USA3000 Airlines - Warning

[teamheatwave]

Hi Ya'll. I am headed to Mexico in 7 days. I am flying USA3000. Before I booked my trip several months ago I intentionally checked the airline website and called my travel agent (Liberty Travel) on two separate occasions to verify luggage restrictions. I did so before I booked. I just double checked today and found the restrictions have changed to 2 bags totally no more than 50 pounds total. That means 25 pounds per bag! How many of you can fit 8 days worth of clothing plus your gear into a bag weighing no more than 25 pounds? They are checking and enforcing. The cost for bags over the allowance $50 per bag. My travel agent called and yup, they changed the rules. A representative from USA3000 told me two really big tales. First, that the travel agency I booked my package with sets the weight restrictions because it is a charter. The travel agency denies this. And ready for the second one. . . the luggage allowances is less because most people opt for an all inclusive package. Can anyone, please, ANYONE explain to me why the location of where I dine dictates how much luggage I am allowed? Usually my bags weigh 35-40 pounds each. International flights were 70 pounds but some have a 50 pound limit per bag. USA3000 is the ONLY one I know with a 25 pound per bag limit. So all of you considering using them, make sure you can fit all of your stuff into a 25 pound per bag limit. Right now I am basically stuck. It is too late to find another flight, especially an inexpensive one with a similar schedule to what I have. So I am hostage to these new tactics. But I guarantee you if I get hit with the fees, I will be marching the travel agent and airlines into small claims court for re-imbursement. I have also made it a personal mission to make sure I let as many people as possible know of this. If they get away with it, other airlines may follow so let's nip it in the bud.

[hambleto]

Please let me know what happens. I have reservation through the same travel agent going on the same air carrier to Punta Cana in April.
Thank you.
Ben

[teamheatwave]

The only "scheduled" flight from Newark is to Punta Cana. All the other destinations it flies to almost daily out of Newark like Mexico or other tropical destinations are considered charter flights. If you are going to Punta Cana you are allowed 50 pounds each per bag and are allowed 2 bags. That is unless they decide to change the rules again. My advice is to constantly check even up to departure time.

[NitroxDvrFL]

Most airlines do have restrictions on weight but not so tight as USA3000. I booked with Liberty Travel in June for a trip to ST Lucia and had alot of bags they wanted to charge me but i stood my ground and let it go(nice ticket agent) alot of Airlines will let a set of golf clubs on for free (sports equipment) so if worst comes to worst find out if they will let a set of clubs on for free. you can fit alot of clothes in a golf bag ..............................Just an idea i used the allowance for 2 sets of dive gear ..............Good Luck and have a great trip

[teamheatwave]

Yeah, thanks but I am hostage to their tactics at this point. So the only way to fight back is to hit them where it hurts. . . in the pocketbook. I am not spreading any false rumors - just making as many people as I can aware of how they treat their customers and what their policies are. It saves people about to book with them the grief and puts money in their competitors bank account. My fear is that other airlines are watching how they do and they may soon follow. I mean I am not taking a piano down. 25 pounds is a rediculous allowance.

[Tim Ingersoll]

Bring the dive gear, forget the clothes (they're overrated).

[Clutchcargo]

I believe that fee is for each way too.
You might be able to make your case at the ticket counter. Ask for the Customer Service Supervisor.
GL
Cjh

[donacheson]

teamheatwave once bubbled...
Hi Ya'll. I am headed to Mexico in 7 days. I am flying USA3000. Before I booked my trip several months ago I intentionally checked the airline website and called my travel agent (Liberty Travel) on two separate occasions to verify luggage restrictions. I did so before I booked. I just double checked today and found the restrictions have changed to 2 bags totally no more than 50 pounds total. That means 25 pounds per bag! How many of you can fit 8 days worth of clothing plus your gear into a bag weighing no more than 25 pounds? They are checking and enforcing. The cost for bags over the allowance $50 per bag. My travel agent called and yup, they changed the rules. A representative from USA3000 told me two really big tales. First, that the travel agency I booked my package with sets the weight restrictions because it is a charter. The travel agency denies this. And ready for the second one. . . the luggage allowances is less because most people opt for an all inclusive package. Can anyone, please, ANYONE explain to me why the location of where I dine dictates how much luggage I am allowed? Usually my bags weigh 35-40 pounds each. International flights were 70 pounds but some have a 50 pound limit per bag. USA3000 is the ONLY one I know with a 25 pound per bag limit. So all of you considering using them, make sure you can fit all of your stuff into a 25 pound per bag limit. Right now I am basically stuck. It is too late to find another flight, especially an inexpensive one with a similar schedule to what I have. So I am hostage to these new tactics. But I guarantee you if I get hit with the fees, I will be marching the travel agent and airlines into small claims court for re-imbursement. I have also made it a personal mission to make sure I let as many people as possible know of this. If they get away with it, other airlines may follow so let's nip it in the bud.

