Air Tahiti (Nui) Baggage Limits (Was Feb 07)

"mag3" <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:56r8g2hev9lq7kasfmvqb1qj2fg9kki7ja@4ax.com...

> 2 Checked bags 50lbs each for coach, 70lbs each for First & BC. I took a
> 3rd
> checked bag (the Ikelite Underwater housing Pellican case) and had to pay
> $60.00 extra outbound.
> I had to hagle with the check in agent as the 22" carryon weighed over
> 30lbs and she almost
> refused it. I think since I volunteered to pay for the 3rd checked bag she
> let it go. On the return
> flight the gate agent gave me a freebe on the 3rd checked bag since I was
> in BC.

I really hate when they randomly tag carryons that, except for weight, are
within limits. As we were boarding our flight out of Provo on Saturday, the
gate agent, without saying a word, slyly stuck a pink gate claim on my
wheeled carryon, handing me the stub. Yeah, right. That bag contained a
video camera and both our regs/computers, and we were sitting up front on a
737 with plenty of overhead space. What gives? On the walk to the plane, I
simply ripped off the pink tag, and then carried the bag up the stairs and
onboard without a hitch.

> Here I had to check 4 bags (including the standard 22" carryon) for a
> total of US$140.00 round
> trip, including a 5 Kilo discount for bringing SCUBA equipment (1 of the 2
> big checked bags) and
> a 30% overall discount for a round trip payment. Only my laptop was
> allowed as a carryon.
> But nonetheless, I got to carry it all. I just had to pay for it.
> I gather that's the objection (ie. paying extra)?

Actually I don't mind paying extra if that's all that's involved. It's
already an expensive trip, so another couple hundred bucks isn't gonna make
a serious difference in the total cost. What I fear is the time when I go
to check in my overweight luggage and they refuse to take it, period. This
happened to me once on a Continental flight out of Quito on a 737 when I
barely exceeded the 70 lb limit on one bag, and my fears exponentially
increase as the size of the aircraft and the weight limits decrease.

"mag3" <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:56r8g2hev9lq7kasfmvqb1qj2fg9kki7ja@4ax.com...

> 2 Checked bags 50lbs each for coach, 70lbs each for First & BC. I took a
> 3rd
> checked bag (the Ikelite Underwater housing Pellican case) and had to pay
> $60.00 extra outbound.
> I had to hagle with the check in agent as the 22" carryon weighed over
> 30lbs and she almost
> refused it. I think since I volunteered to pay for the 3rd checked bag she
> let it go. On the return
> flight the gate agent gave me a freebe on the 3rd checked bag since I was
> in BC.

I really hate when they randomly tag carryons that, except for weight, are
within limits. As we were boarding our flight out of Provo on Saturday, the
gate agent, without saying a word, slyly stuck a pink gate claim on my
wheeled carryon, handing me the stub. Yeah, right. That bag contained a
video camera and both our regs/computers, and we were sitting up front on a
737 with plenty of overhead space. What gives? On the walk to the plane, I
simply ripped off the pink tag, and then carried the bag up the stairs and
onboard without a hitch.

> Here I had to check 4 bags (including the standard 22" carryon) for a
> total of US$140.00 round
> trip, including a 5 Kilo discount for bringing SCUBA equipment (1 of the 2
> big checked bags) and
> a 30% overall discount for a round trip payment. Only my laptop was
> allowed as a carryon.
> But nonetheless, I got to carry it all. I just had to pay for it.
> I gather that's the objection (ie. paying extra)?

Actually I don't mind paying extra if that's all that's involved. It's
already an expensive trip, so another couple hundred bucks isn't gonna make
a serious difference in the total cost. What I fear is the time when I go
to check in my overweight luggage and they refuse to take it, period. This
happened to me once on a Continental flight out of Quito on a 737 when I
barely exceeded the 70 lb limit on one bag, and my fears exponentially
increase as the size of the aircraft and the weight limits decrease.

"mag3" <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:56r8g2hev9lq7kasfmvqb1qj2fg9kki7ja@4ax.com...

> 2 Checked bags 50lbs each for coach, 70lbs each for First & BC. I took a
> 3rd
> checked bag (the Ikelite Underwater housing Pellican case) and had to pay
> $60.00 extra outbound.
> I had to hagle with the check in agent as the 22" carryon weighed over
> 30lbs and she almost
> refused it. I think since I volunteered to pay for the 3rd checked bag she
> let it go. On the return
> flight the gate agent gave me a freebe on the 3rd checked bag since I was
> in BC.

