Many of our clients request extra luggage allowance in order to take humanitarian aid, medical supplies and other equipment that can't be sourced in-country.

Every airline seems to have a different policy, so here are some tips:

1. Write a letter to the airline you are flying with WELL IN ADVANCE to formally request an extra luggage allowance.
Include in your letter:

• The nature of your trip (eg medical team)
• The contents of the extra luggage (eg books for a library)
• Be specific about how much extra weight you need (in kilograms)
• Put the letter on formal letterhead if you have it
• Use words like NOT FOR PROFIT, HUMANITARIAN AID
• Depending on the airline you might need to "de-Christianise" your request!

Pass the letter onto us so that we can approach our sales representative (we often have a good working relationship with these reps) on your behalf.

2. Most airlines only permit 20kgs per person but most will "turn a blind eye" for bags up to 25kgs (however there is no guarantee that this will happen). Be careful however if you have domestic connections in the country of arrival as they can be more stringent. Johannesburg Airport is notorious for slugging everyone for excess baggage!

3. If you are travelling as a group, request to check in together so that you can pool your luggage allowance. Again this is at the airline's discretion.

4. Remember you have a hand luggage allowance of 7kgs so consider packing some stuff in your carry on.

5. Send your excess luggage ahead unaccompanied. We recommend Jetta Express www.jetta.com.au who offer competitive rates.

6. Pray - we have had some wonderful stories from clients who have requested extra luggage and the airline has declined the request. They have prayed & arrived at the airport to find the weighing machines are all out of order or the check in person gets distracted & doesn't notice they are over the limit. God is good!