Tobago Express

[Martha Sogol]

We booked our flight from Trinidad to Tobago and back on Tobago Express through "Yes Tourism" as it was the only way possible, and then of course American Airlines changed our 8:30 am departure on the return to 7:00 am making the connection impossible. Oh well, as Mr Vonnegut would have had it: "So it goes."
Regrouped, rescheduled, and overnighting in Miami on the return, get home a day later, etc.
My question re: TOBAGO EXPRESS is, how firm are they on weight and luggage restriction as it relates to number of pieces (2 per traveler) and weight (20 Kilos checked and 7 kilos carry on)?
Will they just charge extra or is it a fast and firm restriction?
We will start packing soon and any answer would be appreciated.
Also, as we have no such restriction with American, is there an alternative way to ship somehing over once we have arrived in Trinidad without 1. leaving the airport and 2. incurring an exorbitant expense?
Thanks,
Martha and Les

[Clyde Alleyne]

Martha, there is a sign at the Tobago Express check-in counter at Piarco airport that says that one piece of checked luggage per person max 20 kilos is allowed. Up to 50 pounds per piece tends not to be hassled. How they will handle you when you arrive at the check in counter seems to depend on the person checking you in. I have seen them accept two ckecked pieces per passenger with no problems, but I have also seen them ask the passenger to pay for the second bag. I guess it depends on the mood of the person. A friendly smile and greeting when you get to the counter won't hurt! But be assured that they will not refuse your second bag for sure, even though they might ask you to pay for it.

Regarding the weight of the carry-on bag, they do not check the weight, so you can cheat there. Remember that there are restrictions about liquids in carry-on bags so watch out there. Just make sure that it is legal carry-on size. Here's a hint as well: especially if the bag is heavy, just before boarding the aircraft, you will see a cart at the base of the airplane ramp. Just deposit your carryon on the cart, and they will simply put in in the aircraft hold for you. After deplaning just wait at the base of the steps and they will bring all the bags that were placed that way back to the steps for the passengers to collect before entering the terminal building. This avoids the need for you to lug the bag onto the plane and putting in in the overhead compartment (its a Dash 8 aircraft and the overhead bins are not large).

Regarding the shape and size of the baggage, Tobago Express is used to people travelling to Tobago with everything from boxed bicycles, to golf bags, fishing gear, even surfboards - they've seen everything before.

So bottom line, if you have 2 pieces each plus a carryon each (even over 7 pounds) you should not be afraid that they will reject any bags. You may have to pay for the second bag or they may also charge for weight over the 20 kilos if you're unlucky.

Hope this helps.

Clyde