After reading the baggage allowance rules on USA3000's Web site, it does appear that their baggage limit (for Apple charter flights) is 2 items totalling 50 pounds, but not necessarily 2-25 pound items. I'd assume that one 15 and one 35 would be acceptable. Unclear: whether or not that limit includes carry-on baggage.

On the other hand, I don't understand why you have a problem with that limit. I routinely travel all over the world diving, carrying all diving gear less tanks and weights, with checked and carryon baggage weighing less than a total of 50 pounds.

[DesertEagle]

Compared to some charter airlines, that policy could be viewed as liberal. Charter airlines from the UK often only allow 20kg of checked luggage and 5kg of hand luggage. They are known to weigh carry-on bags. Divers are said to be singled out.

On top of that, many of these fligths arrange the seats with a 29 inch pitch. Standard seating on most airlines is a miserable 31 inches. 29- yikes!

[IndigoBlue]

Tim Ingersoll once bubbled...
Bring the dive gear, forget the clothes (they're overrated).

Wear levis. Pack sweat pants and two pair of short pants. Wear a sweat shirt and pack two T shirts. Pack two extra pair undies. Wear tennis shoes and pack shower slippers. Bring a hat and sunglasses. Pack dive skins or a 3mm wetsuit. Add that up and it will not come to more than 15 lbs plus suitcase.

[diveski01]

IndigoBlue once bubbled...


Wear levis. Pack sweat pants and two pair of short pants. Wear a sweat shirt and pack two T shirts. Pack two extra pair undies. Wear tennis shoes and pack shower slippers. Bring a hat and sunglasses. Pack dive skins or a 3mm wetsuit. Add that up and it will not come to more than 15 lbs plus suitcase.

I like the Columbia pants with zip-off legs. Very light weight and they dry fast so you can wash and wear during the trip. I also wear my teva sandals with fleece socks to/from so one less pair of shoes to carry.

[Tim Ingersoll]

diveski01 once bubbled...
I also wear my teva sandals with fleece socks to/from so one less pair of shoes to carry.

Ewwwww! Don't be that guy.

[o2scuba]

[QUOTE]teamheatwave once bubbled...
[B]Hi Ya'll. I am headed to Mexico in 7 days. I am flying USA3000. Before I booked my trip several months ago I intentionally checked the airline website and called my travel agent (Liberty Travel) on two separate occasions to verify luggage restrictions. I did so before I booked.

Did you get that in writing? You know what they say....if it's not in writing it didn't happen. I would probably try to bluff, and tell the agent that you are going to stop payment on credit card and file a complaint. May or may not work, but it would certainly motivate the agent to TRY to help you.

"How many of you can fit 8 days worth of clothing plus your gear into a bag weighing no more than 25 pounds?"

Hmmm... lets see, vacation...don't need underwear, maybe a couple t shirts and a couple pair of shorts, sandals and SCUBA gear. Carry on all the heavy stuff (regs, lights, log book, camera, etc). A challenge but dooable.

" First, that the travel agency I booked my package with sets the weight restrictions because it is a charter. "

Hard to believe, probably a lie. In the future I suggest avoiding charter flights all together. I flew with a charter company once (GWV). I think my fingerprints are still embedded in the seat...scaaaaary flight. First it was an old plane (some major airline had retired & sold). As we boarded we were handed a plastic bag with our "meal" inside. Before we even took off we were delayed as they had trouble closing cargo doors. The whole plane shook as we could hear them repeatedly slamming the door til it stayed shut. In flight: the attendant opened the curtain in the front of the cabin and it fell to the floor (frame and all), when my girlfriend went to use the rest room, the door handle came off in her hand. The seats are comfortable and spacious (if your legs have been amputated). The plane rattled and shook more than the 78 chevy chevette than I drove during college years.



"the luggage allowances is less because most people opt for an all inclusive package. Can anyone, please, ANYONE explain to me why the location of where I dine dictates how much luggage I am allowed?"

hmmmmmmmmm, maybe they think you will eat a lot and gain weight during your stay.

