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Airlines and their URL address

Luggage

This is one of the most difficult and contentious parts of traveling both domestically and internationally. If you take the time and think about what you are going to need in order to have a good vacation or holiday this can just be little as an annoyance but if you try bring everything, there can be serious problems.

Due to the heighten security the screening process for all baggage has changed. The changes are listed below, or check with the following websites

http://www.tsa.gov/ Transportation Safety Administration

http://www.faa.gov/ Federal Aviation Administration

with your airline and travel agent.

What type of bag to bring? Don’t go cheap if you can avoid it. The cheap bag might spring/rip open at the most inopportune time spilling the contents. A good quality, well-constructed bag that weighs the least is the best. Before you pack the bag examine the zipper, hinges, seams, stitching, handles, straps and locks. If there is any question of the security of the bag purchase another one or bring something to tie the bag back closed if it happens to open, a belt, piece of rope, even some duct tape.
Luggage restrictions apply to baggage on all airlines. If you have baggage, which is in excess of the free allowance, you will be liable for additional charges. Be careful as they are becoming more and more strict. See excess baggage section below.
Please keep the carry-on baggage as light at possible, also remember you have to either place it on the floor at your feet or place it in the overhead.
At some airports there are considerable distances to walk after arrival or before departure. Moving heavy bags between domestic and international terminals should always be accomplished with a cart, but there are several airports where the use of a shuttle bus requires using a cart from the domestic flight, lifting the heavy bags onto the shuttle bus, lifting the bags off the shuttle bus and getting another cart.
Most airlines have an often-used quote, “For the comfort and safety of all passengers it is necessary to limit the size and weight of your carry-on baggage.” Think about what you are bringing and try to minimize the weight.
Your free checked and carry-on baggage allowances on most international and domestic services are detailed below.
Check with the airlines for their restrictions for surfboards, skis, golf bags, or other oversized or heavy baggage. See excessive and/or overweight baggage section below.
Remember that if you have to change planes later in the trip to a much smaller commuter airline they might have a more restrictive allowance. Check with all carriers before you start your trip.
If the flight is full or what they call “heavy” on commuter or domestic airlines they have been known to process your baggage normally and then carry your baggage on the next available plane. You might have to wait for several hours (days) for the bags to catch up to you. This can be a very poor start to your vacation and cause you to miss your connecting flight.
The airlines have been directed by governments that for security reasons, all knives, sharp objects or cutting implements of any kind and any length, whether of metal or other material, and some sporting goods, must be packed in your checked baggage. They cannot be carried in your cabin baggage or on your person.
Sharp Objects or cutting implements include but are not limited to: any knife, including paper knives, carpet knives, box cutters, letter openers, scissors of any kind, tradesman’s tools, screwdrivers, corkscrews, darts and knitting needles.
"Sporting goods" include but are not limited to: sporting bats (no matter what size), billiard/snooker/pool cues, sling-shots, catapults. Magic or entertainment devices that cause explosions, flashes, or smells are also banned. This would include flash powder, flash paper, fire wallets etc.
If you are carrying any such items, they must be packed in your checked baggage. If you try to carry them in your cabin baggage or on your person, the airport screening services will remove them. They will not be returned to you.
Restricted item List is listed below. You must declare your dangerous goods to the airline. Be aware that these items when carried aboard, constitute a serious crime, don't start your vacation in the wrong manner, only because you forgot that item was in the bottom of your bag.
The airport screening service will examine the personal medication containing needles for use in flight. Medication involving needles will be removed if not accompanied by a doctor's prescription.

International Travel

Checked Baggage

International luggage allowances vary by class and by airline.

Please check with your airline and travel agent before going to the airport!

The checked baggage allowance is based on weight or number of pieces, depending on your flight. Under the piece system, the two pieces of baggage are subject to size restrictions and a maximum weight per bag of 32kg (70lbs). The airline or your travel agent can give you further details on baggage allowances for your particular flight. Always ask, don’t just assume that they will accommodate you and your luggage.

Class	Weight	Pieces
First Class	40 kg (88lbs)	2
Business Class	30 kg (66lbs)	2
Economy Class	20 kg (44lbs)	2

Most flights now only have two (2) classes of passengers, business and economy.

There are some times additional checked baggage allowances are available for frequent flyers club members, if you ask. Remember connecting regional airlines, partnership airlines or code share services not directly operated by your airline do not necessarily honor these allowances.

Carry-On Baggage

International luggage allowances vary by class and by airline.

Please check with your airline and travel agent before going to the airport!

