Board Shipping Guide
Air Freight Board Shipping
Large boards are difficult to ship like normal packages. Air freight helps us move oversized boards more safely and efficiently by sending them to a commercial airport cargo facility near you for pickup.
Important: Air Freight Means Airport Pickup
Air freight board shipments are not delivered to your home. Your board ships to the nearest available commercial airport cargo facility, and you pick it up there in person. The pickup location is usually separate from passenger baggage claim.
What Is Air Freight?
Air freight, also called air cargo, is a shipping method where oversized items travel through an airline cargo network instead of standard parcel delivery. For large boards, this usually means your board is packed securely, shipped to a commercial airport cargo facility, and held there for customer pickup.
After your order is placed, we confirm the best available airport cargo option for your location. Once the shipment is booked and moving, you will receive pickup details and tracking information.
Safer Shipping for Large Boards
Air freight is one of the best shipping options for oversized boards because it usually means less repeated handling than standard parcel or ground freight networks. Large composite boards can be more vulnerable to damage when they move through many transfer points, conveyor systems, and delivery trucks.
While no shipping method can guarantee zero damage, air freight helps reduce unnecessary handling and gives your board a more direct path to a commercial airport cargo facility. We also pack large boards carefully for oversized transport before they leave Windance.
Why We Use Air Freight for Large Boards
Less Handling
Large boards are more vulnerable when they move through standard parcel or ground freight networks. Air cargo often means fewer transfer points and less repeated handling.
Better for Oversized Gear
Wing boards, downwind boards, kite surfboards, and windsurf boards are long, fragile, and expensive to replace. Air freight is designed to move larger cargo more directly.
Clearer Pickup Process
Instead of waiting for a freight truck delivery window, you pick up the board at the airport cargo facility after it arrives and is ready for release.
Transparent Pricing
We use flat-rate air freight pricing for eligible large boards so customers can see the cost clearly at checkout before placing the order.
Eligible Boards & Pricing
Air freight flat-rate shipping applies to eligible large boards. This includes new wing boards, downwind boards, kitesurf boards, and windsurf boards.
| Board Type | Air Freight Rate | Pickup Method |
|---|---|---|
| New eligible large boards | $99 flat rate | Customer pickup at airport cargo facility |
| Used eligible large boards | $179 flat rate | Customer pickup at airport cargo facility |
Eligible large boards include wing boards, downwind boards, kitesurf boards, and windsurf boards. Twin tips, kite foil boards, pump foil boards, foils, sails, wings, and smaller accessories are not part of this board air freight flat-rate program unless otherwise stated at checkout.
How Air Freight Board Shipping Works
1
You Place Your Order
At checkout, eligible boards will show an air freight shipping option. This option means the board will ship to an airport cargo facility, not directly to your home.
2
We Confirm the Best Airport Option
We review your shipping address and confirm the nearest available commercial airport cargo facility that can receive the board shipment.
3
Your Board Is Packed for Cargo
Your board is protected for oversized shipping using board-safe packing materials. We take extra care because large composite boards need more protection than standard packages.
4
The Board Ships by Air Cargo
Once booked, the shipment moves through the airline cargo network. Transit time can vary based on airport availability, airline schedule, weather, and destination.
5
You Pick It Up at the Airport Cargo Facility
When the shipment is ready, you pick it up from the airport cargo facility. Bring a government-issued photo ID and the shipment details or airway bill number provided with your tracking information.
Before You Pick Up Your Board
Bring ID
The person picking up the shipment should bring a valid government-issued photo ID.
Bring Tracking Details
Have your tracking information, airway bill number, or pickup confirmation ready when you arrive.
Use the Cargo Facility
Airport cargo pickup is usually not inside the main passenger terminal. Check the cargo facility address before driving to the airport.
Inspect Before Leaving
Check the box and board before leaving the cargo facility. If you see damage, take photos immediately and contact Windance before discarding packaging.
Air Freight FAQ
How will I know when my board is ready for pickup?
Windance will notify you once your air freight shipment is booked and moving. We will provide tracking information, the airport cargo pickup location, and pickup instructions. In most cases, the cargo facility will also confirm when the shipment is ready for release.
Is air freight safer for boards?
Air freight is often a safer option for large boards because it can reduce repeated handling compared with standard parcel or ground freight networks. Large boards are oversized, fragile, and expensive to replace, so we prefer shipping methods that help limit unnecessary transfers.
Do I need to inspect the board at pickup?
Yes. Please inspect the box and board before leaving the airport cargo facility. If you notice damage, take photos right away and contact Windance before discarding the packaging.
Questions About Air Freight?
We are happy to help confirm whether air freight is the right option for your board order. Contact Windance before placing your order if you are unsure about airport pickup, eligible boards, or shipping options.
Call 1-800-574-4020 or email windance@windance.com.
Air Freight Board Shipping FAQs
What does air freight board shipping mean?
Air freight board shipping means your large board ships through an airline cargo network to a commercial airport cargo facility. It is not home delivery. You pick up the board at the airport cargo facility after it arrives.
Will my board be delivered to my house?
No. Air freight shipments are picked up by the customer at the nearest available commercial airport cargo facility. This is usually separate from the main passenger terminal or baggage claim area.
Why does Windance ship large boards by air freight?
Large boards are oversized, fragile, and difficult to move through standard parcel networks. Air freight can reduce handling, move boards more efficiently, and provide a clearer pickup process for oversized items like wing boards, downwind boards, kitesurf boards, and windsurf boards.
How much does air freight board shipping cost?
New eligible large boards ship for $99 flat rate. Used eligible large boards ship for $179 flat rate. The rate applies to eligible board categories shown at checkout.
Which boards qualify for air freight flat-rate shipping?
Eligible large boards include wing boards, downwind boards, kitesurf boards, and windsurf boards. Twin tips, kite foil boards, pump foil boards, foils, sails, wings, and smaller accessories are not included in this board air freight flat-rate program unless otherwise stated at checkout.
How do I know which airport my board will ship to?
After your order is placed, Windance reviews your shipping address and confirms the nearest available commercial airport cargo facility that can receive the shipment. Availability depends on airline cargo routes and destination coverage.
What do I need to pick up my board at the airport?
Bring a government-issued photo ID and the shipment details provided by Windance, such as tracking information or an airway bill number. Check the cargo facility address before driving to the airport because cargo pickup is usually not at passenger baggage claim.
What should I do if my board looks damaged at pickup?
Inspect the box and board before leaving the cargo facility. If you see damage, take clear photos of the box, packing materials, and board, then contact Windance right away. Keep all packaging until the issue is resolved.