AGGGHH! What would YOU do?

Drmike · 12th September 2006, 05:38

So Im standing there at check in, with my Boris and enough gear to support a week of exploring french caves with Jerome on the scales, when she tells me the excess luggage fee will be S$5200 dollars!!!! (over 3k US).My first reaction was to cancel the (business/diving) trip - but after some serious negotiation they reduce it to S$3200 dollars (US2K) One way naturally.Apparently the excess fee has gone up, plus I wasnt able to carry on the 25kg I usually do due to security restrictions reducing carry on sizes.Bummer. Faced with cancelling my trip or spending the dosh I decided screw it - its only money. But it stung (still does)I have never paid more that US750 in the past - The fee must have gone up a heck of a lot. My frequent flyer status had dropped to silver recently as I had redreamed some miles so that lost me an extra 10kg of free allowance. I was carrying more gear this time. I couldnt take my usual 25kg as hand carry!aggghhh!If the flight hadnt been free (business) - I would have canceled the trip.All the more reason to enjoy the diving!sorry - just needed to rant

decoweenie · 12th September 2006, 05:50

You better enjoy your expensive cave excursion in France...

Facing the possibility of US$4000 worth of excess luggage fee ? We need to make more Travel-Frames soon, Steven...

teksimple · 12th September 2006, 06:48

Thanks, Mike. I feel much better now about the $800+ US I spent on my Sodasorb in the Galapagos.

On the other hand, I am starting to worry about the cost to get my kit to Argentina if my Antarctica plans go any further.

AD_ward9 · 12th September 2006, 07:08

Quote: (Originally Posted by teksimple)

Thanks, Mike. I feel much better now about the $800+ US I spent on my Sodasorb in the Galapagos.

On the other hand, I am starting to worry about the cost to get my kit to Argentina if my Antarctica plans go any further.

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

rogeringebo · 12th September 2006, 07:22

Fantastic!
Mr Megalodon is on his way to Thailand

2stoned · 12th September 2006, 07:28

Bravo!

The perfect solution; play their game.

I will never pay those fees again, thank you.

Johnny Christensen · 12th September 2006, 08:07

Great

The stuff we learn on Rebreather World is amazing

mikedive · 12th September 2006, 12:11

Hey Alex,

Thanks for the tip, I'll try in november when I go to Brazil full loaded with 2 breathers, scooter, booster and gear.
Cheers,

mattmexico · 12th September 2006, 14:52

Quote: (Originally Posted by AD_ward9)

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

yo

hahahaha that is just great stuff, you got me smiling as I am loading up right now to go to Sardinia with Inspiration and full exploraiton kit ... will think about next time .... exelent

Matt

Mark Chase · 12th September 2006, 16:10

And seeing as Boris is only one year old you can get child rates

I am not so sure this works in the UK. I tried when we went to Cyprus and they said no but thats the only time. They said a ticket holder must have a passport and that if the ticket holder did not get on the plane then his luggage would be taken off. (Coz i tried with a M8 turning up at the airport then buggering off after checking in.)

I believe this is true of all airlines. If the ticket holder checks in luggage but doesn't get on the plane they delay the flight whilst they remove his bomb I mean luggage.

Coming back from Egypt once after a massive delay, a woman fell over in the surge to get on the airport bus and she broke her arm. She was taken off the flight and we were further delayed whilst they found all her luggage and took it off the plane.