First and Business Class passengers are allowed 2 carry on bags for each person that do not exceed 115cm linear (45 inches) and a maximum weight of 7 kg (15lb) each bag or 1 carry on bag not exceeding 115cm linear, plus 1 garment bag (non-rigid frame, unfolded) not exceeding 185cm linear, and a maximum weight of 7 kg each item.

Economy Class passengers are allowed 1 carry on bag not exceeding 115cm linear and a maximum weight of 7kg (15lb) or 1 garment bag (non-rigid frame, unfolded) not exceeding 185cm linear, and a maximum weight of 7 kg (15lb)

In terms of carry-on baggage allowance, a camera bag, lap top computer or video camera constitute one carry-on bag equivalent.

Maximum individual measurements (when added together) for each bag size are:

1.) 56cm (W) + 36cm (H) + 23cm (D) = 115cm

22in (W) + 14in (H) + 9in (D) = 45inches

2.) 60cm (W) + 114cm (L) + 11cm (D) = 185cm

23in (W) + 44in (L) + 4in (D) = 72inches

Domestic Travel

Checked Baggage

The allowance for checked baggage is 2 bags for Business Class passengers and 1 bag for passengers traveling in Economy Class. The total linear dimension of each piece should not exceed 140 cm (54 inches) or weigh more than 32 kg (70 lbs).

Again, if you are a Frequent Flyer Club member, additional checked baggage allowances are available, if you ask.

Carry-On Baggage

Business and Economy Class passengers are allowed 2 carry on bags each not exceeding 105cm linear (41 inches) and a maximum weight of 7kg (15lb) each bag or 1 carry on bag not exceeding 105cm linear, plus 1 garment bag (non-rigid frame, unfolded) not exceeding 185cm linear, and a maximum weight of 7 kg each item or 1 carry on bag not exceeding 115cm linear and a maximum weight of 7kg (15lb).

Some airlines allow for heavier carry-on baggage limits than others, be sure that all the airlines on your route will allow your bag aboard.

International First and Business Class passengers transferring to/from Domestic services (on the same day) are usually allowed the International First/Business Class allowance.

In terms of carry-on baggage allowance, a camera bag, lap top computer or video camera constitute one carry-on bag equivalent.

Maximum individual measurements (when added together) for each bag size are:

1.) 48cm (W) + 34cm (H) + 23cm (D) = 105cm

19in (W) + 13in (H) + 9in (D) = 41inches

2.) 56cm (W) + 36cm (H) + 23cm (D) = 115cm

22in (W) + 14in (H) + 9in (D) = 45inches

3.) 60cm (W) + 114cm (L) + 11cm (D) = 185cm

23in (W) + 44in (L) + 4in (D) = 72inches

Excess Baggage

There at time when it may become necessary to travel with an item or items that exceeds the size or weight limits. Additional charges apply to this type of baggage.

Be warned, that many airlines may require you the check your excess baggage at a different counter or even in a different building. Call the airline before coming to the airport.

Also that baggage that is handled by more than one airline (connections) may also be subject to the connecting airline's excess charges too. These excess baggage charges can add up very quickly.

Additional Baggage

Charges for checked baggage in excess to the baggage allowance can be as high as $100.00 US for each piece or higher. Airlines usually charge the following for additional bags.

$80.00 to $100.00 ($US) per piece for the first three (3) additional pieces.

$120.00 to $140.00 ($US) per piece for the 4th, 5th and 6th additional pieces.

$140.00 to $200.00 ($US) per piece for the 7th and any additional pieces.

Overweight Baggage

Checked baggage that exceeds the 32 Kg/70lb limit will be charged at a rate of $100.00 ($US) per piece.

These charges will be, of course, in addition to any charges for additional or oversize baggage.

Pieces of luggage or baggage that is in excess of 45Kg/100lb limits will not be carried by any known airline. The piece or pieces will have to be shipped via air cargo.

Restricted Materials and Items

You must declare your dangerous goods to the airline. Failure to do so violates U.S. Federal Law. Violators may be subject to a maximum penalty of 5 years' imprisonment and $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Contact your airlines representative for further details.

Ask before you pack your luggage or carry on board the following items, as they may be classified as dangerous goods which are restricted for transport by air:

Fireworks: Signal flares, firecrackers, sparklers or other explosives of any kind.

Flammable Liquids or Solids: Fuels, paints, lighter refills, even matches (strike-any-where).

Household Items: Bleach, spray starch, insecticides, drain cleaners and solvents of any kind.

Pressure Containers/Pressurized Containers: Spray cans of any kind, those containing or that have contained butane, propane, or other types of fuel sources, scuba tanks (full), propane tanks, CO2 cartridges, self-inflating lifejackets or rafts.