I really hate when they randomly tag carryons that, except for weight, are
within limits. As we were boarding our flight out of Provo on Saturday, the
gate agent, without saying a word, slyly stuck a pink gate claim on my
wheeled carryon, handing me the stub. Yeah, right. That bag contained a
video camera and both our regs/computers, and we were sitting up front on a
737 with plenty of overhead space. What gives? On the walk to the plane, I
simply ripped off the pink tag, and then carried the bag up the stairs and
onboard without a hitch.

> Here I had to check 4 bags (including the standard 22" carryon) for a
> total of US$140.00 round
> trip, including a 5 Kilo discount for bringing SCUBA equipment (1 of the 2
> big checked bags) and
> a 30% overall discount for a round trip payment. Only my laptop was
> allowed as a carryon.
> But nonetheless, I got to carry it all. I just had to pay for it.
> I gather that's the objection (ie. paying extra)?

Actually I don't mind paying extra if that's all that's involved. It's
already an expensive trip, so another couple hundred bucks isn't gonna make
a serious difference in the total cost. What I fear is the time when I go
to check in my overweight luggage and they refuse to take it, period. This
happened to me once on a Continental flight out of Quito on a 737 when I
barely exceeded the 70 lb limit on one bag, and my fears exponentially
increase as the size of the aircraft and the weight limits decrease.

On Mon, 11 Sep 2006 05:46:22 -0700, "Greg Mossman" <mossman@qnet.com> wrote:

>"mag3" <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>news:56r8g2hev9lq7kasfmvqb1qj2fg9kki7ja@4ax.com.. .
>
>I really hate when they randomly tag carryons that, except for weight, are
>within limits. As we were boarding our flight out of Provo on Saturday, the
>gate agent, without saying a word, slyly stuck a pink gate claim on my
>wheeled carryon, handing me the stub. Yeah, right. That bag contained a
>video camera and both our regs/computers, and we were sitting up front on a
>737 with plenty of overhead space. What gives?

Similar equipment for mine (the DC310, the DCR-TRV280, dive computer and the Analox OE II)
plus a few odds/ends. It just tipped at over 31lbs and I gather she saw me try to lift it and
then said "please put it on the scale." Lesson learned: roll it in their presence.

After I told her I'd pay for the Pellican case containing the Ikelite housing, she then gave
me a pink "cabin baggage" tag for the carry on. No problems. Oddly enough, the PPT
check in agent didn't even weigh the carry on.

>Actually I don't mind paying extra if that's all that's involved. It's
>already an expensive trip, so another couple hundred bucks isn't gonna make
>a serious difference in the total cost. What I fear is the time when I go
>to check in my overweight luggage and they refuse to take it, period. This
>happened to me once on a Continental flight out of Quito on a 737 when I
>barely exceeded the 70 lb limit on one bag, and my fears exponentially
>increase as the size of the aircraft and the weight limits decrease.

I weigh my bags before I go and pack accordingly. So far, I've been lucky. I also
pack a spare empty canvas gear bag in one of the checked bags in case they make me
"re-distribute" later. Haven't had to yet. Fortunately, the SCUBA equipment bag
(given my current configuration) is just under 50lbs so it can make the domestic trips.

We'll see how it goes next year when I have to take all I took to PPT this time to Palau
on CO.

____________________________________________
Regards,

Arnold

On Mon, 11 Sep 2006 05:46:22 -0700, "Greg Mossman" <mossman@qnet.com> wrote:

>"mag3" <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>news:56r8g2hev9lq7kasfmvqb1qj2fg9kki7ja@4ax.com.. .
>
>I really hate when they randomly tag carryons that, except for weight, are
>within limits. As we were boarding our flight out of Provo on Saturday, the
>gate agent, without saying a word, slyly stuck a pink gate claim on my
>wheeled carryon, handing me the stub. Yeah, right. That bag contained a
>video camera and both our regs/computers, and we were sitting up front on a
>737 with plenty of overhead space. What gives?

Similar equipment for mine (the DC310, the DCR-TRV280, dive computer and the Analox OE II)
plus a few odds/ends. It just tipped at over 31lbs and I gather she saw me try to lift it and
then said "please put it on the scale." Lesson learned: roll it in their presence.

After I told her I'd pay for the Pellican case containing the Ikelite housing, she then gave
me a pink "cabin baggage" tag for the carry on. No problems. Oddly enough, the PPT
check in agent didn't even weigh the carry on.

>Actually I don't mind paying extra if that's all that's involved. It's
>already an expensive trip, so another couple hundred bucks isn't gonna make
>a serious difference in the total cost. What I fear is the time when I go
>to check in my overweight luggage and they refuse to take it, period. This
>happened to me once on a Continental flight out of Quito on a 737 when I
>barely exceeded the 70 lb limit on one bag, and my fears exponentially
>increase as the size of the aircraft and the weight limits decrease.

