard bag is crucial when it comes to air travel. You want to make sure your bag is within the airline's size and weight restrictions, so you don't incur any extra fees.

2. Padding: Your surfboard is fragile and needs adequate protection during air travel. Look for a bag with thick padding to prevent any damage during handling.

3. Material: The material of your surfboard bag should be sturdy and durable to withstand the rigors of air travel. Look for bags made from heavy-duty nylon or polyester.

4. Wheels: Surfboard bags can be heavy, especially when you're carrying multiple boards. Look for a bag with wheels to make transportation through the airport a breeze.

5. Price: Surfboard bags can range in price from budget-friendly to high-end. Determine your budget before making a purchase, but keep in mind that investing in a high-quality bag can save you money in the long run by protecting your surfboard from damage.

By considering these key points, you can find the best surfboard bag for air travel that will protect your investment and make your travel experience hassle-free.

10 Best Surfboard Bags For Air Travel

1. Pro-Lite Smuggler Surfboard Travel Bag-Fish/hybrid/wide Short (1-3 Boards) Size 6'6

The Pro-Lite Smuggler Surfboard Travel Bag is the perfect solution for surfers who need to transport their beloved boards safely and securely. Specifically designed to accommodate 2-3 wider fish/hybrid style surfboards with more volume, this bag is cut 26.5" wide and features a false bottom to take 3 boards but only show 2 when your bag is checked. Keep in mind this bag is cut 26.5 wide and will fit up to 3 boards around 23" wide +/- depending on their individual volumes.

Constructed with 600 Denier Poly on top and bottom of the bag, the Pro-Lite Smuggler Surfboard Travel Bag offers superior durability and protection. It features 10mm Air-Lite foam protection and molded #10 PK non-corrosive zippers to prevent salting. Additionally, it has a reinforced nose, rail guard around the zipper, and vent to allow air flow. The bag also comes with a 2-year limited warranty, guaranteeing its quality and durability.

The Pro-Lite Smuggler Surfboard Travel Bag provides ample storage space, with a large exterior wetsuit/accessory pocket and an external wax/key pocket. The top zip flip top allows for easy access and sliding of your board in and out of the bag, while the padded shoulder strap and rubber handle make it comfortable to carry. The inner storage pocket is perfect for storing additional accessories such as fins, leashes, and wax.

This bag is specifically designed to hold wider fish/hybrid style surfboards with more volume, with the fish style only available in 6'6 size. The bag's false bottom allows you to take up to 3 boards but only show 2 when your bag is checked. Keep in mind this bag is cut 26.5 wide and will fit up to 3 boards around 23" wide +/- depending on their individual volumes. Whether you're traveling to a remote surf spot or simply need to transport your boards to the beach, the Pro-Lite Smuggler Surfboard Travel Bag is the ultimate solution for surfers looking for a reliable and durable bag that can accommodate their wider fish/hybrid style surfboards.

2. Pro-Lite Finless Coffin Surfboard Travel Bag Double/triple (2-3 Boards) 6'6

The Pro-Lite Finless Coffin Surfboard Travel Bag Double/Triple (2-3 Boards) 6'6 is an excellent option for surfers who are constantly on the go. This bag is designed to hold up to two to three surfboards, making it an ideal choice for those who like to travel with a variety of boards.

Constructed from high-quality materials, this bag features a 10mm foam protection to keep your surfboards safe during transit. Additionally, it includes an internal divider and seat belt straps to keep your boards secure and prevent them from shifting during transport. The bag also comes with four exterior compression straps to further secure your boards.

The bag is cut 25" wide with a 5" gusset to allow for extra internal volume, providing ample space for multiple boards. It is made from durable 600 Denier poly on top and bottom, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of travel.

One of the standout features of the Pro-Lite Finless Coffin Surfboard Travel Bag is its multiple interior storage/fin pockets. These pockets are perfect for storing fins, wax, and other surf accessories. The bag also features a vent to allow air flow to keep your boards cool in hot weather conditions.

In addition to its practical features, the Pro-Lite Finless Coffin Surfboard Travel Bag also boasts a stylish design. It includes an identification badge on the side, making it easy to identify your bag among others. The bag's adjustable deluxe shoulder strap with Velcro closure system provides extra comfort during transport, and the exterior side pocket is ideal for tie-downs or additional storage.

Molded rubber handles on the ends and side of the bag make it easy to grab and go, while also providing extra durability. Whether you're heading to the beach for a day of surfing or traveling to a remote destination for an extended surf trip, the Pro-Lite Finless Coffin Surfboard Travel Bag Double/Triple (2-3 Boards) 6'6 is an excellent choice for any surfer looking to protect their boards during transport.