Weapons: Any item that might be considered a firearm, any type of ammunition, gunpowder, blasting caps, and personal protection devices such as mace, tear-gas, or pepper spray.

Other Hazardous Materials would include: Dry ice (more than 4 lbs), any gasoline-powered tools, wet-cell batteries, camping equipment with fuel, radioactive materials (except limited quantities), poisons, infectious substances.

Miscellaneous Items: Knives of any length (except rounded blade butter knives and plastic cutlery), cutting instruments of ANY kind including carpet knives, box cutters and folding or retractable blades regardless of length, ice picks, straight razors (safety/disposable razors ARE allowed), and scissors (metal, with pointed tips).

Beware.
Many common items used everyday in the home or workplace may seem harmless; however, when transported by air, they can be very dangerous. In the flight, variations in temperature and pressure can cause items to leak, generate toxic fumes or start a fire.

Plan Ahead.
Hazardous materials are prohibited in luggage which is checked or carried on board.

There are certain exceptions for personal care, medical needs, sporting equipment, and items to support physically challenged passengers. For example:

Personal Care Items containing hazardous materials (e.g., flammable perfume, aerosols) totaling no more than 70 ounces may be carried on board. Contents of each container may not exceed 16 fluid ounces.

Safety Matches and/or a Lighter may only be carried on your person. However, "strike-anywhere" matches, lighters with flammable liquid reservoirs and lighter fluid are
forbidden.

Firearms and Ammunition may not be carried by a passenger on an aircraft. However,
unloaded firearms may be transported in checked baggage if declared to the agent at check in and packed in a crush-proof container manufactured specifically for the firearm or a hard-sided suitcase. Handguns must be in a locked container. Properly packaged small arms ammunition for personal use may be transported in checked luggage. Amounts may vary depending on the airline.

Dry Ice (4 pounds or less) for packing perishables, may be carried on board an aircraft provided the package is vented. Ticket or gate agent must be advised at all times when these are transported.

Electric Wheelchairs must be transported in accordance with most airline requirements. The battery may need to be removed and transported separately.

Further restrictions may apply to the above items. Some items may be shipped as air cargo. If you are unsure whether the item you wish to pack in your luggage or ship by air is hazardous, contact your airlines representative or travel agent.

Screening Of Baggage

Starting January 1st 2003 all checked baggage will be screened using several different methods. Some of the screening equipment will be visible in the lobby while other equipment will screen the luggage after you check it at the counter. All checked bags will be screened.

If you are at an airport where the screening equipment is "behind the scenes," you will not notice any difference in the check in process. In many airports you will see screening equipment being used in the lobby. Unless you see signs directing you otherwise, go directly to the ticket counter to check-in with your airline. You may be directed to proceed to baggage screening before you check-in with your airline. Please check for these signs and instructions to ensure that you go the correct line.

There are some tips that will help you to speed your trip through the screening process:

1. Don't put film in your checked baggage, as the new type screening equipment will damage it.

2. Place all personal belongings in clear plastic bags to reduce the chance that a screener will have to touch them.

3. Pack shoes, boots, sneakers, and other footwear on top of other contents in your luggage.

4. Do not over-pack your bags, as they screeners may not be able to return all the items back into the bag.

Locking Of Luggage

The screeners may have to open your baggage as part of the screening process. If your bag is unlocked, then screeners will simply open the bag and screen the bag and close it back up. However, if the bag is locked and the screeners needs to open your bag, then locks may have to be broken. It is suggested that you help prevent the need to break your locks by keeping your bag unlocked. Shortly plastic seals will be provide at the airport for you to use to secure your luggage as an alternative to locking your bag. Until that time though, you may want to consider purchasing standard cable ties to secure your bags. Cable ties can be purchased at any hardware or Radio Shack store.

If the screeners open your bag during the screening procedure, they will close it with a security seal. In addition, they will place a notice in your bag alerting you to the fact that the screeners opened your bag for inspection.

Airlines and their URL address

The Best Airline to Fiji is Qantas / Air Pacific from USA.

A Close second is Air New Zealand

http://www.aircalin.nc/ Air Caledonia Air Lines

http://www.aircanada.ca/ Air Canada Air Lines

http://www.airfiji.net/ Air Fiji Air Lines

http://www.airfrance.com/ Air France Air Lines

http://www.airnauru.com.au/ Air Nauru Air Lines

http://www.airnz.com/ Air New Zealand Air Lines

http://svc.ana.co.jp/eng/index.html ANA Air Lines (All Nippon Air)

http://www.ansett.com.au/home_f.htm Ansett Australia Air Lines

http://www.airpacific.com/ Air Pacific Air Lines