we just returned from Bonaire last night, via Bonaire Express to Curacao, Aruba, then Delta to ATL. I was told by Air Jamaica before we left about the 'exceptional baggage' allowance. Now that Bonaire Express/Excel's website is back up, here's the scoop straight from them: Diving equipment Up to 10 kg of diving equipment per person may be taken along free of charge, while any excess will be charged at the excess baggage rate of ANG 5,- p/kg for a single journey. Harpoons and divers’ knives may never be taken into the cabin. Oxygen cylinders, lead belts and flash lights with a fixed battery are prohibited. We each had a 30 Kg (66 lb) checked bag [20kg plus 10Kg exceptional allowance. I tried to carry on a small suitcase, but was told to leave it on the tarmac to be loaded in the back of the plane. I balked, but then left it (after removing my laptop and camera and taking them onboard with me). The bags seemed to be handled OK. The only other hassle was with the time taken in Aruba. You have to clear Aruba immigration [you must fill out the card - regardless of what the Bonaire Express flight attendents say], then customs. You walk outside the terminal, then down to the ticketing building to check-in (in our case it was with Delta). They take your checked bags, then you walk back through Aruba immigration [doors posted for travel 'to US']. Then you're in the duty free area - with Sbarro pizza as about the only food choice. When you leave the food court/mall area you actually enter US immigration, then pick up your bags and walk through another set of security, then place your checked bags on a belt. Then you finally get into the gate area (a glass wall away from when you first entered the airport). |