[ Scubadiving with Empire ] Airline Baggage polices for Divers

[paul@empirescuba.com]

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<p>Working for=0D
the betterment of the Dive Industry, Dive Chronicles has embarked on=0D
clarifying and updating the luggage policy for airlines to become more=0D
scuba-friendly.&nbsp; In the past year and a half, these=0D
airlines have implemented policies that have affected divers traveling=0D
to many popular&nbsp;dive destinations.&nbsp; </p>=0D
<p>Northwest Airlines has=0D
been charging an additional fee of $80.00 each way, per piece of=0D
luggage that contains any scuba equipment.&nbsp; This charge was applied re=
gardless=0D
if the luggage was within the two-bag limit and within the weight=0D
restriction. The additional charge has been applied if any of the=0D
following was included in the luggage:&nbsp; mask, fins,=0D
snorkel, regulator, gauges, BCD (Tank Harness), Scuba Generator (We are=0D
still researching what exactly this is?) and SCUBA tank</p>=0D
<p>American Airlines' website referred to scuba tanks with scuba regulator,=
 tank harness, and tank pressure gauge, would be charged.&nbsp; Only=0D
those traveling with a Scuba Tank should be charged the excess fee.=0D
Almost all recreational divers do not travel with Scuba Tanks. American=0D
Airlines was very helpful in clarifying its policy.&nbsp; </p>=0D
<p>The Dive Chronicles Team=0D
has petitioned the airlines by contacting several airline department=0D
heads and confirming the details through reservation agents and airline=0D
websites.&nbsp; Upon conclusion of discussions, two of the=0D
Airlines agreed to refine the wording of their policies to be more=0D
clear for everyone. </p>=0D
<p>The Dive Chronicles team=0D
was successful in receiving further clarification of these policies=0D
with both Northwest and American airlines.&nbsp; Now, according=0D
to the reformed policies, recreational scuba divers traveling without=0D
scuba tanks will not be charged an additional fee if they are within=0D
the allowable baggage limit.&nbsp; </p>=0D
<p><strong>To see the response from this airlines visit </strong><a href=3D=
"http://www.divechronicles.com/airlines"><strong>http://www.divechronicles.=
com/airlines</strong></a></p>=0D
<p>Exact policies are actually being updated on&nbsp;the Northwest and Amer=
ican&nbsp;airlines web sites as you read this.&nbsp; Remember to refer to y=
our airlines luggage policy for any changes that may apply to your travelin=
g endeavors.</p>=0D
<p>As always, Dive Chronicles team is working hard for all in the Dive Indu=
stry.</p></div></div></span><BR>=