Flying Blue (Air France & KLM) - AF/KL new rules for luggage between Europe and North America [merged]

"AMSTELVEEN - KLM en Air France veranderen in navolging van andere maatschappijen het bagagebeleid op vluchten naar de Verenigde Staten. Vanaf 1 november mag maximaal één stuks bagage kosteloos worden meegenomen; voor een tweede koffer of tas brengen KLM en Air France maximaal vijftig euro (in Europa) of vijftig dollar (in de VS) in rekening.


Als passagiers de bagage online inchecken geldt veen korting van twintig procent en betalen zij respectievelijk 40 euro of 40 dollar, aldus KLM. Volgens de maatschappij krijgt ongeveer 14 procent van de transatlantische passagiers in de economy class van KLM en Air France met deze nieuwe maatregel te maken.

Overigens mogen Platinum-, Gold- en Silver-leden van Flying Blue wel twee stuks bagage meenemen in de economy class op deze trajecten. Ook voor kinderen onder de twee jaar en minder validen gelden uitzonderingen.

Met deze maatregel stellen KLM en Air France hun bagagebeleid gelijk aan dat van de Amerikaanse partnermaatschappij Delta. Ook andere grote luchtvaartmaatschappijen, zoals American, Continental, United, US Airways, British Airways en Virgin Atlantic hebben vergelijkbare bagagetoeslagen ingevoerd. "

From November 1st. €50 / US$50, or 40/40 if booked online. Elites exempt.

Source: luchtvaartnieuws.nl (http://www.luchtvaartnieuws.nl/news/default.asp?cat=4&id=32219)

Johan

This is really the end.

Now that makes me proud........all these years of supporting the airline with such an amazing history and here they go, turning themselves into the 'great followers' and losing the chance to be an industry leader!

..and so the decline continues :( announced on the same day they increasing charges too... (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/klm-flying-dutchman/1000386-kl-raise-all-fares.html)

I don't speak Dutch but do I guess correctly that this says KLM AND AF? In which case (1) it is even worse, (2) it may be worth moving to the general FB section?

What elites are exempt -- KL, KL/AF, Skyteam, etc.?

What elites are exempt -- KL, KL/AF, Skyteam, etc.?

Flying Blue elites are exempt.

I foresee bigger carry-ons, and more of them. Overhead space are going to be prime real-estate. ;)

It says BA has similar charges in effect; this statement is incorrect. BA passengers in economy can take two bags up to 23kg free of charge. They really are being cheeky when it comes to the flat rate regardless of currency (sort of like what Apple does).

I don't know about Virgin Atlantic, but I imagine they would never dare attempt something like this unless BA went along (or had already gone ahead).

It says BA has similar charges in effect; this statement is incorrect. BA passengers in economy can take two bags up to 23kg free of charge. [......]

BA announced a 1-bag policy (with a few odd some exceptions) some time ago:
http://www.britishairways.com/travel/new-baggage-policy/public/en_us?gsLink=keyMatch
and
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/british-airways-executive-club/980343-baggage-policy-change-now-1-piece-americas.html

We, passengers, are slowly being squeezed like lemons with all kind of surcharges :(. I wonder what will be next?

I am merely speculating here, but this may have originated in the US. After all, all the US majors charge various baggage fees. It started with domestic flights, but why not expand that money maker to int'l flights, right? It is a bit weird to charge pax originating in the US and not the European counter parts. I mean, if there's money to be made and customers to be screwed... why not? I suppose it was only a matter of time before EU airlines followed suit.

My only problem with this is the fact that it's just inconsistent. Back in the day you paid for a ticket and everything was included (food, booze, luggage, etc.) Nowadays there's a clear tendency to itemize. Pax only pay for what they get, with food, drinks, IFE (for domestic flights in the US) being extra. Bug charging for extra weight in the form of baggage fees is shortsighted. What about what people weigh? (I am assuming the argument here is more weight means more fuel being used.) I have flown with many pax who were over 23kg heavier than me. Shouldn't I be allowed another free bag for that reason alone? Unless people are weighed, too (I'm not advocating that!)... this fee is just illogical.

We, passengers, are slowly being squeezed like lemons with all kind of surcharges :(. I wonder what will be next?

You really don't want to know.

There is so much more from the LCC business model that they can introduce.