3. Prolite Wheeled Coffin Surfboard Travel Bag 2-4 Longboard (9'0)

The ProLite Wheeled Coffin Surfboard Travel Bag 2-4 Longboard (9'0) is the perfect solution for surfers who need to travel with multiple boards. With a width of 25" and a 10" gusset, this bag offers ample internal volume to accommodate 2-4 longboards. The bag is designed to provide maximum protection for your boards, with 10mm foam padding and an internal divider to keep them securely in place.

The exterior of the bag is made from 600 Denier poly material, which provides excellent durability and resistance to wear and tear. The top and bottom of the bag are reinforced for extra protection, and there are four exterior compression straps to keep everything securely in place. The bag also features seat belt straps to further secure your boards during transport.

Inside the bag, you'll find multiple pockets for storing fins and other accessories. There's also a vent to allow air flow, which helps to keep your boards cool and prevents damage from heat buildup during transport. The bag comes with an adjustable deluxe shoulder strap and a Velcro closure system for easy carrying.

The ProLite Wheeled Coffin Surfboard Travel Bag 2-4 Longboard (9'0) also features a handy exterior side pocket for additional storage. The bag is easy to maneuver thanks to its molded rubber handles on the ends and side, and it comes with wheels for easy transport.

Finally, the bag includes an identification badge on the side, which makes it easy to identify your bag when traveling. Whether you're headed to your local break or traveling to a far-flung surf destination, the ProLite Wheeled Coffin Surfboard Travel Bag 2-4 Longboard (9'0) is the perfect way to keep your boards safe and secure during transport.

4. Pro-Lite Smuggler Series Surfboard Travel Bag-Shortboard (1-3 Boards) – 6'6

The Pro-Lite Smuggler Series Surfboard Travel Bag is a premium quality shortboard bag that is designed to hold 1-3 surfboards. The bag is cut 24" wide to provide ample space for the boards and features a false bottom that allows you to take three boards but only show two when your bag is checked.

The bag is made from high-quality materials that ensure maximum protection for your boards. The top and bottom of the bag are made from 600 Denier Poly, which is a durable and waterproof material that provides excellent protection against the elements.

The bag features 10mm Air-Lite foam protection that provides extra cushioning for your boards. The foam is designed to absorb impacts and prevent damage to your boards during transportation. The bag also features molded #10 PK non-corrosive zippers that prevent salting and ensure smooth and easy opening and closing.

The Pro-Lite Smuggler Series Surfboard Travel Bag comes with a large exterior wetsuit/accessory pocket that provides additional storage space for your gear. The top zip flip top design makes it easy to slide your board in and out of the bag, while the padded shoulder strap and rubber handle make it easy to carry the bag around.

The bag also features an inner storage pocket, a reinforced nose, an external wax/key pocket, a rail guard around the zipper, and a vent to allow air flow. These features ensure that your boards are well-protected and that you have all the storage space you need for your gear.

In summary, the Pro-Lite Smuggler Series Surfboard Travel Bag is a high-quality shortboard bag that provides excellent protection for your boards during transportation. With its durable materials, extra cushioning, and ample storage space, this bag is the perfect choice for any surfer looking to travel with their boards.

5. Premium 6'0 Surfboard Travel Bag With Foam Padding For Shortboard Surfing, Outdoor, Airplane, Car, And Truck Transportation.

The Abahub Premium 6'0 x 22 Surfboard Travel Bag is the perfect solution for protecting your surfboard during travel or storage. Made with premium materials, this bag boasts a water-resistant 190g/m2 PE shell with 600D reinforcement, 1/5" (5mm), 130g/m2 PE lining, and YKK #10 nickel plated zippers. These top-quality materials ensure that your surfboard remains safe and secure while in transit.

Designed to accommodate a wide range of board sizes up to 6'1 x 23', this board bag is perfect for shortboard carrying. The detailed specs on the 2nd picture of the listing provide all the information you need to ensure a perfect fit for your board.

This surfboard travel bag provides extra protection for your board with two 4" air vents for heat protection and 600D nylon nose and tail protection. It's important to note that this surfboard bag is designed for indoor storage only. Exposure to the sun during outdoor storage could substantially shorten the life of this bag.

The thoughtful design of this surfboard travel bag includes a 28" x 18" external pocket with a zipper for gear storage, an inside fin pocket with velcro, and a flexible tail section to accommodate the fins, so there's no need to take them off after use. These features make it easy to store and transport your gear, ensuring convenience and ease of use.

Comfortable to carry, this surfboard travel bag comes with a 1.5" wide padded adjustable shoulder strap, a durable ergonomic plastic handle, upgraded strap buckle, and double stitching all around. These features ensure that you can carry your surfboard with ease and comfort, wherever you go.

In summary, the Abahub Premium 6'0 x 22 Surfboard Travel Bag is a top-quality surfboard bag that provides superior protection for your board during transit and storage. With its premium materials, wide size coverage, extra protection, thoughtful design, and comfortable carry features, this surfboard travel bag is the perfect choice for any surfer.

