Hawaiian Airlines Faces Backlash Over Longboard Ban
Three-time longboard champion Joel Tudor recently found himself grounded when Hawaiian Airlines refused to carry his 9'6" longboard, despite 35 years of hassle-free travel. This incident has sparked widespread criticism and concern within the surfing community about airline policies affecting surfers' ability to travel with their equipment.
The new policy, which went into effect earlier this year, states that any board bag exceeding 115 inches or 100 pounds will be rejected. Tudor's frustration has led him to warn longboarders against flying Hawaiian, which has been widely shared. This has prompted a discussion about the practicality of airline policies and their impact on surfers who rely on air travel.
As reported by Hoodline, this incident raises questions about how airlines can better accommodate the specific needs of niche sports communities. The backlash highlights the importance of clear communication and reasonable policies for equipment transportation.