ATB

Mark Chase

12th September 2006, 05:38	#1 (permalink)
Drmike Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: MK 15.X Ouroboros Other CCR Home Build Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other CCR Home Build Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 3,128	AGGGHH! What would YOU do? So Im standing there at check in, with my Boris and enough gear to support a week of exploring french caves with Jerome on the scales, when she tells me the excess luggage fee will be S$5200 dollars!!!! (over 3k US).My first reaction was to cancel the (business/diving) trip - but after some serious negotiation they reduce it to S$3200 dollars (US2K) One way naturally.Apparently the excess fee has gone up, plus I wasnt able to carry on the 25kg I usually do due to security restrictions reducing carry on sizes.Bummer. Faced with cancelling my trip or spending the dosh I decided screw it - its only money. But it stung (still does)I have never paid more that US750 in the past - The fee must have gone up a heck of a lot. My frequent flyer status had dropped to silver recently as I had redreamed some miles so that lost me an extra 10kg of free allowance. I was carrying more gear this time. I couldnt take my usual 25kg as hand carry!aggghhh!If the flight hadnt been free (business) - I would have canceled the trip.All the more reason to enjoy the diving!sorry - just needed to rant __________________ Get a girlfriend you sad twat - a Rebreather is an unfaithful mistress - dont blind yourself to her faults just because she goes down on you
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12th September 2006, 05:50	#2 (permalink)
decoweenie Crash Test Dummy Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Cairo Posts: 5,510	Re: AGGGHH! What would YOU do? You better enjoy your expensive cave excursion in France... Facing the possibility of US$4000 worth of excess luggage fee ? We need to make more Travel-Frames soon, Steven... __________________ "...after a while you get bored offering advice to a bull that like to keep butting the fence with its head rather than walking through the open gate..." - Rebreather World PM
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12th September 2006, 06:48	#3 (permalink)
teksimple Enlightened Alpinist Current Rebreather/s: Sport Kiss MK 15.X Other Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Back in Hawaii Posts: 480	Re: AGGGHH! What would YOU do? Thanks, Mike. I feel much better now about the $800+ US I spent on my Sodasorb in the Galapagos. On the other hand, I am starting to worry about the cost to get my kit to Argentina if my Antarctica plans go any further.
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12th September 2006, 07:08	#4 (permalink)
AD_ward9 So much more to learn Current Rebreather/s: Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Other CCR Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Scotland Posts: 1,600	Re: AGGGHH! What would YOU do? Quote: (Originally Posted by teksimple) Thanks, Mike. I feel much better now about the $800+ US I spent on my Sodasorb in the Galapagos. On the other hand, I am starting to worry about the cost to get my kit to Argentina if my Antarctica plans go any further. 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 Last edited by AD_ward9 : 12th September 2006 at 07:16.
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12th September 2006, 07:22	#5 (permalink)
rogeringebo Done with bubbles Current Rebreather/s: Pelagian Other Rebreather/s: Megalodon Classic Kiss Pelagian Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Stockholm Sweden Posts: 674	Re: AGGGHH! What would YOU do? Fantastic! Mr Megalodon is on his way to Thailand
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12th September 2006, 07:28	#6 (permalink)
2stoned Such is my point of view Current Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Other Rebreather/s: Not Bought Yet Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Denmark Posts: 77	Re: AGGGHH! What would YOU do? Bravo! The perfect solution; play their game. I will never pay those fees again, thank you. __________________ Sten. The only man that always had all his work done by Friday, was Robinson Crusoe! www.rebreatherworld.com - Is going down in silence - Staying longer in stealth and style - Diving first class, all the way!
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12th September 2006, 08:07	#7 (permalink)
Johnny Christensen Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Other Rebreather/s: Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Denmark Posts: 296	Re: AGGGHH! What would YOU do? Great The stuff we learn on Rebreather World is amazing __________________ www.johnnychristensen.com Wreckphotography from the cold north
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12th September 2006, 12:11	#8 (permalink)
mikedive Custom Title Allowed! Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Other CCR Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Optima Other CCR Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Brazil, Texas and Mexico Posts: 322	Re: AGGGHH! What would YOU do? Hey Alex, Thanks for the tip, I'll try in november when I go to Brazil full loaded with 2 breathers, scooter, booster and gear. Cheers, __________________ Michael Silva Netto - Rebreather Clube do Brasil rebreathertraining@gmail.com
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12th September 2006, 14:52	#9 (permalink)
mattmexico Rebreather World Writer Current Rebreather/s: Megalodon Classic Kiss Optima RB80 / Clone Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Evolution Prism Topaz Sport Kiss RB80 / Clone Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Mexico, Q.Roo, Playa del Carmen Posts: 752	Re: AGGGHH! What would YOU do? Quote: (Originally Posted by AD_ward9) 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 yo hahahaha that is just great stuff, you got me smiling as I am loading up right now to go to Sardinia with Inspiration and full exploraiton kit ... will think about next time .... exelent Matt __________________ N 20' 37.617' W 87' 04.693' www.andreaswmatthes.com
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12th September 2006, 16:10	#10 (permalink)
Mark Chase I go down for ages Current Rebreather/s: Classic Kiss Other Rebreather/s: Inspiration Classic Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kent Posts: 2,470	Re: AGGGHH! What would YOU do? And seeing as Boris is only one year old you can get child rates I am not so sure this works in the UK. I tried when we went to Cyprus and they said no but thats the only time. They said a ticket holder must have a passport and that if the ticket holder did not get on the plane then his luggage would be taken off. (Coz i tried with a M8 turning up at the airport then buggering off after checking in.) I believe this is true of all airlines. If the ticket holder checks in luggage but doesn't get on the plane they delay the flight whilst they remove his bomb I mean luggage. Coming back from Egypt once after a massive delay, a woman fell over in the surge to get on the airport bus and she broke her arm. She was taken off the flight and we were further delayed whilst they found all her luggage and took it off the plane. ATB Mark Chase __________________ Is it supposed to make that noise ? I took my unit to the dive shop and demanded they bolt on every thing that would fit. Join my elite diving teem and get a Tshirt "Doing It Chasey"Hammerhead Eccr Advanced Diving System
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