Flying with surfboards in Indonesia? Here’s your updated ultimate guide! (Written in January 2025)
Indonesia is nothing short of a surfer’s paradise, with waves that range from the world-famous breaks of Bali to the untouched gems scattered across its more remote islands. It’s a bucket-list destination for many surfers, offering incredible diversity and breathtaking surf spots. But as dreamy as the waves are, the logistics of getting your boards there can feel like a set you didn’t see coming.
Flying with surfboards in Indonesia can be tricky. Airlines have inconsistent policies, fluctuating fees, and size limitations, often leading to unexpected headaches at check-in. Tales of boards being left behind, steep charges that weren’t disclosed upfront, or worse—arriving damaged—are all too familiar for seasoned surfers. Add in Indonesia’s sometimes unpredictable transportation network, and getting to remote breaks can become an adventure in itself.
For some surfers, it might even make sense to fly into Bali and pick up a fresh board (or three) at a local shop before heading out to the islands. Domestic airlines vary widely in their approach to surfboards—some charge as little as IDR 200,000 (around $13 USD) per board, while others might slap you with heftier fees or outright refuse to transport your gear.
If it’s your first time chasing Indo waves or you’re a seasoned veteran, staying informed on the latest airline policies, fees, and restrictions is essential for a smooth trip. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about flying with surfboards in Indonesia for 2025, including size and weight allowances, packing tips to prevent damage, and alternative options for shipping boards.
Make sure your surfboards arrive in one piece—whether you’re headed to Bali, Mentawai, Lombok, or the far reaches of Sumbawa and beyond.
Table of Contents
Airline Charges and Policies for Flying with Surfboards in Indonesia (2025 Update)
Garuda Indonesia
- Accepts Surfboards: Yes
- Counts as Checked Baggage: Yes
- Cost: Free
- Max Weight: 23 kg
- Max Length: 300 cm
- Website: https://www.garuda-indonesia.com/
Garuda Indonesia, the country’s flagship carrier, is one of the most surfboard-friendly airlines for domestic travel. Surfboards are included within the standard baggage allowance—yes, you read that right—if they meet the size and weight restrictions of up to 23 kg and 3 meters in length. If your board exceeds the allowance, don’t worry—the cost for extra baggage starts at just Rp 18,870 (after tax) per kilogram. Plus, you can save up to 10% by purchasing extra baggage online before your flight.
However, keep in mind that Garuda Indonesia tends to be the more expensive airline in the country. The maximum weight allowed for sports equipment as checked baggage is 32 kg.
Important: If you’re connecting through different aircraft types, baggage rules will be based on the smallest aircraft in your itinerary.
Example: If you’re traveling on the CGK-DPS-LBJ route (Jakarta to Labuan Bajo), where the CGK-DPS leg uses a B738 aircraft and the DPS-LBJ leg uses an ATR aircraft, the baggage dimensions for the ATR (< 160 cm) will apply for the entire journey.
Citilink
- Accepts Surfboards: Yes
- Counts as Checked Baggage: No
- Cost: Based on weight, starting at Rp111,000 for 0-5 kg.
- Max Weight: 20 kg
- Max Length: 227 cm
- Website: https://www.citilink.co.id/
Citilink no longer offers the LinkSport membership, which previously included a 20 kg free baggage allowance for surfboards and other sports equipment. The current surfboard policy depends on the aircraft type:
- Airbus 320: Up to 10 surfboards allowed, max length 227 cm (7’5″).
- ATR 72-600: Up to 2 surfboards allowed, max length 170 cm (5’7″).
Fees for surfboards, excluding VAT, and additional charges for exceeding 30 kg are detailed below.
AirAsia Indonesia
- Accepts Surfboards: Yes
- Counts as Checked Baggage: No
- Cost: Based on weight, starting at Rp182,000 for 15kg. We recommend booking your baggage online when reserving your ticket—it’s much cheaper that way!
- Max Weight: 32 kg
- Max Length: 277 cm
- Website: https://www.airasia.com/
AirAsia Indonesia is one of the most surfboard-friendly airlines in the country. Although surfboards aren’t included in standard check-in baggage, they are accepted based on weight and remain quite affordable, just like Citilink.
Check out the table below for detailed pricing information!
Super Air Jet
- Accepts Surfboards: Yes
- Counts as Checked Baggage: No
- Cost: Rp200,000 per Surfboard per Flight
- Max Weight: 23 kg per Surfboard
- Max Length: 230 cm
Website: https://www.superairjet.com/
This guide is thoughtfully organized based on our top recommendations, and next on the list is Super Air Jet, the new kid in the Lion Air Group. Super Air Jet follows similar policies to Lion Air, charging Rp200,000 per surfboard per flight route.
Batik Air
- Accepts Surfboards: Yes
- Counts as Checked Baggage: No
- Cost: Rp200,000 per Surfboard per Flight
- Max Weight: 23 kg per Surfboard
- Max Length: 230 cm
- Website: https://www.batikair.com/
Batik Air is also in the Lion Air Group and follows similar policies to Lion Air, charging Rp200,000 per surfboard per flight route.
Sriwijaya Airlines
- Accepts Surfboards: Yes
- Counts as Checked Baggage: No
- Cost: Based on weight, starting at Rp111,000 for 0-5 kg.
- Max Weight: 23 kg per Surfboard
- Max Length: 230 cm x 60 cm
- Website: https://www.sriwijayaair.co.id/
Sriwijaya Airlines is the third-largest airline in Indonesia and is ranked among the top airlines with a Category 1 safety rating. It has a subsidary called NAM Air which we will write about next.