6. Pro-Lite Finless Coffin Surfboard Travel Bag Triple/quad 6'6

The Pro-Lite Finless Coffin Surfboard Travel Bag Triple/Quad 6'6 is a highly durable and functional bag designed for traveling surfers who need to carry 3-4 boards. The bag is cut 25" wide with a 10" gusset to allow for extra internal volume, making it a perfect fit for multiple boards.

The bag features 10mm foam protection, which ensures that the boards remain safe and secure during transportation. Additionally, the bag includes one internal divider and one board packer bag, internal seat belt straps, four exterior compression straps and 600 Denier poly on top and bottom. These features help to keep the boards in place and prevent any damage during transit.

The Pro-Lite Finless Coffin Surfboard Travel Bag Triple/Quad 6'6 is designed with multiple interior storage/fin pockets, which makes it easy for surfers to organize and access their gear. The bag also features a vent to allow air flow to keep boards cool, preventing any damage caused by overheating.

The bag comes with an adjustable deluxe shoulder strap with a Velcro closure system, making it easy for surfers to carry the bag comfortably. The exterior side pocket is perfect for tie downs, and the molded rubber handles on the ends and side make it easy to lift and maneuver the bag.

Finally, the bag features an identification badge on the side, making it easy to identify the bag during travel. Overall, the Pro-Lite Finless Coffin Surfboard Travel Bag Triple/Quad 6'6 is a top-of-the-line bag that provides the necessary protection and functionality for traveling surfers.

7. Pro-Lite Smuggler Surfboard Travel Bag 6'6

The Pro-Lite Smuggler Surfboard Travel Bag 6'6 is an excellent choice for surfers looking for a reliable and durable bag to transport their surfboards. Measuring 24" wide, this bag is designed to hold 2-3 surfboards comfortably, making it ideal for surf trips or competitions.

One of the standout features of this travel bag is the false bottom, which allows users to take three boards but only show two when the bag is checked. This feature provides added security and peace of mind for surfers traveling with multiple boards.

The Pro-Lite Smuggler Surfboard Travel Bag is constructed using high-quality materials, including 600 Denier Poly on the top and bottom of the bag, which provides excellent protection against scratches, dings, and other damage. The bag also features 10mm Air-Lite foam protection, which adds an extra layer of protection for your boards.

Molded #10 PK non-corrosive zippers are used to prevent salting, ensuring that your bag stays in top condition for longer. The bag also comes with a large exterior wetsuit/accessory pocket, which provides ample storage space for all your surfing essentials.

The top zip flip-top makes it easy to slide your board in and out of the bag, while the padded shoulder strap and rubber handle provide comfortable and convenient carrying options. The bag also includes an inner storage pocket, reinforced nose, external wax/key pocket, rail guard around the zipper, and a vent to allow for air flow.

Overall, the Pro-Lite Smuggler Surfboard Travel Bag 6'6 is a high-quality and reliable travel bag that offers excellent protection for your surfboards. With its durable construction, ample storage space, and convenient features, this bag is an excellent choice for surfers looking to transport their boards safely and securely.

8. Dorsal Travel Shortboard And Longboard Surfboard Board Day Bag Cover

Introducing the DORSAL Travel Shortboard and Longboard Surfboard Board Day Bag Cover, the perfect solution for surfers on the go. This innovative bag features Thermo-Flow Technology, which is the world's first wax strips multiple internal storage pocket. This feature allows surfers to store their wax in a convenient and accessible location, eliminating the need to carry around a separate container.

The bag is constructed with a 600D polyester reinforced nose cone and a heavy-duty YKK#10 corrosion-resistant plastic zipper, ensuring durability and longevity. Additionally, the bag features a neoprene-padded handle and padded shoulder strap for comfortable transportation.

The internal design of the bag offers several other useful features, including an internal wax pocket, a storage hook, a 5mm high-density impact foam, and a heat-reflective external material. The vent optional wax and UV-resistant internal lining protect the board from harsh environmental factors, and the internal tail divider and side wall expanders provide added protection and organization for the board.

The DORSAL Travel Shortboard and Longboard Surfboard Board Day Bag Cover is perfect for surfers traveling to different destinations. The bag's unique design and construction provide maximum protection for the board, ensuring that it stays in top condition throughout the journey.

In summary, if you're a surfer looking for a high-quality, durable, and innovative surfboard bag, the DORSAL Travel Shortboard and Longboard Surfboard Board Day Bag Cover is the perfect choice. Its unique features, including Thermo-Flow Technology and multiple internal storage pockets, make it a standout product in the market. So, whether you're a beginner or a professional surfer, this bag is an essential accessory for any surfing adventure.

