LaPaz Customs

TomMac · Since 08 Feb 2007 72 Posts White Salmon, WA

My wife and I are flying to LaPaz\LV next week. I pack my kites in shrink bags to save space. Just wondering how customs will greet the kites in bags?

Also, how does the stealth golf bag work down there?

Thanks for the feedback.

Tom

wylieflyote · Sat Dec 08, 07 2:09 pm

Mexico has what seems like an almost comical systom at the airport for customs inspection. After you've been through the passport/visa line, and you've got all your bags, you queue up to a line where you press a botton that either gives you a Green "Pase" light, or a Red "Alto" light. In the 30+ times I've flown to Mexico, I'd have to guess I've hit the Red about 5 times. So that's your odds. When I did get Red, and they openned my bags... not much happened. When I think about it, it's actually a pretty great system, completely random. You got 100 lbs of bud? You'll get the same red/green odds as grandpa.
I've only been flying with kites for a year, but when I flew into Manzanillo airport with me NSI Deceiver Golf bag, there were no problems. Also, Alaska had no extra charges with the NSI bag, but that is subject to changes. STAY UNDER 50 LBS.
Hasta

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1872 Posts XTreme Poster

Golf bag is all about the airline; not customs. Alaska and Delta have never questoined me on my golf bag.

As for the kites, or anything else, you walk up to a gate and push a button. If the light is green you go through, if red they check your bags. They may, or may not want you to open the vacuum kite bag. A lot of kiters go through there so perhaps not . Very mellow and friendly staff. A hell of a lot nicer than the greeting you get flying back into the States at LAX.

Damn, wish I were going!

Eric

wylieflyote · Sat Dec 08, 07 2:16 pm

SI!
LAX is the most FUBAR nightmare you can imagine. You should do your home work on where to go to get your connection. If it's Alaska, you exit entirely out of one terminal and RUN to the left about 1/2 mile and re-enter all the security crap. Many friends have missed there connections. You need to hurry and be aggressive, or your screwed. Too bad there's not a direct non-stop.

TomMac · Since 08 Feb 2007 72 Posts White Salmon, WA

We fly Delta to Hatteras a lot, and always use curbside check in. Never had an issue. The curbside guys never weigh the bags. Its a good iinvestment.

eric · Since 13 Jan 2006 1872 Posts XTreme Poster

Can you do curbside on international?

pkh · Since 27 Feb 2005 6549 Posts Couve / Hood Honored Founder

shredjim · Since 07 Jun 2006 188 Posts Stoked

If your bag is under 50 lbs, its pretty easy to get through most airline check-ins, with a deceiver bag all the better. BUT beware Continental at PDX has a little hitler dude who will get you. Continental now has a "line item" for kiteboarding equipment and it costs $95. Little hitler checked me in no problem, then - an hour later as I was about to board, he called me over and said "if you want that bag loaded you have to pay $95", I was like - wait a minute, where did this come from? Long story short I paid. No prob on the way back though.

TomMac · Since 08 Feb 2007 72 Posts White Salmon, WA

Alaska Airlines said yes to curbside Intl checkins in Portland.