Mexicana
If you want to get the best deal on Mexicana's already low prices to Latin America, book your ticket through a local Latino travel agent which you can find through your favorite Search engine. Their economy baggage allowance of 101 pounds for two pieces is fairly standard.
They do allow some sporting equipment as one of your checked-in pieces for free, if it doesn't exceed the total weight allowance or a linear dimension of 55 inches. These include backpacks, sleeping bags, and skiing or fishing equipment. However, windsurfing equipment, surfboards, bicycles, scuba gear and boogie boards do incur a specific charge.
Mexicana Airlines
(800) 531-7921
www.mexicana.com
Singapore Airlines
Consistently rated as the best international airline in the world by such magazines as Travel & Leisure, Singapore Airlines excels with both service and seat comfort to Asia. Though their economy baggage limit of two pieces, each weighing 50 pounds, is not unusual, they do allow sporting equipment like surfboards and bicycles as part of that allowance.
In addition, any sports gear that exceeds this allowance is charged for only 13 pounds of excess at weights up to 33 pounds. After that, normal excess charges apply. However, these rates only apply to one of the same equipment, such as one bicycle. An extra bicycle receives the normal charges for all of its weight. See the link in Resources for more information.
Singapore Airlines
800-742-3333
http://www.singaporeair.com
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic's cool vibe permeates its flights to Europe, which feature two coach classes: economy and the slightly more expensive Premium economy. The latter features wider and fewer seats, and accepts heavier luggage at two pieces, with each up to 70 pounds. Economy only allows 50 pounds per piece.
Sports gear is included as part of the baggage allowance, so long as it does not weigh more than 50 pounds. However, each type has specific restrictions. For example, you can bring either skis or a snowboard, but not both.
Virgin Atlantic
800-821-5438
www.virgin-atlantic.com
