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.”