# Travel >> Transportation >> Air Travel

How to Travel on Southwest Airlines With a Kayak

There are times when you will find it necessary to transport your kayak by air. It is a good idea to check with your airline to confirm their policies regarding the transport of large luggage such as a kayak. Southwest Airlines allows passengers to transport a kayak on a flight. Touring and river kayaks may be checked as luggage with the airline. Sea kayaks are not accepted due to their length. A kayak is considered special luggage and you must follow the correct procedure in order to transport it.

Instructions

- 1
  Bring your kayak to the check-in counter along with any other baggage that you need to check in. The airline recommends that you arrive at the check-in counter at least 30 minutes before your flight's scheduled departure time.
- 2
  Confirm that the kayak's paddle is securely fastened to the kayak. The airline attendant will double-check that the paddle is secure, will place a luggage tag on the kayak and place it on the baggage belt.
- 3
  Pay the applicable One-Way charge. A kayak is considered a special item and does not qualify for free baggage check. The charge will vary between $50 and $110 as of April 2011, dependent upon your kayak's measurements and the number of special items you are transporting. The airline attendant will inform you of the correct charge.
- 4
  When you arrive at your destination, you will retrieve your kayak at baggage claim along with your other luggage.