Friday, September 11, 2009

Current Airline Baggage Restrictions and Fees for Travel to Bonaire

It seems that each week, a major airline announces a revision of their baggage allowances and fee structures, so, we here at the Insider thought it might be helpful to summarize the current regulations for baggage on the air carriers to Bonaire.

Note that these restrictions are current as of September 9th, 2009 for economy class travel, but passengers are urged to double-check with their carrier directly should any questions arise.  This is because, in many instances, baggage regulations may vary depending upon when the airline ticket was actually purchased.

Delta Airlines to Bonaire allows two checked bags at no charge.  If three bags are checked, the fee is $200.00 each way; if four bags are checked, the fee is $350.00 each way.

For checked bag weight limits, up to 50 pounds is no charge.  If any bag is from 51-70 pounds (23-32 kg), the fee is $150.00 each way; 71-100 pounds (33-45 kg), the fee is $300.00 each way; over 100 pounds (45 kg) is not permitted.

For checked bag size limits, the bag cannot exceed 62 inches (157 cm) when total length + width +height are added together.  Provided the total dimensions do not exceed 62 inches (157 cm), then there is no charge.  It the total dimensions are between 63-80 inches (161-203 cm), the fee is $175.00 each way.  Bags with a total dimension of over 80 inches are not permitted.

Passengers will be charged an excess baggage fee each instance a bag goes over any one of the allowances.  For example, if an extra piece of baggage is checked that goes over the weight limit and the size limit, then you will be charged three times:
Once for the extra bag
Once for going over the size limit
Once for going over the weight limit

Continental Airlines to Bonaire allows the first checked bag at no charge.  A second check bag is charged $25.00 each way, while any additional bag over two will be charged $100.00 each way.

For checked bag weight limits, up to 50 pounds is no charge.  If any bag is from 51-70 pounds (23-32 kg), the fee is $50.00 each way; any bag over 71 pounds is not accepted.

For checked bag size limits, the bag cannot exceed 62 inches (157 cm) when total length + width +height are added together.  Provided the total dimensions do not exceed 62 linear inches (157 cm), then there is no charge.  It the total dimensions are between 63-115 linear inches (158-292 cm), the fee is $100.00 per bag each way.  Bags with a total dimension of over 115 (293 cm) are not accepted.

Passengers will be charged an excess baggage fee each instance a bag goes over any one of the allowances.  For example, if an extra piece of baggage is checked that goes over the weight limit and the size limit, then you will be charged three times:
Once for the extra bag
Once for going over the size limit
Once for going over the weight limit

Insel Air to Bonaire allows two checked bags with no charge.

For checked bag weight limits, up to 40 kilograms (88 pounds) is allowed for the combined total of up to two bags.  No single piece may be heavier than 32 kilograms (70 pounds).  Should the weight for any single piece exceed 32 kilograms, then a fee of $50.00 per bag will be assessed for those over the weight limit for each 10 kilograms (22 pounds), each way.

For checked bag size limits, the bag cannot exceed 158 cm (62 inches) when total length + width +height are added together.  Provided the total linear dimensions do not exceed 158 cm (62 inches), then there is no charge.  It the total dimensions are over 158 cm (62 inches), a fee of $50.00 each way per bag will be assessed.

Passengers will be charged an excess baggage fee each instance a bag goes over any one of the allowances.  For example, if an extra piece of baggage is checked that goes over the weight limit and the size limit, then you will be charged three times:
Once for the extra bag
Once for going over the size limit
Once for going over the weight limit

American Airlines to Curacao (a further connection via a regional carrier is necessary) allows two checked bags at no charge, but the bags cannot exceed 62 linear inches (158 cm) or 50 pounds of weight.

If any bag is from 51-70 pounds (23-32 kg), the fee is $50.00 per bag each way; 71-100 pounds (33-45 kg), the fee is $100.00 each way.

For checked bag size limits, the bag cannot exceed 62 inches (157 cm) when total length + width + height are added together.  Provided the total dimensions do not exceed 62 inches (157 cm), then there is no charge.  It the total dimensions are between 63-115 inches (161-292 cm), the fee is $150.00 each way.

KLM to Bonaire allows 25 kg (55 pounds) in economy class plus 1 golf bag not exceeding 20 kg (44 pounds).  Instead of the standard permitted golf bag, you may take a surfboard, diving equipment, ski or watch-ski equipment or a bicycle (not a tandem) free of charge.  If taking special luggage, make your reservation for it 48 hours before departure to ensure your reservation is confirmed.

