The DIVER Travel Planner

AIRLINE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCES
Holidaying divers have a serious weight problem to consider every time they prepare to travel.
No, it is not the pounds that need to be shed before they can squeeze back into their wetsuits. It is the amount of luggage they will be able to take with them on flights.
Most divers like to take as much of their equipment with them as possible, to avoid having to hire gear they may not feel happy using while away. But by its very nature, diving equipment is heavy. And taking it can prove very costly indeed.
On international flights the allowance is normally 20kg with a maximum of two pieces of checked-in luggage, but just 15kg on some charter flights. Airlines also allow one small piece of cabin baggage, which is sometimes taken into account in the total weight allowance.
Some airlines do make an allowance for divers, often an extra 5kg. But unlike golfers, whose golfing bags are carried without penalty, divers do not get any such automatic dispensation.
One positive note this year is the introduction of business class-style front cabins by several charter airlines. For a supplement, passengers get facilities including bigger seats, free bar service and, more importantly, 30kg luggage allowance.
Business class passengers on scheduled flights get an even greater allowance, plus they can take two pieces of cabin baggage on board.
The bad news for divers is that airlines are getting tougher, particularly on cabin baggage. Try taking on more than one bag, or a bag that is too big or too heavy and you will have a problem.
Also, consider whether you are going to have to change aircraft. Domestic flights may well have a smaller allowance than international ones, and the space in overhead lockers and under seats is smaller. So even if you are given some leeway on the international flight, staff on the next leg are likely to stick more rigidly to the rules.
The problem is even more acute if your final destination necessitates having to change onto a small aircraft, perhaps a single-engined Cessna or the like.
A good idea is to contact the airline first if you are worried you might be carrying more than your allowance, either in the hold or with you in the cabin. That is something the airlines themselves advocate if you are travelling with any special equipment.
Letting the airline know that you have bulky gear in advance can mean that there is a note in the computer which can avoid arguments at check-in. However, you may still encounter trouble on the return if the overseas airline staff are not so obliging. More of a problem is when you change airlines, and staff on the second leg have no record of your note with the original carrier.
Lack of consistency seems to be the main issue. Where some airline staff will allow leeway, others enforce rules rigorously - and to varying degrees.
However, if you do get asked to pay for overweight luggage, be prepared - it can get very expensive.
There is lobbying by some airlines for more consistent regulations, and a higher weight allowance for divers. The results will be known in July, 1999.

Appeared in DIVER - June 1999