Baggage! For the missionary traveler, knowing the
airline regulations for free and excess baggage is nearly
as vital as having
his valid passport and foreign entry visa. Here are
handy references for free
and excess pieces with U.S.A. origination:
FREE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE PER
PERSON (age 2 and over, Economy class on
direct international flights)
- Note: These general guidelines cover most
airlines to many destinations.
For your particular flight(s), check with your MTS
consultant before packing your bags
Checked:
- 2 pieces, combined dimensions of length +
width + height of each piece, measured separately, not
to exceed 107".
- Neither piece may exceed 62".
- Maximum weight per piece: 70 pounds for most
airlines. (Check with your MTS TRAVEL consultant-
some
carriers restrict weight to 50 pounds per piece or 66
pounds total for two pieces.)
Unchecked:
- 1 piece, with maximum combined dimensions of
45".
- Must be stored under a seat or in overhead
compartment.
Weight for this piece varies by airline: Some carriers
restrict the weight to as little as 10 pounds
Infants (under 2)
- 1 piece, with total maximum dimensions of 45".
- 1 collapsible stroller.
Domestic rules for excess baggage vary by airline. Many
of the carriers have recently begun levying an
extra charge for any piece over 50 pounds. It's
advisable to check with each airline with which you will
check your bags.
HOW YOU MIGHT INCUR EXCESS BAGGAGE
CHARGES
Weight System
The above "piece system" is still not used between
many countries outside the U.S. For example, from
connecting points in Europe down to Africa, the free
allowance for economy passengers is only 44 pounds
(20 kilograms). To avoid this 44-pound restriction,
make sure you have a "through" ticket which carries
you from North America to your final destination on one
ticket. If you have a separate ticket from
London to Nairobi, for instance, for every kilogram (2.2
pounds) of excess baggage over the 20 kilos
free, you pay 1.5% of the highest economy one-way
fare per kilogram. For example, if the highest
one-way economy fare from London to Nairobi is $731,
1.5% equals $10.97. Divide $10.97 by 2.2 to
get the price per pound, or $4.99. If an average
suitcase weighs 60 pounds, 60 X $4.99 equals a
$299.40-just for one extra suitcase!
Piece system
To contrast, under the piece system, excess-baggage
charges are based on a fixed rate for each excess
piece, depending upon destination. Excess baggage
charges are levied at $90 per suitcase and upward,
depending on the destination and airline. If any piece is
oversize or overweight, you may be charged
double for that piece. Be aware that airlines are
beginning to restrict the number of excess bags
allowed on a flight. Certain destinations at specified
times of the year may not permit any excess.
Always check with your MTS consultant or with the
airline.
To avoid last-minute problems with excess baggage at the airport, plan ahead:
- Make sure that both your domestic and international carriers enter all your flights into their records.
This shows the complete routing of the bags.
- Notify your carriers at least four weeks in advance (longer if possible) of the ...
- number of pieces.
- dimensions and weight of each piece.
- Let the airline know you're carrying only "personal effects"-not commercial equipment-in your luggage (Only if this is true of course!).
- Try to avoid domestic commuter flights. Very often these small planes cannot accommodate any excess.
- Take extra tape, string and banding material for repackaging in case your bags or boxes are opened for security reasons.
- Make sure the ticket agent affixes the correct city code for your destination-NBO for Nairobi, LHR for London-Heathrow, etc.
If you encounter any problems at domestic check-in checking baggage through to your final destination, call the international carrier with whom you're traveling; they have ultimate authority.
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