KLM short haul luggage fees

Without any fanfare (and not noted to the media) KLM is to become the first of the major European legacy airlines to start charging passengers who check-in luggage on short haul services.  Traditionally Europe’s major airlines such as Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa and KLM itself have left most ancillary charges, such as hold baggage, to the no-frills carriers.

KLM’s website details now says the airline will charge inter-European passengers fees of either €15 (when paid in advance) or €30 (when paid at the airport) for pieces of checked baggage.  One piece of hand luggage (55x25x35cm max) and one accessory will remain free, but is likely to be more controlled, and the charges will not apply to passengers flying long haul. Certain members of KLM’s Flying Blue loyalty scheme will also escape the new fees.  It remains to be seen if sister company Air France also takes up the scheme.

The fees take effect for bookings made on or after 22 April.  Passengers can avoid them, short term, by booking flights before that date. www.klm.com/travel

Index/Home page
 

OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum