Additional weight for dive gear

[sandie2]

Hi there,
Myself and partner are off to Oz with BA/Quantas in August and want to take our dive gear with us (we've previously rented abroad). Worried about weight allowance of only 20 kg. Do these airlines allow any extra weight for scuba gear?

 

[jawfish]

No, most of the airlines have been strictly following their weight guidelines. What I have done since the new weight restrictions is to really use the bag allowance to the fullest. Each passenger can take a total of 4 bags without charge, 2 checked and 2 carry on. WIth the two checked, distribute the weight evenly.

Of course, don't bring weight, all dive ops supply weight. Even if you have weight integrated, the weight blocks will be fine. I carry my reg on the plane, so that weight is eliminated. And if all else fails, I start unpacking clothes... so I have more room for gear!!

 

[donacheson]

Hi there,
Myself and partner are off to Oz with BA/Quantas in August and want to take our dive gear with us (we've previously rented abroad). Worried about weight allowance of only 20 kg. Do these airlines allow any extra weight for scuba gear?

Check their Web sites for baggage allowances. If an extra allowance for scuba gear is not specifically permitted, I'd assume there is none.

 

[triton94949]

Hi there,
Myself and partner are off to Oz with BA/Quantas in August and want to take our dive gear with us (we've previously rented abroad). Worried about weight allowance of only 20 kg. Do these airlines allow any extra weight for scuba gear?

I have never heard of such "allowances." Anytime you go over a weight limit you need to pay. Just bring your Mastercard.

If you pack light, then the extra 6 to 8 KGs of lead weights that you bring with you should not be a major problem. When I do that, I bring soft weights in a pouch weight belt, attach it to my carryon on the outside, and then detach it when it gets run through the security station. They will want to look at the weights individually due to the density characteristics on the read-out of the scanner. Having the weight belt separate spares you from having to unpack your entire carryon bag.

 

[countryboy]

Typically weight is 50 lbs limit within continental US, 75 lbs if traveling "abroad".. you must pay for overweight (not cheap).. They typically do not allow any extra for SCUBA, although you may try.. I ca bring my whole rig (minus tanks & weights) and it falls around 42 lbs...

 

[Matt the Aquaman]

Hello there sandie2,

Welcome to Scuba Board! and Safe Diving :diver:

Click here to greet a new member!
No experience needed and it feels great!​

 

[sandie2]

Thanks for the advice, I didn't know about the 4 bag allowance.so with chucking out some of the clothes hopefully we'll manage. cheers, Sandie2

 

[sandie2]

Thanks for replying. We'll be packing light and hopefully leaving the mastercard for paying for the diving!
Cheers Sandie2

 

[Damselfish]

I've heard of people getting extra allowances for gear on some airlines, mostly things I've read on this board. Personally, I'm afraid to let any airline know I have scuba gear to begin with in case they see that as a reason to charge more no matter what the weight.

(If the international limit is higher than domestic I've usually seen 70#, not 75. )

 

[Allison Finch]

One year, Air NiuGuini (Papua New Guinea) had a major underwater film contest. That year they allowed more weight for dive/photo gear. Unfortunately, that is no more.
Last year in Australia, on my way back to PNG, Quantas weighed my bag as 1 kilo over. ONE KILO!!! They said no overweight charge....take something out or the bag would NOT go on the plane. I took two pairs of socks and a book out. Go figure....

Just do your best to keep to the limits.

BTW, Quantas will often take your carry-on at the gate and check it. If it weighs more than 15 lbs (and they ALL do) they will gate check it. Make sure all fragile stuff is well protected.