Checked bag size limits, the combined total of length + width + height cannot exceed 158 cm (62 inches).

The checked bag weight overweight fee is EUR 15 per kilogram, one way.  If booked on-line prior to flying, a 30% discount is offered, so the fee becomes EUR 10.50 per kilogram.

DAE to Bonaire (from Curacao) allows two checked bags at no charge, but the weight limit can be no more than a total combined weight of 20 kilograms (44 pounds); there is no size limitation.

Checked Bag Weight Limits and Fees:  Up to 20 kilograms (44 pounds), free; over 20 kilograms (44 pounds), FL 3.00 per kilogram when flying between Aruba, Curacao, and Bonaire; over 20 kilograms (44 pounds), FL 7.00 per kilogram when flying to Caracas and Santo Domingo; over 20 kilograms (44 pounds), FL 10.00 per kilogram when flying to the Windward Islands.

Divi Divi Air to Bonaire (from Curacao) allows one checked bag of no more than 20 kilograms (44 pounds) at no charge.  The size may not exceed: 45 x 15 x 25 inches or 115 x 40 x 65 cm.  A second checked bag will incur additional fees based on weight:  1 to 20 kilograms (2 to 44 pounds), FL 2.00/USD $1.2 per kilo additional.  Also please note that additional checked baggage will be shipped as cargo. If you know in advance how much excess baggage you will have, the charges can be calculated by a counter employee.  At the time of booking, please notify them if you intend to bring along excess baggage.  Due to the limited availability of space on board the aircraft, your excess baggage might arrive on a later flight.  It is recommended to check in twenty minutes prior to the mandatory 45-minute check-in time when traveling with excess baggage.  Please note that heavier bags cannot be accepted because of handling limitations. Such pieces must be transported as cargo or the contents must be split and packed separately.  In the event that re-packing is necessary at the airport, passenger will be responsible for all expenses and use either special cardboard boxes or plastic bags.

Those that are subject to extra fees to transport baggage to Bonaire may be eligible for on-island rebates.  For additional information, visit www.paradiserebates.com.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Note Update October 21, 2009: Thanks to the good eyes of a Bonaire Insider reader, perhaps more clarification is needed on KLM’s policy on diving equipment.  The following was taken from the KLM web site on October 17th:  “A set of equipment may consist of a wetsuit, vest, socks, mask, shoes, flippers, knife, empty air cylinder and regulator. The tanks should be empty and the valve should be open or removed. Diving lamps must be transported as hand baggage, with the bulb and batteries removed.  Regulations for diving equipment according to the weight concept are that within the total baggage allowance, you may carry a set of diving equipment up to 20 kg (44 lbs). For each kilogram of your total baggage including diving equipment over the permitted amount, or for an extra set of diving equipment up to 20 kg, we charge a special fixed fee. For an extra set of diving equipment heavier than 20 kg the special fixed fee is doubled.  Regulations for diving equipment according to the piece concept allows for a set of diving equipment which counts as a single piece of baggage and may not weigh more than 23 kg (50 lbs). If you check in more than two pieces, you pay a special fixed fee.  Always make a reservation for your special baggage at least 48 hours before departure, and ensure your reservation is confirmed.”

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Wounded Warriors Return to Bonaire for the Fourth Consecutive Year

Once again, Bonaire will host a special group of people during the week of September 26-October 3, 2009, when six severely wounded troops from the Special Operations Forces Divisions and their significant others, a representative of the Handicapped Scuba Association, two DEMA Staff members, and two members of 9 Line, will travel to the island to complete the final step in the process of obtaining their dive certification.

Each year the island opens their arms to welcome this group and shows them not only the natural beauty and pristine waters of Bonaire, but also the warmth and friendliness of the Bonairean people and their genuine hospitality.  The Bonaire Insider will be following the activities of these special men and women throughout the week.

If readers are interested in helping out and showing their appreciation and thanks for all the sacrifices these men and women have given, donations of any amount toward the expenses for meals and sightseeing for their week may be made through BonaireTalk.com, a non-profit organization which assists with sponsorship each year.  Simply click here to visit PayPal, and then send funds to email account paypal@bonairetalk.com, referencing “Wounded Warriors.”