Next one is that they will sell you a bus ticket at D6 ;)

BA announced a 1-bag policy (with a few odd some exceptions) some time ago:
http://www.britishairways.com/travel/new-baggage-policy/public/en_us?gsLink=keyMatch
and
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/british-airways-executive-club/980343-baggage-policy-change-now-1-piece-americas.htmlThe BA baggage policy still permits 2 bags up to 23kg free of charge (as stated in the link you provided to the BA website). The only real change has been decreasing the per bag limit from 32kg to 23kg, but otherwise two bags are still permitted. In first and business class, three bags are permitted.

The BA baggage policy still permits 2 bags up to 23kg free of charge (as stated in the link you provided to the BA website). The only real change has been decreasing the per bag limit from 32kg to 23kg, but otherwise two bags are still permitted. In first and business class, three bags are permitted.

I don't think you are reading the page right. It's still two bags in economy ("WT") for (a) Brazil, (b) Ghana, (c) Kenya, (d) Nigeria, and (e) direct connections between India and North America + Bermuda.
For all the rest, it's one 23kg bag. All this is effective October 7th; the announcement was made some time last July, I think.

Flying Blue elites are exempt.

Interesting. I don't recall how all the US airlines' policies work, but I thought they exempted elites of their alliances.

Unless people are weighed, too.Back in the days when people traveled by (steam)ship, the passengers weight was included in the total weight allowances, as I read in guide to South Africa from the 1930s. Since lost, so I cannot quote the exact figures, unfortunately.

Next one is that they will sell you a bus ticket at D6 ;) :D :D

Will the accept payment by ChipKnip?

Johan

Interesting. I don't recall how all the US airlines' policies work, but I thought they exempted elites of their alliances.

Nope.

Some do in fact. Regarding BA, for thelast three years they have announced and failed to implement 5 different baggage revolutions, and have failed to implement any. As writen above it is 2 pieces at 23kg for Econ and 3 pieces for everyone else.

I don't think you are reading the page right. It's still two bags in economy ("WT") for (a) Brazil, (b) Ghana, (c) Kenya, (d) Nigeria, and (e) direct connections between India and North America + Bermuda.
For all the rest, it's one 23kg bag. All this is effective October 7th; the announcement was made some time last July, I think.You are correct; if you read it a certain way, it says only connections between India and North America. But it could easily be interpreted to mean any flights to North America. I'm keen to see how this is implemented in practice, BA has not always been consistent in implementing its baggage policies.

You are correct [.....]

Thank you for the confirmation -- what with several bloggers insisting that BA will continue to allow 2 bags for travel to/from the U.S., I was starting to wonder if I was suffering from some sort of cognitive impairment ......:)

Unfortunately, this one bag business seems to be the trend of the future. I don't think it'll be too long now before the rest of the European airlines follow suit; and eventually the Middle East and Asian carriers.

Not too long ago the allowance used to be two *32-kg* bags for travel to/from U.S. That was reduced, universally but almost stealthily, to two 23-kg bags. Now it's one 23 kg bag. That's a hefty reduction in service standards over a relatively fairly short period of time.

The other trend that seems to be catching is having to pay for "preferential seating" (exit row seating, and so on) ......... whatever next?

After November 1st
1 free instead of 2 for eco flyers (23kg)
2nd: 50 US$ or CAD

Full official text, in french for the moment, on the "voyage forum"
http://voyageforum.com/voyage/air_france_nouvelles_regles_pour_les_bagages_entre _europe_les_etats_unis_canada_D2952349/

It is also discussed here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/klm-flying-dutchman/1000531-kl-charge-second-bag-us-destinations.html
Today is the official mailing to TA in France, with details. It concerns both AF and KL.

To moderators:
Please move the thread in the KLM subforum to the FB forum and rename the title?

Done. Thanks for the heads up :).

Nope.

Last time I flew NW (June), I had two suitcases in domestic flights and nothing was charged.

Last time I flew NW (June), I had two suitcases in domestic flights and nothing was charged.

You were lucky, or maybe flying full fare or in first class. I was charged by both NW and DL. CO on the other hand did not charge me.

This is another pathetic decision by AF. I now tell my non-elite friends to just go for the cheapest carrier because there is no point wasting money with AF since there is no advantage using them.