They offer different pricing based on specific routes. You can find their rates in the table below.
NAM Air
- Accepts Surfboards: Yes
- Counts as Checked Baggage: No
- Cost: Based on weight, starting at Rp111,000 for 0-5 kg.
- Max Weight: 23 kg per Surfboard
- Max Length: 230 cm x 60 cm
- Website: https://www.flynamair.com/
Same like Sriwijaya Airlines. 🙂
Lion Air & Wings Air
- Accepts Surfboards: Yes
- Counts as Checked Baggage: No
- Cost: Rp200,000–Rp1,000,000 per Surfboard per Flight (Depending on the Airline and Route)
- Max Weight: 23 kg per Surfboard
- Max Length: 230 cm
- Website: https://www.lionair.co.id/
Lion Air and its subsidiary, Wings Air, are popular budget options for domestic travel, but they come with strict baggage policies, and enforcement of these rules can sometimes be inconsistent.
Currently, Lion Air charges Rp 200,000 per surfboard per flight. For example, if you’re traveling from Bali to Padang (via Jakarta) for a Mentawai trip, you’ll pay an additional Rp 400,000 per surfboard. Bringing two surfboards would cost Rp 800,000, and three would total Rp 1,200,000.
Wings Air, on the other hand, charges Rp 500,000 per surfboard per flight, which is 150% more than Lion Air’s fee. However, on certain routes, the fee can increase to Rp 1,000,000 per surfboard.
Both airlines impose additional restrictions: surfboards must not exceed 200 cm in length or 23 kg in weight. Passengers are also required to complete a Special Baggage form before their flight.
Surfboard Packing and Preparation Tips
Choosing the Right Surfboard Bag
Go for a single board bag for easy travel, or a multi-board bag if you’re carrying more. Look for one with plenty of padding to safeguard your board.
Protecting Your Board
Wrap your board in bubble wrap and use those rainbow pool noodles on the rails to prevent dings. Fill the bag with towels or extra padding to absorb shock.
Packing Checklist
Remember to pack essentials like leashes, fins, and a repair kit for emergencies. Lucky for you, we’ve put together the ultimate guide on what to pack for a surf trip to Indonesia, which you can read here.
Avoiding Damage
Avoid over-packing, and make sure the board is well-padded. Always double-check for a snug, secure fit.
Surfboard Shipping Alternatives
When to Ship Instead of Fly
If you’re going on a long-term trip or need to bring multiple surfboards, shipping could be more cost-effective than flying, especially when airline fees are high.
However, we only recommend shipping surfboards within Indonesia. Shipping internationally to Indonesia can be tricky, as the customs process is often slow and complicated, with excessive paperwork, fees, and delays. If possible, it’s usually simpler and more efficient to rent or buy surfboards once you arrive.
Popular Shipping Companies in Indonesia
JNE/J&T Express: Reliable for domestic shipments across Indonesia.
Tips for Hassle-Free Shipping
Properly document and securely pack your boards. Always check the shipping company’s timelines to avoid delays, especially during peak seasons.
Pro Tips for Surfboard Travel in 2025
Booking Smart
We are confident that this guide is up to date but before locking in your flight, call the airline to double-check their latest surfboard policies—it’ll save you from surprises at check-in.
Weighing and Measuring Boards
Know your board’s size and weight ahead of time to stay within the airline’s limits. A quick check now avoids big fees later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which Indonesian airline is the cheapest for surfboards?
When it comes to flying with surfboards in Indonesia, it depends on some factors.
If Garuda Indonesia’s ticket costs are almost double, budget airlines like Citilink and AirAsia may still be cheaper overall, even after paying for surfboard fees. For example:
- AirAsia: A ticket costing Rp1,000,000 + Rp182,000 for a surfboard (15 kg) = Rp1,182,000.
- Garuda Indonesia: A ticket costing Rp2,000,000 with free surfboard = Rp2,000,000.
- In this case, AirAsia is much cheaper.
Choose Garuda Indonesia if you’re traveling with multiple boards or heavy gear (23 kg+), value comfort, service, and flexibility, or if the total cost with Garuda is competitive for your specific route. On the other hand, opt for budget airlines like Citilink, AirAsia, or Sriwijaya if you’re traveling light, carrying only one surfboard, prioritizing ticket price, or if your board fits within their specific weight and length allowances.
For budget-conscious travelers, Citilink or AirAsia would likely offer the best value overall, even with surfboard fees. If you prioritize service, fewer hassles, or are carrying heavier gear, Garuda Indonesia remains a solid choice.
How many boards can I carry on a single trip?
Most airlines allow multiple boards as long as they meet weight and size requirements. Check specific airline rules for maximum weight and length.
What happens if my board gets damaged by the airline?
Report the damage immediately to the airline’s baggage service upon arrival. Airlines may offer compensation depending on their liability policy, but it’s wise to have travel insurance that covers sporting equipment. Better be safe than sorry, hey?
Can I rent quality boards locally instead of flying with mine?
Renting a surfboard is a great way to skip the hassle of transport and avoid airline fees. It depends on your situation, though. If you’re a beginner heading to popular surf spots like Bali or Lombok, renting is an easy and affordable choice, with plenty of options available. In Bali, you can even buy a quality board, use it for your trip, and resell it later. But if you’re a hardcore surfer, you probably already know whether renting is right for you!