Hawaiian Airlines will now accept select sports equipment, including surfboards, bicycles, and golf clubs, as standard checked baggage on every flight.

“Hawaii is synonymous with surfing and many ocean and land-based activities that draw visitors from around the world,” said Sandra Wang, product manager at Hawaiian Airlines, in a news release. “We are excited to extend this new benefit to our visitors and kamaʻāina so they can enjoy their favorite sports and hobbies while exploring Hawaii and anywhere they travel in our network, including Asia, Oceania and the U.S. continent.”

People who book Hawaiian Airlines flights with a Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard receive two free checked bags, which can now include sports equipment. Alaska Airlines, which recently merged with Hawaiian Airlines, previously allowed travelers to bring surfboards as standard checked bags. Fees for baggage over 50 pounds still apply.

In Nov. 2023, Hawaiian Airlines changed its policy on surfboards after pro surfer and Maui resident Billy Kemper posted on social media about now being allowed to check his surfboards. He was flying with two surfboards in the same bag, which weighed more than 50 pounds. After the incident, Hawaiian changed its policies to allow the transport of surfboard bags up to 100 pounds. The airline also lowered the cost of bringing boards on a flight between Hawaii and the U.S. Mainland from $100 to $75 and from $150 to $75 for international flights. 

The announcement about sports equipment being accepted as standard checked baggage coincides with the launch of Huakaʻi by Hawaiian, a new program offering discounts for Hawaii residents. Members of the program are allowed one free checked bag (including surfboards, a golf bag or other sports equipment) when flying to neighbor islands.