Ship your stuff to Bonaire?

[bkpix]

As the airlines keep finding ways to charge you more and give you less,:mooner: it kind of got me wondering if anyone has looked into the possibility of shipping their gear to Bonaire and just avoiding those absurd airline baggage charges.

I don't know if it would be an economically wise thing to do; but it might give a traveler a better chance of making tight airline connections and give the airlines fewer chances to destroy or lose your things.:

We are taking American Airlines to Miami (MIA too often really does mean missing in action) and then Insel on to Bonaire. When we booked, there was a nearly 3 hour time between flights. In the mean time, AA has changed the flight time to MIA and we now have slightly over 2 hours to get our bags and check in with Insel. Scary!!:scared::scared::scared:

Anyone have any experience with this?

 

[diversteve]

I just looked at shipping one box at 45lbs. from here to Kralendijk via Fedex Economy. UPS doesn't seem to provide service there as far as I could tell from a quick look at their website.

Having Fedex deliver and hold it in Kralendijk would take 1 week and cost $356. And you'd have to fill out customs paperwork both ways. And there's possibly some import/duty or other taxes to be paid also.

I'd rather pay extra baggage fees and take a chance on AA/Insel. American lands in Terminals D&E and Insel is in Terminal F.

 

[DiverVince]

BK..Take my word for it. IMHO NOT economically feasible.

 

[Tom Smedley]

I had one member of my group that arranged for rental of BCD, shorty, and regulator. Only carried MFS with her and her baggage for the week was one small suitcase. In the past rental gear has been iffy but now folks like Wannadive have excellent modern gear for rent.

 

[dvrliz1]

As the airlines keep finding ways to charge you more and give you less,:mooner: it kind of got me wondering if anyone has looked into the possibility of shipping their gear to Bonaire and just avoiding those absurd airline baggage charges.

I don't know if it would be an economically wise thing to do; but it might give a traveler a better chance of making tight airline connections and give the airlines fewer chances to destroy or lose your things.:

We are taking American Airlines to Miami (MIA too often really does mean missing in action) and then Insel on to Bonaire. When we booked, there was a nearly 3 hour time between flights. In the mean time, AA has changed the flight time to MIA and we now have slightly over 2 hours to get our bags and check in with Insel. Scary!!:scared::scared::scared:

Anyone have any experience with this?

We have had guests ship gear to us via FEDEX in the past. They didn't have to have it stored, as it was sent directly to us and we held on to it until they arrived. I think the shipping was around $150.00. The FEDEX rep on the island is Rocargo, the local freight company. They delivered the box right to our front door.

For some, it is worth the $150.00. Gear rental is a minimum of $25.00/day (not including computer), so it works out about the same. To some people, it is worth it to ship and not have the hassle of getting stuff lost, arriving, late.etc.

You don't have to worry about taxes, import duties, etc. You don't have to pay them if you intend to take the gear off island with you when you leave.

I think it is a matter of personal choice. Some people carry on their regs, cameras, etc to reduce the weight in their check ins. That may be an option.

 

[bkpix]

Thanks for the replies folks. I never actually figured it would be easy or economical to ship, but you never know unless you ask.

I'll just have to hope that the baggage handlers are having a good day the day we arrive at MIA and we can make our connection.

 

[Tom Smedley]

In the past the dive op has always loaned us stuff if luggage is delayed. The main problem though is fins. Have never seen a dive op with fins that use booties - only full foot fins. Most of the diving is shore based so that creates a problem getting in and out of the water.

 

[jepuskar]

The 45 minute time between landing/taking off in ATL coming from ORD is not that comforting either. I still wouldnt ship my gear via fedex/ups though.

 

[MarineResearch]

I just got back from Bonaire and flew Continental. Since I carry a lot of camera gear, I checked an extra bag and carried on my computer, camera, lenses, housing, strobes and all batteries (very heavy, but nobody checked). It cost $30 each way and was well worth it. The challenge was weight, with three bags checked in at 49.5, 49.5 and 50 pounds. My wife also carries on her heavier items in a small bag.

Flying LAX through Houston, I've had connections as short as 45 minutes and all of my bags have made it every time. Unfortunately, Miami does not seem to be as efficient and the baggage handlers are a bunch of apes. They must have that old Samsonite commercial (apes throwing luggage across the room) as a training film.

 

[ktomlinson]

If you fly delta and book with an American express delta card you get the first bag free, among other perks.