"But I guarantee you if I get hit with the fees, I will be marching the travel agent and airlines into small claims court for re-imbursement."

Go get em, take no prisoners

"I have also made it a personal mission to make sure I let as many people as possible know of this. If they get away with it, other airlines may follow so let's nip it in the bud.

Do they have an 800#, lets all call em, innitiate a reservation, then ask about luggage & say faagettaboutit :D

In my experience they do enforce the lbs per bag and not total weight. Once on a flight that alowed 2 bags of 70lbs, I had one bag that weighed 72lbs and the other was just 40lbs. Agent tried to charge me $50. I said "no friggin way, i'll just shift a few items into my lighter bag". Her response (snotily), it's against faa regulations to open your bag in the airport. So I went outside to do it. When I returned She was pulling the same stunt with an elderly couple (easy target), I nicely suggested to the couple that they could do as I had and shift some of the weight. This sure pissed off the agent. She turned to me with the look of the devil in her eyes and said, " you stay out of this or I'll call security and have you arrested. The other 7 people in my party all started in on her & she backed down.

Good luck! Hope I didn't scare ya too much with my stories:D

[IndigoBlue]

diveski01 once bubbled...


I like the Columbia pants with zip-off legs. Very light weight and they dry fast so you can wash and wear during the trip. I also wear my teva sandals with fleece socks to/from so one less pair of shoes to carry.

Becki, I have seen those in my Lands End catalog, but I have not actually bought a pair of them yet. Seems like a great concept for tropical travel.

I like the sweat pants because they are comfortable. And I like the levis because they are durable. Substituting zip-off pants for the levis may actually be a great idea.

I have found that sandals on airline flights can get you a lot of mosquito bites on the return trip from the tropics. Tennis shoes are a little bit better protection. Insect repellant is probably the best solution, although sweat pants and tennis shoes works well too.

[chrpai]

Why anyone would fly a charter instead of regularly scheduled commericial aviation is beyond me. Just to save a few bucks and give up all your rights....

[Damselfish]

chrpai once bubbled...
Why anyone would fly a charter instead of regularly scheduled commericial aviation is beyond me. Just to save a few bucks and give up all your rights....

I'm not big on charters either, mostly because of the usual sardine thing and inflexibility on travel days. But some are better than others, like anything. I haven't flown one in a long time but the ones I have seemed pretty well run and safe. I've been on at least one where it turned out to be a major airline operating the flight with their plane and crew. Maybe I've been lucky.

One thing charters are sometimes good for is a more direct and quicker trip - fly direct from A to B either nostop or a quick changeover, on a route that may otherwise require long layovers. The ones I've been on left at obscene hours of the morning, but you went straight to your destination and were in the water by lunch!

I wonder if there is anything in the fine print to force them to honor the luggage rules in effect at the time they sold you the ticket. I know this sounds silly, but what's to stop them from changing their minds and saying you can have 5 pounds of luggage, or no luggage.

[TDunbar]

Not to be harsh, but you often get what you pay for. I don't like spending more than I have to, but there's a reason why the charters are cheap. You can't be the best for less.........

So chalk one up to experience, have a great time, and book you flight elsewhere next time.


Todd

[chrpai]

Anyone considering a charter must read

http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publications/charters.htm


1) charters generally do not carry the consumer protection provisions

2) you cancel you normally can't credit the money to a future flight

3) The charter operator or airline can cancel a Public Charter for any reason up until 10 days before departure.

4) Signing a contract does not guarantee that your fare won't be increased before departure or that the itinerary won't change.

5) If your luggage gets lost during your tour, there may be a dispute over who is liable

6) flight can be delayed up to 48 hours before the charter operator must offer you the option to cancel with a full refund.

7) You might find seating space for your charter plane to be more crowded than you're used to.

8) Check-in deadlines are lengthier on charters than on scheduled-service flights.

9) Charter rates are relatively low, but might not be the cheapest fare to your destination.

10) Charters and scheduled flights operate independently of each other.

[diverlady]

chrpai once bubbled...
Why anyone would fly a charter instead of regularly scheduled commericial aviation is beyond me. Just to save a few bucks and give up all your rights....

A lot of pkgs from travel operators here (Ontario, Canada) use charters as "regularly scheduled commercial aviation" does not fly to many popular destinations. In fact, to take a major airline would mean making a connection somewhere in the US. For example, Air Canada just began offering flights to Coz this month so previously you either took a charter, a connection from the US or the boat from Cancun. Our charters are reputable airlines. True enough though, smaller seats/legroom etc. but for a few hours it's not a big deal to me even though I am tall.

