Hi all,
As in past seasons, we have a number of large calibration parts (new
chopper, RPS, possibly the FTS) that we would like to have the option to
handcarry. I've done this many times in the past, see e.g. the attached
photo. Zak's recent email makes it sound like this is no longer possible:
On 10/24/12 5:35 PM, Zak Staniszewski wrote:
After searching baggage restrictions, I have
determined that I cannot
check it and bring it with me. The dimensions of the largest item can
total 62 inches for Qantas flights. Just the length plus width of the
FTS add up to 82 inches, so even flattening things will have it exceed
my alotment.
It looks like Zak got this from the Qantas website, looking at what they
say about standard checked bags. To avoid any confusion I called
American Airlines (800-882-8880) and spoke to their expert on
international baggage restrictions (named "Stella"). She told me very
clearly that for destinations in the Pacific including Australia/NZ the
rules are:
1. standard (free) baggage allowance for coach is 2 pieces, 50 lbs 62"
(L+W+H) max.
2. Oversize pieces with total dimensions 62-126" can be checked for a
fee of $150 each, up to additional oversize 8 pieces per traveler.
3. Overweight pieces 50-70 lbs can similarly be checked for $60 per
piece. Pieces that are both oversize and overweight can combine these
($210 extra per piece). Of course we will reimburse all fees.
4. Since American Airlines is the ticketing airline for the entire
itinerary, their rules apply to all legs, even those operated by other
airlines (Qantas, Emirates, etc). You pay the fee once when you check
in, and your bags are checked all the way through with no additional
oversize fees. This is true even for itineraries (e.g. from LAX) where
the first leg may be Qantas rather than American.
Folks at the ticketing counters where you check your bags may or may not
know all these rules, so it pays to be able to quote all this to them,
saying you've gotten it straight from the AA International Baggage
office. Let me know if you hear anyone at American contradict the above
so we can keep this updated.
John
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___________________________________________________________________
John Kovac jmkovac(a)cfa.harvard.edu
Assistant Professor, Astronomy and Physics, Harvard University
160 Concord Ave rm 310, Cambridge MA 02138, 617-496-0611