On the surface, it seems the international airlines have started to copy the low budget Europeans as the hold and cabin weight allowances go down and excess-weight charges go up.
On International routes, SAA allow you 8Kg in the cabin and 20Kg in the hold - any extra must be paid for at check in {no opportunity to book ahead online} at the rate of £35/Kg!!!
So , using kitchen scales at friends in Berkshire, I leave 10Kg behind and still find I'm 2Kg over at check-in . . . £70 one way - no exceptions. My necessary paperwork is 15Kg so it's tough, but what can a poor boy do?
Conversation with the aircrew at checkin {I always like to check with the Captain & his crew} reveals that it's not the Airlines that are pulling these extra-revenue-generating stunts, it's the airport authorities!
They take a %age of the excess rates charged, and insist on detailed passenger manifest information to ensure they get their pound of luggage!
So the airlines look like they're the bad guys and the airport authorities get away with it - so far!
The joys of foreign exploration, begin with the hassles of travel. However have a great time. Its a very cool country. Good piece of advice from an ex SA policeman freind of mine is always wear a jacket when you are out and about. that way no one knows if you are carry some protective euqipment and only the really crazy are interested in finding out. Hope you get chance to go to a game park or somewhere like Kruger park - as well as all the other exciting adventures that you are likely to have.Take care and have fun - i'll be following with itnerest and excitement
ReplyDeleteWhat Ho Roberto! Sorry I didn't reply sooner.
ReplyDeleteGood advice from the ex SA Fuzz, and that's pretty much what I'm doing.
Got a great little digi-camera, but the software isn't Mac-friendly for videos taken with it.
Downloaded a freeware of PHOTOfunSTUDIO (came with the camera) but how do you make the .exe file work with Macs?
BTW - Brian C had his 80th recently - I've just sent him a belated e-card. Here's his email:
bcheetham123@btinternet.com