Baggage - Update to IATA Baggage Allowance and Charge Rules
Effective for tickets issued on/after April 1, 2011, for journeys involving interline transportation or code-share flights where the various carriers apply different free baggage allowances, IATA Resolution 302 will determine whose baggage policy shall apply. The baggage policy of the Most Significant Carrier (MSC), generally the first international operating carrier, shall apply to the entire checked portion of travel.
For travel to/from the U.S., DOT defines the MSC as the marketing carrier, not operating carrier, of the first international segment. Additionally, DOT requires that the rules of the outbound MSC apply to the entire journey not just the checked portion of travel.
The examples in the chart below demonstrate how baggage charges are applied to interline itineraries. Passengers will pay applicable baggage fees at first point of contact on their journey. Passengers who have already begun their travels will not be assessed baggage charges at intermediate points.
Examples
Below are two examples of routing and how the baggage fees would be determined:
|
Routing |
Marketing Carrier |
Operating Carrier |
DOT Rule - Applies for travel to/from US Most significant Marketing carrier rules apply |
IATA Resolution 302 - Applies to all travel except: To/From US Most significant Operating carrier rules apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ATLCDG CDGFRA |
DL LH |
AF LH |
Yes - DL bag fees and allowances apply |
n/a |
|
YULCDG CDGFRA |
DL LH |
AF DL |
No - Travel is not to or from US |
Yes - AF bag fees and allowances apply |
Given the complexity of Resolution 302, Delta cannot implement these rules without automation. The development effort is underway but will not be in place by April 1, 2011. Until automation is complete, Delta will continue to apply baggage allowance and charges as we do today; Delta’s allowance and charges will be applied to the entire checked portion of travel. Additional information will be provided once Delta is able to apply baggage allowance and charges according to Resolution 302.
