Sunday, September 26, 2010
Update to Airline Baggage Restrictions and Fees for Travel to Bonaire
The major airlines have again been making changes to their fees including revisions of their baggage allowances. In September, 2009, the Bonaire Insider covered baggage allowances and regulations in use at that time, so we thought it was time to update the current baggage restrictions on the air carriers to Bonaire.
To summarize, Delta and Continental have made some changes with regard to fees and some weight restrictions. KLM has instituted a policy for tickets purchased before March 28, 2010 and a new policy for those purchased after March 28, 2010. American Airline’s baggage allowance remains the same. Please see below for a specific update on changes for each airline. It is also worth noting that passengers connecting to Insel Air via a US airline must check with their connecting US airline for fees, as these are domestic flights and those rules apply.
Please note that these restrictions are current as of September 1, 2010 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 or other restrictions.
Delta Airlines to Bonaire allows two checked bags at no charge. If three to five bags are checked, the fee is $100.00 each way per bag.
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; 71-100 pounds (33-45 kg), the fee is $450.00 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 63-80 inches (161-203 cm), the fee is $150.00 each way. Bags with a total dimension of 81 to 115 inches (204 to 292 cm) are considered specialty items. Please check with Delta.com for more information on specialty items.
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 $30.00 each way or $27 if booked on-line, while any additional bag over two will be charged $100.00 each way. Certain customers may have some fees waived. Please check with Continental for details.
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.
Excess bags are charged $100 per bag each way.
Please note: Excess baggage is transported on a space-available basis and other restrictions may apply.
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 from Miami 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.
The carry-on luggage allowance permits every passenger to take carry-on luggage aboard with a maximum weight of 22 pounds (10 kilos). The maximum dimensions for carry-on luggage are L x W x H: 22 inches (56 cm) x18 inches (45 cm) x 10 inches (25 cm), including handles, wheels, side pockets etc.
Please note that passengers flying Insel Air from Curacao to Bonaire should check with the airline for baggage and carry-on allowances, as these are much more restrictive on the smaller planes in use on this route.
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.
Do be sure to check the restrictions in place on the carrier used between Curacao and Bonaire as inter-island flights tend to be more restrictive.
KLM to Bonaire: Tickets issued after March 28, 2010: Economy Class may bring one item of checked baggage for free. The maximum weight is 23 kg (50.5 pounds) and maximum size of 158 cm (62 inches) L + W + H. You maybe bring two checked items of this size for an additional fee. (See below.) Rules may be different for World Business Class/Europe Select, Flying Blue Silver, Gold and Platinum Members. Please check with KLM.
Tickets issued before March 28, 2010: Economy class may bring 2 pieces of checked baggage with a maximum weight of 23 kg (50.5 pounds) per bag and a maximum size of 158 cm (62 inches) L + W + H ber pag. Rules for World Business Class/Europe Select may be different. Please check with KLM.
Excess baggage: You may take more baggage than the standard amount. The excess baggage fee is determined at the time of check-in and the rules referring to your baggage can be found on your e-ticket under the heading of “Baggage.” Fees are typically EUR 15 per kg, one way, but check at KLM for further details. Arrange this when you check in on-line and receive a discount of 20% or more.
Dutch Antilles Express (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. You are also allowed one piece of hand luggage up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds).
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 18 kilograms (39.6 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 $1.20 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)
