Bonaire Countdown

[NoTime58]

Originally Posted by Rockhound76

Fares going up? Just wait. We got back from Bonaire on Sunday, 6 checked bags for family of four. Two bags of dive gear, the rest clothes, meds, etc. (for 8 days). We had four carry-ons, including regs, U/W camera system and masks, plus my wife's purse and a camera bag.We were barely under the 50# limit on most of the bags.

We head to G. Cayman in June. New regs that "might" be in place before our trip: ONE 40lb. checked bag/person. ONE carry-on and purses, books, small camera bags will count in total. Each extra bag will be around $50. Overweight bags (any over 40lb.) will be $100/ea.

It's a 10 day trip. Two camera systems. Full gear setups. Two kids (you know, ALL sorts of stuff). I can't see making it on 4 bags and 4 small carry-ons.

I told my wife: bring 3 pair of ratty shorts, 4 old t-shirts each and toiletries. We'll wear those until they get dirty, throw them away, and buy some new stuff (or find a laundry, I guess.).

Suddenly, the trip got a lot more expensive.

What airline are you flying that only allows one checked bag per person & no more than forty lbs ? I flew Delta to Grand Cayman in November and it was two bags per person checked, no more than fifty lbs each. My wife was close on her bag, (49 lbs). I've traveled Internationally for the last 26 months and the only time I could'nt have more than fifty lbs was during the sumer months flying out of Baghdad on our company charter flight, (they limited us to forty five lbs checked & carry-on).

[TRACI]

Last time we flew on Continental they told us that if you are going to a dive destination you can have up to 70#'s in a check bag as long as it is strictly dive equipment.

[SHAGGY]

Originally Posted by TRACI

Last time we flew on Continental they told us that if you are going to a dive destination you can have up to 70#'s in a check bag as long as it is strictly dive equipment.

WOW,... 70#,..... They were strict on me and my brother on the 50# limit when we flew Continental out of IAH this past November. But then again,.... my brother usually brings out the worst in most people,....LOL


shaggy

[azdiver]

Checked bag / weight restrictions change often so your best bet is to check the airline's website before you leave for the latest info. Usually, weight limits for international flights out of the states are a little higher than for flights within the US.

[diversteve]

Originally Posted by tc_rain

Do you know if this is going to be for all airlines or a specific one? I am having a hard time now with two checked bags at 50#

Both Delta and USAirways recently announced that they'll be charging $25 for that 2nd checked bag. Not sure if it's started yet.

Originally Posted by TRACI

Last time we flew on Continental they told us that if you are going to a dive destination you can have up to 70#'s in a check bag as long as it is strictly dive equipment.

Not any more. I think the 70# international limit is history on most airlines.

Continental does accept one dive bag containing equipment used in the scuba-diving sport as part of the free baggage allowance. Scuba equipment in addition to the free baggage allowance will be assessed at the excess baggage charge applicable in the market for a single piece.

Dive bags weighing over 50lbs (23kg) that contain other items in addition to or in place of appropriate dive equipment will be subject to the applicable overweight fee.

Dive bags measuring over 62 linear inches (157 cm) that contain other items in addition to or in place of dive equipment will be subject to the applicable overweight charge.

An empty dive tank will not be included in determining the Free Baggage Allowance and will be subject to a $100 service charge (each way).

[Zenagirl]

We scored first class tickets to Bonaire for only $200 more per person, so we get 3 checked bags at 70# each! At this point we're only planning to have 4 bags total, but it's nice to know if we inch above that 50# mark we won't have to worry about it.

On the other hand, can't see the weight getting that out of hand since we'll have our 2 dive bags (normally no more than 45#), a bag for clothing (how much do shorts and t-shirts weigh?), and a bag for food items.

[georoc01]

Originally Posted by NoTime58

What airline are you flying that only allows one checked bag per person & no more than forty lbs ? I flew Delta to Grand Cayman in November and it was two bags per person checked, no more than fifty lbs each. My wife was close on her bag, (49 lbs). I've traveled Internationally for the last 26 months and the only time I could'nt have more than fifty lbs was during the sumer months flying out of Baghdad on our company charter flight, (they limited us to forty five lbs checked & carry-on).

Many of the flights to smaller islands on propeller planes have that requirement (Dominica comes to mind). Also internally in Costa Rica from San Jose to the coast has that.

[TRACI]

here is a link to the baggage allowance to specific destinations and dates. In January , Continental just checked our bag to make sure it was ALL dive gear, it weighed 65 #'s, they just put a heavy sticker on it, let it go in through, with no additional charge. We will be going to Bonaire in Aug, and per Continential Rep, the 70# free baggage will still apply then.

Continental Airlines - Excess Baggage Embargo