YD does Galapagos - 30.09.07-13.10.07 (Yes, you did read that right!!!)

[Lou]

Giz - they are included but 11 months off being booked so effectively we have a say in how we go. There is no tied package - all open for discussion.

AA are ok except for the hassle and grief of flying kit throught hte States. You have to take it off the plane yourself and rebook it back in, plus they rifle it behind the scenes, and to do all this extends the journey. Hence something direct from Europe being easier, and about the same cost.

[John Gulliver]

As understand it, Scuba Tours recommend American because of the two-piece luggage allowance on transatlantic flights via USA (2 x 23 kilos plus hand luggage) but the difference in travel time is so great that it would obviously be much better to fly via Madrid if we could solve the luggage problem. 20 kilos is definitely too little. I would think an extra 10 kilos concession would be fine for most of us.

[CotoChris]

Next I go to Vigo (30km away) I drop off at the aiport and ask at the Iberia desk. I would be surprised if it's only 20kg-

[Lou]

Cheers Chris, that would be great.

Lou

[John Gulliver]

Originally Posted by Chris Guimaraens

Next I go to Vigo (30km away) I drop off at the aiport and ask at the Iberia desk. I would be surprised if it's only 20kg-

It would be great if you were right, Chris, but I think you'll find that there is an IATA agreement under which the maximum free luggage allowance is 20 kilos all over the world except to the USA. We only got 20 kilos to Bomaire and we're only getting 20 kilos to Indonesia next October. The two-piece rule has also recently been changed. It's now 2 x 23 kilos instead of 2 x 32 kilos, unfortunately.

[Scubanut]

Hey calm down calm down (in my best scouse accent, apologies if I offend).

T'as been a while since I was last on here, well with time to post anyway.

I see that the flight part of our lil trip is at the top of the list but one thing to remember.........

This trip is a long way off as far as booking flights goes. Yes MST are aware of the hassle that we get by flying into the good ol US of A. As JG has already replied, it is to do with the weight allowance.
When the time comes I will speak to Holly and see what our options are. As Holly said at Brum, if we look to book now it will cost a fortune, whereas if we wait until the airlines publish their timetables then the cost lowers and we will be able to get a better idea etc etc.

I can also remember reading about JG's experience with KLM, not one that I would like to experience at all and I'm sure that you will all agree not nice.

Now where were we. How many times have you watched that DVD of David A's???!!!!!!!

Gary

[John Gulliver]

Originally Posted by Scubanut

How many times have you watched that DVD of David A's???!!!!!!!

Gary

No times, 'cos the copy David a promised me never arrived, but Lou's burning a copy for me tonight, so I should get it early next week

[Scubanut]

I've spoken to MST and can confirm that the weight allowance is the stumbling block, amongst other things.....

KLM 1 x 20kg plus hand luggage, excess at approx £25 p/kg
AA 2 x 23kg plus hand luggage, excess, what excess!!!!!

KLM flights only give 55 min connection, not much when you've got passport control etc to go through!!!!
AA there is at least 3-4 hours connection time.

Gary

[Lou]

KLM were giving a decent "sports kit" allowance though - I think. For not much.

Anyway, we can sort all this over the next few months (read 10!!). No rush, but David A's horror flight story is one to bear in mind. I would rather spend that extra day in Ecuador!

[Josie]

Originally Posted by Lou

Cooo-ooome with us , Josie.....Come to the 'Gos!

You waaaaant tooooooooo.........

I know, it sounds great. My dad and stepmum are going in February (not divers though). I can't commit to spending lots of money in 2007 at the moment. Added to this, HWMBI is hoping to save up and buy a rebreather - definitely no money for lovely trips then!!

Will following your plans and then after trip reports with interest!

Josie