Dieter Meyer <<dietermero>>
writes:

Davis and Belinda first I want to apologize for not making it to
the 2014 Big Spring Nationals. I tried with all the airlines that could’ve taken
me there and none would take my glider. That made me worried and wondering, so I
put my worries in writing and send them to you, maybe you have the answer or
some one who can help in any way for the future.

Is this the end of and era? How can we keep still competing internationally if
the airlines don’t take our gliders? Some airlines that allow hang gliders have
a size limit than doesn’t allow us to take any topless one. For example,
AMERICAN AIRLINES and US AIRWAYS put an amendment in their web sites for all the
sports equipment that says “Maximum Size and Weight Items that are larger than
126 inches and 100 lbs. Will not be accepted as checked baggage. Contact a
freight forwarder for assistance with these items.”

UNITED AND CONTINENTAL allow only 108 inches and the limit in their webs is
“Baggage measuring more than 115 inches (292 cm) (total outside dimensions;
length + width + height) will not be accepted as checked baggage.”

TACA AND AVIANCA are a puzzle they accept hang gliders up to 5 meters long as
baggage, but only allowed on domestic flights within Colombia, and on flights
operated by Avianca.

COPA AND DELTA used to allow Hang Gliders as baggage have changed their policy.

DELTA erased hang glider from sports equipment, and COPA clearly says “Copa
Airlines and Copa Airlines Colombia do not accept gliders as checked baggage or
as cargo due to the dimensions of these”.

Most of the airlines are going in the same direction, 115 inches (292 cm) length
and 45 Kilos / 100 pounds weight.

Can we short pack our gliders to that dimension? Can the manufacturing company’s
make a safe and competitive glider with that in mind? Do we have to start using
cargo company’s paying taxes each way or tons of paper work every time we want
to compete internationally? How are the others handling the transport of
equipment… is there any trick that we don’t now.

I’m really worried. I really tried to go to Big Spring with out any luck.

Did you have any answers? Please let me know.

Virgin Atlantic, Virgin America, Virgin Australia, AeroMexico