Continental Airline Question

[MedicDan]

I will be flying to Cozumel and have a question about the baggage allowance for Continental Airlines:

*Is there a fee for the second piece of baggage if it is my dive equipment? I understand that the first piece of checked baggage there is no fee up to 50 lbs for travel to Mexico, but was not clear on weather an additional dive baggage checked had a fee.

[parrotheaddiver]

yes there is a charge for the second bag....here is what CO says about scuba equip.

Continental Airlines - Sports Equipment

Continental does accept one dive bag containing equipment used in the scuba-diving sport as checked baggage. Scuba equipment in addition to the baggage allowance will be assessed at the excess baggage charge applicable in the market for a single piece.

Dive bags weighing over 50lbs (23kg) that contain other items in addition to or in place of appropriate dive equipment will be subject to the applicable overweight fee.

Dive bags measuring over 62 linear inches (157 cm) that contain other items in addition to or in place of dive equipment will be subject to the applicable oversize charge.

If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to scuba equipment.

An empty dive tank will not be included in determining the Free Baggage Allowance and will be subject to a $100 service charge (each way).

An empty dive tank or up to 3 rebreather tanks will not be included in determining the Free Baggage Allowance and will be subject to a service charge of $100. The empty dive/rebreather tank must have the regulator valve completely disconnected form the tank. The tank must not be sealed (i.e. the tank has an open end). The tank must have an opening to allow for a visual inspection by a TSA Security Screener.

Note: for Rebreather Equipment: Soda lime that is 4% Sodium Hydroxide or less will be accepted in checked baggage. Soda lime that is 4.1% Sodium Hydroxide will not be accepted in checked baggage.

An item of SCUBA equipment consists of one empty SCUBA tank, up to 3 rebreather tanks or one dive bag containing equipment used in the scuba-diving sport. The empty scuba/rebreather tank and a separate dive bag containing SCUBA equipment will be charged as two separate pieces.

Continental is not liable for damage to Scuba diving equipment.

Excess Valuation may not be purchased for Scuba diving equipment.

It ain't easy to fly anymore or cheap

[iztok]

Keep in mind that if you are Star Alliance Gold you have extra (free) baggage allowance.

[parrotheaddiver]

true..... or if you upgrade to FC or International Business class....but that means more $$

[drdaddy]

yes there is a charge for the second bag....here is what CO says about scuba equip.

Continental Airlines - Sports Equipment

Continental does accept one dive bag containing equipment used in the scuba-diving sport as checked baggage. Scuba equipment in addition to the baggage allowance will be assessed at the excess baggage charge applicable in the market for a single piece.

Dive bags weighing over 50lbs (23kg) that contain other items in addition to or in place of appropriate dive equipment will be subject to the applicable overweight fee.

Dive bags measuring over 62 linear inches (157 cm) that contain other items in addition to or in place of dive equipment will be subject to the applicable oversize charge.

If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to scuba equipment.

An empty dive tank will not be included in determining the Free Baggage Allowance and will be subject to a $100 service charge (each way).

An empty dive tank or up to 3 rebreather tanks will not be included in determining the Free Baggage Allowance and will be subject to a service charge of $100. The empty dive/rebreather tank must have the regulator valve completely disconnected form the tank. The tank must not be sealed (i.e. the tank has an open end). The tank must have an opening to allow for a visual inspection by a TSA Security Screener.

Note: for Rebreather Equipment: Soda lime that is 4% Sodium Hydroxide or less will be accepted in checked baggage. Soda lime that is 4.1% Sodium Hydroxide will not be accepted in checked baggage.

An item of SCUBA equipment consists of one empty SCUBA tank, up to 3 rebreather tanks or one dive bag containing equipment used in the scuba-diving sport. The empty scuba/rebreather tank and a separate dive bag containing SCUBA equipment will be charged as two separate pieces.

Continental is not liable for damage to Scuba diving equipment.

Excess Valuation may not be purchased for Scuba diving equipment.

It ain't easy to fly anymore or cheap

I want to thank you for this clear answer. Sometimes it's not so clear when you read through the airline stuff. 4 years ago, flying British Air internationally to Israel, you were allowed 1 free sport bag on top of your 2 bags. Last year, I flew internationally to Japan and had to pay for my 1 extra bag of scuba equipment (which I needed to take because I am bigger than most Japanese and there was questions about availability of bigger size in the remote location). Now, this got a bit sticky as we had to fly internationally, but then changed to a local flight across Japan - but since we bought it as one ticket, it was all covered. Otherwise it would have cost me big bucks. Always clarify (and have them enter it into the notes, if possible) with the airline before the flight!

[ttriton]

If your dive bag only has dive gear in it, is the weight limit 50lbs? Continental's info is confusing.

[parrotheaddiver]

that appears the way it reads but my gear alone only weighs about 35 lbs...it is all that extra stuff I add that gets it up over the limit....... this statement makes me think that they are saying yeah your first bag can be scuba equipment and as long as it is under 50lbs it can go free (If applicable, the first or second bag fee applies to scuba equipment) so really I think all they are saying is your first bag under 50lbs can go free....but you are right it is very confusing....I just stuff my dive bag until it is 50lbs and then carry a large carryon with my clothes etc...