Hawaiian Airlines now accepting surfboards, bikes and golf clubs as standard checked luggage

Hawaiian Airlines has now decided to allow surfers to bring their sticks as standard checked baggage, rather than charging them extra for it. 

Surf's up! If you've been thinking of heading to Hawaii for a surf trip, biking holiday or golf bonanza, you're in luck.

Hawaiian airlines has begun accepting surfboards, bicycles and other sports equipment like golf clubs as standard baggage on every flight. Previously it was an optional extra you had to pay more for. 

Hawaiian Airlines' product manager Sandra Wang says the airline made the change because Hawaii is synonymous with surfing and many ocean and land-based activities that draw visitors from around the world.

See also: Best places to eat and drink in Oahu, Hawaii

“We are excited to extend this new benefit to our visitors and [residents] so they can enjoy their favorite sports and hobbies while exploring Hawaii and anywhere they travel in our network, including Asia, Oceania and the U.S. continent,” Ms Wang said.

Hawaii is a surfing mecca

Guests who book with the Hawaiian Airlines' World Elite Mastercard get two free checked bags, which can now include sports equipment, on eligible flights. If you're not part of this Mastercard program, and are travelling between Australia and the United States you now get one free checked bag of 23 kilos (and this bag can now be a surfboard bag, a golf club bag or a bicycle). 

Since Hawaiian Airlines recently joined Alaska Air Group, travellers can now bring their sports equipment as a standard checked bag on flights across the combined carrier’s network, opening up even more holiday options for luggage laden sports enthusiasts.

See also: 7 exhilarating experiences you can only have in Hawaii

Hawaiian Airlines’ also launched a program today called Huaka'i by Hawaiian, which offers exclusive perks and discounts for Hawaii residents. Members of the program get a free checked bag on "Neighbor Island" flights, 10 or 20 per cent off one "Neighbor Island" booking per quarter and network-wide deals each month. 

187,000 Australians visited Hawaii in 2023, and it's easy to see why. It's a surfing mecca, has world-famous hikes, spectacular golf courses, epic cycling routes and bakeries to die for. As a bonus in 2025, now you can bring your sports equipment to enjoy these activities even more easily.

Aloha to that.

Originally published as Hawaiian Airlines now accepting surfboards, bikes and golf clubs as standard checked luggage