non reving with a surfboard

I'm new to non reving on American. I want to check in a surfboard. Whats the chances of my board not arriving my destination or visa versa? International flight. Suggestions?

Welcome aboard SB
First of all I don‘t surf, I’m the friend on the beach taking the great shots.:cool:
I’m assuming you really want to take your board and getting one at your destination is out of the question.
So as far as suggestions-
Get a good bag/used box from surf shop, if the fin(s) detach do it, and make sure there’s plenty of cushion.
As an alterative you might also check with FedEx (employee discount on shipping.)
Hopefully someone that has actually shipped a board will comment.

odds are that the nonrev pax will be charged for oversize ....fyi

Like bicycles and other oversized gear expect to pay the oversize surcharge/fee.
Depending on a lot of factors when checking your gear at your home town airport
where everyone knows your name the charges may be waived overlooked forgotten
but on the return trip don't expect this and make trouble.

When I was with Western Airlines surfboards came and went without much fanfare.
Wrap and pack with care and absolutely remove the fin - we all have seen enough
of the 'Sharknado' movies !
Now with nit-picking baggage fees and even olives being counted in the martinis
expect the worst. If the largest airplane serving your city is CRJ or Piper Cub expect
more of the worst (your surfboard may become a boogie board {1/2 surf board})
trying to mangle the board into a cargo hold that Houdini could not escape from !
You might try to convince the flight crew that if it was fasten to the wings it might
improve the airflow and look nice matching the little winglets ! LOL !

Something else to consider


“The entire English Surfing Team was left high and dry at a major European competition - after British Airways forgot to load their boards onto a flight.”


Read more here
English surfing team left high and dry - after British Airways leave surfboards behind | Cornish Guardian