I've never had a problem with a Canadian charter. Pretty much all allow for sports equipment to be taken at no charge so when I was overweighted it was chalked up to my divegear and there was no extra charges. Carry-on is limited to 10lbs and I have had mine weighed before (not every time) so bringing all kinds of diving extras like flashlights in carry-on, doesn't work. Computer in carry-on is about it for dive stuff. I have managed to get my regs in carry-on too as the first security guy thought I was carrying a laptop. Needless to say, the scanner proved otherwise.

Also, the weight restriction might be more strictly enforced if the aircraft is fully booked. When returning from Ft. Lauderdale last May I was overweighted and didn't even need to explain about the divegear. Turns out the flight was less than half full so really, what weight everyone had wouldn't come anywhere near meeting any limits.

I guess the overall characteristics of "charter flight" is different here.

Diverlady

[chrpai]

diverlady once bubbled...

I've never had a problem with a Canadian charter.
I guess the overall characteristics of "charter flight" is different here.



I can't speak to the legal, contractual status of charter flights in Canada. I'm sorry that I only had an American audience in mind.

[Jerryg]

Took one charter flight to Vegas and it was my last. Felt like I was stuffed into a sardine can. As far as the weight goes. I've been able to get all my gear and clothes into one bag that just hits the 50 lb mark. You really don't need a lot of clothes. Underwear, shorts, bathing suits, and t shirts that's about all. If you run a little short of clothes there is always the local laundry. Prioritize gear first and clothing last.

[awap]

DFW to COZ through Funjet charter: ~$200.00

IAH to COZ on Continental: ~$600.00

Your actual mileage may vary but the difference is on the order of your week of diving costs!

But it only works if you want to do 3, 4, or 7 nights. If you want to stay 10 nights you may have to buy a 3 and a 7 night booking.

[diverlady]

chrpai once bubbled...


I can't speak to the legal, contractual status of charter flights in Canada. I'm sorry that I only had an American audience in mind.

Well it's still pertinent info as many Canadians probably end up having to make a US connection possibly onto a US charter.

Diverlady

[chrpai]

awap once bubbled...
DFW to COZ through Funjet charter: ~$200.00

IAH to COZ on Continental: ~$600.00

Your actual mileage may vary but the difference is on the order of your week of diving costs!

But it only works if you want to do 3, 4, or 7 nights. If you want to stay 10 nights you may have to buy a 3 and a 7 night booking.

While airfare is a market and changes day to day, the savings is not that drastic. Right now I just went to Travelocity and I found a fare sale for $320 round trip IAH to CZM with travel dates available of every tuesday and wednesday for Decemeber, January and February.

So assuming that you can get your Funjet charter for $200.00 thats only $120 reasons to fly a charter. And remember charter prices can go up 10% without you being able to do anything about it ( $220 so now thats 100 reasons ) and be delayed up to 48 hours without you being able to do anything about it.

Being delayed even 1 day will cause you to lose your $100 savings in lost time at the hotel and diving.

[teamheatwave]

This has gone in many different directions so I will start with an easy topic. Why charter? Well, I have flown Continental the past 15 or 20 times and I watch the airfare on the websites at least once a week. However, Continental was still in the $674 p/p range. They have become very greedy. For a hundred dollars less I not only got the flight, but all taxes, hotel, transfers and brunch every day. So the money left over paid for a LOT of diving.

And yup, I had everything in writing. The printout of the website showing what the restrictions the day I made the booking, the emails to and from my email to USA 3000 and the travel agent addressing the issue and the response in writing from the travel agents.

Actually I use the travel agent frequently. Not just for myself but I send a lot of friends his way too. I am not too concerned about him screwing me. But I did have to make things unpleasant for him to get anything accomplished.

Hmmm... lets see, vacation...don't need underwear, maybe a couple t shirts and a couple pair of shorts, sandals and SCUBA gear. Carry on all the heavy stuff (regs, lights, log book, camera, etc). A challenge but dooable.

