Things in the Sky

Earlier this week, Air France and KLM announced a couple of changes to their checked baggage policies, effective for tickets purchased on or after March 28. The adjustments are very similar to what we recently saw from Iberia. Air France and KLM currently have a mixed system – a “piece” system (like what the American carriers do) and a “weight” system, where one can take multiple bags for free as long as the total weight doesn’t exceed a limit. Like Iberia, it’s moving completely over to the former. I could explain all the changes, but that’d be boring, and plus AF/KLM made this handy graphic:

(Click to enlarge.)

So, in some cases, we’re actually seen some increase in bag allowance, which is certainly nice. Though those increases aren’t always that high, due to the varying policies of the weight system. For example, if I was flying Paris – Johannesburg in business, my allowance is actually 40 kg under the weight system. Also, this is a bit of a trade-off for some business class passengers. For example, if I’m flying JFK-CDG in business, I get two 32 kg pieces of luggage, but now it’s three pieces at 23 kg each. That’s still more weight, but the bigger bags will cost extra, though I have to think that’s not a huge convenience.

It should be noted, however, that the airlines have sneaked in a small fee increase here. Right now, the second bag for economy passengers costs $50, and it will be raised to $55. So, like all the other airlines, it’s a good idea to pay for the bag fees online, as one can save 20%. (Though the KLM website does note a good number of exceptions of where that option isn’t available. I’ve yet to find out if the restrictions apply to Air France as well, but they probably do.)

I could number crunch some more, but honest, it’s really not worth it. In the end, Air France is making its policy more transparent and understandable, which is a good thing. I have to think there are some other benefits here as well – restricting people to one bag probably makes check-in faster, for example.

On a side note, it’s interesting to see how the two airlines are positioning their premium economy offerings. KLM seems to be positioning Economy Comfort as simply a coach seat with more leg room and recline, while Air France is setting apart its Premium Voyageur offering even further (that’s a nicer seat than KLM, too).