“I have just had the most interesting conversation with the Chef at the Renaisance Hotel and he has your package.” Imagine the surprise we all had when my new Seninel Rebreather was delivered to the Kitchen at the Renaissance Hotel. It was being delivered to the hotel so I could pick it up as I passed through London on my way to Sharm el Sheik. Kevin chose the red Sea for the first crossover training program.
The Red Sea is a popular destination for divers from the UK and Europe for a diver from the US, Egypt is not an easy destination. Continental’s price for a round-trip fare to Cairo was over $4,100 and in the economy cabin to boot! So, flying to London seemed like a better choice. However, looking into it further, the only carriers that fly into Sharm are British Airways, Egypt Air and lots of budget charter airlines. In looking at the charter airlines, the pricing seems reasonable until you start looking at the cost of adding checked luggage which they all charge a premium for. In talking to Al Wright at CCR Technologies, the maker of the rebreathers, he said “welcome to European travel, just book as much luggage as you can on-line and then talk to them at the counter. You should be able to get everything on. I have always had good luck.”
My thought process through it all was, “what if I am not lucky, what would I do with the excess?” So, Ann is sending me off to the Red Sea via British Airways and the more standard luggage limits. I am still sure I’ll be paying but I have a better idea of what it is. Of course, the flight is operated by a BA subsidiary that has been sold to another charter company and I am on the last flights under the BA logo. Tomorrow should prove to be interesting..
