Are there any restrictions on dive equipment?

[1KWIK_69]

Touche!

I've heard horror stories about getting hit with huge taxes and fees when you arrive at Grand Cayman. The rep at travelocity says all taxes and fees are already paid under the package I bought except the energy surcharge and any extra things at the hotel such as long distance calls or room service.
I'm waiting to see if this is correct.

 

[divesergeant]

We include the hotel tax and exit tax (which has been included in our airfare in the past) in our vacation budget. So, is the energy tax an airline thing, or is it a Cayman Islands thing?
DS

 

[1KWIK_69]

We include the hotel tax and exit tax (which has been included in our airfare in the past) in our vacation budget. So, is the energy tax an airline thing, or is it a Cayman Islands thing?
DS

The Sunset House web site says they bill for the energy tax so I don't think it's an airline thing. It's a politician thing. Politicians stay up late at night trying to invent new ways to tax us! :shocked2:

 

[-hh]

I've heard horror stories about getting hit with huge taxes and fees when you arrive at Grand Cayman. The rep at travelocity says all taxes and fees are already paid under the package I bought except the energy surcharge and any extra things at the hotel such as long distance calls or room service.
I'm waiting to see if this is correct.

There used to be an "exit tax" that you had to pay at the airport. IIRC, it was around US$20 per person.

A couple of years ago (probably 5-10 years now?), they changed the rules and this exit tax is not collected at the airport anymore: it has been 'hidden' in the total ticket price, so you pay it when you buy the ticket (or vacation package).

At the time of this change, there were disclosure signs hanging up at the CAL check-in counters that had a detailed breakdown of the imposed fees ... I recall being a bit surprised that it was over $80/pp of the total ticket price...roughly 25% of what I was paying that year. Hence my sarcastic comment.


Insofar as your question regarding 'energy surcharges', these are not imposed by the Government, but are generally the decision of the individual business (hotel, airline, etc). It should be straightforward to find out in advance what these charges are going to be.


-hh

 

[divesergeant]

Add another $13CI to the list of fees! Still, the Cayman Islands are worth it.


Cayman Islands - Cay Compass News Online - New fee on outbound international flights

It sounds like the plan to upgrade and improve the airports I hope they don't make it so you de-plane right into the terminal. I always like de-planing onto the apron and smelling the island smell mixed with the burning Jet-A.


DS

 

[1KWIK_69]

Add another $13CI to the list of fees! Still, the Cayman Islands are worth it.


Cayman Islands - Cay Compass News Online - New fee on outbound international flights

It sounds like the plan to upgrade and improve the airports I hope they don't make it so you de-plane right into the terminal. I always like de-planing onto the apron and smelling the island smell mixed with the burning Jet-A.


DS

I know this smell from Cozumel! Add in the heat and humidity after flying from Kansas City in the middle of winter and you know you're on vacation!

 

[divesergeant]

I know this smell from Cozumel! Add in the heat and humidity after flying from Kansas City in the middle of winter and you know you're on vacation!

Exactly! De-planing and smelling the island smell (with or without jet-A!) of sea-breeze, humidity, mangrove swamp and sunshine is one of the simple pleasures in life.

I love the feeling of the island smell working through me and relaxing me. It is truly the sign that you are on vacation.

I might be an island . But at least I am an unapoligetic one!

DS

 

[1KWIK_69]

Exactly! De-planing and smelling the island smell (with or without jet-A!) of sea-breeze, humidity, mangrove swamp and sunshine is one of the simple pleasures in life.

I love the feeling of the island smell working through me and relaxing me. It is truly the sign that you are on vacation.

I might be an island . But at least I am an unapoligetic one!

DS

The bad news is once you take in that Island smell on the tarmac, you have to head past the guys with guns and survive customs while worrying whether or not your checked bags made it past Atlanta or Dallas!