I thought you peeps might like our own KLM experiences.....

We have taken kit there and back several times now and there are some KEY pointers that might help....

Some stuff is free BUT windsurfing kit attracts a charge and golfing equipment DOES NOT. Not sure how that works but it is the rule.

If you plan on taking your kit then there are some ABSOLUTE musts,

1. NOTHING HEAVIER THAN 35 KG EVER EVER. Baggage handlers are not allowed to lift anything heaver than 35kg so if it is, then you will have to ship it Cargo

2. Whatever you take, KLM do NOT cover it under any insurance so make sure you have your own

3. Have a back up plan for when it arrives two days later than you

4. NEVER MAKE IT LONGER THAN 2.85 m (check that length as I am not sure..).

5. Fixed prices are agreed for up to 20KG, above that (up to 35 kg) then you pay through the nose.

6. Pad everything that could be damaged by being banged against steel or concrete (rails, nose, tail) with extra bubble pack

7. Pack sails in a separate back and claim they are normal baggage. You have a 20 kg allowance per person ONLY for regular baggage but we travel as a family of 4 so 80 kg is cool.

8. Label the inside, outside and WRITE IN BIG LETTERS "BONAIRE". Our kit has gone to Lima and back 'cos they lost the label and did not off load at Flamingo Airport !!!

9. Pre-pack your package, measure it, weigh it and PHONE KLM Customer Service and tell them you will be taking it. Give them the dimensions and weight. They will request permission but provided it is not oversize and you are not on a little connecting flight (Aruba - Bonaire: anything over 2m ish will not fit in the hold !!!) permission is assured. Call the next day and get CONFIRMATION IN WRITING OF ACCEPTANCE. Pay 40 Euros or 80 Euros depending upon the mood of the Customer Service Agent !!

10. When arriving at the airport, have a print out of the confirmation and hand it over with your tickets etc. If they know you are coming and you have the papers, there is NO PROBLEM....

11. Wave goodbye to your oversize package and collect at the other end. Either when you arrive, or the next flight or the one after that.

They have always got there. Eventually.....


PS A two piece windsurfing mast well packed can double as a GOLF FLAG. Golf equipment is exempt from additional charges. Smile a lot and stick to the story. Saves 40 Euros.

PPS A 2 metre boom and a couple of sails looks like Tutenkahmun's mummy. We passed one package off as Home Furnishings which saved 40 Euros on one trip. BUT you must be under your 20kg each baggage allowance !!!

I am happy to enter in to direct correspondance on these issues if any of you want to chat about shipping.....


Trevor

I think I will rent on Bonaire.

The Windsurf Place (Elvis and Roger) and Jibe City (Dirk-Jan / Ernst) are the two. Both have websites and details....

Trevor

If you think KLM is being difficult, just try Arkefly next time. Chances are, you'll never want to fly again after that...