Cayman Airways - new baggage restrictions

[NAIBdiver1]

As of 01Oct06:
http://www.caymanairways.com/news/sept_27_06.html

Geeze talk about making it hard on a diver with video equipment ! Or even without video equipment.

Luggage restricted to 62 linear inches for checked bags- My Akona dive bag is 67" Eagle Creek bag = 68"
Carry on = 46"
$60 fine -

55 pound pound for the 2 checked pieces - not sure if that's total or individual
40 pounds for carry on. Usually this bag with video equipment is 45 pounds - I can whittle that one down.

Anyone with recient Cayman Airline experiences ? I can see why Divi Tara listed this as a reason for closing.

We're going to Cayman Brac on 02Dec - Packing is going to be a hassel !

NAIBDiver1

 

[Damselfish]

I read it as 55# per checked bag. 3 bags at 55# for biz class and 2 bags at 55# for coach.

These sound pretty much identical to the limits for most US carriers. Even 5# extra for water weight on the way back.

 

[NAIBdiver1]

Prior to 01Oct06 - it was 70 pounds total. I sent an email to customer service asking if it was 55 pounds total or 55 each bag. Written poorly on the website. I'll post if and when I get a response.

NAIBDiver1

 

[Cacia]

I think you can do it. We were right at the limit for Indonesia recently. Weigh yourself and then pick up your bags---work out your distribution end-game by shifting heavier items around. Don't forget maximizing the carry on weight by getting two roller overheads. (well one per person)

We really used that scale in our villa the last day to get it right. Each bag was 49.8 or something nuts. It was almost fun.
he he...once I wore my BP/W on to the plane.

Explore your gate check option, especially on smaller planes.

 

[divingjd]

Are you booked on a 737 from GCM to the Brac? Those baggage restrictions are for jet service. There are even more severe luggage restrictions on the Twin Otters. In February, it was 50 lbs TOTAL per person and an excess baggage fee for everything else. I had the 737 from GCM to the Brac and paid nothing for excess baggage. I had the Twin Otter back and for two of us it was over $100 for excess baggage. Granted, I should have taken a lot less stuff and my wife always takes too much. We are going back in February 07 and we will be packing pretty light. I think I am leaving my save-a-dive kit behind and the spare reg set I usually carry. I will have to depend on Reef Divers if I have any equipment problems. The camera and strobe are going to be a real issue.

I just looked at the confirmation for my February 07 reservation and it says the free baggage allowance is "2 checked bags per ticketed passenger not to exceed 70 lbs total weight." That sounds like 35 lbs per bag. It also says "You may also bring one carry on bag and one personal item (such as a purse, laptop computer or backpack) which must fit either under your seat or in the overhead bins."

The information you linked to is a little different from this, perhaps because this is for the hop from GCM to CYB and the one you linked to is primarily directed to international travel. Either way, it's only getting worse. Looks like I am going to wear the same two T-shirts all week!

 

[NAIBdiver1]

737 all the way (From Miami).

One tip I'm going to use that I read on scubaboard a long time ago - I'm going to pick out "T" shirts and shorts I haven't worn in quite some time and would otherwise donate at home. Take them (wear them) and then leave them behind. I even have an old 3mm wetsuit that I'd be prepared to leave behind as well.

I just re-weighed my video camera, lights, batteries and wide angle lense - I may be wearing my BC on the plane ;-)

 

[divingjd]

You know, I'm thinking about one of those Columbia "travel vests" - something like the vests photographers or fly fishermen wear - just to wear on the plane. With all the pockets, I can probably get three days worth of clothes and bunch of other junk in it, without using up a "bag." I would look pretty silly, but I would have my stuff. This could be the big loophole.

 

[RICHinNC]

I wear one of those all the time I travel. They can hold a lot and are easy on and off at TSA check.

 

[Scubasteve1950]

I was just to LC in June and the limit was 50 lbs total of all bags and that included carry on.. And the charge you going to the island and back.. But who wants to leave the video camera and housing at home.. The Diving on Bloody Bay wall was worth it extra cost

 

[ronbeau]

I read it as 55# per checked bag. 3 bags at 55# for biz class and 2 bags at 55# for coach.

These sound pretty much identical to the limits for most US carriers. Even 5# extra for water weight on the way back.

I flew on Dutch Antilles Express from Aruba to Curacao this summer and the limit was 20 kg per person regardless of the number of checked bags. The carry-on limit was 10 kg.

Cayman Airways might be 55 lbs total weight. It is the pits no matter how you cut it.

The next time I fly to Curacao or Bonaire I will definitely use an USA carrier such as Continental or American.