Air France-KLM Joins Transatlantic Second-Bag Fee

Air France-KLM this week announced that on Nov. 1 it will begin charging transatlantic economy passengers €50 or $50 to check a second piece of luggage, depending on the local currency at the point of departure. The move follows similar fees levied by other transatlantic carriers, including all U.S.-based legacy airlines.

Exempt from the new Air France-KLM fee are Platinum, Gold and Silver members and SkyTeam Elite and higher frequent flyer members. A first bag, up to 23 kilograms in weight, remains free, Air France-KLM said.

Delta was the first of the major carriers to begin charging economy passengers $50 to check a second piece of luggage on transatlantic flights, but in recent months American Airlines, Continental, United and US Airways, which on Nov. 4 will begin charging $55 to check a second piece of luggage for trips booked after Aug. 26, largely matched the carrier's fees.

British Airways also revised its baggage policies for flights booked on or after Oct. 7, charging passengers in the World Traveller and Euro Traveller cabins £40 to check a second piece of luggage if they pay at the airport and £32 per bag if they pay online.