The luggage policy will now also be adopted to flight to/from Canada. Fee payable will be CAN$50.

Gajan

After November 1st
1 free instead of 2 for eco flyers (23kg)
2nd: 50 US$ or CAD

Full official text, in french for the moment, on the "voyage forum"
http://voyageforum.com/voyage/air_france_nouvelles_regles_pour_les_bagages_entre _europe_les_etats_unis_canada_D2952349/

The text that is quoted states that the change does not apply to SkyTeam Elites, not just AF/KL Elites. Any confirmation ?

In any case, since the change does not apply to AF/KL Elites, the impact on AF/KL frequent flyers seems to be rather insignificant IMHO.

The text that is quoted states that the change does not apply to SkyTeam Elites, not just AF/KL Elites. Any confirmation ?

In any case, since the change does not apply to AF/KL Elites, the impact on AF/KL frequent flyers seems to be rather insignificant IMHO.

The official KLM document also only states AF/KLM elites.
I wonder if the next step will be alligning the bagage allowance between AF/KLM/NW/DL for elites.

The luggage policy will now also be adopted to flight to/from Canada. Fee payable will be CAN$50.


The official KLM document also only states AF/KLM elites.
I wonder if the next step will be alligning the bagage allowance between AF/KLM/NW/DL for elites.

Where is the official KLM document? I can only find http://www.klm.com/travel/eg_en/about/news_press/travel_news/floatingnews/New_baggage_rules.htm.

It says nothing about Canada, and explicitly excludes all "Flying Blue Elite members". The French AirFrance document does say there will be a charge for second bags on flights to/from Canada...

I have read on an aviation site that AF/KL plans to modify the piece concept for trans-Atlantic flights. Rather than allowing two pieces of luggage for free, pax flying in Economy now have to pay 50EUR for the second one.

I didn't find an English or French source yet, but the site I got the news from is a news site, not a rumour site, so I expect it to be true.

Comments? Reactions? (I expect the whole range from "absolutely normal. many airlines do this now" to "Bloodsuckers. I'll never fly AF again")

English or French source yet

Do tell, what language?

Found one in English: on KLM site (http://www.klm.com/travel/gb_en/about/news_press/travel_news/floatingnews/New_baggage_rules.htm)

Comments? Reactions? (I expect the whole range from "absolutely normal. many airlines do this now" to "Bloodsuckers. I'll never fly AF again")

Quick comments from myself :
- it seems EU(*) majors are all implementing the same thing
- short time between information and implementation seems absolutely anormal
- on par with AF low cost strategy (IMO it would have been a wonderful communication opportunity not to do it)

(*) no comment on US majors since they are already all blood******s.

This subject is currently being discussed here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/flying-blue-air-france-klm/1005050-af-kl-new-rules-luggage-between-europe-north-america-merged.html).

Of course, this is somewhat outrageous but shouldn't affect the elites this time because the 2nd bag fee does not apply for elites.

Of course, this is somewhat outrageous but shouldn't affect the elites this time because the 2nd bag fee does not apply for elites.

But as AF is getting rid of its Elites at the same time...

I'm very keen to know... just how did AFKL marketing try to spin this as a benefit? I would love to see the English text :D

I'm very keen to know... just how did AFKL marketing try to spin this as a benefit? I would love to see the English text :D


Easy one : "Since last April fool, becoming a FB Elite has been easier. At the same time, we have decided to care more about our Elites passengers because they are our most valuable customers. With the implementation of the new luggage rule between Europe and North America, AF/KL shows again the competition how to care about Elites".

Found one in English: on KLM site (http://www.klm.com/travel/gb_en/about/news_press/travel_news/floatingnews/New_baggage_rules.htm)

PHG had already announced the general move to "itemized" services in his Sep. 23rd interview to Les Echos, expressedly mentioning the 2nd piece of baggage.

http://corporate.airfrance.com/fileadmin/dossiers/documents/discours/Interview__Pierre_Henri_Gourgeon_Les_Echos23septem bre09.pdf

I didn't find an English or French source yet, but the site I got the news from is a news site, not a rumour site, so I expect it to be true.

