Airlines that charge for a second bag

[jasondbaker]

What kind of gear are you hauling to Coz?  I looked at the AA website and couldn't figure out how you calculated $240 in baggage charges. 

I dragged a full set of gear (for single tank scuba) plus a large camera rig across Africa and Europe last fall with little trouble (except for Czech airlines).  It took a bit of creative packing though.

Most of my scuba gear and clothes were in checked luggage -- 49lbs.  I had a thinktank roller bag full of camera gear and dive gear -- over 30lbs.  Then I had a thinktank computer bag as my personal item full of camera gear.

None of the airlines really questioned my carry on bag because it was a smaller roller bag and could fit in the overhead compartment.  Total weight for me with all three pieces was close to 100lb.  The key is don't draw attention to yourself.