Many thanks go to the sponsors who have already pledged contributions to the week’s expenses:  9Line, Adams Unlimited, Aeris, Bikers Bonaire, Bonaire KFC, Bonaire Talk, Bonaire Quad Tours, Bonaire Tours & Vacations, Budget Car Rental, Buenos Aires Café, Captain Don’s Habitat, Caradonna Dive Adventures, Inc., Care Coalition, Chammyz, DEMA/Be a Diver, Dive Training Magazine, Henderson, Jack Chalk, Jewel Of Bonaire, N.E.K. Advanced Securities Group, Oceanic, PADI, Patagonia Restaurant, Princeton Tec, Rum Runners, Scuba Do Rags, and XS Scuba.  (Source:  Bonaire Insider Reporter)

Monday, September 07, 2009

Paradise Moon Bar and Restaurant Offers Specials

Paradise Moon Bar and Restaurant has just announced some enticing specials of which Bonaire’s diners can take advantage.

On Tuesday evenings, one free appetizer is available with the purchase of two regular-priced entrees.  On Thursdays, enjoy All-You-Can-Eat beef or chicken fajitas.

And, on any day, Early Birders can enjoy 15% off all entrees before 6:30 PM.  And for Happy Hour, drinks are 1/2 price from 5:00 to 6:30 PM.

Paradise Moon is located marina-side at the Harbour Village Resort, a new restaurant which offers an international menu and is open for dinner Sunday through Friday.  (Source:  Paradise Moon Bar & Restaurant)

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Bonaire Day Activities Will be Held in Rincon on Sunday, September 6, 2009

Each year, the festivities celebrating Dia di Boneiru (Bonaire Day) move from neighborhood to neighborhood, but this year, the island will be celebrating in Rincon.

Throughout the day there will be activities highlighting the island’s flag day, with church services and speeches in the morning, followed by music in the afternoon and evening.  The day’s activities can be viewed by clicking here (in Papiamentu, in PDF format).  (Source:  Island Government)

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

Ned and Anna DeLoach Are on Bonaire and Available for Book Signings

The popular marine educators and authors, Ned and Anna DeLoach, arrived back on Bonaire this past weekend, and they will be hosting a full schedule of activities at Buddy Dive Resort during September, as they have for the past five years.

During this one-month event, Ned and Anna host seminars and slide shows on fish behavior, coral and fish identification, as well as guided dive trips. One activity which is open to everyone are the book-signing events.  Those wishing to meet Ned and Anna can do so during the Happy Hour and Manager’s Rum Punch Party on each Friday evening in September from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM.  For those who do not yet own their own copies of the popular “Reef Series,” including Reef Identification (Fish, Creatures, or Coral) and Reef Fish Behavior, they are available for sale in the dive shop at Buddy Dive Resort. (Source:  Buddy Dive Resort)

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

CIEE (Bonaire) Hosts Dale Stokes from Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Coming right on the heels of Dr. Sylvia Earle’s visit, Dale Stokes from the noted Scripps Institution of Oceanography will be speaking at the CIEE headquarters on Thursday evening, September 3, 2009 at 7:00 PM.

All are invited (entrance is free) to listen to Dr. Stokes as he speaks on “Adventures in Oceanography.” a photographic journey to science projects under and on top of the water around the globe. He will take us on ships, submarines, underwater habitats, from the North Pole to the South Pole. This presentation showcases a decade of images collected in exotic locations using a wide variety of unusual vessels and instrumentation. We’ll travel from working beneath the ice in the Antarctic, to submarines and diving in the tropics, to working with NASA in the high arctic, with many stops in between.

Dale Stokes is a research oceanographer in the Marine Physical Laboratory at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. His photographs have appeared in publications around the world including National Geographic, Ocean Realm, BBC Wildlife, Skin Diver, National Wildlife, Outside Magazine, Ranger Rick, and Natural History magazines among many others. He has worked on several documentary film projects as scientific adviser and cameraman, including BBC’s Blue Planet, the PBS Nature “Under Antarctic Ice,” and most recently the 3D IMAX film, “Wild Ocean.” Another IMAX film on the threatened nature of coral reefs will premier in 2010.

Dr. Stokes has a diverse background in biology and physics and works on projects as varied as polar ecology and air-sea gas transport. His work on bubble formation by breaking waves and his co-discovery of a previously unknown photosynthetic community beneath the ground in polar deserts were both recently reported in Nature. His field experiences include dozens of ship and land-based research projects around the world including three seasons in the Arctic and four in the Antarctic.

Dr. Stokes received degrees in Biology and Geology from Queen’s University in Canada and received a PhD in Oceanography from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, emphasizing work on marine larval biophysics. He did two years of post-doctoral work at Stanford University, before returning to the Marine Physical Laboratory at SIO.

The CIEE headquarters are located at Kaya Gobernador N. Debrot #21. (Source:  CIEE Bonaire)