Fiji Airways Baggage Allowances

[TravelDave]

Planning a trip to Fiji in 2022 that will include both international flights (round trip LAX to NAN) and domestic flights (RT from NAN to Taveuni). Their baggage allowances don't seem remotely diver friendly.

International
1 checked bag up to 66lbs
1 carryon up to 15lbs
1 personal item

Domestic
1 checked bag up to 33lbs
1 carryon up to 15lbs
1 personal item (presumably)

I typically travel with one checked bag that has dive gear and clothing and comes in close to 15lbs. My roller bag carryon usually has camera gear and reg and frequently comes in pretty heavy (around 30lbs). My backpack has laptop and other items.

Thoughts on how to navigate this? I think my two biggest challenges are:
- The domestic round trip checked bag is limited to 33lbs. Seems like that effectively limits my international bag as well (though I can send some things back with family that isn't joining me for Taveuni)
- Carryon bag limit will be tough with camera gear.

Things I'm thinking of doing:
- Leave the BCD behind and rent one
- Pack heavier camera gear in the personal item backpack (which I don't think is weight limited)
- Have some camera gear in a photo vest that I'll wear (and also shouldn't count against limits)
- Find the lightest possible carryon bag so that I'm not wasting weight on the bag itself

Given how many divers go to Fiji, I can't be the only one who struggles with this. What are your strategies??

Thanks!

 

[k4kafka]

You will do better flying Business Class from LAX to NAN…it’s more $ but worth it IMO…

 

[Brodydog]

I had a flight once where I was told the reg was not allowed in carryon so I had no choice but to wrap it up really good and put it in the checked bag, in between a lot of clothing. All went well and it survived 3 flights on the way and 3 on the way back home. I too was only allowed 15 lbs for carryon so I put a lot of my camera gear in my backpack.

 

[jmark18]

Ask about the dive and surf special. One extra bag each way for $50. Used this in 2018 so not sure if it is still available. Would be wise to check with a travel agent experienced with travel to Fiji and specifically to Taveuni

 

[TravelDave]

Ask about the dive and surf special. One extra bag each way for $50. Used this in 2018 so not sure if it is still available. Would be wise to check with a travel agent experienced with travel to Fiji and specifically to Taveuni

I'll check with my travel agent. Couldn't find anything about that online - hope they still do it.

 

[TravelDave]

You will do better flying Business Class from LAX to NAN…it’s more $ but worth it IMO…

About $3,500 more for the RT from LAX, and that doesn't help with the domestic RT from NAN to Taveuni. Hoping I'll find some strategies that either work within the existing allowances or a reasonable way to add a second bag.

 

[living4experiences]

In addition to Fiji Link for your domestic travel, here's some other carriers.

Pacific Island Air

Turtle Airways Fiji Seaplane Transfers

Turtle Airways offers Seaplane Transfers in Fiji. To and from Turtle Island, and charter flights in the Pacific Islands

www.turtleairways.com

HOME - Northern Air Fiji

Northern Air – Fiji operates the cheapest domestic flights in Fiji. Our reliable and comfortable flights, connect the world to the stunning Northern Islands of Fiji. With true Bula spirit the fleet of six planes currently offer flights to Fijis most stunning destinations. With Northern Air...

www.northernair.com.fj

Some other ideas: You could wear your BCD on the plane, and stuff the pockets with gear.

I got a cotton fly fishing vest on Amazon, which has lots of pockets inside and out and even a zippered panel that covers the entire back. You can put a lot of stuff in all these pockets and wear the vest on the plane. Since it's cotton, it's flexible to put in the overhead bin once you board.

 

[GF99/99]

Planning a trip to Fiji in 2022 that will include both international flights (round trip LAX to NAN) and domestic flights (RT from NAN to Taveuni). Their baggage allowances don't seem remotely diver friendly.

International
1 checked bag up to 66lbs
1 carryon up to 15lbs
1 personal item

Domestic
1 checked bag up to 33lbs
1 carryon up to 15lbs
1 personal item (presumably)

I typically travel with one checked bag that has dive gear and clothing and comes in close to 15lbs. My roller bag carryon usually has camera gear and reg and frequently comes in pretty heavy (around 30lbs). My backpack has laptop and other items.

Thoughts on how to navigate this? I think my two biggest challenges are:
- The domestic round trip checked bag is limited to 33lbs. Seems like that effectively limits my international bag as well (though I can send some things back with family that isn't joining me for Taveuni)
- Carryon bag limit will be tough with camera gear.

Things I'm thinking of doing:
- Leave the BCD behind and rent one
- Pack heavier camera gear in the personal item backpack (which I don't think is weight limited)
- Have some camera gear in a photo vest that I'll wear (and also shouldn't count against limits)
- Find the lightest possible carryon bag so that I'm not wasting weight on the bag itself

Given how many divers go to Fiji, I can't be the only one who struggles with this. What are your strategies??

Thanks!

I have flown with Fiji Air be for and yes they weigh you checked back but I have never had them weigh my carry on (Just like how in the US they never do) so just stuff all you heavy items in your carry on. Or worst case just pay the 120FJD (about USD $60) excess baggage fee https://www.fijiairways.com/en-us/manage/excess-baggage-rates/to get your full 66lb allowance that you had on your international flight. Yeah it sucks to have to pay for baggage but if you can afford an diving tip from the US to Fiji I'm pretty sure $60 extra fee to bring you diving gear is pretty minimal in the grand scheme of things.

But personally I have flow a lot with diving gear around the world and with many different airlines with very very heavy carry on bags like 6 first stages, rebreather head, canister lights, batteries, laptop, camera, etc. sometimes with 20-30kg of carry on and never had an issue unless it was a discount airline like Tiger Air, Ryan Air, etc.

I would not stress about it, just put it all in your carry.

 

[Ray and Pam]

We're taking the same route in April, TUL-LAX-NAN, then NAN-TVU. A Fiji air rep suggested to book one ticket from TUL-TUV and we wouldn't be restricted to the 33lb rule.

Called AA and they couldn't do the NAN-TVU segment even though we will be using Fiji air from LAX-NAN and NAN-TVU. It may have been because we are using miles for TUL-LAX-NAN, dunno.

Anyway, we are taking our usual 50lb checked bags and it's like 4usd every 2.2lbs so if for me my higher math is correct it looks like $32 each, each way.

 

[Ray and Pam]

Just received this...

Thank you for contacting Fiji Airways.

Yes, you'll have enough time to connect to your Matei flight. (Landing in NAN at 4:40am with connecting flight to TVU at 7:15am)

Are you flying internationally and domestically on the same ticket? If they are, your baggage allowance for the entire trip to Matei will be 50 pounds. If you are traveling on separate tickets, each ticket's baggage allowance will apply. ( 50 pounds because that's what I told them I was bringing)

For additional information on the baggage/excess bag fee, please click on the following link: https://www.fijiairways.com/baggage-and-optional-charges

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any additional assistance.