Air Asia and Dive Gear

[namabiru]

I was on Air Asia's website, and I decided it would be smart to check on baggage allowance, excess fees, etc. Under their FAQ section, they state that scuba gear is classified as dangerous goods, and carriage subject to conditions.

I've tried ringing them multiple times (which is a bit pricey from Qatar, as I learned), to various call center access numbers, but can't get anyone. Can someone tell me their rules on carrying scuba gear, or their experience with using AA for dive travel? How was the weight issue handled?

What I'm kind of thinking is they won't carry things like tanks, spear guns, etc., but things like BCDs, regulators, cameras, fins are fine. Is that correct, or a reasonable guess? I wouldn't obviously have tanks, and I don't spear the fishies.

 

[timyang]

Namabiru,

Have a look at this link, it's the FAQ from Air Asia on their baggage policy.

Welcome to AirAsia.com...now everyone can fly...

"Scuba diving equipment is classified as a Dangerous Goods, therefore, its acceptance is conditional. Please contact our Call Centre for more information. "

 

[raiqz[ät]scuba.ee]

I used their services in Thailand 2006 (Phuket to Bankok) and everything was OK.

 

[Live_in_Sin]

When I used it in Sep. if you tell them your baggage is diving gear in case of being asked (they randomely ask), they will charge extra RM30+ for sports equipment surcharge or something.... but if you tell them "cloths" then they don't charge you any even it packed in mesh bag and obviously you can see diving gear inside!??

 

[namabiru]

Thanks raiqz[ät]scuba.ee and Live_in_Sin. I'll go ahead and book 'er then. I figured it was all right.

Timyang... mate, you missed the boat entirely on this one. Kindly reread every single word, slowly and carefully, in myoriginal post. You'll see that you told me what I already know, so I'm afraid I can't give you a gold star today. Thanks for trying, though.

 

[JonnieB]

Just flew AA from Bangkok to Tawau for Sipadan diving (connected thru Kuala Lumpur). The baggage allowance is 15 kilos. About US$ 5 per excess...my standard scuba kit tops out at about 20 kilos. No questions about contents asked...just pay about US$ 30 for each leg of trip.

Of course, just use common sense as to "dangerous" goods not allowed as carry-on. As to checked...any piece of common scuba gear would be allowed, with the exception of pressurized tanks (though I have checked pressurized Spare Air units in the past.)

 

[namabiru]

Mmm. That's not so bad, actually. I was on Scuba Junkie just now, and they said you can also stuff your carry-on bag full to take the weight down. Obviously it goes without saying that I carry my regulator, mask, camera, lights on board already anyway.

Thing is I need to get a lighter BCD for traveling too. I have the Zeagle Ranger. Which is a great BCD, really, but not if you're going on a trip with light luggage.

Or, as you said, just pay the money and don't worry about it. You're getting a cheap flight as it is. I priced Malaysia Air, and it's 1,000 MR return, minimum.

I've only got standard dive gear, no spare air unit (which, I know, I should consider having, but haven't gotten there yet).

Heh. It's like they say-- pack your bag, then empty the bag by about half and then take twice the money you were going to in the first place.

 

[JonnieB]

Yeah...when I priced Tawau ex-Bangkok on Malaysian Air...the cheapest I got was about US$ 1000. The same trip on AA was about USD 450. Sure, I'll save over $500 and retrieve my luggage myself in KUL and re-check in for my connecting flight. My excess weight cost me $120 so it was still about half the cost. Only bad part is that the LCT in KUL sucks big time. Too small and not enough food outlets. AA planes were great, however, new A320s and me and my diving buddy had the middle seat empty on 3 out of the 4 legs!!!

One always has the option, like you say, of carrying some heavy stuff in your carry-on too. AA has signs all over the place stating that carry-on is limited to ONE-BAG of 7 kilos max but they never checked the weight of my bag. It must have been at least 10-12 kilos! Also, had a notebook case and medium sized camera bag too so actually had 3 pieces of carry-on and never any problem.

 

[namabiru]

Yeah, from my experience with general travel, AA is really pretty laidback about what happens. I've just never traveled with dive gear on AA before, is all. It'll be good though. I've booked a later flight so I have time to eat lunch at KLIA, clear immigration, and get over to LCCT. I'm going to Tawau. I finally decided on Borneo instead of Thai this time around, mostly so I can avoid peak season prices and the hoardes of people, and I've not been to Borneo. I'm going to stay and dive with Scuba Junkie. For the price, you can't beat it. We'll see how she goes.

 

[Wisnu]

I'll be using AA and bringing 3 set Dive gears this Dec. from Bangkok - Phuket. Let see how they will charge us.