Speargun air baggage cost

[Lynn Hughes]

Do airlines (AA and Continental) charge extra for speargun baggage that exceed their 62 inches for combined length, width and height of checked in luggage?

The speargun bag that I have now is approximately 70 total inches total (length is 57 inches) at a weight far less than the normal 50 to 70 pound allowance. If airlines staff following the letter of the law (excess baggage policy) I would have to pay $50 extra for each leg of a round trip flight. My experience is that they give a little wiggle room, especially when the baggage is only 20 or so pounds.

Please let me know your experience.

Thanks, Lynn

[promethean_spar]

I think they let you sidestep the 62 inch thing for items such as skis and fishing rod holders. Maybe if you can put it in a ski bag they'd treat it as such. I have a double rifle case, rod holder, and snowboard bag that all violate the length minimum and never get hassled. I think they're most worried about a large, heavy box that's difficult to handle by hand with one person.

[Denny]

Lynn-
I've been charged before, although this was five years ago.
As mentioned on another thread on this board, make sure that you declare your gun as spearFISHING gear. Avoid mentioning the word "gun".