Kat
Contributor
Here is AirTrans Sporting Goods Policy. AirTran Airways - Sporting Equipment
It is really a win-win policy for the airline, you either pay the fee or leave your gear behind. What the airlines really want is to eliminate checked luggage. It is a huge expense. Here is an article on MSN that I found very informative. The Middle Seat: Baggage Becomes a Big-Ticket Item - MSN Travel Articles
It mentions that AirCanada is offering their passengers a $3 discount if they don't check a bag.
So fellow divers...let's re-read the AirTran policy and be smart.
Golf Clubs: Allowed up to 60 pounds. Hummm, how can you take advantage of that?
Go buy a hard sided golf bag. They cost about $70 (AirTrans fee, one-way) and put 59 pounds of scuba gear in it. Then put your TSA locks on it. Taa Daa, problem solved!
The agent isn't going to ask you what is inside your golf bag. AND you get an extra 9 pounds of gear.
Actually, what I find amazing is that hockey gear is allowed, at no additional fee. Those bags are just as big & bulky as dive bags.
No way that is going to happen. This was a money generating idea. They knew they'd field some complaints. A few unhappy passengers, who say they will never fly AirTran again. They also know that most will continue to fly. The airline is not worried about a few unhappy divers.This sounds like some mid level minion made a serious error in judgement and will have to pay with his or her career.
It is really a win-win policy for the airline, you either pay the fee or leave your gear behind. What the airlines really want is to eliminate checked luggage. It is a huge expense. Here is an article on MSN that I found very informative. The Middle Seat: Baggage Becomes a Big-Ticket Item - MSN Travel Articles
It mentions that AirCanada is offering their passengers a $3 discount if they don't check a bag.
So fellow divers...let's re-read the AirTran policy and be smart.
Golf Clubs: Allowed up to 60 pounds. Hummm, how can you take advantage of that?
Go buy a hard sided golf bag. They cost about $70 (AirTrans fee, one-way) and put 59 pounds of scuba gear in it. Then put your TSA locks on it. Taa Daa, problem solved!
The agent isn't going to ask you what is inside your golf bag. AND you get an extra 9 pounds of gear.
Actually, what I find amazing is that hockey gear is allowed, at no additional fee. Those bags are just as big & bulky as dive bags.