"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you
who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve" Albert Schweitzer

Monday, July 5, 2010

American Airlines Box Embargo

The following post was penned by Dr Nelson and documents an unfortunate turn of events with respect to volunteers transporting medical supplies.  Please reconsider our previous recommendation in light of this new information.
All volunteers coming to the Dominican Republic and Haiti please be aware of heartless airline agents that will cancel your flight if you are not packed in the appropriate containers.
Whether you're traveling to visit loved ones or making one last business deal, we want to make sure that your checked bags arrive at your destination with you this busy travel season. For that reason, American Airlines and American Eagle will implement limitations on checked baggage and boxes from June 5 - August 24, 2010.

For the destinations identified below, boxes† and excess, overweight (more than 70lbs.), or oversized pieces will not be accepted for transportation. Bags weighing 51-70 lbs. will be accepted with the collection of the applicable charge.

Passengers will be allowed to check a maximum of two pieces which must be within the size and weight limits as follows (dimensional measurements calculated by adding the length, width and height of an item):
  • 1st piece - up to 62 dimensional inches and 50 lbs.
  • 2nd piece - up to 62 dimensional inches and 50 lbs.
†A "box" will be defined as a six-sided container of any size, constructed of cardboard, wood, plastic or metal, which is either square, rectangular or cylindrically shaped and is not normally used for the transportation of items associated with air travel. Plastic tubs/containers and/or coolers are considered to be boxes.
This is a plastic "suitcase" with handles and wheels - acceptable
 This is a plastic "box" with handles and wheels - not acceptable
This is a Pelican suitcase with handles and wheels - who knows??
In spite of the six sided and shape definition above it is still unclear what really makes a suitcase a suitcase and a box a box. Maybe it is names like Samsonite and American Tourister instead of names like Rubbermaid and Plano that make a difference. If you want to really be safe cover it in canvas.

AA - Because you have a choice in air travel.

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