On Emirates, Favourite Boaards Can Go To Bali Too

Surfboards will go free, provided they meet certain measurements, when Emirates starts flying between Auckland and Bali next month.

Among the many leisure travellers flying on the new daily, year-round service are expected to be a number of holidaymakers keen to try the renowned surfing beaches on the Indonesian island. Uluwatu and Padang Padang are among the island’s best known surfing spots.

While some will opt to hire a board locally, others are likely to prefer to take their favourite personal boards with them.

“We expect these keen surfers to include people of all ages who have different tastes in the type of boards they prefer,” said Emirates New Zealand regional manager, Chris Lethbridge.

“To be accepted as part of checked baggage the boards will have to be inside a maximum length of three metres. However, there is also a total dimension requirement covering length, plus width, plus depth – in all, this total should be inside 300cm.”

On this basis, most hybrids – between classic longboards and minis – should meet the guidelines. To meet carriage requirements, the boards will have to have bubble wrap or neoprene protecting nose and tail, with cardboard protection down the sides, and all within a properly padded surfboard bag. Fins should be removed and if they cannot be, should be firmly protected with polystyrene foam.

“For surfers who love their boards, none of this should be an issue,” said Chris Lethbridge.

The new Emirates service, operating from Auckland to Bali and on to Dubai, will start in mid-June. The daily flight will be in addition to the current non-stop daily A380 between Auckland and Dubai and beyond. Boeing 777-300ERs offering First, Business and Economy Class will fly on the new route. It will be the only year-round direct service between New Zealand and Bali.

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