9. Dakine Status 42 Liter Roller Bag, Black, One Size

The Dakine Status 42 Liter Roller Bag is a versatile and spacious luggage solution that is perfect for frequent travelers. With a Carry On size that is compliant with most airlines, this roller bag offers an impressive amount of storage space that can be expanded by an additional 15 liters (900 cu. in.) with the use of the expansion panel.

The bag's split level design features a mesh divider that makes it easy to organize and access your belongings while on the go. Additionally, the exterior of the bag has a padded 17-inch laptop sleeve pocket that provides easy access to your electronic devices while traveling.

This roller bag is built for travel efficiency and convenience, with a molded cup rest that allows you to keep your beverages secure while on the move. It also features a hidden ID pocket that ensures your personal identification is safe and secure during your travels.

The retractable handle and replaceable wheels make this bag easy to maneuver through airports and other travel locations. The bag is available in various fabric options, and the price varies based on the selected fabric.

The Dakine Status 42 Liter Roller Bag has dimensions of 21.5 x 14 x 11 inches, making it a perfect size for most airlines' carry-on requirements. This bag is designed to provide ample storage space, easy access to your belongings, and convenience while on the move. It is a great investment for travelers who require a reliable and efficient luggage solution.

Best Surfboard Bags For Air Travel FAQs

Are there any specific airline policies or regulations I should be aware of when traveling with a surfboard bag?

Yes, there are specific airline policies and regulations to be aware of when traveling with a surfboard bag. Most airlines have restrictions on the size, weight, and number of surfboards allowed per passenger. It is important to check with your airline in advance to ensure that your surfboard bag meets their requirements. Additionally, some airlines may require that you purchase a separate ticket for your surfboard or pay an additional fee. It is also recommended to pack your surfboard bag with extra padding to prevent damage during transit. Some airlines may not allow certain types of surfboards or may require that fins be removed. It is important to research and comply with the specific policies and regulations of the airline you are traveling with to avoid any issues or additional fees.

How much should I expect to spend on a reliable surfboard bag for air travel?

The cost of a reliable surfboard bag for air travel can vary greatly depending on the brand, size, and features of the bag. On average, a good quality surfboard bag can cost anywhere from $100 to $300 or more. Factors that can affect the price include the level of protection provided, the material of the bag, the number of boards it can hold, and the presence of additional pockets or compartments. It's worth investing in a high-quality surfboard bag to ensure that your board is protected during air travel. A good surfboard bag can help to prevent damage from scratches, dings, and impacts, making it a worthwhile investment for any avid surfer who frequently travels by plane.

What are the most important features to look for in a surfboard bag for air travel?

When choosing a surfboard bag for air travel, there are several important features to consider. Firstly, the bag should be made from durable materials that can withstand rough handling and potentially harsh weather conditions. Look for a bag with reinforced stitching, heavy-duty zippers, and a thick padding to protect your surfboard from impact and scratches. A good surfboard bag should also have ample storage space to accommodate your board, fins, leash, and other accessories. Consider the size of your surfboard and choose a bag that fits snugly to prevent shifting during transit. Additionally, look for a bag with multiple carrying options, such as shoulder straps and handles, for ease of transportation. Finally, make sure the bag complies with airline regulations for size and weight restrictions to avoid additional fees or delays at the airport.

What size surfboard bag should I purchase to fit my board and meet airline size restrictions?

When purchasing a surfboard bag to meet airline size restrictions, it is important to measure the length and width of your board and add a few inches for padding. Most airlines allow surfboards up to 9 feet in length, so a bag that is slightly larger than your board should fit within these restrictions.

It is also important to consider the type of board you have. A longboard will require a larger bag than a shortboard due to its length and width. Additionally, some airlines may have weight restrictions, so it is important to choose a bag that is lightweight but still provides adequate protection for your board.

Overall, a surfboard bag that is slightly larger than your board and designed for the type of board you have should meet airline size restrictions and provide the necessary protection for your board during transport.

Which surfboard bag brands are known for producing high-quality bags suitable for air travel?

There are several surfboard bag brands that are known for producing high-quality bags suitable for air travel. One of the most popular brands is Dakine, which offers a range of surfboard bags with varying levels of padding and protection. These bags are designed to fit a variety of board shapes and sizes and are built to withstand the rigors of air travel.

Another top brand is FCS, which offers a range of surfboard bags that are durable, lightweight, and designed to protect your board during transit. FCS bags are made with high-quality materials and feature reinforced stitching, padded straps, and other features to ensure your board stays safe and secure.

Other notable surfboard bag brands include Pro-Lite, Creatures of Leisure, and Ocean and Earth. All of these brands offer high-quality surfboard bags suitable for air travel, with features like extra padding, reinforced handles and straps, and heavy-duty zippers to keep your board safe and secure during transit.

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