HOW MUCH AIRLINES BAGGAGE ALLOWANCES?

AIRLINES BAGGAGE ALLOWANCES

Airline passengers are allowed to carry their personal baggage subject to certain rules and conditions which is termed as the Free Baggage Allowance. It falls into two categories; checked baggage and carry-on items.

Checked baggage is the major part of the baggage allowance up to a specified limit carried in the baggage hold of the aircraft and is not accessible to the passenger during the flight. There are two systems to determine the checked baggage depending upon the areas of the world in which the travel takes place. They are WEIGHT SYSTEM and PIECE SYSTEM.

Carry-on items include unchecked baggage and cabin baggage which airlines allow the passengers to carry with them in the cabin for personal use during the journey. Most airlines allow one piece of hand baggage the sum of the three dimensions of which must not exceed 115cms (55+40+20) with various weight limits according to the class of travel. In addition airlines may also allow one or two other items like a laptop computer, an overcoat or a wrapper, a small camera or binocular, one or two pocket books, an umbrella or walking stick subject to the airlines security regulations.

Checked baggage: the WEIGHT SYSTEM

It is based upon the total weight of baggage irrespective of the number of pieces carried. Following is the free baggage allowance in the weight system normally.

First class: 40k,g (881b) Business class: 30kg (661b) Economy class: 20kg (441b)

An excess baggage charge is levied at a rate of 1.5% of the one way highest, normal, direct adult economy class fare per kilogram of the excess baggage. Weight system is applicable in all areas of the world except where the piece system is used. *Children are allowed the same free baggage allowance as the *adults. However, *infants paying infant fare are allowed 1 piece of checked baggage not weighing more than 10kg and a collapsible stroller or pushchair.

Checked baggage: the PIECE SYSTEM

It is based upon the number of pieces of baggage carried. This system applies: to/ from Canada, USA/US territories; within the territories of Canada and USA: between TC3 and TC1 (not via TC2) except from Russia in Asia to Caribbean/ Central America/ South America. Following is the free baggage allowance in the piece system.

First and Business class: 2 pieces of bags where the total of the three dimensions of each piece does not exceed 158cm (62 inches). Economy class: 2 pieces of bags where the total of the three dimensions of any one bag does not exceed 158cm and the total for both the bags does not exceed 273cm (107 inches). Each piece of bag in any class of service should not weigh more than 23kg. Any number of bags in excess of the allowance determines the excess baggage in the piece system. Any bag in excess of 2 pieces would be an excess baggage. Any bag exceeding in dimension shall be considered 2 pieces as long as it does not exceed 203cm. Any piece in excess of 23kg but not 32kg shall also be considered as 2pieces. Each additional piece of baggage will be charged at a flat rate fixed by the airline. Children are entitled for the same baggage allowance as for the adults in the piece system as well. Infants paying infant fare are allowed 1 piece of bag with the sum of its three dimensions not exceeding 115cm and a fully collapsible stroller or pushchair.

Any piece of baggage, in either of the two systems, measuring more than 203cm or weighing more than 32kg is considered as bulky baggage. Accompanied carriage of bulky baggage requires prior permission from the airline concerned, may be, at a higher rate.

Passengers must be advised not to put any valuable item like currencies, jewelleries, certificates, precious art works, travel documents etc. in the checked baggage. Rather such items must be kept in passenger's personal custody in the cabin. However, in case of necessity such items may be included in a checked baggage with prior arrangement with the airline to accept it as the Declared Value Baggage. Many airlines offer this service to take additional security measures for such baggage charging a special fee.

Dangerous restricted items

In order to ensure safety and security following items are strictly prohibited to be carried either in the checked baggage or the carry-on baggage.

• Flammable liquids

• Organic Peroxide

• Explosives

• Non flammable compressed gas

• Poisons

• Oxidizers

• Corrosives like acids and alkalis

• Radioactive materials

Additionally, the carry-on baggage must not include any sharp items like scissors, safety razor, needles, knife, lady's manicure instruments etc. Special regulation and procedure apply for carriage of personal arms and munitions. Refer to airline concerned in such a case. According to IATA, *Adult, *Child and *Infant are defined as below.

Adult is a passenger who reaches his or her 12th birthday the day the journey commences. Child is a passenger who reaches his or her 2' but not the 12th birthday the day the journey commences.

Infant is a passenger who is yet to reach his 2" birthday the day the journey commences.

*****************************************