Post 22 answered your question above: the official text in french

http://voyageforum.com/voyage/air_fr...nada_D2952349/

rules for ticketing after november 1st

PHG had already announced the general move to "itemized" services in his Sep. 23rd interview to Les Echos, expressedly mentioning the 2nd piece of baggage.

http://corporate.airfrance.com/fileadmin/dossiers/documents/discours/Interview__Pierre_Henri_Gourgeon_Les_Echos23septem bre09.pdf

What other elements will be "itemized"? There isn't much left over before even AF's own marketing spin can't lie anymore about this not being an LCC.

Having said that, whilst I do have some serious quirks with AF's service culture, I do not oppose a strategy where the differentiation between classes of transport (and customer segments for that matter) is very distinct. Having a class with itemized elements and basic service - why not, if tickets are really cheap. And then upfront some real premium offering. Trouble is that today both the front and the back cabin products get devalued, and both are often- though not always - overpriced. More coherence would be welcome.

Onderwerp: Nieuw bagagebeleid tussen Europa en Verenigde Staten

Nieuw bagagebeleid tussen Europa en Verenigde Staten

Met ingang van 1 november 2009 herzien KLM en Air France, in lijn met een aantal andere luchtvaartmaatschappijen, hun prijzen voor ruimbagage op vluchten tussen Europa en de VS. Dit houdt in dat:
• er één bagagestuk met een gewicht van maximaal 23 kg kosteloos kan worden meegenomen,
• er op Economy Class-vluchten tussen Europa en de VS een toeslag geldt voor extra bagagestukken.

De toeslag voor het tweede bagagestuk bedraagt:
• EUR 50 bij vertrek vanuit Europa (enkele reis)
• USD 50 bij vertrek vanuit de VS (enkele reis)

De toeslag geldt voor tickets afgegeven op of na 1 november 2009, ongeacht de reisdatum. De CRS’en zijn per die datum aangepast.
Betaling kan plaatsvinden op de luchthaven of via Internet Check-in op www.klm.nl. Indien via Internet Check-in wordt betaald, geldt een korting van 20%.

Uitzonderingen
Voor Flying Blue Elite-deelnemers (Silver, Gold en Platinum) geldt deze toeslag niet. Ook op passagiers in First Class, (World) Business Class, Premium Voyageur en Club 2000/Skipper-passagiers is de toeslag niet van toepassing.
Voor kinderen jonger dan 2 jaar (zonder geboekte stoel) mag de gebruikelijke hoeveelheid handbagage worden meegenomen en mag één bagagestuk van maximaal 10 kg worden ingecheckt. Voor een eventueel tweede bagagestuk geldt de toeslag van EUR50/USD50.
Passagiers met een mobiliteitsbeperking mogen hun medische attributen nog steeds gratis meenemen (mits aangevraagd in de boeking). Daarnaast krijgen zij een extra vrijstelling voor een bagagestuk van maximaal 23 kg voor vluchten waarop het piece concept van toepassing is. Ook dit moet worden aangevraagd in de boeking, middels catchword XBAG en aantal kilo’s, gevolgd door ‘MEDICAL FOC’ (= free of charge) en korte inhoud van de bagage.


Reizen met sportuitrustingen
Ook voor sportuitrustingen zijn de kosten gewijzigd:
• Golftassen van maximaal 23 kg mogen gratis worden meegenomen als tweede bagagestuk als de hele reis wordt gemaakt met uitsluitend door KLM of Air France uitgevoerde vluchten.
• Voor andere sportuitrustingen, zoals ingepakte duikuitrustingen*, fietsen, surfuitrustingen** of ski’s geldt de toeslag wel, indien meegenomen als tweede bagagestuk. Een dergelijke uitrusting telt als één bagagestuk en mag niet meer wegen dan 23 kg.
N.B.: indien uitsluitend met de sportuitrusting en handbagage wordt gereisd, geldt de sportbagage als eerste bagagestuk en is de toeslag niet van toepassing.
* mits goed verpakt in een tas of koffer, anders is de toeslag EUR 200/USD 200 ** de toeslag voor surfplanken langer dan 107 cm is EUR 200/USD 200
• Voor elke extra sportuitrusting die als overbagage (met een maximumgewicht van 23 kg) wordt meegenomen, geldt een toeslag van EUR 200/USD 200 per stuk.
Reizen met huisdieren
Het vervoer van huisdieren valt niet onder de gratis bagagevrijstelling. De volgende kosten zijn van toepassing:
Vervoer in de cabine: kleine huisdieren zijn toegestaan in de cabine, mits het huisdier en de kennel samen niet meer wegen dan 6 kg. De toeslag per huisdier is EUR 200 op vluchten vanuit Europa en USD 200 vanuit de VS.
Vervoer in het ruim: grotere huisdieren mogen in het ruim worden vervoerd, mits het huisdier en de kennel samen niet meer wegen dan 75 kg. De toeslag hiervoor is EUR 200 op vluchten vanuit Europa en USD 200 vanuit de VS. Reist uw huisdier via Schiphol en is de transfertijd meer dan twee uur, dan wordt een vaste toeslag van EUR 150 in rekening gebracht voor de verzorging van het dier tijdens het overstappen.

