Living in Northern Europe I usually travel at least once a year to the tropics. I’ve notice a lot of airlines are not so friendly with divers and their equipment. I failed to do my research in last trip and ending up paying 200 euros in over weight fees.

This year I’ve done my homework and decided to choose my airline from the allowance they give. They usually don’t list this in their homepage but if you search for sport equipment allowance a lot of European and Asian airline have started to list the conditions to get an extra 10 to 15 kilos. In one airline I was required to pay a fee of 30 euros and to make the payment in advance with my credit card.

I have heard a lot of horror stories mostly from US and Canadian base airlines no giving extra weight allowance. You usually have to avoid the budget airlines when it comes to getting your request accepted. Don’t expect to get etra weight allowance on a budget airline that does even want check in luggage. A lot of airlines are still strict with declaring your request ahead of time and I have to emphasize the importance of doing it ahead unless you want to end with with the crazy fees.

Mixing personal things other than your equipment is also a big no when it comes to availing extra weight allowance. I notice a lot of holiday makers abusing these privileges creating more unfriendly airline. Always remember extra baggage allowance is a privilege and not a right. Please try your best to follow the guidelines set by your airline and to make sure to tell them you appreciate what they are doing.