pkaquatics
Registered
Has anyone flown on WinAir and have any knowledge of the weight limitations. Some say you can only take 40 lbs. (Yeah hello!!) and I've heard as much as 100 lbs. if your a diver?
Flying on WinAir
- Thread starter pkaquatics
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DennisW
Contributor
Winair will normally only allow 20 Kg or 44 lbs, however if you are a diver you can take an extra 10 Kg or 22 lbs. I would take the ferry instead. If you book your flight yourself and they lose the copy of your credit card (front and back) and a copy of your passport, they will cancel your flight and you will get stuck. See my post here: http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/lesser-antilles/241060-disappointing-part-saba-trip.html
scubamickey
I'm a GIRL!
Take the ferry if your trip is to Saba from St. Marten. We did and we were the only ones on Saba that week that didn't worry about getting off the island on time due to poor weather. Plus the ferry is cheaper and you don't have to worry about weight.
dvguy
Guest
Sorry to hear about your trouble with Winair, DennisW. Regarding the weight limitations: I checked my bag with dive gear weighing 45 lbs with US Air. They transferred it to Winair, and it made it on the plane to Saba and arrived with me, no problems. I also had a 20 lb carry on with me. However, I was very apprehensive about faxing my credit card and passport info. I was on the phone with the Winair agent when my fax went through to make sure it arrived and reciept was acknowledged. The agent actually emailed me to confirm receipt of my info. I then kept checking my reservations, online, using my confirmation number right up to the night before I left for my trip. Guess I was pretty lucky. Winair is the only airline flying into Saba. It's a 15 minute flight. The two shuttle boats make the crossing in a couple of hours. Regardless, boat or plane, these are small operations running on a shoestring and you are rolling the dice when you book a trip. Having said all this, as others have stated, the trip to Saba was worth it all. I am planning another trip on Winair in October. Wish me luck.
DennisW
Contributor
Good luck to you on Winair. I was looking forward to the landing on Saba. Being a pilot, I thought it would be fun. Winair is owned by the Netherlands Antilles government, so they are just not concerned about customer service. And, like it or not, the government there is pretty corrupt. The citizens will tell you so, just ask.
Book through a travel agent and you should eliminate the issues associated with sending a copy of your credit card. I had one checked bag, one carry on and one personal item (laptop). My checked bag was under 40 lbs, so I never had to ask for the extra 22 lbs (10 kilos) allowed divers. My experience with Win Air was very nice, (well expect for the seat that broke when I was awaiting takeoff) they were very friendly and helpful to me. My brother, unfortunately had a vastly different experience. BTW, the landing in Saba is fun!
donnad
Contributor
take the plane! the landing, AND the takeoff when leaving are exciting! no regrets!
bostondivegirl
New
Walter,
Where did you stay and who did you use as a travel agent?
I am thinking about Saba next year. sounds like an amazing place.
Where did you stay and who did you use as a travel agent?
I am thinking about Saba next year. sounds like an amazing place.
scubamickey
I'm a GIRL!
Saba (pronounced: sayba) is a great little island. Wonderful people and very quiet. We enjoyed our week long stay (which was the week after Walter's gang was there).
I would recommend it to anyone who loves diving, is comfortable with strong, unpredictable currents, and is looking for deep pinnacles in blue water and lots of macro life.
We just got back from Statia and of course Winair is the only way to get there. We didn't have any issues with our checked bags flying in, but they charged us $25 for a second checked bag when we left. They told us the weight limit was "around 50 lbs" per bag.