" First, that the travel agency I booked my package with sets the weight restrictions because it is a charter. "

Hard to believe, probably a lie. In the future I suggest avoiding charter flights all together. I flew with a charter company once (GWV). I think my fingerprints are still embedded in the seat...scaaaaary flight. First it was an old plane (some major airline had retired & sold). As we boarded we were handed a plastic bag with our "meal" inside. Before we even took off we were delayed as they had trouble closing cargo doors. The whole plane shook as we could hear them repeatedly slamming the door til it stayed shut. In flight: the attendant opened the curtain in the front of the cabin and it fell to the floor (frame and all), when my girlfriend went to use the rest room, the door handle came off in her hand. The seats are comfortable and spacious (if your legs have been amputated). The plane rattled and shook more than the 78 chevy chevette than I drove during college years.

I don't wear a kilt so your not wearing underwear is not an option. Besides, if the boat engine died we can rig the underwear as a sail!

As for how it turned out, they were weighing bags but our names were highlighted on a clipboard when we arrived at the airport to check in.

On the way home, the scales at Continental were on and they were checking weight but USA 3000 scales were off. They had no idea of what the weight was nor did they seem to care.

Like the fuel surcharge and 9/11 fees, this is yet another moneymaking ploy. Keep the face value of the ticket down but lets get some blood out of them in other ways. The big problem is these 6 and 7 figure ceo's and executives salaries. Get rid of a few of those worthless greedy SOB's and watch the ticket costs drop! Sorry - needed to vent.

Another loophole you can try and I have used it in the past is wearing a vest like photographers or fishing vests. There are no regulations on what you carry on your person.

[donacheson]

chrpai once bubbled...
Anyone considering a charter must read

http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publications/charters.htm

>>>

FWIW, I flew USA3000 round-trip between BWI and Cancun last week. Not only was the flight the only non-stop I could find, it was about $140 less than the regularly scheduled airlines when I purchased.

The flight left and returned on schedule, meals were served in both directions, and I had no hassles about baggage - USA3000 allowed me aboard in both directions with a shoulder bag and 21-inch wheelie, totalling about 45 pounds in weight. (Yes, that included all my dive gear.)

Note, however, that my flights were scheduled, not charters, in spite of the fact that most folks aboard were Apple Vacations-ers. Apparently USA3000 is trying to break into the scheduled flight market.

[chrpai]

donacheson once bubbled...


FWIW, I flew USA3000 round-trip between BWI and Cancun last week. Not only was the flight the only non-stop I could find, it was about $140 less than the regularly scheduled airlines when I purchased.

The flight left and returned on schedule, meals were served in both directions, and I had no hassles about baggage - USA3000 allowed me aboard in both directions with a shoulder bag and 21-inch wheelie, totalling about 45 pounds in weight. (Yes, that included all my dive gear.)

Note, however, that my flights were scheduled, not charters, in spite of the fact that most folks aboard were Apple Vacations-ers. Apparently USA3000 is trying to break into the scheduled flight market.

My comments were only in regards to chartered flights. Your flight was clearly not chartered. But your original statement shouldn't say it was $140 less then regularly scheduled flights, it should say it was $140 less then other regularly scheduled flights because in this market USA3000 is more comparable to a Southwest Airlines type business model.

[donacheson]

chrpai once bubbled...


... But your original statement shouldn't say it was $140 less then regularly scheduled flights, it should say it was $140 less then other regularly scheduled flights

I stand corrected. <G>

[rakjar]

is USA3000 an east coast airline?

[donacheson]

rakjar once bubbled...
is USA3000 an east coast airline?

A discount airline operating in the eastern US - as far west as Chicago and Milwaukee, north to Newark, and south to Florida (plus Cancun and Punta Cana). It has been a charter carrier for Apple Vacations; its scheduled service is fairly new and growing.

[downdown]

I can't believe that you are whining about not being able to carry more than 50lbs of luggage. Most major airlines will charge you a fee to bring that amount of bags on board the plane and will in most cases make you check them into cargo.
I have used USA3000 three times and will use them again and again. Their service is fantastic, the flight attendants are professional and friendly. The meal is a surprise and quite tastey and the planes are all brand new or at the worst a few years old. Plenty of legroom and clean planes. This is how an airline should be and I see a great future for them.
Charter vs schedule? USA3000 offer both and the service on both are identical. Recently on a trip to Punta Cana I had to use USAirways from Philly to Punta Cana as USA3000 was sold out. The USAirways flight was far worse than USA3000's which I took to the same destination 4 months prior. A soft sandwich and a glass of soda. The plane was dirty and the flight attendants were rude. The cost of a round trip ticket on USAirways was $678 and on USA3000 it was $248. If you have not used USA3000 airlines to go to your dive I would seriously recommend their site and fares and service.
www.usa3000airlines.com