I do not have time to translate it at the moment, but will do so tomorrow. The next e-mail KLM sent out was that it would also apply for flights to Canada.

You were lucky, or maybe flying full fare or in first class. I was charged by both NW and DL. CO on the other hand did not charge me.

I was in domestic first indeed, but upgraded a few days in advance (FB Plat). I was travelling in a deeply discounted fare.

I've just received this astonishing e-mail:

Air France Introduces a Revised Baggage Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York – October 19, 2009 – Effective with tickets issued November 1, 2009, Air France will introduce a revised baggage policy for customers traveling in Economy Class between the US and Europe including Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia (see complete list below*). Passengers will be able to check one bag, weighing up to 50 pounds (23 kilos), free of charge. If passengers would like to check a second bag, with the same maximum weight allowance, they may do so for a fee of $50 for all flights departing from the US or 50 Euros for all flights departing from Europe. Additionally, the fee for checked bags weighing between 50 and 70 pounds (23 to 32 kilos) will increase from 50 dollars or Euros to 100 dollars or Euros. Beyond the second checked bag, additional bags of the same maximum weight will be charged 200 dollars or Euros.**

The following customers continue to receive a baggage allowance of 2 pieces of checked baggage up to 50 pounds each in Economy Class free of charge:
• Flying Blue Platinum, Gold and Silver members
• SkyTeam Elite and Elite Plus Frequent Flyer members
• Passengers traveling on special Seaman’s fares.

The following customers benefit from a baggage allowance of 2 pieces of checked luggage up to 70 pounds each free of charge:
• Club 2000 and Skipper members
• Passengers booked in Air France’s new Premium Voyageur Class.

The baggage allowance rules have not changed for those passengers flying in First or Business Class.
For further information on the rules of baggage allowance visit airfrance.us.

*European countries: Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Gibraltar, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Moldavia, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
**Size allowance remains the same.

Your profile mentions that you are a Platinum member; your baggage allowance is unchanged.

Jouy, were Plats in Y class not allowed 2 x 70, rather than 2 x 50 before?

I would also think that perhaps they might want to juice it to 3 pieces for Plats flying in J or F, as most other airlines seem to do....but I guess that would just be crazy, huh?

I don't remember if it was 2x23kg or 2x32kg.

But i understand that if you are not elite, you have two baggages and fly on the exit row, you will have to pay 100 EUR + 100 USD!

What a shame!

Business & First get 2 * 32KG;
Economy get 2 * 23 KG.

I believe, that as an elite travelling in economy, you should be entitled to a second bag of 23 KG free.

Quick comments from myself :
- it seems EU(*) majors are all implementing the same thing
-

Not really true.
For example, the new BA policy is a reduction for Y pax, but they do treat their biz pax and elite+ well. And I agree with Creber than an airline "should" differentiate according to fare paid and elite status.

In F & C, BA gives 3 pieces of 23k for longhaul flights. Two in Y+ and one in Y.
But BA silver and gold get 2 pieces in Y (even domestic or european).
PLUS, BA gold and silver do not have to pay the excess baggage fee for pieces up to 32k. So a BA silver in C gets 3 times 32k. In Y he gets 64k. Not bad when a FB Plat in La Première only gets 2 pieces.
And BA piece policy applies worldwide, so a lowly BA silver can take 96k in C to Asia, while AF restricts it to 30k+20=50 for their best Plat traveling in C (60k in Première). Some might find this difference
insignificant as they seldom reach the limits, but people who split their life between several countries or carry heavy documentation for sales pitch do appreciate.

I know that JOUY31 will shoot back at his most detested airline, but I think that BA is treating its elite much, much better than AF.

