US/Ghana - Natal - 6/16/14

So the airport switch seems like it happened - anyone know what the deal is with Localiza or the other rental car companies?

 

where did you see 'unconfirmed'? Checkmytrip.com?

Domestic flights are going to the new airport already..... The new airport isn't yet cleared to receive International flights, so they're still going to the old airport for 'a few more days'..... As I'm flying international, I'm getting a tad nervous. But it's all part of the fun I guess

 

We are renting a car in Recife, heading to Pipa for a day or so, then onto Natal.

Need to drop off the car...does anyone know by June 16 the Hertz location will be at the old/new/both? The old is much closer to Ponta Negra and the stadium.

Just read an article on the infrastructure challenges in Natal, so will definitely not be checking in luggage for the flight to Manaus.

 

Everyone will be checking luggage. Brazilian carryon limits are 5kg.

 

Yeah kinda hoping they don't actually weigh stuff.

 

I'm going to be over 5kg. My 2 carry-ons aren't that big though (just heavy) and will fit under the seat in front of me, so I'm hoping they don't weigh mine.

 

Can anyone shed light on how strict Brazilian airports are regarding carry-on weight?

 

I've heard both that they weigh big awkward looking bags and that they let on crazy big stuff. So sounds like it comes down to each different case.

 

I can't find the thread/post now, but I was told by a Brazilian guy who flies a lot that weighing carry-ons is a rare occurrence and as long as you're not bringing some huge bag it's usually OK, but that was non-WC experience. That answer was also in response to my question about carrying on two small bags. In my case, I'm checking a rollerboard (which size-wise is within carry-on specs), and carrying-on two smaller bags which still are over 5-kg together.

If you're planning to carry on everything, you might have an issue. 5-kg for a regular suitcase is nothing, every suitcase is over that.

For regular small carry-ons though (like I have), the airports are going to be mobbed with full flights so making everyone weigh their checked bags then their carry ons, then if the carry ons are over they have to open the checked bag to transfer stuff from carry-on to checked bag on the floor in front of the check in counter....that's going to slow down things more and the lines get longer, people more impatient, etc.

You're probably asking this because you plan on carrying everything on, in which case I didn't answer your question. For those who've flown in Brazil: a 5-kg limit means basically every suitcase must be checked, is that the normal practice in Brazil? If so, it's the first place in my experience where I've ever heard of, that enforces such a low limit.

 

From reading online it seems it's an aviation regulation from on high but it's basically up to the agent to enforce or not and seems to be more common in smaller airports that it's enforced.

 

damn... i thought it was 23 or 25kg limit or something like that? I guess that is for checked luggage?

I didnt want to check my luggage at all... i purposely only have one carry-on sized suitcase for this whole trip.... I guess I will be forced to check this then???

 

No, they don't. I travel a lot and I just saw they weight a carryon once bc it was too big and the woman that was carrying was doing a face like it was too heavy.

 

I think what most people are saying is that you don't know and it could differ from flight to flight. You may be able to carry it on or maybe not. If they make you check it, then there's not much you can do, just check it. Maybe make sure you don't have anything too valuable in it.

 

For carryon Luggage it is 5kg, for checked luggage (international flights) it is 2 luggages of 32kg each. Domestic flights it is just one of 23kg.

 

Hello.

We live in Natal and would be happy to give recommendations for anyone coming into our city. I'm originally from Illinois so you're not dealing with English as a second language/cultural issues when you ask questions.

Those of you wishing to go to Pipa I would strongly recommend. It is a beautiful place full of beautiful people. Realize it will be beach and night life. Pipa is a very small city which is its charm but don't expect all the amenities. The pousadas there range from 5 star to OMG WHAT WAS THAT! , so do your homework, or ask, we have many friends who live in Pipa and let us know about the location.

There are many day excursions out of Natal, anything from dune buggy rides in the sand dunes, camel riding, snorkeling/scuba diving, to deep sea marlin fishing.

Ponta Negra beach is always a recommend, find a table with umbrella and hang out in the surf. If you have never surfed you can take lessons, they are now giving lessons on stand up paddle surfing at Ponta Negra. Try the torpedo that is towed behind a speed boat, lots of fun in the waves!! I would stay away from the urban beaches near the fort/river, Praia Meio etc., especially if you look extremely "gringo". If you need to ask what that means, you probably are. REMEMBER SUNSCREEN, the sun is direct and I see miserable red bodies every day here.

You will be flying into our new airport. The news last Saturday said the taxi ride to the hotel area along Via Costiera near the convention center will be around R$65. We just picked up friends, it was about a 50 min. drive back to the city at 8PM, during the day you will run into traffic, so figure an hour and a half plus depending on traffic to Ponta Negra area.

I love our city and I would be happy to assist if at all possible.

 

Never have my hand lugagge weighted here in Brazil.
If the size looks good, they won't bother you. Sometimes they don't even look at your hand lugagge when you are dropping the other.

 

What if you aren't checking anything?

 

I have very short hair, i like to keep it that way, any recommendations on where to get a hair cut?

 

Even better. They won't care. They gonna think that when you did the check-in someone looked, but that's not the case if do the check-in in the machine (they won't know where you've done).

 

lol. I cut my hair at the Praia Shopping Mall, there's a haircutter there. I like their job. So I would recommend them. If you're staying in Ponta Negra, the mall is in that area.

 

lol thank you.

 

Btw, the haircutter name is "Salão Perfil", located near the cinema. I think there's more than one in the Praia Shopping Mall

 

Nice video

 

I have been corresponding with my Airbnb host in Natal - via google translate, so imperfectly - but he sent news today that the old/current airport (Augusto Servero) would remain active through the US match for international flights. It sounds like domestic flights will still go to the new one (Aluízio Alves). Kind of a tricky situation for travelers already dealing with a language barrier, visas, etc.

 

I think most us fans should be okay though. The only international flights in are from Portugal and Italy.