I weigh my bags before I go and pack accordingly. So far, I've been lucky. I also
pack a spare empty canvas gear bag in one of the checked bags in case they make me
"re-distribute" later. Haven't had to yet. Fortunately, the SCUBA equipment bag
(given my current configuration) is just under 50lbs so it can make the domestic trips.

We'll see how it goes next year when I have to take all I took to PPT this time to Palau
on CO.

____________________________________________
Regards,

Arnold

On Mon, 11 Sep 2006 05:46:22 -0700, "Greg Mossman" <mossman@qnet.com> wrote:

>"mag3" <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> wrote in message
>news:56r8g2hev9lq7kasfmvqb1qj2fg9kki7ja@4ax.com.. .
>
>I really hate when they randomly tag carryons that, except for weight, are
>within limits. As we were boarding our flight out of Provo on Saturday, the
>gate agent, without saying a word, slyly stuck a pink gate claim on my
>wheeled carryon, handing me the stub. Yeah, right. That bag contained a
>video camera and both our regs/computers, and we were sitting up front on a
>737 with plenty of overhead space. What gives?

Similar equipment for mine (the DC310, the DCR-TRV280, dive computer and the Analox OE II)
plus a few odds/ends. It just tipped at over 31lbs and I gather she saw me try to lift it and
then said "please put it on the scale." Lesson learned: roll it in their presence.

After I told her I'd pay for the Pellican case containing the Ikelite housing, she then gave
me a pink "cabin baggage" tag for the carry on. No problems. Oddly enough, the PPT
check in agent didn't even weigh the carry on.

>Actually I don't mind paying extra if that's all that's involved. It's
>already an expensive trip, so another couple hundred bucks isn't gonna make
>a serious difference in the total cost. What I fear is the time when I go
>to check in my overweight luggage and they refuse to take it, period. This
>happened to me once on a Continental flight out of Quito on a 737 when I
>barely exceeded the 70 lb limit on one bag, and my fears exponentially
>increase as the size of the aircraft and the weight limits decrease.

I weigh my bags before I go and pack accordingly. So far, I've been lucky. I also
pack a spare empty canvas gear bag in one of the checked bags in case they make me
"re-distribute" later. Haven't had to yet. Fortunately, the SCUBA equipment bag
(given my current configuration) is just under 50lbs so it can make the domestic trips.

We'll see how it goes next year when I have to take all I took to PPT this time to Palau
on CO.

____________________________________________
Regards,

Arnold

"mag3" <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:n71bg2943s227tjkigorn191ufud0hfa84@4ax.com...

> I weigh my bags before I go and pack accordingly. So far, I've been lucky.
> I also
> pack a spare empty canvas gear bag in one of the checked bags in case they
> make me
> "re-distribute" later. Haven't had to yet. Fortunately, the SCUBA
> equipment bag
> (given my current configuration) is just under 50lbs so it can make the
> domestic trips.
>
> We'll see how it goes next year when I have to take all I took to PPT this
> time to Palau
> on CO.

Continental is among the most generous of airlines as far as baggage is
concerned. They allow 70 lbs x 2 for all elite-status mileage plan members,
and 70 x 3 for first class. My situation was specific to Ecuador, which had
a luggage embargo in place that somehow restricted my bag even though I was
prepared to pay the normal $100 charge for the 70-100 lb category. Next
year I should make platinum with Continental, so we won't likely encounter
this problem again - especially since I don't plan to bring both open
circuit gear and a Draeger Dolphin complete with tank and pony this time
along with my camera.

Our normal plan is two hard clamshell bags for our dive gear, a Pelican with
the camera housing and lights/strobes, and a duffel for clothes &
toiletries, plus carryons as needed/allowed for the camera itself,
regs/computers, log books, medications, and other absolute necessaries.
Each of the four bags weighs under 50 lbs, so we're fine without the
Continental perks and on any U.S.-based carrier domestic or international.
If I upgrade to first-class with miles, which I'll almost definitely do, we
might bring another bag for a couple nice outfits for dining in Quito if I'm
certain that they'll honor the free extra bag out of Ecuador - I'll call
ahead to be certain. The duffel works fine for liveaboard clothes and is
great for storing, but it's hardly the best way to keep nice duds wrinkle
free.

"mag3" <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:n71bg2943s227tjkigorn191ufud0hfa84@4ax.com...

> I weigh my bags before I go and pack accordingly. So far, I've been lucky.
> I also
> pack a spare empty canvas gear bag in one of the checked bags in case they
> make me
> "re-distribute" later. Haven't had to yet. Fortunately, the SCUBA
> equipment bag
> (given my current configuration) is just under 50lbs so it can make the
> domestic trips.
>
> We'll see how it goes next year when I have to take all I took to PPT this
> time to Palau
> on CO.