So, it will be interesting to see if Delta follows in exempting Sky team elites from baggage charges. It appears now that FB members will have to pay when flying DL but that DL will not have to pay when flying AFKL...

I know that JOUY31 will shoot back at his most detested airline, but I think that BA is treating its elite much, much better than AF.

I personally feel that carriers such as UA are far worse, in my limited experience ;) and I have reportedly been seen in a BA lounge at T5 with a glass of Talbot in my hand. In fact, I shall be there tomorrow evening, on my way back after starting the day in the 2E lounge ... And they do serve Champagne onboard intra-Europe (an uninspired Pommery) rather than Sekt (LH, OS) or Cava (KL) ! Don't ask me to enjoy the so-called afternoon tea, though :D

I was in domestic first indeed, but upgraded a few days in advance (FB Plat). I was travelling in a deeply discounted fare.

This is what makes the difference. One segment in F and you get 3 pieces for free.

Jouy, were Plats in Y class not allowed 2 x 70, rather than 2 x 50 before?

I would also think that perhaps they might want to juice it to 3 pieces for Plats flying in J or F, as most other airlines seem to do....but I guess that would just be crazy, huh?

nope, they nixed that perk maybe 2 years ago.

Business & First get 2 * 32KG;
Economy get 2 * 23 KG.

I believe, that as an elite travelling in economy, you should be entitled to a second bag of 23 KG free.

That is whishful thinking

I personally feel that carriers such as UA are far worse, in my limited experience ;) and I have reportedly been seen in a BA lounge at T5 with a glass of Talbot in my hand. In fact, I shall be there tomorrow evening, on my way back after starting the day in the 2E lounge ... And they do serve Champagne onboard intra-Europe (an uninspired Pommery) rather than Sekt (LH, OS) or Cava (KL) ! Don't ask me to enjoy the so-called afternoon tea, though :D

If you dont like afternoon tea, the T5 F lounge (for OW emerald-BA Gold) serves from 3 to 6pm a wonderful seafood buffet. It is located at the champagne bar and you can eat seafood with a Bolly 2000 or a nice Meursault.

If you dont like afternoon tea, the T5 F lounge (for OW emerald-BA Gold) serves from 3 to 6pm a wonderful seafood buffet. It is located at the champagne bar and you can eat seafood with a Bolly 2000 or a nice Meursault.

No such luck today. Just Bollinger 2000 and Bruno Paillard Rose. I am going to have a look at the red wines.

No such luck today. Just Bollinger 2000 and Bruno Paillard Rose. I am going to have a look at the red wines.

Well, Bollinger la Grande Année 2000 is a superb grande cuvée. Far superior to what they serve in La Première lounge at CDG.

Well, Bollinger la Grande Année 2000 is a superb grande cuvée. Far superior to what they serve in La Première lounge at CDG.

Not a single red Bordeaux or Burgundy, and the Barsac Chateau Coutet 1998 in half bottle was clearly past its prime. As usual, no Poire Williams :D, but having it for breakfast this morning in 2E was outside the range of what I could do. Grande Annee 2000 is great, I am going for another glass ^.

Edited to add that Chateau Trotte Vieille 2002 (Saint Emilion) has been added to the selection available. Nothing special, though.

Welcome to how the consumer "benefits" when the regulatory authorities permit so many major carriers to be combined together and still grant them anti-trust immunity with regard to other airlines.

DL-NW and AF-KL customers are getting what they get because the impotent regulatory authorities on both sides of the Atlantic have failed to get in the way of these and other major combinations and JVs.

Finally back to traveling after a long time, and I'm trying to figure out which limits would affect me on a flight next year...

DCA -> DTW on NW
DTW -> AMS -> JRO on KLM
economy all the way

Now, I'm flying through Europe to Africa, which I think is two bags free (if I book the ticket before Sunday!) but the second bag is $50 on NW. Do I get the more generous allowance out of all my segments?

So, it will be interesting to see if Delta follows in exempting Sky team elites from baggage charges. It appears now that FB members will have to pay when flying DL but that DL will not have to pay when flying AFKL...

Just FYI, I flew from JFK-FCO yesterday on Delta. I am Flying Blue Gold and had two bags to check, so I was expecting to pay. Instead both bags were checked for free.