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(c) Elliott Publishing.

Downside Revisited
ChrisCrossings · July 2, 1999

I would like to comment on your recent article titled Downside of Diving. As an avid scuba diver who has traveled to many of the world's dive destinations, I have never encountered an extra charge for my "dive bag."

The comment regarding traveling with a scuba tank is irrelevant. I never travel with a scuba tank and know of no sport divers who do. The notion of dragging an aluminum or steel tank along on a flight is ludicrous to say the least.

Some airlines do, however, charge excess baggage fees if you go over their specified weight limit. This is imposed regardless of the type of luggage. These airlines are usually small operators who run island hoppers and have minimal room for baggage. I do pack my scuba gear into a "dive bag." However, I could just as easily pack it into any type of suitcase and effortlessly avoid an extra fee imposed by certain airlines. I simply suggest that divers be aware of the restrictions and fees imposed by airlines and pack accordingly. As always, a little education goes a long way.

It is ridiculous to entertain the thought that there could be a lobby for skiers and golfers to avoid baggage charges or that Grand Cayman has some special power to evoke a dive bag charge waiver. While I am disappointed that US Airways imposes the $50 fee for dive equipment, it is careless of you to imply that people traveling with a scuba mask will be charged the fee. I certainly do not consider US Airways excess baggage fee to be a downside for divers as it can be easily avoided with a little pre-planning.

I found your article to be poorly researched and mundane. It appears you have not traveled as a diver to dive destinations and should refrain from comments in this arena until you are better informed.

Cordially,

Nina Hodge

Elliott responds: You are correct in your assumption that I have never traveled with dive gear. However, that doesn't disqualify me from commenting on US Airways' excess baggage policy, nor from suggesting that its rules are ill-conceived.