Things in the Sky

Iberia has recently announced some changes to its baggage policies. On one hand, it will be annoying for consumers as they’ll have to be shelling out more cash for their bags, but I do think the new policy is a bit simpler. The changes are applicable for travel that is purchase on or after March 1. Basically, if you’re in economy, expect to pay a second bag fee on any Iberia flight.

Photo Credit: Iberia.

Right now, Iberia has a piece and weight system for baggage. The weight system is mainly used on short-haul flying. For example, the allowance for European flights is 23 kg (about 50 pounds). One can check a few bags as long as the total weight doesn’t exceed 23 kg, and excess baggage is charged by the kilogram (€5/kg for short-haul flights). On most long-haul flights, a piece system is used. So, if I wanted to fly from Boston to Madrid I’m allowed two free checked bags, both of which need to be under 23 kg. If I have a third bag, it’s €150 at the airport, or €105 online.

Well, the weight system is going out, and Iberia is now going with the piece system throughout its network. For both long and short-haul flying, economy passengers (except full-fare economy and company rates on long-haul flights) will only be allowed one piece of free checked luggage. The fee for the second bag is €50 online, and €60 if paid at the airport. That price is pretty much in-line for long-haul flights, though it seems a bit high for the shorter flights, I think.

If you’re in business class, you’ll still get three free bags on the long-haul flights, and your allowance on shorter flights is going up. Before, the allowance was 30 kg total, but with the new policy, two bags (23 kg each) are allowed.

Like nearly every other airline, Iberia is giving extra perks to its elite members here – so they’ll get an additional bag over the allowance for their booked fare.

An exception to the policy is for travel to Nigeria, Senegal, or Equatorial Guinea – the free allowance remains at two bags.

One note for American travelers – no need to deal with the exchange rate – so the fee for a second bag on a transatlantic flight would be $50, not 50 euros.

Meanwhile, Iberia says this new policy “will reduce the laden weight of aircraft, and hence fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.” I’ll give them points for trying to make this look green. Have any of the US airlines done that?