There is a way around this.

I have not paid excess baggage in donkey's years. You need to understand how their system works.

First the charge: The excess baggage is a percentage of the full price First Class ticket, usually 1/70th per Kg. This means if you buy a first class ticket, it is cheaper than excess baggage.

The trick is to buy multiple economy tickets in the name of "Ouroboris Rebreather", "Outboard 50hp" etc. This is not a problem on most airlines. The only company that has given me serious grief on this has been British Airways, and Icelandic Airlines on the return journey only. Just find another airline if they do not accept. British Airlines lost my luggage 19 times in 21 flights, so worth avoiding anyway.

Then when you get to the desk say, "I have 2 passengers to check in. This is my passport, this is Mr Ouroboris and his photo (show a photo) but I guess you would prefer him in the hold rather than on the seat he has bought, I think that is OK - he will not complain about his treatment so long as it is gentle."

This way you get 80Kg plus the baggage allowance for "Ouroboris" at an economy ticket price. That is, 100kg for an economy ticket. The worst you can get hit with is full economy price. You can even apply for a frequent traveller's card for "Mr Ouroboris"! At least with KLM. American Airlines out of Heathrow are very good on this. I even got 5 seats to put kit on from them.

Last time I went to the States, I took a RIB, an outboard, 2 pallets of dive kit. All economy. Mr RIB was most happy. You do not even pay oversize charges if you do this, because a person is larger than the size limit, so a ticket in the name of Mr Ouroboris is OK even if Mr Ouroboris is a bit big.

Just watch out in Europe: conveyors are programmed not to take things heavier than 31kg to prevent good looking passengers sweet talking the charming lady behind the desk. With DrMike's latest hair cut, I do not think they have to worry, but the point is the belt will jam.

By the way, always make a point of giving a box of chocolates to the Check-In Clerk at your home end, if you travel frequently. She will remember you. She is the most important person in your travel plans.

Alex