Continental is among the most generous of airlines as far as baggage is
concerned. They allow 70 lbs x 2 for all elite-status mileage plan members,
and 70 x 3 for first class. My situation was specific to Ecuador, which had
a luggage embargo in place that somehow restricted my bag even though I was
prepared to pay the normal $100 charge for the 70-100 lb category. Next
year I should make platinum with Continental, so we won't likely encounter
this problem again - especially since I don't plan to bring both open
circuit gear and a Draeger Dolphin complete with tank and pony this time
along with my camera.

Our normal plan is two hard clamshell bags for our dive gear, a Pelican with
the camera housing and lights/strobes, and a duffel for clothes &
toiletries, plus carryons as needed/allowed for the camera itself,
regs/computers, log books, medications, and other absolute necessaries.
Each of the four bags weighs under 50 lbs, so we're fine without the
Continental perks and on any U.S.-based carrier domestic or international.
If I upgrade to first-class with miles, which I'll almost definitely do, we
might bring another bag for a couple nice outfits for dining in Quito if I'm
certain that they'll honor the free extra bag out of Ecuador - I'll call
ahead to be certain. The duffel works fine for liveaboard clothes and is
great for storing, but it's hardly the best way to keep nice duds wrinkle
free.

"mag3" <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:n71bg2943s227tjkigorn191ufud0hfa84@4ax.com...

> I weigh my bags before I go and pack accordingly. So far, I've been lucky.
> I also
> pack a spare empty canvas gear bag in one of the checked bags in case they
> make me
> "re-distribute" later. Haven't had to yet. Fortunately, the SCUBA
> equipment bag
> (given my current configuration) is just under 50lbs so it can make the
> domestic trips.
>
> We'll see how it goes next year when I have to take all I took to PPT this
> time to Palau
> on CO.

Continental is among the most generous of airlines as far as baggage is
concerned. They allow 70 lbs x 2 for all elite-status mileage plan members,
and 70 x 3 for first class. My situation was specific to Ecuador, which had
a luggage embargo in place that somehow restricted my bag even though I was
prepared to pay the normal $100 charge for the 70-100 lb category. Next
year I should make platinum with Continental, so we won't likely encounter
this problem again - especially since I don't plan to bring both open
circuit gear and a Draeger Dolphin complete with tank and pony this time
along with my camera.

Our normal plan is two hard clamshell bags for our dive gear, a Pelican with
the camera housing and lights/strobes, and a duffel for clothes &
toiletries, plus carryons as needed/allowed for the camera itself,
regs/computers, log books, medications, and other absolute necessaries.
Each of the four bags weighs under 50 lbs, so we're fine without the
Continental perks and on any U.S.-based carrier domestic or international.
If I upgrade to first-class with miles, which I'll almost definitely do, we
might bring another bag for a couple nice outfits for dining in Quito if I'm
certain that they'll honor the free extra bag out of Ecuador - I'll call
ahead to be certain. The duffel works fine for liveaboard clothes and is
great for storing, but it's hardly the best way to keep nice duds wrinkle
free.

It all depends on how booked the flight is. If the flight isn't very full,
they won't charge you.

Dave
"mag3" <zmpmag3-plongee@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:56r8g2hev9lq7kasfmvqb1qj2fg9kki7ja@4ax.com...
> On Thu, 31 Aug 2006 22:46:48 -0700, "Greg Mossman" <mossman@qnet.com>
> wrote:
>
>>No, it's Air Tahiti. Air Tahiti Nui is the international carrier and I
>>didn't think their luggage limits were a problem.
>
> 2 Checked bags 50lbs each for coach, 70lbs each for First & BC. I took a
> 3rd
> checked bag (the Ikelite Underwater housing Pellican case) and had to pay
> $60.00 extra outbound.
> I had to hagle with the check in agent as the 22" carryon weighed over
> 30lbs and she almost
> refused it. I think since I volunteered to pay for the 3rd checked bag she
> let it go. On the return
> flight the gate agent gave me a freebe on the 3rd checked bag since I was
> in BC.
>
>>Air Tahiti is the
>>regional island hopper and it's a 20 kilo limit as far as I recall.
>>You're
>>stuck with Air Tahiti getting to any island other than Tahiti, except for
>>the ferry to Moorea and the cruiseships that you favor.
>
> Here I had to check 4 bags (including the standard 22" carryon) for a
> total of US$140.00 round
> trip, including a 5 Kilo discount for bringing SCUBA equipment (1 of the 2
> big checked bags) and
> a 30% overall discount for a round trip payment. Only my laptop was
> allowed as a carryon.
>
> But nonetheless, I got to carry it all. I just had to pay for it.
>
> I gather that's the objection (ie. paying extra)?
>
>
>
> ____________________________________________
> Regards,
>
> Arnold